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Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd or the German Mastiff Shepherd, is a powerful and captivating crossbreed that combines the best of the German Shepherd and the Mastiff worlds. These gentle giants have been gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the world of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix and explore the traits and characteristics that make these dogs unique. From their strong lineage, including the intelligent German Shepherd and the loyal English Mastiff, to their impressive physical presence, Mastiff Shepherds are truly amazing. As a mixed breed, it's crucial to understand these dogs' specific needs and qualities, whether you're considering adding a purebred German Shepherd, a Mastiff German Shepherd mix, or any other variation to your family. We'll discuss everything from the history of the German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds to the lifespan and potential health issues of the German Shepherd Mastiff mixes, and even address common misconceptions about these dogs, such as whether they are aggressive or not. Join us as we unleash the gentle giant within and discover the wonders of the Shepherd Mastiff cross! This mix has existed since the 19th century, though it is not as popular as other crossbreeds. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix combines two highly intelligent, loyal, and protective breeds. The German Shepherd is known for its bravery and loyalty and is an excellent guard dog. The Mastiff is known for its gentle nature and the protectiveness of its family. The combination of these two breeds makes for a loyal and protective pet. They typically weigh between pounds and stand between inches tall. They have a double coat which can vary in color from black and tan to red, sable, and white. This breed is intelligent and energetic and requires much exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and other health concerns, so a vet must check them regularly. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is a great family pet, loyal and protective of its family. They are not overly aggressive and can be trained to be obedient and well-behaved. They are also good with children. They make excellent guard dogs and will alert their family to intruders. These dogs are a great choice for dog lovers who want a large, loyal guard dog that is gentle and loving. The Shep-a-Mastiff is a powerful combination of both breeds and is known for its athleticism, agility, and strength. They are typically large dogs, with some reaching up to pounds or more. The Shep-a-Mastiff is a hybrid breed, so there is no guarantee of what the puppies will look like. They usually have the physical characteristics of both species, including a strong and muscular body, a large head and chest, and a long tail. They may also have the coloring of either parent breed. The temperament of a Shep-a-Mastiff will depend on their parent breeds and their upbringing. Generally, these dogs are loyal, loving, and protective. They make great family dogs and are great with children. However, they may be too large and powerful for some, and they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. As with any large dog breed, a Shepherd Mastiff mix should be properly trained and socialized from a young age. A German Shepherd Mastiff Mix will typically get quite large. The dog's size will depend on the size of the parents and the genetics they pass on. These dogs generally range from 25 to 90 pounds and may reach heights up to 30 inches tall. Typically, they will have the longer coat of the German Shepherd, although the Mastiff parent's skin will also have an influence. Colors can range from tan, grey, and black to brown and red. These dogs are often used as guard dogs and herding due to their protective nature. They are loyal and affectionate and make great family pets, provided they are trained properly. As with any large breed dog, it is important to provide plenty of exercises and regular grooming to help maintain their coat and reduce loose fur. They may also be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so regular check-ups are recommended. Finding a professional dog trainer to work with your dog is also important if you do not have experience with large-breed dogs. If you are looking for a purebred Mastiff, you may also want to look into a Mastiff-Shepherd cross with the same personality traits but a less dominant Mastiff parent. Finally, when looking for a dog sitter or daycare provider, ensure they are experienced with large-breed dogs. Physical Appearance and Size The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, a designer dog bred from the Tibetan Mastiff and the German Shepherd, is a large and striking breed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This hybrid blends the parent breeds' physical traits, resulting in an impressive and powerful appearance. General appearance The Shepherd Mastiff mix inherits its muscular frame and sturdy build from the German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds. It typically features a strong, broad head with a square muzzle, large eyes, and ears that may be erect or drooping depending on the dominant genes. The tail is usually long and slightly curved, while the legs are strong and well-proportioned to support their large frame. Size and weight As a large dog, the Shepherd Mastiff mix can stand between 25 to 36 inches tall at the shoulder, with males being slightly larger than females. They typically weigh anywhere from 80 to pounds, depending on the size of the parent breeds and individual factors. Remember that this wide range makes it essential for potential dog owners to be prepared for a sizeable canine companion. Coat types and colors The coat of a Shepherd Mastiff mix can vary based on the genetic influence of the German Shepherd and the English Mastiff. The Mastiff Shepherd's coat is generally short to medium in length, dense, and may be straight or slightly wavy. While German Shepherds and Mastiffs can influence coat colors , common colors include black, tan, sable, brindle, and shades of red or fawn. The American Kennel Club doesn't officially recognize mixed dogs like the Shepherd Mastiff mix, so there is no standardization of coat colors. Temperament and Personality The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, often called a Mastiff Shepherd, is a large and impressive breed with a unique combination of temperament and personality traits inherited from its German Shepherd and Mastiff parents. General disposition The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, a hybrid dog with a unique blend of temperament and personality traits, is known for being a gentle giant. This large breed dog inherits the noble and protective nature of the Mastiff parent and the loyal and alert disposition of the standard German Shepherd. Despite their size, these dogs are gentle with their family members and can be good guard dogs when needed. Their folded ears and expressive eyes reveal their affectionate and loving nature. Intelligence and trainability The intelligence and trainability of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix stem from both the German Shepherd and Mastiff parent genes. This makes them highly trainable and eager to learn. Professional dog trainers find these dogs to be quick learners and responsive to commands using positive reinforcement. They excel in obedience and agility training, with their German Shepherd colors shining through as they showcase their skills. However, it's essential to be patient and consistent during training, as their Mastiff side can occasionally make them a bit stubborn. Socialization and bonding Socialization and bonding are crucial aspects of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix's personality. These large breed dogs thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with their family members. Early socialization with other dogs, pets, and people is vital to develop their well-rounded personalities. As gentle dogs, they are patient and tolerant of children, making them excellent family pets. Engaging them in activities like playing fetch, hiking, or dog sports can strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner. The ideal home environment The ideal home environment for a German Shepherd Mastiff mix can accommodate their large size and energy levels. A house with a spacious, securely fenced yard is preferred, allowing them to roam and play freely. Due to their loose fur, regular grooming is necessary to shed and maintain a clean living space. The family should be prepared to provide the dog with adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Health and Lifespan The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, is a large and strong breed with a unique blend of qualities inherited from its German Shepherd and Mastiff parents. The health and lifespan of this breed are influenced by various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare. Common health issues in the German Shepherd Mastiff mix The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, or Mastiff Shepherd, is prone to certain health issues common in both parent breeds. These issues include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A prevalent issue in large breed dogs like the German Shepherd Mastiff mix, dysplasia is a genetic condition causing abnormal hip or elbow joint development. This can lead to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues in the long run. Bloat or Gastric Torsion: This life-threatening condition occurs when the dog's stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Like other large and deep-chested breeds, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes are susceptible to bloat. Prompt veterinary intervention is essential if you suspect your dog is experiencing bloat. Regular vet check-ups and monitoring can help manage these conditions. Obesity: Due to their large size, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes may be prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health problems. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly is crucial for their overall well-being. Lifespan and longevity factors The lifespan of a German Shepherd Mastiff mix ranges from 10 to 12 years. However, factors that can influence their longevity include genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare. To ensure a healthy and long life for your Mastiff Shepherd, provide a balanced diet, maintain a consistent exercise routine, and monitor them for any signs of illness or discomfort. Importance of regular vet check-ups and preventative care Regular vet check-ups and preventative care are crucial for the well-being of your German Shepherd Mastiff mix. These visits enable early detection and treatment of potential health issues, ensuring your pet's better quality of life. Aspects of preventative care include: Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations to protect them from preventable diseases. Dental care: Regular dental cleanings and at-home care can help prevent dental issues and related health problems. Parasite prevention: Consult your veterinarian about the best flea, tick, and heartworm prevention methods for your dog. By staying vigilant about your German Shepherd Mastiff mix's health and providing regular veterinary care, you can help ensure your beloved companion's long, happy, and healthy life. Exercise and Activity Requirements 1. Daily exercise needs The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, is a large and energetic breed that requires regular exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being. Daily exercise needs for this breed typically include: Walks: Two daily walks of minutes each are recommended to help maintain the dog's stamina and overall health. These walks should be at a moderate pace to accommodate the breed's large size and strength. Playtime: Engaging in play sessions in a securely fenced yard or dog park allows the German Shepherd Mastiff mix to release pent-up energy and strengthen their bond with their owner. Swimming: Some Mastiff Shepherds enjoy swimming, which offers a low-impact exercise option that helps keep their joints healthy and muscles toned. Mental stimulation and enrichment activities Mental stimulation is crucial for the intelligent and curious German Shepherd Mastiff mix. Enrichment activities that challenge their minds and keep them engaged include: Puzzle toys can be filled with treats or kibble, encouraging your dog to solve the puzzle and work for their food. This activity helps prevent boredom and keeps their mind sharp. Obedience training: Regular obedience training sessions at home or with a professional trainer help reinforce good behavior and provide mental stimulation. Scent work: The German Shepherd parent's keen sense of smell can be used through scent work activities like tracking and nose work. Suggested sports and activities for the breed The versatility of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix makes them suitable for a variety of sports and activities: Agility: With proper training, this mixed breed can excel in agility courses, showcasing their speed, strength, and coordination. Mastiff Shepherds can benefit from this program, as it reinforces obedience and socialization skills. Hiking: As a sturdy and strong breed, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix can make an excellent hiking companion. Just be mindful of their joint health and avoid overexerting them. Therapy or service dog work: With proper training and socialization, this breed's gentle and loyal nature can make them suitable for therapy or service dog work. Grooming and Maintenance 1. Coat care and shedding management The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, typically has a medium to long double coat inherited from its German Shepherd parent. This breed requires regular grooming to keep its coat clean and healthy: Brushing: Brush your dog's coat at least times a week using a slicker brush or undercoat rake to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Daily brushing may be necessary during shedding seasons usually spring and fall to manage the increased shedding. Bathing: Use gentle dog shampoo to bathe your Shepherd Mastiff mix every weeks or as needed. Frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat, so it's essential not to overdo it. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care Proper grooming also includes taking care of your dog's nails, ears, and teeth: Nail trimming: Trim your German Shepherd Mastiff mix's nails every weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder, and be cautious not to cut the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding. You can use a scratch board if they do not enjoy being cut. Ear cleaning: Check your dog's ears weekly for signs of redness, irritation, or bad odor, which may indicate an infection. Gently clean their ears with a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball and a dog-specific ear-cleaning solution. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push debris further into the ear canal. Dental care: Brush your dog's teeth at least times a week using a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay and maintain good oral health. Dental chews and toys can also help keep their teeth clean. Tips for keeping your German Shepherd Mastiff mix clean and healthy To ensure your Shepherd Mastiff mix stays clean and healthy, follow these tips: Regular vet check-ups: Schedule routine veterinary appointments for your dog to monitor their overall health and address any concerns promptly. Flea and tick prevention: Consult with your veterinarian to choose the best flea and tick preventative treatment for your dog. Proper diet: Feed your German Shepherd Mastiff mix a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for large breeds to support their growth, energy needs, and overall health. Exercise and mental stimulation: Provide your dog with regular exercise and mental enrichment to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Here are some potential pros and cons of owning this mixed breed: Pros: Loyal and Protective: Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, making the German Shepherd Mastiff mix an excellent guard dog and family protector. Intelligent: Both German Shepherds and Mastiffs are intelligent breeds, making this mixed breed easy to train and eager to please. Large and Powerful: This mixed breed is likely to be a large and imposing dog, which can be a deterrent to potential intruders. Affectionate: Despite their size and protective nature, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes can also be affectionate and loving with their family. Cons: Health Issues: Both parent breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and other health issues, so it's important to be aware of potential health problems in this mixed breed. Potential Aggression: While German Shepherds and Mastiffs are both protective breeds, this mix can sometimes be aggressive towards strangers if not socialized properly. Exercise Requirements: This mixed breed will require plenty of exercises, which can be challenging for those who cannot provide enough physical activity or space. Shedding: Both parent breeds have thick coats and shed heavily, which can require regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Conclusion The German Shepherd Mastiff mix can be a loyal, protective, and affectionate companion for those who are willing to provide the necessary training, socialization, and exercise. However, potential owners should be aware of the potential health issues, shedding, and potential for aggression if not properly socialized. The mix of these two breeds can create a large and imposing dog, making them an excellent guard dog and family protector. By understanding the unique characteristics of this mixed breed, owners can unleash the gentle giant and enjoy a long and happy life with their German Shepherd Mastiff mix. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. English and French Mastiff German Shepherd mixes are usually the more expensive breeds. Commonly-occurring known health issues Consider the following list of health problems associated with Mastiff Shepherds. Joint problems Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common Mastiff Shepherd joint problems you can expect. These joint problems commonly affect large-sized dogs. German Shepherd Mastiff mix weight is a major factor that affects the severity and onset of joint issues; Mastiff Shepherds are more vulnerable to contracting these problems the bigger and heavier they are. Symptoms include weakness in the hind or front leg areas, avoiding exercise, and displays of aggressive behavior from your Mastiff Shepherd when touching the affected joints. Cherry eye While not always a painful health issue for Mastiff Shepherds, cherry eye can be unsightly and unpleasant aesthetically. In severe cases, Mastiff Shepherds may experience inflammation, swelling, irritation, and dryness in the affected eye which may lead to infection. Bloat Bloat is a digestive issue known to affect Mastiff Shepherds. This can also lead to malnutrition and sudden, unexpected death if left untreated. How can I care for my Mastiff Shepherd? This next section details grooming, care, and exercise habits you will need to develop to keep a healthy and happy Mastiff Shepherd. Tibetan Mastiff mixed with German Shepherd breeds will usually have longer-length coats. However, it should be noted that Mastiff Shepherds are habitual shedders and will need regular coat grooming. Having a vacuum cleaner to clean up loose fur is helpful. Typically, you will need a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb to properly groom your Mastiff Shepherd. Use long brush strokes to even out its coat and be prepared to groom this dog 2 — 3 times a week. Exercise Despite a German Shepherd Mastiff mix size, it is a relatively docile dog that does not need much exercise. However, because of genetics, this dog can become heavy and overweight if not exercised regularly. Expect to spend a minimum of 30 — 45 minutes briskly walking your Mastiff Shepherd every day to keep it limber and healthy. A German Shepherd Mastiff mix temperament can be likened to that of a stubborn, gentle giant. Read on to get a better idea of what you can expect your Mastiff Shepherd to behave like in this section. But usually, Mastiff Shepherds are very docile, relatively quiet dogs and can be safely left with children unsupervised. The Mastiff parent genes give this dog a more laid-back, patient, and sweet personality. Loyal Loyalty constitutes a major part of a German Shepherd Mastiff mix temperament. Mastiff Shepherds are loyal and very protective of their owners and may seem indifferent or hostile in worst cases towards strangers. They are the offspring of two historically-known guardian parents, which means they need little training to become effective protection and guard dogs. However, if trained and socialized properly, Mastiff Shepherds can be great guardian companions for small or large families. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Overview of Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix These shepherd mastiff dogs are similar to their parent breeds. They have the-one- and-the-same behavioural patterns and great familiarity. NOTE: The new mixed species of these two most popular breeds can also have a great impact on its temperament, appearances, proneness and genetic susceptibility. Accurately, these large breeds are intelligent and powerful, for they are the best breeds with great personality traits. Bullmastiff german shepherd dogs are very keen on protecting their owners and good at being watchful. Excellent training from the early stage can make the pup intelligent, powerful and a perfect strengthful guarding companion for dog owners. Will this super cool species be the best companion for kids and others? The whole impact is on how you train and bring up your pup beforehand. And this is what matters. Read below, Appearance or Look of the Dog Breed When it comes to the glance of the bullmastiff german shepherd mix, it differs significantly as there are vast variations in mastiff breeds. Bullmastiff dogs can weigh about kg as their height is cm. German shepherds would weigh about 40 kg and a height of 65 cm. So, most probably, your bullmastiff german shepherd mix can weigh about kg lbs and grow to a height of about cm 1. The appearance of this hybrid dog may vary from other breeds. You can expect your german mastiff mix to have either a black or a red coat. There might be a mix of brown and grey like sandy silver as well, and rarely you could find brindle coats. You must have a thorough knowledge of this mixed dogs shedding process as these breeds are regular shedders. This might be a hindrance for the owners of the dogs, often shedding itself. Have a good study on these issues and clear out the facts regarding this matter before making this large breed your canine companion. Is Grooming required For this Mixed Breed? Usually, the coat of this mixed breed is thick and either lengthy or short. Typically this hybrid breed is of two kinds, and their grooming differs. If your dog is more like a german shepherd, it must get on-and-off slicker brushes touching its coat. But bullmastiffs neither need grooming nor shedding. These hounds have short and oily coats but need bathing on-and-off to smell if they skip baths. Yeah, this question is pretty much fair, right! So if that is the case, make sure you brush them often and bathe once a week as well. Significantly, you must also take your pup to groomers to remove the undercoat twice a year. Medium length coat grooming Your dog is not forced to be groomed daily but does it seldom if it has a medium-length coat. You can use a pin brush and comb your tyke and make your doggie bath whenever needed. Twice a month will be sufficient. Short coat grooming An easy coat to be groomed, though. Monthly baths are more than sufficient for short-coated dogs. Better groom your pooch before taking a bath with a quick brush. Personality Of bullmastiff german shepherd mix Generally, the temperament of every dog may vary from one another. To be considered, this shepherd mastiff dog breed is unique. They are powerful, personable and people-pleasing. Look below some of the great personality traits hybrid dogs possess, Loyal The well-known guardians in the universe. Certainly, this dog breed is really very keen on guarding its owners. Loyalty affects temperament as it composes it. They act the vice-versa towards the strangers. They are extraordinarily loyal in protecting their family, and if trained well, they will be the best protective agent for your family. Gentle Mastiff dogs are kind-hearted and possess a sweet personality. No harm, you can leave your kids with this pretty kind canine companion unsupervised. Literally, they are loyal and gentle towards people who are close to them. Is training Important For bullmastiff german shepherd mix? Generally, bullmastiff german shepherd mixes tend to work hard, and if they are given immense love and care with proper efforts, your dogs are going to be the best hound like no other. This dog breed is easy to be trained for it neutralizes energy and has a patient attitude with an intelligent mind. Basically, you are going to find both courageous as well as the strong and pleasant characteristics of the two popular dog breeds onto one breed. So proper and immense training must be carried out. If left unattended, these german shepherd mix-breeds might grow wild and cause a mishap, and you will have to face the chaos. Ineffectual pet parents cannot afford to take this puppy as their pet. You will have to spend plenty of your precious time to train and socialize with your puppy. Go on training your shepherd mastiff puppies from the time you become its parent. Teaching your puppies to socialize and love and care is essential to turn out your hound into a pleasing tyke. Articles you may like: Training Commands for German Shepherd Basic facts about Mastiff Shepherds There is some necessary information to consider if you are planning to make this large dog breed your canine companion. Average Life Span The statistical probability of this shepherd mastiff mix is about 7 plus years or years. Joint problems Joint problems occur due to a lack of exercises. Hip and elbow dysplasia are frequently affecting joint issues of the german shepherd mix. Symptoms could be: aggressive behaviour when touched in a particular painting area joints , avoids workout or daily walks and weakness in front leg areas. This occurs when the third eyelid of your dogs falls out of place. Your shepherd mastiff might go through inflammation, irritation, dryness and swelling in the affected area, which could result in infections. Bloat Bloat is a health issue related to the digestion of your dog. Lack of nutritions may occur, and if not treated, your dog could lose its life. To Finish it Up Conclusion Bullmastiff german shepherds are an amazing breed that a wise pet parent can train. With proper training, exercises and diet, you can own a mysterious canine companion. This can be the best guardian for a big family. Remember all that you have to do to turn your dog into the ultimate hound. Consider the health issues before owning a shepherd mastiff, and make sure you have a thorough knowledge of grooming your pup. And be vigilant on how to train your shepherd mastiff and develop its personality traits. I hope my article gives you a piece of knowledge on this account. No, Bullmastiffs are not typically aggressive or dangerous, however they should not be left unattended with small children as their rock-hard body can cause serious damage with even a small nudge. Are Bullmastiffs Good Family Dogs? Bullmastiffs are excellent family dogs, known for their easy-going attitude and affectionate nature towards their family members. Are Mastiffs Good With Kids? Yes, Mastiffs are known to be good with well-behaved kids. The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a large breed of dog, typically weighing between lbs and standing at 28 inches tall at the shoulder. If so, then read along. However, keep in mind that it can be challenging to find breeders and rescues dedicated to this mix. Before going out and getting a new dog, head over to our puppy buying guide to learn a few tricks. Doing so will help you learn the ins and outs of buying a new pup! With that out of the way, here are some reputable marketplaces where you might find German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppies for sale: Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies is a website where you can find hundreds of dogs for sale, including the Mastiff Shepherd mixes. On this site, breeders get to showcase their litter more conveniently. Lancaster Puppies — Lancaster Puppies is a website where reputable breeders advertise their litter. Keystone Puppies — Keystone Puppies is another platform that aims to make finding pets easier. They occasionally have a few Mastiff mixes and GSD mixes available. Aside from the above-mentioned breeders, you can also try your luck on our round-up of the best German Shepherd breeders. On the other hand, if you want to adopt a Mastiff Shepherd, check out our list below. They are dedicated to saving and rehoming German Shepherd dogs. You should check out their website to get updates on their available German Shepherd mixes. Mastiffs to Mutts — Mastiffs to Mutts is a rescue dedicated to saving giant breeds. They occasionally offer Mastiff mix breeds that you can check on their website. Their dogs go through a thorough screening process to ensure that their pups are in good shape. These are only some places where you can find Mastiff Shepherd mix dogs. You may consider looking through our guide on the 10 best German Shepherd rescues for greater chances of finding one. Keep in mind that these are only a few among many! That said, here are some advantages of owning the Mastiff Shepherd mix: Great family pets: Though they are big and intimidating, Mastiff Shepherds make great family dogs, especially if trained early. This is thanks to their gentle and obedient personalities. Low-maintenance: In terms of its maintenance, the German Shepherd Mastiff does not require a special diet, grooming routine, or exercise routine. Highly trainable: This dog is brilliant and has a high drive for training. Thanks to its bright parents, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix learns quickly and responds to training well. They may have a stubborn streak, but proper training techniques can correct this. As you can expect, owning the Mastiff Shepherd also has its downsides. Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Mastiff mix: Moderate shedder: Despite having a short coat, the Mastiff Shepherd mix sheds quite frequently. Hence, daily brushing is necessary to prevent loose fur from taking over your furniture! In effect, owning a Mastiff Shepherd is not recommended for people with allergies. As you can see, the disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Mastiff mix are almost nit-picky. To most people, these disadvantages are no big deal at all. Housetraining can be quite difficult since they are often stubborn , and Mastiff dogs are not known to be particularly intelligent. All you need to do is to start training them early so you can prevent behavioral issues in the future. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is not the best breed for first time dog owner because training can be a challenge. Exercise Needs German Shepherds need 2 hours of exercise each day, while Mastiff breeds require around 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Your Mastiff German Shepherd Mix will need around 45 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. Make sure to divide their daily exercise into two equal sessions. German Shepherd Mixes need both physical activities and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy. German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes will most likely not be as energetic as German Shepherds, but they might do well in tracking and agility. These dogs also need a spacious place to play and run around. Therefore, this is not the best breed for people with allergies. Groom your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix a few times each week to keep their coat smooth and healthy. A Mastiff Shepherd should be combed regularly to remove or prevent mats and tangles. Bathing should be done as necessary. For everyday cleaning, consider using the best deodorizing wipes for dogs. Other important grooming treatments for your Mastiff Shepherd including weekly nail trimming , and regular ear cleaning to prevent infections. Finally, brush their teeth regularly with a vet-approved toothpaste for fresh breath and good dental health. Start teeth brushing and nail trimming early so your puppy gets accustomed to these grooming routines. Larger dogs may require more food. Your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix will most likely do well eating between 3 to 4 cups of high quality dog food. Start by asking your veterinarian if they know of reputable breeders that mix purebred German Shepherds and Mastiffs, or visit professional dog shows or local breed clubs. They can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly. Though not considered high-energy dogs, if German Shepherd and Mastiff mixes are allowed to live a life of leisure, they can easily become heavy, which can create other health concerns. As puppies, they would rather sleep and laze the day away than do anything else. Puppyhood is the time to start working with your dog and encouraging play and interaction. In fact, your dog may become bored and listless unless they are doing something productive. Even though the Mastiff does like to take it easy, they still like to be needed and have a job to do. German Shepherds always like jobs that require using their brains, such as herding or hunting. Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs love children and will be patient and treat them gently when playing with them. Mastiffs are known for their gentle mouths and being able to carry delicate objects. But it is good to socialize your puppy with small animals carefully, or an accidental tussle with the cat may be inevitable. His father was a purebred Mastiff , weighing approximately lbs. He is now 2. He stands 6 ft. He is a wonderful dog. He has an amazing temperament. He's very laid back and so gentle with our small children. He lays on his side patiently if the baby approaches him with his favorite toy.He dismisses the toy completely and licks fingers and toes and loves to be the jungle gym. Otherwise, he likes to lay near the children during group play and just be near them. If they are playing outside, he patrols the perimeter of the yard and redirects children who get too close to the perimeter by walking in front of them until they forget where they are going and turn around LOL. He loves to lounge around, but when he gets outside he loves tug of war, playing with tennis balls and big tree branches! But his favorite toy is the laser pointer. He is very intelligent. When I was pregnant he would always lick my belly. Any time I am sick in the bathroom, he comes and lays his head on my lap until I am done, and then he licks my tears away : same for the kids. He is such a sweet boy. On top of all of this, he is so alert to his surroundings. And if an " intruder " shows up to the house while I am away, he makes it clear they aren't welcome. We had our friend test this theory gladly and we were all pleased with the result! He is our most beloved pet. He is active enough to play but not too demanding and destructive. He loves to snuggle but is also very independent, alert but does not bark incessantly, great natural protective instincts but not overzealous and knows when to protect and when to let the alphas be in charge. He is a definite gentle guardian over small children and even the cat and chickens. He has a pretty low prey drive also.Not to mention he just looks cool as hell : I'm not worried about intruders.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! Meet Our Dogs Our dogs are more than just pets — they are family! Our dogs grow up in a loving, family oriented environment and are socialized from a young age. All of our moms and dads have passed genetic testing specific to their breed. Nora is just a happy girl with a happy heart and she passes this on to her sweet puppies! She loves to be loved and gives it right back! Margot is a Bernese with a big heart! Ivy lives with friends who have been guardians for several of our girls. They describe her as sweet, quirky, and the biggest lap dog ever! Ivy insists on being close to her people, preferably touching! Bebe is goofy and affectionate, loving and silly, very much a Bernese. She is so engaged and careful with her babies, an adorable dog and Mama through and through! She is a talker like her Mama, loves the family bunny, and adores her family. Millie loves to learn and is proud of her accomplishments. Millie makes her guardian family laugh and the favorite part of her day is when the whole family is together! Pure sweetness with just a dash of mischief ; that would be Pumpkin! Rosey is such a good mix of love and affection, adventure and playfulness, with just a dash of mischievousness! He has a wonderful fleece coat with big waves. Flynn is a sweet and energetic little guy, he has no trouble keeping up with the big dogs! He has produced stunning traditional tricolor litters with some of the prettiest coats we've seen! Rocky is as sweet as he is mischievous! He also fancies himself a lap dog - which is a small problem at pounds! He is a lover with the most soulful eyes! He is playful, curious, and full of energy! Sully is a "moyan" poodle which is a small standard poodle. He weighs 27 pounds and when bred with a Bernese he will produce mini - medium tricolor bernedoodles! Full of love and cheer, he keeps us on our toes! Max is one of the happiest guys we know! Arlo Male tricolor standard poodle Arlo is the epitome of a standard poodle, goofy, goofy, goofy, and intelligent! He is truly a delight, fun-loving, and energetic. Arlo is the master of the head tilt and its so cute to see his babies following suit with impressive head tilts of their very own! Every one of these girls truly made the world a better place and we are so grateful to each and every one of them! As a full time Breeder, you have to have a lot of dogs. We usually breed our dogs when they are around 18 months old, and we will breed a maximum of 3 times. If you think about that, as soon as a Mama has her first litter you need to have a new puppy in the line up so she is ready for her first breeding as your 3 year old girl is retiring. As a result we quickly had a house full of retired dogs - not a good business plan! We buy the dog, pay for all testing and medical care, but she lives with another family. All of our guardians live very close to us and we give them all the support they need. When the girl is ready to have a litter, she comes to our house to have her pups and stays with us until the puppies are weaned, usually about six weeks. Of course their guardian families come to visit too! After 3 breedings, the dog is spayed and she officially becomes the guardian families forever dog! You did such a good job, we are so lucky we found you! We kept Mala from our first litter from Snow White. Thank you for making such sweet babies! Belle has such a fun loving spirit which she passed onto each of her beautiful pups! Thanks for all of your hard work Belle, you did a wonderful job! Ramona produced a pot-potpourri of stunning, colorful puppies. She had litters as big as her heart! Thank you Ramona, you did an amazing job! Shelby is fun loving and lively! We loved delivery days with Shelby as she always gave us beautiful and unique pups! You did a great job Shelby, thank you! Willow is a delightful Bernese, her personality encompasses the best of the breed. Willow, you made so many families happy, we thank you! We love her eyes and freckles! Koda, you left a wonderful legacy, thank you! Coco loves and lives life large! She always had big litters and handled them with grace and ease. Thank you Coco - you absolutely rocked it!! They allowed us to use Grisz to sire a few litters over the years. Thank you Snow, you made the world a better place! Love you. Beazus only produced one puppy and she was a loving and attentive mama! Her daughter, Ramona, is now having her grandchildren for us! Bella is a little girl who always had big, beautiful litters! She was so patient and loving with every single one of those pups! Thank you Bella! Chama is sister to Clarke and cousin to Snow White. She produced cuddly, adorable tricolors every time! Chama, you are wonderful, we love you! Zena is a stunning Bernese from Russia. Now her daughters will be having puppies! We love you! Sicily came from Italy. Thank you Sicily, we love you. She made gorgeous babies and loved them to pieces! Thank you Stella. Georgie is spunky and loving. She adored her puppies and was a fierce Mama! We owe a special thanks to Georgie for our Bernedoodle, Spicy Tuna!! Lily is the happiest of girls! She brought love, energy, and tail wags to every puppy. A loving Mama who is now loving life! Kahlu is from the first litter we had. Kahlu had such unique puppies, every litter brought new surprises! Sophie produced beautiful big litters everytime! She brought so much fun and love to every single puppy! Thank you, Sophie, you are special! Brooklyn Standard Poodle Retired Nov. Brooklyn is a beautiful tri-color standard poodle. She had big colorful litters every time! Thank you for bringing so much joy to the world Brooklyn! Clarke, you made a lot of families very happy! Thank you! She loved her puppies so much. Thank you Bailey, you did an awesome job! Gabi is so full of fun and adventure, love and affection! She surprised us with lots of colors, patterns, and unique pups! Gabi, you left your mark! Parker is our big Panda Bear! Parker always had small litters and a huge heart. You did good Parker, thank you! Several of her pups are service dogs. Zoli, you have made a difference in the world. Tragically we lost Cru, and my heart still hurts for her. Cru will forever be at the heart of Ranch House Bernedoodles. Meet the Family Over the years myself and our grown up kids have owned at least 6 doodles and they have all been exceptional. Now we hope to bless other families with the same quality of loving pets that we have enjoyed. We live in Montrose, CO and we are excited to breed bernedoodles. Our goals for our puppies are a great temperament, good health, loving and fun personalities, and high intelligence! We work hard to assure you are getting a wonderful new family member, not just a pet. Available Bernedoodles Everyone wants the perfect puppy. You are looking for the puppy you can love, and the one who will love you back with unconditional puppy love. We understand and will help you find the puppy that is just right for you and your family! Our family raises adorable Tiny, Mini, and Standard Bernedoodle puppies. We provide our puppies with loving care from day 1 and ensure the puppies stay healthy, allowing us to present you with a happy, active puppy dog pal. We are best at producing Tri-colored Mini and Standard Bernedoodles and our puppies make great companions and playmates. Browse our website to see photos of Bernedoodle puppies for sale. We also picture many of the puppies who have found their forever homes. Learn about our family, our puppies and their parents, and how you can become the proud owner of a new puppy! Our puppies go to their forever home with the following: Prepaid ICA Registration Health certificate from our vet Up to date on vaccinations Up to date on dewormers Micro chipped 2 year genetic health guarantee Dew claws removed. I was nervous and anxious regarding purchasing him due to so many scams, but Doodle Tribe was honest and answered all our questions we had thru the process. Sweet little Teddy we changed his name, he and our grandkids love it has settled in and is right at home! We could not be happier and would highly recommend everyone get a doodle!! Michael D. Phenomenal, fine dogs from the Doodle Tribe! Will definitely come back! I am considering getting another puppy at some point for sure! Tiana C. Very please and would highly recommend The Doodle Tribe for your next addition to your family. I adopted Freya in July. Maycie made the process very simple and no hassle. Everything was handled online, emil, and text. Very simple and worry free. I do plan on going back and getting Freya a brother in about 6 months and Freya is well trained. What a smart dog she is. I am really impressed with how easy it has been to train her. Ric P. Our Bernedoodle came to us so well adjusted! From day one, she has been relaxed in the car and crate. She loves cuddling, but is good at finding a quiet place to rest when ready for a break. We may add another dog to our family and will definitely look to The Doodle Tribe when we are ready. LeAnn B. We had such a fantastic experience with the Doodle Tribe! Everyone was so helpful and kind throughout the process, and made sure that we were well-educated and confident in welcoming our sweet puppy home! Thank you, Doodle Tribe, for making our first ever puppy purchase smooth and stress-free! We love our Lucy girl! Love are little pup. She has a sweet demeanor and is very playful. Took her to the vet and she was in perfect health. Very thankful that we found The Doodle Tribe. After getting scammed on Facebook, it was great working with such a professional organization. Very happy with the service provided by The Doodle Tribe. The purchase was super quick, simple and painless. The pickup was super easy, they even give you a cute go home basket for the puppy. We are so happy to have our sweet little pup and bring him to his furever home. I would highly recommend The Doodle Tribe to anyone looking for a sweet doodle! Their website is informative and the team is very responsive to inquiries and sharing detailed information about their breeds that they offer around temperament, activity levels, and health of their puppies. They have a very good caretaker program as well as our puppy came to us up to date on immunizations, socialized, confident, and friendly. Andy B. Communication was so easy and frequent and the process of bringing her home to California was seamless. She is the best puppy and we love her so much. The Doodle Tribe was great to work with! Communication was responsive and helped me with all of my high-maintenance questions!! Not to mention our puppy is adorable!! Erinn W. We got our Aussiedoodle puppy from The Doodle Tribe. Great communication and support from Maycie. We received video with weekly puppy updates ; however, my only reservation was not being able to meet the puppy prior to gotcha day. Our little girl is extremely smart and perfect in every way. Definitely recommend! We just adopted the most loving female bernadoodle. Everyone at doodle tribe was amazing! They answered all my questions and made everything easy! Ansley M. The process was so easy and everyone involved was incredibly nice. There was never an issue with communication or providing information. We look forward to working with them in the future!!! Thank you Doodle Tribe! Libby A. Rylie B. The Doodle Tribe is amazing, I highly recommend getting your doodle from here. We were in touch with Maycie through the entire process, who answered all of my neurotic questions. Thank you, Maycie Their website is very helpful with tips, tricks and recommended supplies. They also provided an online training academy when we purchased our pups. We picked up our 2 standard bernedoodles from Cherish who was also helpful answering more questions. We love our pups. We cant thank you enough, Doodle Tribe! Chad B. What a wonderful journey! The whole Doodle Tribe team members were so responsive before the pup pick-up and after. The cat box potty training works and lessens the stress of a new home. We love our new addition to our family and we are so thankful she had a very nice beginning. We got our Bernedoodle from The Doodle Tribe. Very communicative. Easy pick up. Had all the information regarding previous vet visits and vaccinations. Easy to reach out and ask questions after the fact also. Very happy with our cutie Gary! Bobbi B. We had a great experience with The Doodle Tribe. They were quick to answer my questions, they sent a requested video and they made the entire process easy! We love our precious Bernedoodle pup, he is adorable and full of personality! Sharla E Maycie and the Tribe were awesome to work with. They were up front, responsive and open with responses to any questions I had. They delivered an amazing, healthy and very intellegent Bernedoodle pup, everything promised and more. Highest recommendation to anyone considering a doodle breed. Tribe for life! Ken S. Great experience getting our puppy from Doodle Tribe. They are great at communicating and make sure you have all the information about your pup. Highly Recommend! Ben J. Great experience finding our little girl through Doodle Tribe!! Great communication, support, and our little girl is perfect! Megan H. The Doodle Tribe was amazing to work with! The communication was top tier and they listened to our needs as a family in helping us select the breed and actual puppy. I recommend them!! Krista C We had a great experience picking out our puppy! Maycie and the Doodle Tribe answered all our questions and were so helpful. We drove from California to pick up our puppy. We highly recommended the Doodle Tribe! We currently raise F1 and F1b Bernedoodles in standard and mini sizes. Bernedoodles are the perfect dog for someone who wants a companion dog! As a mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, Bernedoodles inherit both intelligence, and a charming, goofy demeanor. Bernedoodles are very social, and thrive around their family. They can be a little wary of strangers, so it is important to start socializing your Bernedoodles puppy with other people and animals when they are very young. Their gentle nature makes them the perfect family pet, especially for families with children and they are incredibly loyal to their owners. Their intelligence and goofy personality makes them great for playing games with, so make sure you teach them to play fetch! They also love cuddling with their owners and generally following them around during day to day activities.

Cancer in Boxer Dogs Overview Unfortunately, cancer in Boxer dogs is the 1 health issue with this breed. According to an extensive year study by the University of Georgia, .The UK Kennel Club estimates that .Brain tumors and mast cell tumors are more common in the Boxer breed than any other purebred dog breed. In regard to brain cancer, if this type were to occur in a Boxer it usually develops after the age of 8. Therefore, while it can occur at any age, most owners need to keep an eye out for possible early warning signs once the dog has entered the later adult years. Skin cancer is less common, but does occur more often with white Boxers or those with large areas of white on the coat.Sun screen protection cream can help to prevent this issue. Causes This can be genetic passed on through genes and the Boxer breed is genetically prone to brain tumors Environmental outside elements such as 2nd hand smoke Random mutation of the cells may occur with no known explanation Injuries that may happen as a puppy can then lead to bone cancer as an adult dog - Many bone cancer cases occur at the site where a dog injured or broke a bone as a puppy. Nasal cancer runs much higher in dogs than in humans - it is theorized that this is because dogs frequently sniff the ground - which can contain chemicals that are then transported to the dog's sinus cavities. More studies do need to be done on this. Symptoms Symptoms of cancer in Boxers are many and vary depending on the type of cancer that a Boxer dog has. Any of the below symptoms are red flag warning signs: Bumps or lumps - Bumps or lumps that you can feel under the dog's skin that you never noticed before - the dog may show a sensitivity when these are touched. It is recommended to routinely check for this.And this is best done after or during a bath when fur is wet and you can more easily slide your fingers around the body to check. Rapid weight loss - Visible weight loss will usually first be noticed around the Boxer dog's rib area.If your dog was of a normal weight and then suddenly you are noticing that the rib cage is noticeable, this is the time to take action and have him or her tested for any potential issues that may or may not be related to cancer. Change in elimination habits - A Boxer dog may have decreased or increased bowel movements or continual diarrhea. While you do not need to inspect every bowel movement, it is recommended to take note at least once a week - Not just for this issue, but for possible worms, undigested food that will let you know that food is not being absorbed as it should, etc.It can let you know that your dog is eating well balanced meals. Decreased energy level - A Boxer dog will become tired and weak. He or she will not want to exercise or play as usual. A dog may be reluctant to take his normally scheduled walk. He or she may retreat more often to their bed to rest or to sleep. Changes in the shape, texture or size of a mole that the dog has always had - Usually noticed on the Boxer dog's stomach. Swelling around a tooth can be a sign of canine mouth cancer - This can cause a dog to show discomfort when eating.As a loving owner, you can take steps to help prevent this frightening health issue. Keep your Boxer away from 2nd hand smoke - this plays a very big role. Any smokers in the home should do so outside or at the very least in a sectioned off room such as a garage or sun porch. This is also good advice to help prevent possible allergy issues which can occur from the inhalation of smoke. For white Boxer dogs or Boxer dogs with large white patches, use sunscreen this can be misted on the coat for skin protection. For all Boxers, apply nose balm if the Boxer is outside a lot in the summer or will be outside in the sun for more than 2 hours. Spaying or neutering your Boxer dog can help. Spaying a female Boxer dog greatly reduces the chances of mammary or ovarian cancer and the sooner you have this done, the better. Spaying after the 5th heat cycle may be too late to make a difference. Always keep an eye on an energetic puppy to reduce the chances of the dog becoming injured or breaking a limb. Many bone cancer cases occur at the site where a dog injured or broke a bone as a puppy. Make sure that your Boxer lives a healthy lifestyle. This includes a clean diet high quality food, no chemicals such as artificial coloring and preservatives and regular exercise daily walks and some cardio sessions. Do not give your Boxer unfiltered tap water as this contains a slew of cancer-causing agents. Drinking unfiltered tap water over the course of years no doubt causes health issues including cancer. Use a filter on your kitchen tap or use a canine water fountain that employs a filter. While giving baths and grooming , move your hands along the entire body to check for any lumps. If you do find something suspicious, bring this to the attention of your dog's veterinarian right away. Many times, cancerous lumps can be caught before they metastasizes to other areas of the body. Early detection is extremely important and will play a huge role in the chances of recovery. Treatment There is help for Boxer dog cancer. Luckily, a dog can be treated just as a person can and treatment will vary depending on what type your dog is diagnosed with. The same medicines, chemotherapy and radiation is used. So, while this breed is predisposed to this disease, treatment can be successful in extending life span and quality of life. Dogs handle these treatments well. If nausea does occur, medications can be given to help control this so that the dog receives proper nutrition. If the dog's fur does fall out, it will grow back once treatment is done. Again, if caught early, chances of survival are greater. It is suggested to check for lumps once a week and vital to keep regular checkups with the veterinarian. The mass was approximately 2 cm in diameter, slightly ulcerated and limited to the dermis. According to the owner, the mass had been present for approximately 2 weeks and was growing. Fine needle aspiration was performed. Subsequent examination of those slides revealed marked mixed cell inflammation. Macrophages contained many small, non-staining clear linear structures, consistent with Mycobacterium sp. Figure 1. The structures stained positive with an Acid-Fast preparation, as would be expected with Mycobacterium sp. The clinical description and cytologic findings were compatible with a leproid granuloma. Mycobacterium organisms are found in the environment and may cause infections in immunosuppressed or immunocompetent animals. With leproid granulomas, infectious are thought to occur with penetrating objects and insect bites. Dogs diagnosed with leproid granuloma typically have one or more dermal masses on the head or ears without systemic signs of illness. This condition is most commonly reported in Boxers. These lesions can mimic histiocytomas and other round cell tumors grossly. Even on low magnification or cursory microscopy, these lesions can be mistaken for histiocytomas. Definitive diagnosis is typically obtained through cytology or histopathology. These bacteria are difficult to culture and a negative culture does not rule out Mycobacterium infections. While some cases may resolve without medical intervention, treatment typically includes surgical removal and combination antibiotic therapy. Julie Piccione. Photomicrograph depicting several non-staining linear structures consistent with Mycobacterium sp. Did you know Boxers used to have a predicted lifespan of years? The breed was bogged down with genetic predisposition to cancer, and they passed on an inherited heart condition that shortened their lives. The breeders got together and agreed to selectively breed healthy dogs so as not to pass on the traits. Now, Boxers can expect to live years, sometimes as much as years, or longer. Still, if you see a new growth or lump on your Boxer, have your vet check it urgently. Mast Cell Tumor, the chameleon of lumps, can look like any other lump! Lipoma, fatty lump, this is what you hope every lump turns out to be. Adenoma, a cauliflower-looking skin tumor. Hair follicle tumor, or cyst. Also recently named Subcutaneous Keratinizing Trichoepithelioma. The pathologists love to classify and reclassify. Raised, cherry-red lump. Your vet can do a simple test to diagnose this little number. Quite curable! A tumor of blood vessel lining cells. No one yet knows if early detection would increase survival from this devastating tumor. Now that ultrasound and computed tomography CT are becoming more available for animal patients, perhaps these tumors will be found to be more survivable. Lymphoma, inside and out. Acanthamatous Epulis. Lumps on the gums in the mouth. Your vet can diagnose gingival hyperplasia overgrowth from these growths that can be invasive and cancerous. Bone cancer. If a leg is suddenly super painful, and especially if there is a hard lump at the pain spot, do not delay. Go to the vet and get answers and at the very least, painkillers. Sometimes a lump is just a lump! Bee sting, skin infection, hair follicle cyst, allergic reaction boxers get hives. Good news for Boxers?

This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development. Although certain health issues that Pugs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Pugs include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Pugs. Food allergies in Pugs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. Due to their compressed noses and flat faces, Pugs are prone to breathing difficulties and an inability to cool down easily. Eye problems. Pugs are at risk for various eye health issues, such as distichiasis, cataracts, dry eye, entropion, corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, and more. Ear infections. Pugs have narrow ear canals and deep skin folds around their face, making it easier for debris and bacteria to accumulate, leading to ear infections. Skin infections. Skin fold dermatitis is common in breeds with wrinkled skin, such as Pugs. Luxating patella. Pugs are susceptible to luxating patella, where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. Mast cell tumors MCTs , a type of skin cancer, are common in middle- to senior-aged Pugs, with cancer being the leading cause of death for the breed. Pugs are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health issues. Pugs are also susceptible to diabetes. Pugs are prone to obesity, leading to numerous health issues and decreased activity levels. A proper diet and sufficient exercise are crucial to keeping your Pug at a healthy weight. Overfeeding or providing nutrient-poor food can contribute to weight gain, which may result in a Pug becoming less active and more lethargic. More active Pugs require more calories and nutrients to sustain their energy levels, whereas less active Pugs require fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Pug Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult Pugs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior Pugs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Pug often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Pugs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Pugs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Pugs. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Easy-to-eat kibble size and shape. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs have shortened skulls that can cause breathing and eating difficulties. Opt for dog food with a small, flat, or round kibble shape that is easy for Pugs to pick up and chew. Balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids can help support healthy skin and coat, reducing the risk of skin infections around the face and ears. They also help with skin inflammation and support healthy and shiny dog coats. Foods rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamins A, C, and E can help protect the eyes from oxidative damage. These nutrients are found in many fruits and vegetables. Low-glycemic carbohydrates. To help manage obesity and diabetes, choose dog food containing low glycemic carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or legumes, which release energy slowly and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Low-calorie content. Joint support supplements. Look for dog foods containing joint support supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which can help maintain joint health and reduce the risk of a luxating patella. Chapter 2: The Reviews.

Can German Shepherds be Service Dogs? Yes, they can. In general, German Shepherds work best as physical assistance dogs. This young dog is still in training, but you can see some of the things they can do for their owners: Qualities of German Shepherd Service Dogs Service dogs have to have a certain set of characteristics so they can do their job. Here are some of the qualities of German Shepherds that line up with service dog requirements: Obedient. German Shepherds were bred to follow any command given to them without hesitation. This is particularly helpful for physical disabilities where a person may need to use the dog to help maneuver themselves. German Shepherds are large enough that they can physically help as needed. Good sense of smell. For some service dog roles, a dog needs to be able to detect certain odors and alert their owner of them. Just being with their owner throughout the day is usually enough for them. This breed is eager to please their owner and puts their best paw forward so they always get the job done. Suspicious of strangers but trusting anyone their owner trusts, these dogs do well in social situations. German Shepherds have been known to go as far as putting their lives in danger to protect their owners. Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs and will ensure their owner stays safe. All service dogs fall into one of these three main categories: 1. Physical Disability Service Dogs These dogs help people that are physically handicapped to live a more normal life. They provide assistance in getting around, picking up objects, turning off lights, and many other everyday tasks that may be difficult or impossible for their owner. German Shepherds are particularly well-suited for this type of work. Because they are intelligent, they can learn to do a wide variety of tasks, and they are also large enough to help support their owners physically. Psychiatric Service Dogs Psychiatric service dogs are trained to help those with mental disorders including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They provide a lot more than emotional support as they can identify everything from hallucinations to panic attacks and are ready to intervene. For example, a person who experiences anxiety when approached by strangers could unintentionally trigger aggression in their dog. Their protective nature can turn into aggression against people who are unknowingly causing anxiety. They alert their handler when their blood sugar level rapidly rises or falls based on the scent of their breath. Then, the individual can take immediate action to solve the problem before it gets worse. Veteran Service Dogs Many veterans struggle with adjusting to life after serving their country. Service dogs provide companionship to these veterans and help with daily tasks that may now be difficult. These dogs may do a variety of jobs that both mobility and emotional support dogs do. Because of the emotional aspect that many veterans need, it takes a special canine to do this type of work. So, not all German Shepherds will be able to do this job. Calmer breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers typically do best in this role. Epilepsy Service Dogs German Shepherd can alert their owner of an oncoming epileptic seizure so they can get themselves to a safe location. The dog will then stay nearby to help keep them from injury during the attack and can also bring things like medications or a phone to call for help if needed. Allergy Alert Service Dogs Like bomb- and drug-sniffing dogs, allergy alert service dogs are trained to alert their owner when they detect the scent of a certain allergen. They may also wear a special vest containing medication for their owner. As German Shepherds have a good sense of smell, it makes them great allergy alert service dogs. Mobility Support Service Dogs People with cerebral palsy and other similar mobility disorders may need some extra help getting around. Service dogs help provide a counterbalance for them. They also perform tasks like opening and closing doors. A pound German Shepherd is tall and strong enough to provide this service to people up to pounds. Guide Dogs Also known as seeing-eye dogs, these dogs are trained to help visually-impaired individuals safely navigate the world. They may also help with other tasks such as bringing items to their owner. Wheelchair Service Dogs The world is unfortunately not designed for people in wheelchairs which makes it difficult for them to do many everyday things. They can pick up items their owner has dropped, reach things like light switches, and perform many other tasks. Hearing Service Dogs For handlers with hearing problems, their dog alerts them to different sounds such as the doorbell, a ringing phone, alarms, or a crying baby. They can then lead their owner to the source if they need to take action. The cost of these dogs differs and depends on how they were trained and what they were trained for. The more specialized the service, the costlier the dog. Specialized service means that more professional training went into the dog. Some people may consider getting a dog on their own and training it themselves. Something else that goes into the cost of a dog is bloodlines. German Shepherd breeders that specialize in service dogs strive to produce outstanding dogs that will excel in that field. Another thing that you need to consider before getting a service dog is the ongoing cost of dog ownership. It requires expertise, patience, and a strong desire to do good in the world. Here are some tips on how to train a German Shepherd as a service dog: Socialize them. This is so important because a service dog needs to be prepared to do their job without being distracted by people. Service dogs will also need to be properly socialized with dogs and other animals. Set goals. Make sure these goals are both attainable but challenging. As the dog achieves the goals you set, keep giving them new ones to reach for so they can continue to grow in their training. Be patient. Be patient with them and willing to repeat lessons as often as they need to understand them. Be the Alpha. You need to step up from the moment your dog enters your home and present yourself as their leader. For that reason, you want to look for a breeder that focuses on the physical and mental abilities of their dogs rather than just their appearance. This is especially important when considering breeders in the United States as many of these dogs are part of a show line which features weak, sloped backs, and high incidences of hip dysplasia. Knows the breed. They should know everything about the needs and temperament of the breed and be able to answer all of your questions about German Shepherds. Invites you into their home. A good breeder has nothing to hide. Is highly specialized. They offer only one or two dog breeds and know them well. A good breeder will also give you a written contract with requirements and a health guarantee. These breeders focus on working dogs and have had some of their puppies end up as service dogs already:. I wanted a permanent solution. Now that I have Liberty in my life - the way she acts and responds to me - I no longer have that propensity. She was having 2 or more grand mal seizures every week. It turned out that Hailey was a good candidate, and we found the perfect dog to suit her. Finley, the brother of Phoenix - another PLF-K9, was put to task to start learning new behaviors specifically for Hailey. He would need to learn how to let someone know that Hailey was having a seizure, and to keep Hailey safe from harm until help arrived. Finley took to the work beautifully. Up until this point, he only knew the scent of her through articles of clothing we used to imprint her odor with him. We used clothing that was worn while having a seizure, and clothing worn at normal times. We were able to teach Finley when Hailey needed him the most. While we are not able to train a dog to alert to the onset of the seizure, but we can certainly train them to respond to the actual seizure. Finley learned to respond to a seizure by barking, to roll her to her side - and to watch over her until help arrived. Hailey had to pass a few tests of her own while training, too. She needed to learn about advanced obedience and public access, along with the task work. She made it look easy, because she was dedicated to regaining her independence and freedom. Hailey is now attending high school with her friends, and she is allowed to go to the store, coffee shop, and the movies like a normal teenager. Success Stories This is a brotherhood, a sisterhood, that few understand. Below are just a couple of our success stories. When we first met Naval Commander Robert Fry there was some tension in the air. He came in frustrated, belittled, lied to, and unsure of how some guy who never served in the military would be able to help him. Rob already had a dog, Gracie, that he purchased as a puppy. None had a clear idea of what to do with her since she was so attached to Rob. It kind of made him mad. We are pretty sure he got some sense of satisfaction knowing that Gracie bit Steve, more than once. We accomplished the task at hand, but Gracie was not going to be a Service Dog. We loaned Rob a dog named Sasha one day while he was having a rough go of it. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. A miracle that Steve knew would happen, if Rob would allow Sasha in. She alerted to a seizure. Then another. She was doing something we only wish we could train. We asked Rob if he would consider keeping Sasha. They are both quite active with the Foundation. Not long after taking her in, Rob gave Sasha a new name… Liberty Bell. Today, life is different for Rob in many ways. Gracie lives on a beautiful farm with a family and a pack of dogs that she fits in with beautifully. She attended the Warrior Games and alerted to a seizure while Rob was competing in a swimming event; she saved his life that day. It was an ordinary day for her, but for Rob it was a day he will never forget. Because our dogs are adaptable, and because invisible wounds are subject to change, it was not a surprise how quickly Liberty learned to function with Rob in a wheelchair, and other changes he has gone through. There is no doubt they are connected, and they were meant for one another. But a dog who is trained to perform these specific tasks is actually an extension of that person - a prosthetic. They initially told him that Liberty would need to stay home, then they met Liberty and realized she was properly trained. She is now welcome at any Wounded Warrior Project function. Hailey's Story.Best Friends Just look at the smiles. You can also make a General Donation to the program. If you would like to make a General Donation in the name of a loved one, please do so by dropping us a note on the donation memo. Our mission only stays alive with your support. We believe this will give them a safe alternative to play, continue learning, continue bonding while giving the dog much needed play time; all without problematic environmental issues like untrained dogs and people. We still support our local shelter and rescue programs, but rescues are far less reliable as Service Dogs according to several published reports, and our own experience. We want to give our clients the very best, and believe a well-bred dog is often a better choice. Men and women who are active military and veterans who have been honorably discharged. Also eligible are professionals working with military organizations that provide physical or mental health care to military or veteran clients who will benefit from interaction with a service dog. What are the responsibilities of someone who receives a dog from K9 Guardians? Program participants must be able to attend training programs on and off site and be able to complete the in-home and public training sessions. It is advisable to research yearly veterinary and grooming costs in your area prior to applying for a service dog. K9 Guardians provides training support for all program participants. What kind of assistance dogs does K9 Guardians provide? Service Dogs for people who are physically disabled. Please Note: At this time K9 Guardians does not provide Diabetic Alert Dogs, dogs that detect medical symptoms such as cancer, or dogs that provide personal protection. What types of dogs are used? K9 Guardians uses working line German shepherds. All K9 Guardians pass health and temperament screenings to be eligible for training. How old are the dogs when they finish training and go home with veterans? Dogs are approximately 18 months old. What tasks are K9 Guardians trained to do? Service Dogs for physical disabilities are capable of being trained for various tasks. A few examples are: picking up dropped items, retrieve articles from hard to reach places, opening doors, turning on and off light switches, assistance with balance issues, and removing socks. Service Dogs for PTSD can be trained for multiple tasks that include but are not limited to night-terror interruption, giving individual space in a crowd, going first around corners, calming anxiety with a visit to one's lap, and being your "battle buddy" in public places. Resident Therapy Dogs assist workers in clinics and therapy centers for wounded veterans in their physical and emotional rehabilitation process. K9 Guardians only trains dogs that were breed through their breeding program. This assures that dogs accepted into the training program have the health, temperament and ability to be service dogs. What if I have other pets in my home? The decision will be made on an individual basis. No other pets will be allowed if it is concluded that they will interfere with said service dog's ability to work. How long can I expect to wait for a service dog from K9 Guardians? You can be accepted into the program and start training but the dog you work with may not be the one that you are ultimately teamed with. Timing is on an individual basis. A service dogs training period is approximately 18 months and time period is dependent on current ages, training skill levels and availability of dogs. How long does the application process take? Upon receipt of application we will send confirmation. Processing may take approx. We will also need additional documentation and in-person or over the phone intake completed before decision is made. What additional items are needed for application? How old are the dogs when they finish training and go home with their veterans? If you have read and understand the admission program information, please click on the following button to proceed:. We specialize in family companion dogs, and our dogs are used for children with Autism and Aspergers. We also provide dogs for epileptic and diabetic detection, as well the hearing impaired. Our dogs also serve as companions to veterans , and we work closely with VA hospitals to provide dogs who assist with PTSD and anxiety. A large number of our dogs are also competitors and working schutzhund dogs. We make use of a private courier service to pick up and deliver our dogs. We're very mindful to ensure the dogs are completely happy throughout the delivery! If we think you're the right match for one of our dogs we can deliver them to you wherever you are based in the US. All of our dogs come with a lifetime guarantee on health contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Our dogs are gentle and attentive and have dispositions perfect for family companionship or special needs. Puppies come with comprehensive training included, along with a full year of shots. A list of individual dogs accomplishments include Va Winnie, Va Ollie, V1 Saint and many dogs involved in the 6xwinner of the progeny group competition. Regis Regal German Shepherds have also worked in many different areas of public service, such as patrol dogs, search and rescue dogs, avalanche rescue dogs, bomb detection, narcotic detection, and even arson dogs. As featured in Puppy Rental for Special Events Looking for a memorable experience at your next event? Rent one of our German Shepherd dogs for a limited time at your next special event. Our team is perfect for birthdays, conferences, conventions, company retreats, and special events all over the country! Get in touch with our AKC German Shepherd breeders to learn more about our puppy rental services and event guidelines. Contact our team to learn more. Client Testimonials "I purchased my German Shepard from them when she was a puppy and she is now a beautiful, sweet tempered 4-year-old dog. We took home our pup and have had only good thoughts and things to say since we left. Cindy shared so much time and knowledge with us before we left. Axle just turned two years old and will be an important part of my kids lives as they grow up. We work closely with them in order to train our dogs to assist veterans with PTSD, anxiety, and more. Cindy's Latest Articles Cindy Kelly loves to share her expertise on breeding, training and raising world class German Shepherds. When she has time she publishes articles on the Regis Regal blog - you can find some of her most recent ones listed below. If you would like to hear Cindy's thoughts on any particular element of owning or raising German Shepherds then feel free to get in touch. Learn here! Read More Trending States Based on their Interest in our World-Class German Shepherds We make use of a high quality, private courier service to deliver our dogs where a customer is unable to come to our premises in Illinois. But her legacy will live on, in a pilot program underway at five Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers that are teaching veterans how to train service dogs as part of their personal therapy. Soon thereafter, he developed post-traumatic stress and, while he pursued therapy and medication, he continued to struggle, facing unemployment while his marriage disintegrated. As former military colleagues began to take their own lives, Lyle contemplated the same. Then Kaya entered his life, a week-old bundle of puppy energy. Few can argue that time spent with a puppy is sure to brighten the darkest moods, but the bond that formed between Kaya and Lyle, and the sense of responsibility each appeared to have toward the other, convinced Lyle there was an argument to be made for service dogs to support veterans with disabilities beyond blindness or physical assistance. He pulled together the money needed to send Kaya to months of formal training as a service dog, depleting his deployment savings and accepting support from his family, whom he said realized how much he struggled and how the dog appeared to lift him up. When you feel completely alone and you feel no one cares about you, your instinct is, 'I can't leave this dog. I have to take care of this dog. This dog loves me, and this dog cares about me,'" Lyle said. A year later, Lyle found himself on Capitol Hill, where Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N. Lyle saw an opportunity to extol the benefits of service dogs for mental health support and noted that the VA covered dogs only for veterans with physical disabilities. He figured that if one senator was interested, others would be as well, and the idea for the PAWS Act was born. Initially, the legislation -- first introduced in by Sens. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla. The final compromise version, which eventually passed in without opposition, created a five-year pilot for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress to train service dogs as part of their own medical care and therapy. The VA has spent more than a decade researching the impact of service dogs following the inclusion of a provision in 's annual defense policy bill that required the department to determine whether trained service dogs could help veterans with PTSD. The research, however, had significant flaws and, after several missteps, was put on hold and later restructured. Eventually, researchers turned to comparing whether trained service dogs provide better support to veterans than a well-trained companion animal, also known as an emotional support dog. Service dogs are trained for a variety of tasks to assist veterans with PTSD. Kaya, for example, woke Lyle up from nightmares and interrupted anxiety attacks or depressive symptoms by nudging him or licking his face. The VA study concluded that both types of animals helped decrease PTSD symptoms in their owners, but the results were more significant in participants paired with a service dog. In addition, veterans paired with service dogs had fewer suicidal behaviors and fewer suicidal thoughts at the month point, while both groups displayed a decrease in other symptoms such as anger and disrupted sleep. Still, the VA does not cover the costs of service dogs for mental health conditions, and the wait lists for nonprofits that provide such dogs to veterans are long. To date, according to the Veterans Health Administration, 86 veterans have participated, with most 74 receiving their training in Alaska, Asheville and San Antonio. A study published in December in the journal Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice found that service dogs helped veterans reintegrate into civilian life , reporting more social activity outside their homes, increased interaction with family and friends, and a decreased reliance on medication for their mental health diagnoses. Lyle, who is the executive director of Mission Roll Call, an advocacy group that aims to reduce veteran suicide, said he needed no convincing. He wishes the VA would look beyond focusing on whether service dogs just reduce symptoms of PTSD and view their effects on their owners more holistically. As more bumps appeared across her body, it became clear Kaya's cancer was aggressive and had metastasized. Seeing her pain, Lyle made the tough decision all dog owners make at some point. It was time to let go. The two flew to Dallas' Love Field on Southwest Airlines -- the company that had shuttled them back and forth during their early lobbying efforts. On the flight, the pilot announced Kaya's presence and story to the passengers, who cheered her, and on arrival at the airport, thousands lined up in the terminal to welcome her home -- a video that went viral on TikTok. Following visits to familiar haunts throughout College Station, including a favorite pub, the pair went to a grassy spot near a pond where Lyle had spent hours studying for his bachelor's degree. There, they laid together for hours, enjoying the sunshine and savoring the memories of two lives that had been entwined for far too short a time. Then, they said goodbye. Back at home in Northern Virginia, the house is strangely quiet, absent of the sound of a jangling collar or shake of a furry head. Lyle said it's too early to contemplate getting another dog, and he isn't sure he even needs one right now, because even in death, according to Lyle, Kaya's service is lasting. That's how powerful she was," Lyle said. Assistance is also available via text at or online chat at VeteransCrisisLine. Kime Military. Follow her on Twitter patriciakime.

If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. However, when I got my Golden Retriever puppy, I was surprised at how crazy he was. Golden Retrievers are a highly active and playful dog breed. As puppies, these qualities are intensified due to their fast metabolisms, youthful exuberance, and curiosity about the world around them. As a result, their boundless energy can border on hyperactivity, making them seem crazy to us. As a breed, the Golden Retriever is part of the sporting group of dogs, and they require a high level of activity. While there are differences among dogs they are individuals, of course , a high activity level is a common trait in the Golden Retriever breed. In puppies, that activity level is on steroids. In other words, they can and probably will act crazy. This article will look at why that is, how long it lasts, and why it seems to get significantly worse at night or what I call the witching hour. If I was a mad scientist in a lab and I had to make a crazy puppy, I would go about it in this way. I would make a highly active dog that requires a lot of physical exercise. The dog would be eager to please and learn, enjoy being with its owners, and bond closely with them. I would give it a high level of intelligence, requiring the dog to need a lot of mental stimulation. Of course, the dog would also be eager to please and learn and require a lot of attention. As sporting dogs, they would require lots of endurance to assist their human companions for hours on end, retrieving and chasing game birds. Tada, that puppy already exists. It is the Golden Retriever puppy, and it is why their dizzying hyperactivity is often seen as crazy! So, in essence, the qualities of the Golden Retriever puppy are the same qualities they have in adulthood, just magnified, which is not all that surprising. Comparatively speaking, a dog bred to be active as an adult will be more active as a puppy. It is very proportionate. Why is this? As a whole most puppies are generally more active than when they are adults — this is because puppies, as growing dogs, have faster metabolisms. And a fast metabolism means you get alternating bouts of insane energy and hyperactivity that abruptly stops, followed by a nap to recuperate. This puppyhood is not unlike a young and growing human child. So, as the owner of a Golden Retriever puppy, you have accepted that craziness is part of their puppyhood. However, after months of crazy hyperactivity, you may naturally wonder I did , how long are Golden Retriever puppies crazy for? The crazy period for Golden Retriever puppies, defined by a hyper level of activity, playfulness, and mischievousness, lasts approximately two to three years. After that time, they typically calm down somewhat. However, most will retain a high level of activity and playfulness well into adulthood. So, it can be good news and bad news for many pet owners. The good news is this peak crazy period lasts only two to three years, then moderates after that. Now, two to three years can be a long time for many pet owners, and as far as dog breeds go, that is a long puppyhood. Longer than most dog breeds. But, while the craziness of puppyhood may moderate after two to three years, most Golden Retrievers retain a high level of puppyhood well into adulthood, much more so than most breeds of dogs. As well, Golden Retrievers were bred to be highly active dogs. Their sporting dogs, after all. And that means even in adulthood; the Golden Retriever will still require a high level of physical activity. They are also one of the most intelligent dogs, requiring a high level of mental stimulation throughout their lives. What does all of this mean, then? Now the bad. Suppose you are ill-equipped or prepared to give your Golden Retriever adequate amounts of physical exercise and mental stimulation. In that case, you may have a crazy Golden Retriever puppy and adult on your hands for many years. Golden Retrievers need high activity and mental stimulation to satisfy their physical and mental needs, whether puppies or adults. Not doing so will typically cause a bored dog to direct that excess mental and physical energy into undesirable behaviors. So the key takeaway is this, it is critical always to ensure that the dog you get fits your lifestyle, especially with active dogs like the Golden Retriever. To this day, my 1. That time is the early evening or night, and during this time, his energy peaks, and he often goes crazy. It is something to behold, and many guests have asked me why Golden Retriever puppies go crazy at night. Golden Retriever puppies often go crazy at night because dogs are naturally most active during the morning and early evening. Lack of physical and mental stimulation during the day may intensify this excess evening energy. Either way, the puppy is expending its energy reserves before settling down for the night. Most Golden Retriever puppies will have an additional burst of energy during the early evening from about pm to pm. Outside or inside , the puppy may get infected with the zoomies and sprint at top speed, with his ears down, and do circles around the yard or house. If you have other pets, such as a cat, this may be the time it also pesters it to play. If the puppy is teething, be prepared to have your hands chewed on, or it may attack your furniture. Sometimes they will find makeshift toys and drop them in our laps, trying to elicit a game of tug. And, the cause of this often hilarious, often exhausting, crazy energy? A few reasons. The first reason we discussed earlier. Golden Retrievers were bred to be highly active dogs. As sporting dogs, they would assist hunters for hours by retrieving downed waterfowl. Additionally, dogs are more active in puppyhood. They have faster metabolisms, youthful exuberance, and are curious. If a dog was bred to be active as an adult, as in the case of the Golden Retriever, then expect them to be even more active as puppies. Golden Retriever adults are very active. So, as puppies, they are insanely vibrant. Dogs are naturally more active in the morning and early evenings. So, the night and afternoons are usually sleep and nap times, and the puppy wakes with plenty of energy — this is normal. Next is a common reason and probably the biggest reason for their craziness at night — not enough play, exercise, and training throughout the day. Yup, if not exercised and stimulated enough during the day, your Golden Retriever puppy will still have massive energy reserves. To make matters worse, if the puppy napped a lot during the day because you were gone, it may be rested, bored, lonely, and even more full of zest come evening. Before settling down to sleep at night, it needs to rid itself of that energy. So cue the zoomies and craziness. Lastly, your Golden Retriever puppy may want attention. Of course, seeking your attention is expected if you work all day because your little furball missed you. Suppose you have a crazy Golden Retriever puppy. In that case, I guarantee the next question will be, what can I do to make my Golden Retriever puppy less crazy? To make a Golden Retriever puppy less crazy and calmer, you need to burn off its excess energy and mentally stimulate the puppy. This can be done through physical exercise, playing games with the puppy, and short but formal training sessions. Because Golden Retrievers, by nature and breeding, are highly active, super-intelligent, and very playful, they need their minds and bodies stimulated. Golden Retrievers were also bred to work closely with people, so they are social animals. Physical exercise, play, training, and mental stimulation help satisfy those needs. Physical Exercise Golden Retriever puppies need to be exercised daily. Walking is an excellent exercise, and training them to walk politely on a leash can never start too young. If your puppy has not had its final vaccinations yet, you can still walk it in the backyard or house. So, how much exercise should your Golden Retriever puppy have daily? It should be five minutes x its age in months x twice per day. However, beware that it may be on the low side, and your Golden Retriever may need more. At three months of age, 30 minutes of exercise was not nearly enough for our Golden Retriever Bailey. Typically, 60 minutes is what he needed, plus multiple play sessions, training, and mental games. As a result, play is an excellent form of mental stimulation for your puppy and provides a bonding opportunity. Remember, Golden Retrievers are social dogs, and play helps give them the attention they need from their owners. For Golden Retriever puppies, fetch and tug of war are great games. It is what they were born to do. Bailey loves fetch and tug of war Tug of war is also a great game and provides the dog with physical and mental stimulation. Chase is fun for your puppy, as is hide and seek. Or you can start training your puppy to use its nose for tracking. Training Training your Golden Retriever puppy can start early. In fact, it should. Training provides mental stimulation, attention, and social interaction. Training also lays the foundation for impulse control and good manners. Training is like a formal education for your puppy. Similar to how studying can tax your brain and tire you out, the same is true for puppies. Training requires your puppy to problem solve and work on impulse control. Those mental feats take mental energy. And invoking that mental energy through training helps expel more energy. Or when you are engaged in activities that require it to be calm and out of the way, such as cooking. Bailey is working on his down-stay skill at distance and duration. Golden Retrievers love training. They enjoy interacting and pleasing you, it is fun for them, and they want to earn rewards. And, training does not need to take up a big part of your day. Two five-minute sessions will work wonders. Mental Stimulation While training is mentally stimulating to your Golden Retriever, you should also include activities that are specifically geared towards brainwork. Brainwork can consist of games such as puzzles, scent work, or teaching your dog tricks. Although some of these activities require training, their purpose is to stimulate the dog mentally. Whereas training is usually done to get the desired action from our dogs to make them well-behaved canine citizens, mental activities are meant to make them problem solve and use the grey matter between their floppy ears. Include some scent work for your dog. The more intelligent the dog, the more mental stimulation it needs for it to tire. To learn more about the fantastic scent work abilities of the Golden Retriever check out these posts:. How NOT to deal with a dog that is hyper at night What do we mean when we say a dog is hyper? Some dogs tend to have sudden energy releases, racing around the house or yard in a seemingly chaotic manner. What dogs are more prone to being hyper? All dogs can be affected by the zoomies, from a Siberian Husky to a Teacup Chihuahua. Big, small, short-haired, long-haired, family pet or guard dog — the urge can strike them all! That being said, the behavior is more common in younger dogs who have more energy to burn than their older counterparts. You might find that dogs in the puppy or adolescent stage are especially prone to being hyper. The result is a quick energy release that typically comes out as a crazy, haphazard run. When might a dog become hyper? A hyper dog every evening can get very tiring for the loving pet owner A case of the zoomies can strike at any time. One minute your dog will be quietly sitting there. The next they will be off and racing. While it can happen at any time of the day, periods of hyperactivity are more likely to occur at nighttime, especially when it comes to younger dogs. Dogs may also become hyper after a bath or getting wet, or even during play if they get really worked up. What causes dogs to be hyper at night? There is a whole range of reasons why dogs become hyper at night. Insufficient physical exercise Getting hyper at night can simply be a way for a dog to burn excess energy. This is especially common in active breeds, like German Shepherds , if they are not getting enough daily exercise. Like with people, there are ways to exercise and tire the body, and there are ways to exercise and tire the brain. Try to incorporate some mental stimulation into their daily routine by playing games or exploring new places. This way, your dog is more likely to be mentally satisfied when it comes to sleep time. There are simple indoor games and acitvities you can play with your adult dog or pup to tire their brain and also help with dog training. Being overtired Hyperactivity is often associated with excess energy, but the opposite can also have the same effect. If a dog becomes overtired, it might struggle to understand the sensation. The resulting outcome is random bursts of crazy energy. Older dogs and puppies are both susceptible to hyper night time behavior A learned behavior Sometimes we reward our dogs for behavior without meaning to. This can undoubtedly be the case with the zoomies. The first time we see our dog act in this way, we are amused. We might try to distract them with attention or food, not realizing that we are rewarding and encouraging annoying behavior. If a dog receives positive reinforcement for a behavior, they will likely do it again to receive the same reaction. This means that a pet dog might become hyperactive for no reason other than to evoke a positive response. Always be aware of your actions and reactions to ensure your training is consistent. Eating too close to sleep time Food is an energy source, therefore eating too close to bedtime may cause a dog to have a sudden energy burst that results in hyperactivity. If you notice this becoming a problem, try to feed your dog earlier to give them time to digest their food and burn off some of the associated energy. Gut discomfort Dogs can find it challenging to understand pain and discomfort. If your dog has a stomach ache or is experiencing any type of gut discomfort, this may be causing them to run around. Make sure that your dog is eating a good diet and try to rule out any allergies. Fear or anxiety Being scared or anxious can send a dog into a fit of chaos. This means that a dog suffering from separation anxiety is likely to become hyperactive in certain situations. Just like with physical discomfort, dogs think the best way to cope is to try to escape. Additionally, dogs are light sleepers and can be disrupted easily. An unexpected sound may suddenly frighten them, causing them to wake and run. Crate training can help calm a dog , reducing anxiery and preventing hyper behavior. How to deal with a dog that is hyper at night While having a dog that gets hyper at night can be hugely inconvenient, there are ways to deal with it. Try the following actions to get your dog under control and help you all relax at night. Consider the circumstances Begin by evaluating the situation and identifying any triggers. Has your dog always been prone to getting hyper at night, or is it new behavior? Next, have a think about when and where your dog is hyper. Are there situations where your dog is less hyper? Finally, consider your specific dog. Puppies are much more likely to get hyper at night than older dogs, so if your dog is still young, then they will likely grow out of it. From Goldendoodles to Australian Shepherds — some dogs need to run! Ensure your dog is getting enough exercise A good starting point for dogs suffering from hyperactivity at night is to give them more exercise. Remember that a hyper dog might lack physical or mental stimulation, so taking them for regular walks and activities can help on both fronts. It is generally recommended that dogs get exercised for 1 hour per day. Still, the type of exercise suited to your dog will vary. Some need a really good run for the entire 60 minutes, while others will benefit from more short, fast activity throughout the day. This can be playing with a ball, interacting with their owner, or exploring new places that also engage their brain. Ask a friend, neighbor, or even hire a dog walker. A tired dog is less likely to act hyper or engage in barking or other undesirable behavior. Even super cute Yorkie puppies can act hyper Set up a comfortable sleep environment If a dog is becoming hyper at night, it might be uncomfortable in its sleep environment. Ensure that they have a designated sleep spot that is safe, comfortable, and free from distractions. If the temperature is too hot or cold, this can cause your dog to wake and run around at night. It is common for senior dogs to feel temperature more as they age. If it is a young dog you can also try implementing a nighttime routine to help them settle and try to avoid witching hour. Feed them at the same time in the same place, take them to the toilet each night , give them a pat and a cuddle. How NOT to deal with a dog that is hyper at night The things we do as dog owners can have a considerable impact on our four-legged friends. If your dog regularly engages in hyper-fits at night, evaluate your own behavior to make sure that you are not rewarding it. Like with any training, you do not want to encourage unwanted behavior by giving your dog attention, treats, or positive reinforcement. You might think that a pat or some food is a good distraction, but your dog will see it as getting something good in exchange for zooming around the house. Do not feed too close to bedtime. Do not feed an inconsistent, unhealthy diet. Overall, diet can have a considerable impact on a dog and its behaviors. Dogs that are hyper at night might be impacted by their diet, so make sure you avoid unhealthy foods that could be hurting their stomachs. Also, avoid inconsistency. Just like with people, diet changes can impact energy levels and the way we feel. Changing a diet could actually be the trigger behind your dog getting hyper at night. Seeing your dog get hyper can be amusing the first time, but it will quickly become a problem if not controlled. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. So, what has gotten into your golden retriever puppy? Although it may seem like your puppy is hallucinating imaginary playmates, they just have the zoomies. What Are The Zoomies? Your retriever pup will show random and intense activity for a short burst of time. Your puppy may run in circles or continue to start and stop on a dime. Another common sign of the zoomies is play bows. This behavior which is completely normal is a way for your pup to get rid of any excess energy. So, when you think your pup starts to get rowled up, it may be time to get that tennis ball out for a game of fetch and your pup might start zooming all over the backyard. Some pups will also do this after being groomed or after a swim. Your dog could get the zoomies, making them hyper during play. But giving puppies a bath seems to be the most frequent trigger for puppies and older dogs who are prone to zoomies. No one is certain as to why zoomies happens to dogs after a bath or what they mean, but here are a few educated guesses: Stress relief: Baths are often stressful for young pups. The frenetic movements involved in zoomies could be a natural way for them to relieve stress by releasing pent up energy from their negative feelings about getting a bath. While they could be an act to try and get back to their pre-bath smell, this could also be their natural method of drying themselves. Zoomies also happen quite often at night. Why is this behavior so common for pups? Although your golden retriever puppy will nap a lot , they also have huge bursts of activity between nap times. In general, younger puppies are a lot more energetic than older dogs. As your dog ages, like humans, their energy level drops, and the frequency of zoomies typically drops as well. You could be wondering if the zoomies are safe for your retriever puppy. There are only two concerns you need to consider, which is how often they get the zoomies and any potential obstacles that could cause injury. For example, a fenced yard is a great place for them to get all of that excess energy out rather than doing it in a small, cluttered room. For example, it would be possible for them to bump into the leg of a table leg, making your heirlooms go flying. Although the zoomies are generally harmless, you should keep an eye on how often your golden retriever puppy is displaying this behaviour. Your golden retriever puppy could be dealing with a compulsive need to zoom or may be experiencing a higher than normal amount of stress. Planning daily walks, playtime, and training sessions can give your puppy a chance for them to release their energy. Make sure to get their much-needed nap time in the routine too. Are Golden Retrievers Hyper Dogs? The reason is due to their history as working dogs. Golden Retrievers love to get attention, play all day, go on adventures, and more, but this level of energy could get out of hand especially for new owners if it remains unchecked. The longer your Golden goes without any playtime, the more they become anxious and let out their energy in other ways, like chewing on things, and jumping on unsuspecting family members. So, it is advisable to keep your Golden outside playing, walking, or interacting with other dogs, for as long as possible to let them get it all out of their system. To help subdue these behaviors, make sure to give your golden attention throughout the day, not just when they act out. This will help because instead of associating their bad behavior with your affection, they will instead not have to act out for you to pay attention to them. Most Golden Retrievers are high energy, but that is not to say that every single one will be. There are several in the mix who prefer to be calm, cuddly, lap companions, especially in their older age or if you have a female Golden. Female Golden Retrievers mature faster than their male counterparts, so they grow out of their puppy phase faster. Most Golden Retriever puppies will be very high energy and require a lot of affection from their owner. This is a great question for new owners or even some seasoned Golden Retriever owners who may have had a Golden with a slightly different personality. A Golden Retriever dog breed has hard work and outdoor activities running through their veins, they have a free spirit and love to explore. They were bred to be hunting, and working dogs, so many generations have accumulated one fluffy, domesticated, ball of energy! Age: Oh, the Golden Puppy Stage! Age is a major contributing factor when it comes to why your Golden Retriever is so hyper. They are developing social constructs, getting used to their surroundings, and just like children, they love to play. Due to their historic disposition of outdoor activities, this dog loves to be outside in a big yard playing with children or other dogs. This lets them run off all of that energy while also building interactions with others. Golden Retrievers are were bred to be active, outgoing dogs Golden Retrievers Are Hyper by Nature They were bred as working dogs, meaning they have a genetic predisposition for more stamina and energy than some other dog breeds. They were primarily used as companions in midth Scotland to hunt waterfowl, and track downed birds during hunting. This history means that the Golden Retriever was bred to keep up with birds being tracked in the water and on land over many miles. This sporting breed has always been high energy and ready to please. Lack of Exercise can cause excessive hyperactivity in Goldens Just how we humans can get cabin fever and want to go outside and do something to alleviate the mundanity, dogs are the same way. The best way to combat this is to get them some exercise, at least 30 minutes a day is usually sufficient for this breed. Lack of Attention As I mentioned previously, your dog may be acting out because they want to get your attention. Goldens are notoriously cuddly and somewhat clingy companions especially if you have a male Golden Retriever , and they want all of the affection you can spare to them. If you have not played with or snuggled your Golden pup lately, they might be feeling a little neglected, which can lead them to act out in order to get you to fixate on them. If this sounds like the case for you, then the fix for this is to dedicate a time frame at least once or twice a day to giving your dog the attention they have been craving and playing one on one with them. This will let them know your bond is still strong while letting them get out some excess energy. Golden Retrievers Get Bored Similar to the issue of the lack of exercise, Golden Retrievers get bored and act out by showing their hyperactivity. The boredom can stem from many things like a lack of attention, exercise, or not having enough stimulating activities or training. To keep your dog from feeling bored, it is best to keep up their training and introduce new games and activities for them to try. Much like children, they need to be constantly stimulated, so switching up toys, or taking them to a dog park so they can have new interactions are great ways to rectify this. These tips will give you the tools you need to keep you golden happy, healthy, and calm. Keep your Golden busy with Mental Activities Mental activities are a great stimulator for dogs and especially puppies. Mental training and games will keep your dog entertained and help to keep their attention during training exercises. At a minimum, your Golden Retriever needs at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. A Golden Retriever can play for hours on end, and they love it! Training, Training, and More Training! Training your golden is very rewarding for both you and them, and as an added bonus it helps to keep their hyperactivity to a minimum. Golden Retriever dog breed is especially intelligent and is fairly easy to train, and sometimes they just need a little help with self-control, which can be taught. Obedience training will allow you to mentally stimulate your dog while also letting them learn the proper commands and times for things. The more training you give your dog, the more well-behaved they will be and the stronger your bond will become. Give Your Attention to Your Golden Regularly The most important thing to think about when getting a Golden Retriever is to know they will require regular exercise and attention. A Golden Retriever dog breed is very playful and affectionate and needs to be loved constantly. Invest in high-quality chew treats and toys As Goldens can get bored very easily, and since they are known as strong sporting dogs, they have been known to destroy many chew toys. The best way to keep them interested and to keep you from buying new toys every few days is to invest in high-quality chew toys and treats. Do Golden Retrievers calm down after being neutered or spayed? Many owners believe that spaying or neutering their dog will help to calm them down but that is usually not the case. Neutering and spaying can result in making the dog calmer for a short period of time while they are recovering and feeling fatigued. Neutering has a slight chance of helping to correct behaviors if done while they are puppies, this is because they have not had time to learn problematic behaviors. In males, it is likely to help reduce aggression but does not guarantee an effect on hyperactivity, especially since this is a breed trait in Golden Retrievers and not just a hormonal factor. The reduced energy behavior usually comes from the effects of the surgery itself being draining rather than changing their entire demeanor. It is more effective to train your Golden Retriever and reward for calmer behaviors, as this will become a lasting standard for your Golden, rather than a short-lived reprieve due to a procedure. Will my Golden Stay Hyper Forever? Golden Retrievers are a hyper dog breed, however, like most dogs, they tend to calm down after their puppy phase, around 2 or 3 years old. Golden Retriever females of the breed tend to mature faster obedience-wise than males, so they are more likely to be calmer overall. How much they calm down is dependent on the specific dog itself, some may maintain their energy throughout their entire lives and others may taper off later in their life. Overall, when you choose a Golden Retriever to be your family dog, it is important to know the breed is known to be a hyper, attention-seeking, and very active dog. It is important that you give your Golden Retriever daily exercise, training, and affection to have the happiest and healthiest life. Related Posts:. Nov 26, Nov 28, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Your sweet puppy is sleeping next to you. All of a sudden, he takes off like a rocket, running frantically around the room. Like clockwork, he goes crazy in the evening. My Aussie mix Millie routinely zips around the room late at night. And my Lhasa apso Ralphie joins in the fun. Bouncing around, jumping from couch to chair and running like race cars on track, they have wild looks in their eyes and opened mouths, smiling and having a lot of fun. Then, as soon as it started, it ends. The race cars ran out of gas. And they settle in calmly next to each other, curling up together. What are Zoomies? Zoomies are sudden bursts of energy. They usually seem to occur suddenly. And they end as quickly as they started. Your dog literally zooms around, then usually settles. They release excess energy that your dog has. Any dog can get the zoomies. But puppies and younger dogs are more likely to get them. Zoomies are normal. Why Do Zoomies Occur in the Evening? Zoomies often occur in the evening for many reasons. Inactivity or a lack of sufficient physical exercise Many dogs are relatively inactive during the day when their owners are at work. Many are crated or otherwise confined. Dogs just lie around until someone walks them or plays with them, even when given access to a yard during the day. Crating is fine. All of that pent-up energy suddenly is released as your dog is excited to see you and no longer confined. Not having mentally challenging exercises during the day set him up for night-time zoomies. Sort of like a grumpy, overly-tired child, the puppy becomes restless and needs to expend energy before collapsing into a deep sleep. Insufficient social interaction during the day If a puppy is alone most or all of the day, seeing anyone come home and spending time with them is extremely exciting. His world is bright and fun again. And he releases his pent-up, hyper energy by bouncing around the room with pure glee. Some puppies will run zoomies only when a special, favorite person comes home. Their high-pitched voices and sudden motions can be very stimulating to your pup. Have you been a good boy? Want to go out? You may get really excited telling him in a high-pitched voice what a great puppy he is. All this exceptional excitement revs him up. But there are other times that they may get them too. After a stressful situation A dog is likely to release pent-up energy following a stressful situation that occurs. This can be after a vet visit, which causes anxiety in many dogs. Or it can be after—or even during—overwhelming events such as a thunder and lightning storm. Or he may get the zoomies after getting away from something else that causes him anxiety, such as a person, dog, or loud vehicle. So after these events, they can have a burst of energy to release stress and anxiety. After defecating Many dogs will start to zoom around the yard—or try to even on leash—after pooping. After a confining event Of course, zoomies can easily occur after your dog is let out of his crate. But other times that he feels free may also lead to zoomies. This can be as simple as letting him into the yard. He sees a party out there! So many sights, smells, and sounds can be very stimulating to him. Not to mention the great space to run in. Even taking off his leash, harness, or collar can be freeing to your puppy. And a party begins with him being the special guest running the show. This can even happen after a car ride in which he feels confined. And he suddenly becomes a blur of activity. When going outside Any time of day a dog may get the zoomies in a yard. He may see or hear people, dogs, vehicles, horns beeping, lawnmowers buzzing, or other stimulating things outside. Even new smells, like fresh-cut grass or the feces of other animals, may lead to him racing around the great outdoors. Usually my dogs are active when they go outside, but, when it snows, they love to run. Are Zoomies Normal? But puppies and younger dogs are more likely to have them. They usually last just a few minutes but sometimes can even last 10 minutes. Try to enjoy the zoomies as much as your dog does! And, if the zoomies occur after a very stressful event, you may have to work with a trainer or behaviorist to help him adjust. What Does a Zoomie Look Like? Many dogs give a warning before taking off. Some dogs get a wild look in their eyes just before zooming. Some dogs—especially some herding breeds—are likely to run in circles or ovals during much of their wild race. Others look like a pinball in a pinball machine, bouncing wildly back-and-forth around the room. Some dogs may briefly settle, then start up again. Most usually eventually crash, out of breath, and relax. Some may even take a nap after darting around. What You Can Do Regarding the Zoomies Generally, as long as your dog is safe, you should just let him release his energy and have fun. You can block them with a dog gate. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or things that he can knock over. Secure any moveable rugs and keep him away from slippery floors. If you have more than one dog, make sure that the other dog tolerates his friend zooming. If, for example, you have a young dog who zooms and a senior who would rather take it easy, try to have the senior out of the area when your Energizer puppy gets his burst of energy. When my Aussie mix Millie was a puppy, I knew that she would regularly have nighttime zoomies. So I kept my year-old rescued shih tzu Trevor, who was losing his eyesight, out of the room at that time. If he starts, call him over to you and take him inside. Of course, praise him and give him irresistible, yummy treats when he reaches you. But chasing him can make him more reckless and cause him to run into objects trying to get away. Someone may walk into the room and, without meaning to, your excited canine can knock her over. Or he may actually be bounding from the chair to the table and potentially be injured. Or he may overheat. So praise him and make it a party when he comes to you. Give him great treats—a jackpot a few treats in a row. They should be small, no larger than a pea. Always have your reward treats ready before giving your obedience cue. Have him chase you Run the other way. Make him want to come to you. Make it a fun game. Praise and give him great treats when he comes to you. The reward can be a treat or even another game of fetch if he finds that to be very rewarding. Exercise your dog physically and mentally If your pup is alone too much during the day, have a trusted friend or hire someone to walk him and play with him during the day. After all, I have some very energetic breeds—shelties, an Aussie mix, and a golden. Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise is. Of course obedience training helps. You can also use activity toys to help tire your pup out mentally. One of the most basic is an Extreme Kong. Make sure that you get the right size for your pup. I fill it with a pate-type dog food and freeze it overnight. There are so many other puzzle toys. The Kong Wobbler is a favorite as is the Bob-a-Lot which is like the Wobbler but you can make it more difficult for the kibble to fall out than you can with the Wobbler. More complicated puzzle toys and a snuffle mat will help stretch his imagination. Get professional help if needed Zoomies are normal. A couple of zoomies are usually fine. But if your dog zooms all night, be concerned. Also, be wary if a zoomie regularly lasts more than a few minutes. Sometimes zoomies may last longer, but if they always do, get professional help. They may indicate that your dog is compulsively zooming. With any compulsive behavior, you need to get help as soon as possible. And it could teach your dog to avoid you in other circumstances or even to become aggressive. Remember: zoomies are normal. Only be concerned if your dog compulsively engages in them. Then get the appropriate help from a veterinary behaviorist. Even if your dog normally has a reliable recall, if he starts zooming all bets are off and he can become injured or worse. I take my dogs off-lead in various places because I show them in obedience and they have to be reliable in all settings. But I first work with them on a long-line in each setting so I can safely test their reliability in obeying commands before going off-lead. FAQs Is my doing being bad or defiant when he runs around in a crazy, unsettled manner in the evening? Zoomies are natural. Should I correct my dog from zooming around? Zoomies are normal behavior. Call him to you and reward him for coming. Play a game of fetch. What should I do? Try to have a trusted friend or hired pet sitter exercise him physically and mentally during the day. Does your dog go crazy in the evening? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. This would be more likely if it started getting hyper at around the same time that you changed its diet. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your Golden Retriever. It could also be the case that it is getting fed too late in the evening. If you are currently feeding it late into the evening, try feeding it earlier in the evening instead. It would also help to talk to your vet about its diet, how much it should be eating and what time it would be best to feed it. When they do not get enough exercise, it can cause them to become energetic and it might be a part of the reason why yours has been being hyper at night. This would be more likely if it tends to be more hyper on days when it is not able to get exercise. It is normally advised for them to get at least an hour of exercise per day as healthy adults. Separation anxiety If your Golden Retriever does not sleep where you sleep then it could be the case that it has some separation anxiety. This is where it does not like being left alone and the prospect of being left alone causes it to become anxious. This would be more likely if it shows signs of being anxious when you are about to leave it such as by pacing or crying. In this case, it would help to train it to get used to being left without you by leaving it for longer and longer periods. It would be important to start out by leaving it for a very short period so that it does not get anxious and then to reward it for not being anxious each time you do it. You might find that you will have to start by not even leaving the room and by simply making it seem like you are preparing to leave. You have been encouraging it It might also be the case that it has learned that it gets things that it wants when it is hyper at night. If you tend to give it things such as toys, treats or extra attention, when it starts being hyper, it will likely do it more in order to get more rewards. There is a problem with its sleeping environment It might be the case that there is a problem with its sleeping environment. It could be that it is too hot, it is not comfortable for it or that it is too bright. Things to consider Below are a number of things you can consider when trying to figure out why your Golden Retriever has been doing it. If it has always been hyper at night If your Golden Retriever was not always hyper at night, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it since it might be the case that there was an event that caused it to start. If your Golden Retriever is still a puppy then it is likely that it will calm down as it gets older and the reason that it gets hyper could be that it is not yet able to control its bladder through the night. How to get your Golden Retriever to be less hyper at night Below are a number of options you have when getting your Golden Retriever to be less hyper at night. Make sure that you are feeding it correctly Since a poor diet might be causing your Golden Retriever to become hyper at night it would help to make sure that you are feeding it correctly. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. It would also help to make sure that no one else has been feeding it and to avoid feeding it too late in the evening. Give it lots of exercise As mentioned above, it is important to make sure that Golden Retrievers are able to get daily exercise as healthy adults. Generally, they are meant to get an hour of exercise per day as healthy adults. Consider crate training Crate training is where you teach your Golden Retriever to learn to be comfortable inside of a crate designed for dogs. If you crate train your Golden Retriever in the right way it will give it a space where it can feel safe. This will give your Golden Retriever a space where it will be able to feel secure at night without you being around. Avoid encouraging it As mentioned above, it might be the case that you have encouraged it to be hyper by giving it things it wants when it does. Instead of giving it things that it wants when it gets hyper, it would help to reward it in the mornings when it is well behaved and to follow the other tips above. Plus, this makes the treat last longer. You can put a leash on your puppy if that helps him settle down. Although, some will just freak out and chew the leash, right Remy? This would be a good time to get out any of your puzzle toys or interactive toys. A Kong Wobbler is another good puzzle option. The puppy has to push it around to get dry food or treats to fall out. I get an old sheet. I recommend a chew proof leash or a chain leash. And of course you should still be in the room to supervise your puppy. Confession: sometimes we tether Remy to our two pound dumbbells and set him across the room for us while we watch TV. Some will think this looks like dog abuse. I call it puppy management. Click Here 7. Pretty sure myself, my husband and our 3 senior animals all let out a huge sigh of relief once Remy goes to bed. I do let him out again for a quick potty break before I go to bed around 10 or .You could also consider an ex-pen or puppy play pen when you need a break, especially if you have a smaller breed. Plenty of walks and play for your puppy during the day If you provide your puppy with at least an hour or so of walks, play and training throughout the day then he should have less pent-up energy at night. Again, a long leash is really helpful for letting your pup run around and explore during the day. When do puppies grow out of the witching hour? When will my puppy calm down? You may be wondering, when will my 12 week old puppy calm down? Good question! I think so much depends on the individual puppy and things like breed, personality, daily activities, etc. Why does my puppy go crazy in the evenings? The same might be true with higher-energy working breeds in general. So much just depends on the individual dog, however. With my weimaraner, he was pretty wild in the evenings until he was about a year and a half old. At that time, we did notice a significant difference. Instead of a full evening of puppy shenanigans, he was only wild for about 20 minutes after he ate dinner. Now my dog is 4 years old and we do not have to deal with this witching hour anymore, thank goodness. Weimaraners are known for being pretty immature until they are at least 2 years old though. Some breeds mature much faster! What else would you add to this list? In the comment section below, I would love to hear what breed of dog you have and how old your puppy is. Please tell me some of you have dealt with this kind of behavior! Treat Pouch: A treat pouch allows you to easily carry treats so you can help your puppy focus. This is helpful on walks as well as for short training sessions. Other resources:.

But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Abstract Background Weight at birth is an important predictor of neonatal mortality and morbidity in dogs. In addition, the birthweight of the puppies in a litter influences the decision to perform a cesarean section. The goal of the present study was to estimate heritabilities for the puppy birth weight in Labrador retrievers. Results Of the Labrador retriever litters whelped at the Guiding Eye for the Blind between September and February , were included in the analyses after data editing. Puppy weight at birth was the target trait, measured on a continuous scale in pounds, and converted to grams. Linear mixed models were used to identify factors influencing puppy weight at birth. The analyses showed that the sex of the puppy, litter size, length of gestation, adult weight of the dam, parity, year of birth and inbreeding coefficient of the puppies and dams contributed to the variance of the puppy birth weight. Dam and litter effects were included as random effects. A multiple trait derivative free restricted maximum likelihood approach was used to estimate variance components and genetic parameters with two animal models, one without covariates Model 1 and one with covariates Model 2. Sex of the puppy and litter size had moderate effects, whereas gestation length, adult weight of the dam, parity, year of birth and inbreeding coefficients of the dam and the puppies had minor effects. Estimates for Model 1 and Model 2 were 0. Conclusions In order to estimate reliable breeding values for puppy weight at birth, sex of puppy, litter size, length of gestation and the adult weight of the dam should be included. Estimates could benefit from weighing the dams prior to each mating. Background The size or weight of puppies at birth is an important parameter, which influences neonatal mortality and morbidity and is a predictor of puppy survival [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. After a physiological weight loss within the first three days post-partum the growth curve reverses and birth weight is doubled after two weeks [ 4 ]. Breeders should weigh the puppies daily for at least the first three weeks [ 5 ] and provide each puppy with an individual feeder bowl. In this way, problem puppies are recognized early and the breeder may seek advice from a veterinarian. A recent publication proposes health monitoring for newborn puppies by assessing blood and other parameters to reduce neonatal losses [ 6 ]. Factors with an influence on the birthweight have been reviewed for domestic animals [ 7 ]. Among them are year and season of birth, sex, age and diet of the dam and fetal environment. Possible influences on gestation length in dogs including breed, litter size, parental age and size or parity have been investigated in different breeds [ 2 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], but were not conclusive. A recent genome-wide association study revealed six canine SNPs associated with gestation length [ 14 ], which may lead to the identification of genetic variants influencing this trait. Birth weight is not only determined by the genetic makeup of the offspring and its environment, but also by the maternal genetic composition and environment provided by the dam [ 15 ]. Estimates for genetic parameters for the birth weight in dogs are scarce. Nielen and coworkers [ 16 ] estimated the direct heritability for birth weight in Boxers to be 0. Helmink and coworkers estimated direct heritabilities for German shepherds GS and Labrador retrievers LR to be in the range of 0. In the same study the maternal additive genetic heritabilities were estimated to be in the range of 0. Estimation of maternal effects may improve breeding value estimation. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a non-for profit organization that breeds and trains mostly LR and a few GS to provide guide dogs to people who are blind or have visual impairment. The breeding strategy and detailed procedures of Guiding Eyes for the Blind have been described [ 18 ]. The aim of the present study was to identify factors that influence puppy weight at birth which can provide insights for improvement in the Guiding Eyes for the Blind breeding program. Results To reliably estimate parameters levels of covariates with less than 30 litters were not included in the analyses. As a result of this restriction, 91 litters with a litter size smaller than four puppies or larger than eleven puppies, 15 litters with a gestation length shorter than 56 days or longer than 63 days and 19 litters with parities larger than six were dropped, leaving litters with puppies in the study. The average puppy weight was g, and males were heavier g than females g. The fixed effects of season of birth of the litter, inbreeding coefficient of the sire, as well as adult weight of the sire did not have a significant effect on PWB in LR. Table 1 Effects influencing the individual birth weight of puppies. Comparison of the variance components of a model without covariates Model 1 and a model with covariates 2. The direct-maternal covariance was held at zero Full size table Sex of the puppy and litter size had moderate effects, whereas gestation length, adult weight of the dam, parity, year of birth and inbreeding coefficients of the dam and the puppies had minor effects Table 1. Estimates of variance components Table 1 and genetic parameters Table 2 for PWB are shown for models 1 and 2. To make the individual effects of the covariates model 2 more tangible, detailed information about their magnitude are given in Additional file 1. Table 2 Proportions of variance components influencing the individual birth weight of puppies. Comparison of the variance components of a model without covariates 1 and a model with covariates 2. The aim was to measure the genetic correlation between the two traits Additional file 2. The genetic correlations of the direct effects as well as the one of the maternal effects reached almost unity. These results indicate that the architecture of the direct as well as the maternal additive genetic effects of PWB should be very similar in both sexes. These findings allowed for jointly analyzing the PWB of both sexes and to run a univariate mixed animal model with sex as covariate. Discussion Birth weight is a complex trait and influenced by many factors. PWB and post-natal weight gain are important parameters to recognize problem neonates and puppies deviating from normal development, respectively. Variation in size is desirable for Guiding Eyes for the Blind client placements. Dogs provided to people who are blind or visually impaired and also have difficulties with balance require a larger dog to aid in stability. In contrast, many guide dog users prefer a smaller more compact dog to easily fit in smaller spaces available when using commercial means of transportation. However, too heavy or too large guide dogs may be a hazard for the user [ 17 ]. Avoiding the birth of puppies with extreme birth weights is desirable in dog breeding and enhances welfare of the animals in general. In dogs, season of birth was associated with risk for cardiovascular disease risk [ 21 ] and fertility in bitches kept in tropic countries [ 22 ], however, the authors are not aware of any work reporting a seasonal effect on PBW. This is in contrast to findings in humans where the season of birth was strongly associated with birthweight and adult weight, as well as health outcomes in later life [ 23 ]. Seasonal effects on birth weight were found in horse or sheep [ 24 , 25 ]. Sex of the individual affected birth weight in LR. On average, female puppies were 24 g lighter than male puppies. This effect of the sex of an individual confirms the results of earlier studies in the dog [ 3 , 16 , 26 ] and may reflect physiological differences between the sexes. In our data a genetical sex dimorphism could not be detected. As in full sib families dominance effects could affect the estimation of additive genetic effects [ 27 , 28 ] we also investigated possible dominance effects in our data using WOMBAT together with the R-package NADIV [ 27 ]. With the same approach we also assessed possible sex chromosomal influences usually not considered in variance component analyses. Our data revealed neither substantial dominance effects nor sex-linked effects Additional file 3. The antagonistic relation between litter size and PWB is well known for domestic animals [ 7 ]. In LR, an increase of the litter size by one puppy resulted in a moderate decrease of PBW of 11 g in average confirming results of earlier studies in the dog [ 3 , 16 , 29 , 30 ]. However, the effect was small with an increase of about 6 g for an additional day in the length of gestation. Whereas the adult weight of the sire did not influence PWB in LR, offspring of heavier dams showed a slightly higher PWB, on average by 5 g per kg adult weight, which confirms a previous report [ 3 ]. In a study of Great Danes with a rather restricted data set, the maternal and paternal adult weight had a positive effect on the PBW. Furthermore, higher adult weight of the sire increased neonatal weight gain in this breed [ 29 ]. In LR, up to about parity two to three the PWB in LR increased about 4 g in a linear fashion whereas from about parity two to three to parity six the PWB decreased about 4 g in a non-linear fashion. A similar observation was made in humans [ 31 ]. Although the PWB was fluctuating over the years there was a very small increase of 2 g per year from to .It is well known, that the year of birth may lead to variation of the birth weight by differences in the climate, management and selection of breeding animals in domestic species [ 7 ]. The reason for this very small increase of PWB in LR remains unclear but may be related to the selection of breeding animals. Inbreeding may affect many traits including birth weight [ 32 ] and litter size [ 33 ] in domestic animal species. In the present study, PBW was only marginally influenced by the inbreeding coefficient. Inbreeding of the puppies and the dam had very small but opposite effects. The residual variances are not different but the environmental variance of the litter in model 2 is less than half of that in model 1 and the direct genetic variance in model 2 is close to half of that in model 1. The differences of the maternal genetic variance and the environmental variance of the dam are much less pronounced between the two models. These observations are reflected in the estimates of heritabilities and proportions Table 2. The maternal heritability 0. The residual is larger in model 2 due to the smaller total variance. In Boxers, estimates for heritability of birthweight corrected for litter effects and sex were much higher 0. This discrepancy may be explained by the fact that for our study maternal effects were included in the models. Helmink and coworkers estimated heritabilities for birthweight in German shepherd dogs and LR [ 17 ] by using the following bivariate models: birth weight — 42 days weight and birth weight - mature weight accounting for the litter. For birthweight in LR they found similar direct genetic heritabilities 0. Our results suggest that the inclusion of covariates may lead to better estimates although standard errors of heritabilities and proportions are only marginally smaller in model 2 than in model 1. However, the knowledge benefits anyone especially the working dog community who wants to investigate birth weight in a specific population, canine or not, or improve the situation with respect to birth weight in specific populations. Results suggest that the inclusion of covariates in the model improves the estimates of variance components. The magnitude of the heritabilities indicates that estimation of breeding values could improve breeding program with respect to PWB. Whether our findings help to improve the situation with respect to the stabilization of PWB in guide dogs depends heavily on how they can be implemented in a breeding strategy that is focused on the guiding abilities of the dogs. To evaluate the impact of our results on the general LR population, reliable data on PWB need to be collected. Most of the covariates included in model 2 could also be recorded in the field. The target trait, individual puppy weight at birth PWB was measured in pounds and converted to grams. The final data set comprised puppies in litters by dams and sires, born from September to February Additional file 4. Potential predictors were chosen based on literature [ 4 , 11 , 26 , 29 , 36 , 37 ]. Breed, a well-known factor influencing PBW [ 6 ] was not relevant for the present study because all animals were LR. The diet of the dam during pregnancy can influence the birth weight of puppies [ 26 ], but was not included in the analyses, because keepers of pregnant dams adhere to the feeding regime recommended by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Descriptive statistics for PWB and variables in the analyses are given in Additional file 5. Prior to the estimation of variance components, the significance of factors was evaluated and correlations between explanatory variables estimated Additional file 6. Litter size ranged from 4 to .Litters with less than four puppies and litters with twelve or more puppies were excluded from the analyses. Parity ranging from 1 to 6 and parity squared, as well as length of gestation were included. Litters with gestation lengths shorter than 56 days or longer than 63 days were excluded. Litters after cesarean sections were included in the analyses, because the gestation time was known. Year of birth was a possible predictor and encompassed the years to .Further possible predictors were the inbreeding coefficients of the puppies and their parents, as well as the sex of the puppies. Finally, adult weight of the dam was measured in pounds then converted to kg. Model 1 contained no covariates, because covariates are not always easily recorded in the field, and Model 2 included the covariates identified to influence PWB Additional file 7. The covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects fluctuated around zero and was never different from zero. Therefore, it was fixed at zero for both models. For both models the following variance components were estimated: direct genetic variance, maternal genetic variance, maternal environmental variance, environmental variance by the litter and residual variance. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. In this article, we will take a look at some of the essential questions about puppy nutrition. We will start with how you can tell if your puppy is getting the nutrition they need. Next, we will look at how often puppies need to eat, how much they need to eat, and what they should be eating for optimal nutrition. This article is for entertainment purposes only. If you have any health-related questions about your dogs or puppies please consult with your vet or animal nutritionist. While we assume that nature will take its course for puppies that are nursing and that they will get enough nutrients from their mother, this does not always happen. How do you know? If it is just one puppy in the litter, it will be noticeably smaller than the others. This means that they should have doubled in size within the first week. When fed from their mother, newborn puppies will eat around every two hours. The time between feedings will gradually increase, so it might be three hours between feedings at two weeks and three and a half hours at three weeks. They should not be left without food during the night and may need one or two nighttime feeds. By the time they are four to five weeks old, you can expect that they will be eating around every hours during the day, and they should continue to eat at night. They should not go more than five hours without food. Once your puppy gets to six to eight weeks old, they can start being weaned onto solid food and should be eating around four times a day. They can go up to eight hours without food during the night. It is better to give your puppy smaller meals more often rather than larger meals at longer intervals to help with digestion. Also, puppies have not yet developed the ability to manage their blood sugar levels, so they need regular feeding to keep their energy on an even level. That said, for the first four weeks, they will spend most of their time eating, sleeping, and pooping. It can be a good idea to massage their bellies after a meal to help with proper digestion. As puppies grow and move on to solid foods, you can further reduce the frequency at which they eat. Try and get them into a regular eating schedule as soon as possible, to give them security and to make bathroom needs and house training predictable. How often they should be fed depends mainly on the size of the breed, but there are some exceptions. Toy breeds should have meals a day until they are about four months old. This can be reduced to meals a day at six months until they are full-grown; then they only really need two meals a day. Small and medium breeds can move on to a lower-frequency feeding schedule when they are about four months old and can eat just twice a day for the rest of their lives. Larger breeds will need meals a day when they are about four months old, but they will continue to need this more frequent feeding to keep up with their energy use as adults. What Should Newborn Puppies Eat? They are not dissimilar from the formula that human babies receive, but are tweaked for puppy nutrition. Below are some of the best puppy formulas that you can get today. It is recommended to reconstitute the milk with one part formula and two parts water, and every tablespoon will provide .Shop All Cat Food Few things are more delightful than a litter of newborn puppies, but the prospect of caring for all of these brand new little lives can be daunting. But don't worry. Check out this guide to newborn puppy care to tell you what need to know to raise a healthy, happy litter. A Clean Environment Newborn puppies will spend their first few weeks in the box or pen in which they were born, so it's important to choose wisely when preparing for their arrival. The space should offer enough room for the mother to lie down and stretch out comfortably without crushing the puppies, and she should be able to come and go freely while keeping the puppies contained. It should also be easy to access so that you can change out the bedding each day. In these early days, Mom will clean up her pups' waste, but if it's a large litter she may need help keeping up. Around the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Once they start to toddle about, you can move them to a larger pen with room to play, and bathroom cleanup will require more of your attention. Although the puppies will snuggle up with their mom and each other for warmth, it's best to use a heat lamp during their first month of life. The lamp should be placed high enough above the box to prevent any risk of burning the mother or her pups, and there should also be a cooler corner that the pups can crawl to if they get too warm. For the first five days, the temperature inside the pen should be kept at about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. From days five through ten, gradually dial back the heat to 80 degrees, and then continue to reduce the heat little by little until it reaches 75 degrees by the end of their fourth week, suggests PetPlace. Nursing and Nutrition During their first few weeks, puppies rely exclusively on their mother for their nutritional needs. Although she may be less active during this time, nursing uses up a lot of the mother's energy and her daily caloric requirements will be higher than normal, says the AKC. To ensure both mother and puppies receive adequate nutrition throughout the nursing stage, the mother should be fed several servings of a quality puppy food throughout the day. Your veterinarian can recommend the type and amount of food to feed your nursing mother. It's important to keep an eye on the puppies' weight during this time. If you notice any of the puppies being underfed, you may need to keep an eye on them when it's time to nurse and make sure the smaller puppies latch onto the fullest nipples for feeding, says The Nest. Puppies who cry or whimper frequently may also be hungry and need more attention during feeding. If the smaller puppies still don't show signs of healthy growth or weight gain, talk to your vet. It might be necessary to take over and bottle-feed them. It's also important to watch the mother for signs of mastitis, says Wag! Signs of mastitis include red and swollen nipples and reluctance to nurse. The mother may even snap at the puppies when they try to eat. If you notice these signs, contact your vet right away. By the fourth or fifth week, the puppies will start getting their teeth and the weaning process will begin as the mother's milk production slows. Once you notice the puppies starting to sample Mom's food, it's time to provide them with their own dish of puppy food. Health Young puppies are susceptible to disease and infection, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them. Newborn puppy care should include regular inspections to watch for signs of infection or poor health. Report anything unusual such as vomiting, diarrhea or a puppy who won't stand or eat to your vet. Little puppies are also especially vulnerable to fleas and other parasites, says The Spruce Pets , so talk to your vet about appropriate parasite control. Although antibodies they receive from nursing will help protect them from illness in the early weeks, these antibodies wear off around six to eight weeks, which is when they will need to receive their first round of vaccinations. Make sure you and all family members thoroughly wash your hands before interacting with these puppies to help reduce the risk of getting them sick from any bacteria that might be lying in wait on your hands. Socialization By the fourth week the puppies are ready to begin socializing with humans and other dogs. Weeks four through twelve are a critical window during which puppies need to learn about the world they'll inhabit so they'll become well-adjusted, happy dogs, says The Spruce Pets. Poorly socialized puppies tend to grow into anxious dogs who may have behavioral problems, so whether you plan to keep the puppies or send them to good homes, it's important to cuddle and play with them, allow them to explore and play and expose them to as many new experiences as possible. Newborn puppy care entails a lot of work, but these first several weeks go by in a flash. If your puppies end up being adopted, you'll be saying goodbye to them in no time, an event that is often bittersweet. Enjoy the pups while you have them, and when it's time to let go, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave them the best possible beginning. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Here's what you need to know about taking care of your newborn pups after they are born. Approach the Puppies With Caution Although you may want to pet and hold the puppies constantly, it is important not to intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives, as they are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful for the mother and puppies. Use caution when approaching the puppies, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. As the puppies get older and more active, your dog will want more and more time to get away and sleep, exercise, or socialize with members of the household. So give your dog space to get away from the puppies, but make sure that she is often returning to check on them. Provide A Warm Environment Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Therefore, for the first 4 weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and puppies to share. To keep the puppies warm, position a heating lamp above it. Ensure there are unheated areas, as the puppies will need to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Monitor the puppies' temperature. If puppies are too cold, they cannot process milk and it may curdle in their stomach. Do not use heating pads, as the puppies may be cold and stay on the heating pad too much. If it is too hot, it can cause burns. Start Socializing the Puppies If the mother dog allows it, you can get the puppies used to your presence. Socializing them early can help ensure that they fit nicely into a household. Puppies should initially be weighed twice a day for the first week or two, then daily. Puppies should never lose weight or even maintain weight—either of these is cause for supplementation and concern. If you notice that one of your puppies is smaller, not gaining weight, or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Puppies should not be taken away from their mother and sent to their new homes too quickly, as they learn important social rules and behavior from their mother and siblings. Puppies should not be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old, and it may be illegal before this in many states. Waiting until they are 10 weeks old will give the maximum benefit of social interaction with their mother and littermates. Feeding and Weaning Newborn puppies should nurse at least every 2 hours for the first week or two of life. After this, they can stretch the feeding times to hours, as long as they are still gaining weight and doing well. Once the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to puppy food. You can mix a high-quality commercial puppy food with water or canned puppy food to make it easier for them to eat. It is important that the food is softened at first. They should still have constant access to the mother, as she will continue to nurse them. Over the next few weeks, they will rely more and more on puppy food rather than nursing. Most dogs will wean their puppies by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Puppies have sharp teeth at this point, so nursing may be painful to the mother dog. Continue to be vigilant and monitor her for signs of mastitis. Contact Your Vet Just After the Puppies Are Born Contact your veterinarian to ask for their recommendation regarding when the puppies should first be examined. They may want to see them right away to evaluate for cleft palates , umbilical hernias , and other health concerns, or they may advise you to wait until they are a bit older. Most veterinarians recommend deworming at regular 2-week intervals starting at 2 weeks old. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in , after receiving her bachelor's degree.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Training and Socialization Back to Top The birth of puppies is an exciting time. It's beautiful to watch a mother care for her newborns, especially in the early stages of life. A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon its mother. The first week of a puppy's life is mainly about sleeping and eating so it will grow. Puppies should remain with their mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks. However, it is most crucial to have a mother during the first few weeks of life. A puppy that has been separated from its mother will need human intervention. Raising a newborn puppy takes a lot of time and intensive care. This is not quite the same thing as caring for a young puppy. They cannot see and can hear very little, if at all. Yet they are able to make noise, which sounds like high-pitched squealing. They have no teeth at birth and are unable to walk. Newborn puppies are incapable of urinating or defecating on their own. In addition, a newborn puppy cannot regulate its own body temperature. Most newborn puppies are instinctively able to find their mother's nipples and begin nursing right after they are born, or whelped. Once cleaned up by mom or a helping human hand they will crawl towards the mother's warm belly, find the teats, and begin to suckle. Fun Fact With proper food intake and mothering care, a newborn puppy should double its weight in the first 10 days of its life. That's more than 22 hours a day, but sleep doesn't happen all at once. Pups will nap on and off throughout the day and night, keeping warm with littermates and the mother's body heat. In between naps, they spend the rest of the time eating and being groomed by mom. Newborn puppies eat about every two hours or more. Because newborn puppies cannot see, hear, or walk, they do not have much exploring to do early on. The puppy's world is all about mom, littermates, and the box they all sleep in. Health and Care During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the mother dog spends the majority of her time providing food and care. The mother keeps her puppies clean and nurses them. She licks the anus and genitals of each puppy to stimulate urination and defecation. During this time, humans can gently hold and pet the puppies for brief periods as long as this does not seem to upset the mother dog. It's more likely for human contact to be welcomed if those humans are part of the mother dog's family. In general, it's best to let mom do her job and stick to just petting the puppies. However, there are situations where the mother is unwilling or unable to care for her pups. Or, mom might be doing a fine job, but one or more puppies are not growing properly. This is when human intervention is the only possible way to save the puppies. If you decide to care for an orphaned puppy, be prepared to spend most of your time with the puppy for the next few weeks. Warning Any time a puppy is not gaining weight well or becomes orphaned, that puppy should be taken to a vet as soon as possible to assess her health. Puppies can get very sick very quickly without proper care. When in doubt about the health of a puppy, do not delay the vet visit! If the puppy was rejected by her mother, it may be due to a health issue detected by the mother. In the meantime, you will need to do your best to provide the care her mother would have. Create a warm environment for the puppy to sleep. A small box with blankets and a heating lamp is ideal. Keep the lamp at a fair distance so the environment does not overheat. A heating pad and blankets can also work, just make sure the heating pad is well-covered to prevent burns. Bottle feed a special puppy formula every hours. You should be able to find puppy milk replacement at a pet food store or through your veterinarian. Do not feed puppies cow's milk, as it does not provide adequate nutrition and it can cause digestive issues. Use a warm cloth or cotton ball to stimulate urination and defecation immediately after each meal. The amounts of urine and feces will be very tiny. A normal stool will be yellowish and soft. Regularly massage the puppy's body and clean the puppy as needed. Massage will mimic the feeling of the mother grooming, something experts believe is an integral part of development. Food and Nutrition In general, a newborn puppy gets all the nutrition it needs from its mother's milk. The first milk made by the mother contains colostrum, a substance that contains additional antibodies to help the puppy fight infection. This can be absorbed by the puppy for the first day or two of life and provides some temporary immunity against whatever illnesses the mother has immunity against. Be aware that commercial puppy formula will not provide colostrum. Bottle-fed puppies that do not get colostrum are especially vulnerable to illness and may not thrive. A veterinarian may be able to administer serum from another dog to the puppy within the first 24 hours of its life to mimic the effects of colostrum. Newborn puppies will not have teeth for several weeks and are unable to digest puppy food. Do not introduce any kind of dog food until the puppies are ready to begin the weaning process, usually around weeks of age, unless it is otherwise recommended by a veterinarian. Training and Socialization A newborn puppy is too young to go through any kind of training, but there may be some things you can do to get her used to people and her environment. If the mother permits it, handle the puppies regularly for a short time. Take care not to keep the pup away from mom for more than a few minutes. You can use the time to cuddle and pet the puppy, acquainting her with the smell and feel of humans and the environment. The Birth and Care of Newborn Puppies November 01, Once a puppy is born, its mama will remove the sac and chew the umbilical cord to sever it. Post birth, a mama will thoroughly lick her puppies, apparently removing any fluid from their noses. Only once in a great while have we ever needed to suction fluid from puppy noses, using a bulb syringe. This movement dislodges fluids from the lungs so that it can breathe normally. The green is from the inner lining of the placenta. Most of the time, a mama is able to lick away these various forms of discharge, leaving her pups spotlessly shiny. However, we have observed that the green fluid can stain the coats of light-colored puppies. After a puppy is born and licked clean by its mother, it will immediately wobble and wriggle directly toward a teat. This is remarkable, given the fact that all puppies are born blind and deaf. Their senses of smell and touch are enough to draw them toward the milk they need to survive. Most mama dogs instinctively know how to whelp all their pups without injuring them. However, some first-time moms are frantic. They step on their puppies, pick them up in their teeth, roll over onto them and smother them, or move them around every few minutes as though they cannot figure out the origin or nature of these squirmy little gerbils that seem always to be underfoot. In these cases, we must remove the puppies to a safer area until their mother has whelped all of her puppies and has calmed down. After a visual observation and feeling her abdomen, we can usually determine if there are any more pups to be delivered. If it is apparent that labor is stalled and there are more puppies to whelp, we give the mama an injection of oxytocin, which stimulates more contractions and facilitates more births. Oxytocin also assists with the expulsion of the placenta. Once the whelping is complete, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The new mother will settle into a routine of caring for her pups and resting after the ordeal. The post-birth cleanup is far more manageable, although it will continue for days and even weeks as an intermittent stream of blood expels from her vaginal area. Any nursing mother needs to drink extra helpings of water, so we make sure our moms have plenty to drink day and night. I hope you have found this article interesting. Thank you for reading! Note: Most of this information is based on our own personal experience, but a few details were gleaned from the book, The Monks of New Skete: The Art of Raising a Puppy, published by Little, Brown, .Marble Mountain Kennels.

Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pugs grow to between 10 and 13 inches tall, weighing in between 14 and 18 pounds. Character: The Pug temperament is friendly, loving and adaptable - Pug puppies are the perfect best friend to their humans and have been for centuries. The short, glossy coat is prone to malting, so a quick, weekly brush should do the trick, along with regular nail trimming. Pugs experience chronic dry eyes which can often lead to corneal ulcers, plus like many flat-faced dog breeds, they suffer from breathing problems. With a happy-go-lucky disposition, Pugs should be trained with positive reinforcement which these dog training treats are particularly handy for , and should never be harshly punished like any pooch, of course. Energy levels: Well-established lap dogs of the human world, Pugs and Pug puppies would happily snuggle up with their pack all day long with the odd playtime , if they had their way. But due to their short snouts, Pugs are prone to snoring, so if your pooch sleeps near you, you may want to invest in ear plugs! Below is their slightly unfortunate squashed snout which sadly causes various health issues , along with an endearing over-shot jaw, whereby the lower teeth jut out slightly further than the top. Around these unmistakable Pug features are a set of adorable wrinkles that set in rather early! Now onto that stout, stocky body. And when it comes to Pug colors, white Pugs are incredibly rare, while black Pug puppies along with fawn and sometimes brindle are much more common. How to take care of a Pug puppy Pug puppies when not napping or pining for snacks , like their adult counterparts, will happily follow you around the house between naps. Due to their snooze-loving nature, Pugs are pretty low maintenance, mainly after pet parents who are willing to share the love and attention they crave. Along with TLC, what about feeding and training your Pug puppy? And feeding your puppy Pug is no exception. So, how much should you be feeding your puppy Pug? As a general rule, try to stick to around one ounce of food per one pound of body weight. So, a positive reinforcement-based potty training regime will be your best bet. A good potty training routine starts the night before - to avoid any unwanted accidents, take your puppy outside right before bed to remind them that the outdoors is where the toilet is. Then in the morning, take your pooch out first thing so that they associate the outdoors with going to the toilet. Then during the day and especially in the early puppy days , take your pooch outside every 30 minutes to an hour. This will help your new pup to understand that going to the toilet happens outside. Many parents will opt for puppy matt training, which can be useful in the early stages of puppyhood. Well it helps your pup to understand that only parts of your living area are right for toileting. Some pet parents will also opt for crate-based toilet training. This can be effective for teaching your puppy to avoid going to the toilet in the space they associate with sleeping and relaxing. And while each pooch is different, there are a few you can look out for. And while this might be their downfall in some ways, it can be beneficial for training scenarios. So when puppy training , take a positive reinforcement-based approach, rewarding your pup when they behave in the way you intended. Getting a Pug puppy Like with any pooch, welcoming a Pug puppy into your home is a forever responsibility. Before making the decision, be sure to learn as much about the breed as possible, making sure that you, your home and the rest of your pack are right for these spunky little cuties. The result? Many cute Pug puppies and adults are waiting in shelters for forever homes. When do Pug puppies calm down? Do Pug puppies sleep a lot? If you thought adult Pugs liked their sleep, puppy Pugs are on a whole other level! For the first five months or so, Pugs will sleep between a whopping 18 and 20 hours per day. How much exercise does my Pug puppy need? Great question! Especially for new pet parents, gauging how much movement your pup needs can be challenging. Find out their exercise needs and balance it with meals, snacks and training for a happy, healthy Pug pup. Look no further than our adorable and lovable pug puppies for sale. Pugs are known for their playful, loving, and loyal nature, making them a perfect addition to any household. Their wrinkled faces and expressive eyes will melt your heart and their silly antics will keep you entertained for hours. Our pug puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, ensuring that they are well-socialized and ready to become a part of your family. They have been exposed to a variety of people and animals, so they are comfortable in any situation. They are also up to date on all vaccinations and have been vet-checked to ensure they are in the best of health. Pugs are known to be great with children and other pets, making them perfect for families with kids or homes with other pets. They are also small enough to live in apartments or homes with limited space, but still have plenty of energy to play and have fun. One of the best things about pugs is their adaptable nature. Contact us today to schedule a visit and take the first step in bringing your new best friend home! I was kept informed of what was happening and what to expect. She learnt her new name quickly, loves her toys and most of all, loves tug o war games and simply cuddling up. A wonderful experience. Received a very happy, healthy and well adjusted pug puppy. Even my vet was impressed! DAWSON We bought our first puppy from Celebrity Pug Puppies Home, Teresia was so reassuring and helpful, she encourage us not to rush to a decision and was there throughout, offering help and guidance with out little pup! Would definitely recommend! We give you a bundle of joy.

Durability and material quality are crucial factors. Look for ones made from durable rubber or hard nylon materials. They must have been tested against aggressive chewers like our beloved Labs. Kong Toy uses natural rubber, which offers toughness while gentle on sensitive teething gums. Another popular option is rope toys made from fibrous material with multiple knots. Durable toys help clean puppy teeth and provide a satisfying chewing experience. It is the best thing for a teething puppy. Very young puppies under six months old benefit from small or medium-sized toys. Later you can upgrade to a bigger, appropriate toy for adult teeth. The best chew toy texture should provide comfort. Soft materials like plush toys can offer relief for sore gums. Harder rubber or nylon-based items such as Kong Puppy Toys and Nylabone chews work great for large breeds. Keep in mind how determined young puppies can be! It minimizes the possible ingestion of harmful materials. Even hard chew toys need supervision. Discard damaged items immediately. Select toys that can withstand their powerful bites. What is the best teething dog toy for a 6-month-old puppy? The soft Kong Toy is made explicitly for puppies. You can also fill it with treats for additional fun. What can I give my week-old puppy to chew? At what age do Lab puppies stop chewing on everything? The intense chewing phase usually ends by the sixth month in Lab puppies. Puppies also go through a stage like humans. They lose their old teeth and experience pain when the new teeth arrive. What is the best chew toy for a dog? These are the very best teething toys for dogs. What is a good daily chew for dogs? It is designed for active dogs and is good for a daily chew. What are safe chew toys for puppies? They are non-toxic and provide the highest quality safety standards. What do vets recommend for puppy toys for teething? They are produced using quality materials and promote healthy development. What are the best chew toys for puppies? Hard nylon toys from brands like Nylabone and Kong are some of the best ones. They come in several shapes and sizes. They are fun and easy to carry around and chewing. What are the best things for a teething puppy to chew on? Edible things like bully sticks, pig ears, pigskin rolls, rawhide bones, etc. However, dogs can choke if they bite off these edible chews. Rubber chew toys are best for Labradors and most dogs. It is the safest option. Choose toys that can stand firm against the aggressive Labrador chewing. What are some good teething toys for puppies like labs? Chewing keeps the jaws solid and puppy teeth clean. Labradors love to chew sticks, bones, and anything else available. Dog chew toys are excellent for fun, physical and mental stimulation and anxiety. What dogs teething toy is best for 8-week-old puppies? Softer toys are ideal for young puppies. They are yet to chew at their full potential and destroy the toy. Soft Chews like Kong Toys are perfect for puppies of about 8 weeks. Even softer rubber puppy version toys work great What is best for teething puppies to chew on? Should Lab puppies chew sticks? Long-term chewing can cause further wear and tear and pain. It is because they are not designed for chewing. Labradors are s heavy chewers. Even for adult dogs, ensure they have ample toys for entertainment for their adult teeth needs exercise. Look for durable rubber toys, as Labs can be aggressive. Are Labradors strong chewers? Labs are vigorous power chewers. They can destroy the average toy in minutes. Labrador puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 4 months old and the process is usually complete by 7 months old. The first baby teeth to fall out are usually incisors, the canines, and the premolars. The molars are the last to fall out. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. Type And Materials The material used to make dog toys affects their safety and durability. It makes it long-lasting enough even for rough play. Always check labels on stuffed toys to ensure they meet safety standards and do not contain dangerous fillings. It provides a gentle chewing experience promoting dental health without choking. Safety And Durability Labs are powerful chewers. Find toys made from high-quality materials like durable nylon bones or sturdy rubber. The best dog toys will stand up to their strong jaws without breaking into small pieces. Teething chew toys should be gentle on their developing gums but tough enough to endure the constant gnawing. Avoid thin rubber squeaky-type toys because they can easily break apart or get swallowed. Quality And Price As a devoted dog owner, you might be tempted to buy the most affordable dog toys. However, balance quality and price when choosing toys for your labrador retriever. Investing in top-notch Lab puppy toys ensures you get long-lasting products. Choose toys with different textures and shapes, as the same toy can become boring. Pick toys that are easy to clean and avoid toys with small parts. Puppies have different chew strengths than adult dogs. Therefore, teething toys will work well for puppies. Durable rope or tug toys are also appropriate for young adult dogs. Soft durable rubber balls or puzzle treat dispensers cater to mental and physical stimulation. They keep the puppy entertained in safe ways. Invest in rope and woven toys with knotted ends perfect for tug-of-war games. They offer interesting textures to chew on and keep the pet busy. Besides, textures like ribbed rubber or bumpy surfaces can stimulate their senses. Opt for machine-washable toys that can easily be wiped down with soap and water. An easy-to-clean toy is the Kong Classic Dog Toy. Made of durable rubber, it can be hand washed or placed in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning. Another option is rope toys. They can be thrown into the washing machine and dried afterward. Lab pups are instinctive to chew on things, so choose appropriate toys. It had a small hole in the surface. The toy got stuck in his throat, and thankfully, they could remove it before any serious harm. Interactive And Mental Stimulation Toys For Lab Puppies Labrador puppies need interactive and mental stimulation toys to keep them entertained and engaged. But the best part? It is made from durable materials and is a safe puppy toy. Not only will your growing puppy be entertained, but also improve their cognitive abilities! My own Lab puppy loves this toy — it has become his go-to whenever he wants some fun playtime. The Sensory Ball Toy is a popular toy used for sensory stimulation. This interactive toy keeps your puppy interested with different textures, colors, scents and tastes. This ball promotes physical activity while improving mental health. Its chew-resistant design and high-quality materials can withstand even aggressive dog chews. Hol-ee Roller can also be used as a treat dispenser puzzle ball. It provides extra entertainment and mental fitness for your pup. This dog treats dispensing ball provides mental stimulation and rewards during playtime. This innovative toy is included in the 29 best interactive dog toys list. While providing a mix of mental stimulation and rewards, note that this may not be suitable for all puppies. The squeaky feature will keep your dog entertained and engaged as they figure out how to access it. Kong is world-renowned for its best dog toys, providing natural enrichment and play. One popular option among pet parents is filling Kong toys with peanut butter as a happy distraction for their dogs. This ball is made from a tough and flexible material, making it perfect for a game of dog soccer. Since balls are versatile, they also provide opportunities for fetching, gnawing, bouncing, pawing, and chasing fun! We have curated a list of the best puppy toys for Lab at weeks old, months old, and months old. Puppies at this age explore the world through their mouths and chew on anything they can access. Providing them with specific puppy toys that cater to their chewing instincts soothes their gums and provides mental stimulation. Safety is key during this stage, so avoid small parts or loose threads that may pose choking hazards. Encourage socialization through interactive ball play or gentle tug-of-war games with a teething toy. They may also start teething heavily during this time. Puzzle treat toys keeps them occupied and mentally stimulated while promoting healthy teeth growth. Sensory balls like the Chuckit! Ultra Ball or Hol-ee Roller can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. They add different shapes and textures to playtime. They may have a higher play drive and require many toys that can withstand rougher play sessions. Ropes are a great option. Interactive puzzle games will be highly beneficial as your Lab becomes more intelligent. During the month-old stage, continue supervising chew toy usage as adult teeth start replacing puppy ones between months old. FAQ on best puppy toys for labs What can 8-week-old puppies chew on? At 8 weeks old, puppies are teething and need safe chew toys to relieve discomfort. Soft rubber, nylon, and rope toys are good options for your chewing puppy. Avoid giving them anything that can break into small pieces and pose a choking hazard. What do Labradors like the most? Labradors are known for their love of food and play. They enjoy activities like retrieving, swimming, and playing fetch. They also love spending time with their humans and receiving attention and affection. At what age do Labrador puppies calm down? Labrador puppies can be high-energy and excitable, but they typically start to calm down around years. However, every dog is different; some may remain energetic well into their senior years. What toy should I give to my puppy? Choose something safe and durable that they can chew on and play with. Soft rubber puppy toys, chew bones, and puzzle and interactive dog toys are good options. What should I get my puppy to chew on? Puppies need safe and durable chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. Look for soft rubber or nylon toys, specifically for teething puppies. How do you stimulate a Labrador puppy? Labrador puppies are intelligent and energetic. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Activities like playing fetch, walking, and learning new tricks keep them engaged and stimulated. How do you entertain a lab puppy? Labrador puppies need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay entertained. Activities like playing fetch, walking, and learning new tricks can help keep them engaged and stimulated. Are Labs clingy dogs? Labradors are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They often form strong bonds with their humans. While they may enjoy spending time with their dog owners, they are generally not considered clingy dogs. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. This toy is not only indestructible, but it can keep your puppy busy for hours. You can stuff yummy treats, soft food, beef jerky, peanut butter or Kong stuffing into the Kong toy and freeze it. You can fill the Kong toy every evening, and give the frozen toy to your puppy before you leave for work. Because the stuffing is frozen, it makes the yummy treats more difficult to get out and in turn keeps your puppy interested for much longer. There is also the extra benefit of soothing their itchy gums while going through the teething phase. The Kong toy is also a lot of fun to play fetch with, as it bounces into unpredictable directions. Balls — Fetching and Treat releasing You could also buy your Labrador balls of different variations. Tennis balls are an old favorite. However, some Labradors show more interest in balls that make noises. For instance, a ball that has a few bells in it or one that squeaks can be far more exciting for your dog, as they tend to get bored quickly. Because Labradors are natural retrievers, a ball or something to chase down will always be a good choice. There are also treat balls available, which you can fill with small training treats and your puppy can roll the ball around to release the treats inside. Automatic Ball Throwers Not there to throw a ball all day? No problem. You can invest in an automatic tennis ball launcher which works wonders to keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The introduction to an automatic ball thrower should be done in the most positive way possible. Get your puppy super excited about the machine and reward it for retrieving the ball. Rope Toys Rope toys are also a favorite for most Labradors because they usually love playing tug. My Labrador is sadly the only dog in my household that loves this game, which means he never gets any of the other dogs to participate in tugging, and I keep drawing the short straw there. Stuffed or Soft Toys Some Labradors adore their stuffed toys! Stuffed toys can be anything from a teddy bear to a soft bone with a squeaky whistle in them. If your Labrador is a heavy chewer, make sure to watch that it does not destroy the soft toy. They usually enjoy ripping open the toy and taking out all the stuffing, leaving quite a mess behind. Chews Another great helper to curb destructive chewing is the old faithful cow hoof. Rawhide chews are also a popular choice to keep your puppy happily chewing, however, make sure that your vet is in agreement with this, as some vets advise against using these chews. Keeping Toys Interesting During my dog training studies, I have also learned that rotating toys are very important. I always made sure to leave at least 3 toys of different variations at a time, for instance, a soft toy, a rope, and a ball. You can keep toys interesting by using scents on them. Although Labradors are not as scent orientated as some of the scent hounds would be, they still have fantastic noses and appreciate scented toys. These scents can range from Lavender, Lemongrass or Citrus to blood scents and deer urine. The scent can make an otherwise unwanted toy seem like the best thing on earth to your dog. Many of these scents have shown to be therapeutic in reducing stress or giving comfort to your dog. Before you think that giving your Labrador so many variations of toys are spoiling them, we can assure you that it is not so much spoiling than it is preventative measures to keep your sprinkler system, plants, furniture and car bumper yes, that happens in tact. Every dog has a preference for toys, so make sure you buy the toys your dog enjoys playing with. For a Labrador puppy, most toys are exciting and fun, so you cannot go wrong with any of the toys mentioned above. Your 8 to 12 week old puppy is still growing rapidly and needs lots of rest. But she is also going to be understandably anxious at her sudden change in living situation. The best interactive toy puppy options for this stage are going to be simple toys to keep your puppy busy without letting her get close enough to you or other family members to sink in a good sharp puppy bite! For obvious reasons, rawhide chews, strong rope toys, fetch toys , leash training toys and other puppy toys that keep those small but sharp puppy canines away from your hands and face are also ideal at this stage. She is also growing bigger and stronger physically. And she wants to play all the time, which for a puppy typically means rough housing, growling and oh yay biting. Also, during this period your little pup will be teething mightily as her baby teeth fall out and her adult teeth start to push their way up through the gums to grow in. So she will not only want but will need to bite just about anything that looks bite-able to alleviate the soreness and pain she feels in her teeth and gums. You will also want to identify the best puppy toys for teething and get a few — pronto! The best puppy toys for teething will be responsive enough so that your puppy can experience some relief from her growing mouth tenderness. But also durable enough not to come apart in her mouth, where there is a risk she would swallow them and have intestinal blockages or worse. They will also, ideally, be freezer-friendly, since the cold can provide its own form of soothing pain relief. She will have survived a change of household, loss of her baby teeth, emergence of her adult teeth and much more. This is a great time period to introduce more complex interactive puppy toys for boredom, treat finding, slow feeding, and puzzle solving. As she grows, her playtime and toy needs may change again, and you may even discover she falls in love with a puppy toy you never thought she would like. Happily, there are plenty of great puppy toys to choose from. This Kong classic for adult dogs now comes in a size perfect for your puppy as well. The rubber is safe for dogs and especially designed for the teething needs of large breed puppies. You can fill the interior with a variety of soft and tasty treats. Kong Wubba Kong Puppy Wubba. The Wubba has two balls and four long tails for self-play and interactive play. The Kong Company also recommends plush Kong toys for young puppies due to the high comfort factor. These must be used under supervision, but many puppies enjoy cuddling and snuggling with their plush Kongs. As your puppy grows up, he will become more eager to play and run and romp. This puppy flyer toy will encourage his natural retrieving instincts during interactive play while keeping your hands and his sharp puppy teeth far apart. This wonderful Kong toy is especially designed to ease the mouth aches that your little dog will be feeling during some months in this period of his life. These toys also make fabulous freezable puppy teething toys. Kong designed this toy to help your puppy through his teething months and emerge with the healthiest possible gums and teeth. These tennis balls are perfect for games of fetch and make a wonderfully motivating squeaking sound when they are retrieved. Kong Wubba Kong Wubba for Dogs. The Kong Wubba for adult dogs is more durable and also larger than the same toy made for puppies. Also, there is a great deal of variety in this toy line, including wet and dry Wubbas and different configurations for different types of interactive play. This toy is also made especially to promote good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. You can fill it with soft treats or kibble. Puppy Teething Toys Just for a moment, think back to the last time you had a dental checkup. You probably had your teeth cleaned, right? And the well-meaning but extra-thorough hygienist likely used that horrid little metal hook to clean out all the plaque along your gum line. What did your teeth and gums feel like later? Were they super-sore and very uncomfortable? This is an approximation of the discomfort your puppy might be feeling during his teething months. Teething is just not going to show you the best side of your little dog. Part of what he needs from you is compassion and understanding. But mostly, he needs the right puppy toys for teething that can help to ease his discomfort until the teething process ends. Many puppy teething toys include freezer-friendly options to provide extra pain relief, just like a icy cold pack can temporarily ease and numb sore areas for you. The Nylabone Company specializes in making toys for chewing and teething. You can opt for their traditional teething rings or make a more ferocious choice, like the Nylabone T-Rex chew toy. These toys are suitable in size for a puppy and come highly praised by dog owners. There are three different toy sets you can choose from. The material is very durable percent cotton and there are no small parts that your dog could tear off and swallow. You can also pop these in the freezer for extra teething relief. This bone-shaped teething toy is a great shape for your still-growing lab puppy to grip it in his jaws and chew with gusto — especially if you freeze the bone for him first! The toy is made of durable, safe canvas to withstand vigorous teething-related chewing. So long as your dog remains 70 lbs. This toy comes in a set of a ball and a bone together. This adorable rope giraffe is so cute you might not want to let your dog chew it! Luckily, the rope is really durable and features knots to help massage away teething pain and tooth plaque all in one. This toy is also offered in other styles, including a horse, a lion and several more standard-looking rope-like configurations. One of the main benefits this toy offers is durability. These rope toys come in a set of four different styles. They are best for your puppy when he is younger under six months due to size, not durability. They come with a carry bag as well. This cheery and colorful toy takes a different approach to chewing, especially for teething-related chewing. The whole toy is encased in a freezable outer layer that actually crunches as your dog chews on it. The Nylabone Company has another hit toy on their hands with this wishbone chew toy. In a fun twist, the bristles in this nylon toy remain hidden until your dog starts a chew session. Then they raise up to help clean his teeth and massage his gums. If there is one toy that simply seems tailor-made for Labrador retrievers, it is this hide-a-squirrel squeaking toy. Your lab will likely display a ready instinct for retrieval the moment he can keep all four legs steady beneath him. This toy introduces him to the joys of hunting and retrieving in a safe, soft, squeakable toy treasure. You can also get the hedgehog, bird, or bee versions or all four! As your puppy grows, he will be making new neural connections on a daily basis. So the more chances you can give him to exercise his developing brain as well as his growing body, the smarter and more healthy and resilient he will become as an adult dog. All these factors make this mind games puzzle toy a perfect choice. It is treat-based and has strong suction cups to hold it in place while your dog figures out how it works. This creative and unique interactive toy from Ethical Pet Company is designed to eliminate boredom. It provides mental stimulation from solving the puzzle along with physical stimulation from trying to get the treats out. Another hit toy from Ethical Pets, this amazing ball offers several levels of interactive sensory stimulation and play all in one simple ball-shaped toy. The toy itself emits a mouth-watering beef flavor and has three different sensory textures on the layers that surround the ball. You can enjoy hours of fun together and your dog can also find comfort in this toy during naps and alone time. Many times puppies will get used to being fed frequently in small portions. Then they will struggle digestively at first when transitioning to an adult dog feeding schedule. One of the biggest challenges your puppy is likely to face during this transitional stage is simply portion size. Instead of being fed in small frequent portions, a growing puppy will now be offered less frequent but larger portions. Here, a treat ball or slow feeder puzzle toy is of particular benefit. These toys are also great because they are interactive and fun! Hol-ee Roller J. This popular toy offers a two-fer for your puppy during playtime. If he is teething, the ball has a special open design to provide chewing relief. You can also insert kibble or soft treats inside the toy for emotional relief. This toy is great for both solo play and interactive play. This wildly popular treat ball holds a little less than a cup of kibble or soft treat foods. This super-cool interactive puzzle toy will likely get your dog hooked on puzzle toys. This bright orange colored treat ball is made of durable yet pliable vinyl and dotted with holes where small treats like kibble can fall out during play. It is easy to fill and clean and your puppy will get the hang of it in no time.