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Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. We are a world-class breeder with the highest standards for excellence and quality. We are a preservationist dedicated to purposefully improving the standard of the breed. With over 19 years of experience in breeding for excellence. Our goal is to improve the health, temperament and structure of the Standard Poodle. Our beautiful red and apricot dogs have exceptional color and rarely fade. There is no reliable test for the fading gene.Most of our photos are of adults, many as old as .Our dogs are never kenneled, and have the joy of playing on nearly 2 acres fully fenced and gated as well as swimming, retrieving , and cuddling! She is very outgoing and loves people and other dogs. Your crate training has proved invaluable as she sleeps the whole night next to our bed. She is calm and collected and is very affectionate, playful and has great recall. Angel gets along well with friends, family and best of all -- other dogs. God Bless! She is fantastic at the groomers,, prances like a queen.I have never had so many comments in my life that she must be a show dog. She passed her AKC puppy star class easily. Thanks for my beautiful girl.Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How big are Poodles? That all depends. Poodles actually come in four main sizes. What colors and coat patterns are common with Poodles? Poodles are one of the most diverse dog breeds. For starters, you can choose from dozens of different coat colors ranging from white, black, cream, silver, red, and many more. You can have coats in two different colors, of course. And then you also have patterns like sable, brindle, harlequin, phantom, merle, and more! Are Poodles healthy dogs? When it comes to Poodle puppies for sale in Seattle, WA, Poodles are one of the more robust and healthy dog breeds. Health is no joke, which is why we only recommend adopting a Poodle puppy from a reputable, ethical breeder. Will my puppy have any kind of health guarantee? All puppies adopted through our network also receive a thorough nose-to-tail health evaluation before being taken home. How does puppy transportation to Seattle, Washington work? You have the choice of either ground or air transportation for your puppy, and can even opt for a professional chaperone if you choose. Are Poodles popular in Seattle, Washington? Poodles are the coolest thing since sliced bread and even more popular than the Seahawks, and not just here. Poodles are popular all over the nation, and indeed the world—with Germany and France both claiming to be the first to grace our planet with this amazing breed. Regardless of where your Poodle comes from, he or she is sure to be going places! Where do Poodles come from? The Poodle is a water dog. The French disagree, calling their beloved Caniche a national treasure. The average life expectancy of a Poodle is years. This will vary depending on the size of your dog, since smaller dogs usually live a little longer than bigger ones. This is yet another reason to pick an ethical breeder, since dogs who are improperly bred can sometimes suffer from awful genetic issues. Are Poodles smart? Scholars may argue until the end of time whether Border Collies or Poodles are the smartest dogs in the world, but does it really matter? Showoff or puppy PhD, you decide for yourself. Do Poodles shed? Let us tell you a secret…ALL dogs shed, at least a tiny bit. The cost you pay for that wooly, luxurious coat? Poodles will need regular grooming to keep their fur clean and free of tangles. Seems fair! How much exercise do Poodles need? Your average Poodle pal should get about an hour of moderate exercise every day. Feel free to split that hour into 2 or 3 smaller chunks, but always remember the golden rule—a tired pooch is a happy pooch. Proper exercise can help you avoid many behavioral and antisocial issues with your dog. What kind of food do Poodles eat? You might think by their regal appearance that Poodles only eat beignets and caviar, but the truth is that these dogs are still dogs, and will eat a diet largely the same as other breeds. Chat with your trusted vet about exactly what to feed your pup—just go easy on the oysters and Seattle dogs, yeah?

Due to their nature as retrieving dogs with very high energy levels, a Labradoodle requires lots of both physical and mental exercise. Labradoodles are one of the larger breeds of dogs. And as with any bigger dog, when they pull on their leash — you should be ready to hold on. If your dog is really unlucky, this can even lead to damage to its throat. When looking for the perfect harness, the main things to look for are one that fits well, is as comfortable as possible, and can help reduce the pulling behavior from your dog when training or walking with it. And not only will this be very uncomfortable and hurt your dog, but it can also result in increasing the pulling behavior as they will try and do anything they can to get away from the cause of the pain. There is a wide range of options available, from standard body-fitted versions like the Embark to all-around products like the Ruffwear. But in the end, whichever you choose to go for will very much depend on how much you are willing to spend, and which design you prefer. Each harness comes with its own pros and cons which need is something you should consider before making your final decision. Final notes As you probably know as a doodle-owner, they are very adventurous dogs who love jumping in the water or going on large adventures, so pick a harness that will definitely stay on them no matter the situation. You should also keep in mind that Labradoodles grow very fast and will quickly become too large for a lot of harnesses if you choose to get one when your dog is a puppy. You could perhaps consider test-driving a few of the cheaper options before investing in the one you really want when your Labradoodle is fully grown. But as always, do what you think is the best for your dog in terms of wear-ability, comfort, and, most importantly, safety. We hope you found our list of the best Labradoodle harness helpful. Remember to comment below and check out our Facebook page. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. June 24, Best Dog Harness For Labradoodles Joyride Harness Reviews There's a whole lot of love for Labradoodles in the world, so we're going to catch up with everyone else and share some of that Labradoodle love here! This docile and cuddly fur baby breed is the perfect addition to any family, and when you're walking with your family, you're geared up and ready to go! So why not do the same for your Labradoodle? These are customer submitted reviews you can find on our website and just a small sampling of them so be sure to check out the reviews page! You can search reviews by breed type! Judi D. When we discovered your product, and read the reviews, we figured it was worth a try. We are so happy with our purchase.Delighted we discovered this product! Now we are set as he grows. I should have gotten one much sooner! Thank you! He did not do very well walking just with a leash attached to his collar. We put the Joyride on and connected with the middle ring and he did so well walking. No more pulling. Even when he wasn't going for a walk he liked to wear it. All other harnesses we tried he would bite and chew on them trying to get them off. When our dog is happy, we are happy!! You can view all submitted reviews by checking out this page. You can search by breed with our updated review features! We also have more blog posts that round up reviews based on different dog types for your convenience. Joyride Harness Reviews For Big Dogs Additionally, if you have sizing questions you can always reach our team through the contact form on our website if the sizing charts provided on this page do not suffice! Want more? Feel free to follow us on Instagram at joyrideharness and take a look at more furbaby photos! New to Joyride Harness and need some help picking the right size for your doggo? We have a detailed informational blog post that you can check out: Click Here To View Share this post. With two adjustable leash attachments and adjustable straps, this harness is perfect for controlling your pup while giving them maximum comfort. No Pull, No Choke - Our non-pulling dog harness is specially designed with 2 metal leash rings for safer dog walks. Use the chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling on walks, perfect for dog training or dogs who tend to pull. The back one is great for casual walks, jogging, hiking, etc Easy to Use - This hassle-free overhead harness is easy to put on and take off with its 2 fast-release buckles. Slide the harness over your dog's head, buckle it up, adjust the straps, and here you go! Grab the top handle for additional control. Lightweight and easy to clean Fully Adjustable - This adjustable harness features 4 easy adjusting straps around the body. You can use its 2 neck straps and 2 chest straps to create a perfect fit for your dog with some room of growth. No worries about slipping out or choking Safe and Comfortable - Your dog will enjoy the daily walk in this comfort dog harness! Made of durable nylon oxford and padded with soft cushion to protect your dog's skin. Breathable air mesh keeps your dog cool during outdoor activities. Super bright reflective strips ensure a safe walk both day and night We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This Rabbitgoo harness is primarily known for its large variety in sizing and generous fit. Adjustable Harness: Try opting for adjustable harnesses when looking for one for your Labradoodles. Reflective Striping: Reflective material is beneficial if you enjoy taking your pup out for night walks. This makes it safer for you to take your energetic Labradoodle out at night and prevents them from getting lost. Try opting for padded material that offers breathability. Conclusion Choosing the right harness is essential in training your Labradoodle comfortably. By following our guide and looking through our selection, we hope you find the perfect fit for your Labradoodle. OneTigris Tactical Training Molle Vest Dog Harness Popular Types of Labradoodle Harnesses You are probably quite familiar with the unique challenges owning a Labradoodle presents, but you may not realize that there are different kinds of harnesses to help ease those challenges. Here we will outline some of the popular types of harnesses to complement your pup! A harness specifically designed to prevent pulling will help calm that habit, usually with a chest strap or ring that makes pulling uncomfortable for your pup. Anti-chewing harnesses — This breed has a tendency to get a little mouthy, and training devices are a popular object of desire for heavy chewers. A durable material without any obvious weak points will keep a Labradoodle from destroying their harness, despite those powerful Lab jaws. Tactical harnesses — Originally, Labradoodles were bred to be service dogs. Hiking harnesses — These dogs love a good adventure, so a high quality hiking harness is a great thing to have on hand. These harnesses are sturdier and more durable than most, intended to keep your dog both comfortable and obedient during long walks. If more than one of these types sounds like it might be right for your dog, take some time to find a harness that is a combination of multiple types as you will see, there are lots of them out there. Here is a quick overview of the materials most commonly used for Labradoodle harnesses. Nylon — Nylon is a versatile artificial material perfect for Labradoodle harnesses because it is nice and strong for persistent pullers. Most commonly, Nylon comprises the straps of a harness. Polyester — Another strong synthetic material, Polyester is an obvious choice for Labradoodle harnesses, though it tends to be a little more rigid than Nylon in the beginning. Mesh — Generally made out of Polyester or Nylon, Mesh adds a degree of breathability to harnesses that cover a greater portion of the body, like the chest and belly. This is especially important for Labradoodles who maintain their long, coarse coats. Cotton — Though not the most common harness material for big dogs, cotton is a good choice for Labradoodles who experience some of the sensitive skin issues common in poodles, and who are not big pullers since this fabric is not as strong. Cotton is softer and can be more comfortable than some of its artificial counterparts. Neoprene — This rubber-like synthetic material is soft and malleable, which is why it is generally used as padding in the chest or back for Labradoodle harnesses. This makes wearing the harness for a longer period of time more comfortable, though it can contribute to some heat issues. Metal hardware — Given that Labradoodles can pack on so much muscle, it is best to find a harness metal buckles, rings, and adjustable slides. Durable, sturdy straps — Both for the sake of standing up to pulling pressure and possible chewing, high quality straps are important for Labradoodles. Look for well-made, tightly woven Nylon to best serve your needs. Comfortable padding — Because Labradoodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, you should take every precaution to make sure you find a harness that helps distribute some of the pressure that would ordinarily settle on their joints. Breathable material — All that fur means Labradoodles get hot, and in order to reduce the risk of your pup overheating, finding a harness with an open design or that features a breathable material like mesh is a good idea. Our Picks for the Best Harness for a Labradoodle By now you are up to speed on the most common types of Labradoodle harnesses and their materials, as well as what features you should be on the lookout for. Type of Harness You likely noticed a few different harness types on this list, but do you know which type would be best for your pup? But if your pet is calm on walks, this could fit your needs. A padded harness offers more comfort, as it prevents the harness from digging into the skin. If your pup has anxiety, it might prefer a vest type of harness. This harness fits snugly, is padded, and offers a bit of restriction, which can ease anxiety. That same restriction may turn other canines off this kind of harness, though. Harness Size Once you know the harness you want, your next focus should be getting the correct size. You can also use this handle to make it easier to pick your dog up when needed. Reflective Harnesses Do you often walk your dog in the early morning or twilight hours? This ensures your dog can easily be seen no matter how much light there is, which keeps it and you safer. Some fabrics may be more breathable or softer on the skin than others, while some might be too scratchy or chafe too much. Price Harnesses come in a wide range of prices, so you should find one that fits your budget. And because many harnesses tend to have the same sort of features, you can shop around to find the most affordable one that fits your needs. Fellow dog owners will be able to inform you whether a harness is properly sized and how quickly it might break down. She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. In her free time, Misty enjoys chilling with her cats, playing piano, watching indie and foreign films, photographing abandoned places, and catching up on her never-ending TBR list. Read more Advertisement.

Health and breeding information What diseases can occur in Bullmastiff and Poodle mix. Bullmastiff Poodle mixes are a popular dog breed that is combined from the stocky Bullmastiffs and the energetic Poodle. These mixed breeds are known for their love for their owners and their playful nature. Although they are incredibly friendly and lovable, they can be prone to certain diseases. One of the most common diseases in Bullmastiff Poodle mixes are hereditary diseases. These are highly dependent on the genetics of each parent animal. Hereditary diseases that are common include: Anemia, respiratory problems, heart disease, hip dysplasia, eye disease, and muscle disease. Since these diseases are hereditary, it is important for owners to test the parents for hereditary diseases before mating. Bullmastiff Poodle mixes are also at a higher risk for allergic reactions, especially to ingredients in their food. Therefore, it is essential for owners to provide their pets with a high quality, hypoallergenic diet. It is also very important that Bullmastiff Poodle mixes are regularly checked for parasites such as ticks and fleas. These parasites can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, which can have serious consequences for the dog's health. Although Bullmastiff Poodle mixes are susceptible to certain diseases, it is very important that they undergo regular medical checkups to ensure that they are enjoying their best health. Regular deworming, vaccinations and worming are also important to ensure that your dog stays healthy for as long as possible. What does this mixed breed look like? The coat color of a Bullmastiff-Poodle mix can vary, depending on the characteristics of the two mother traits. It is often described as a mixture of silvery gray and various shades of brown. It may also contain various gradations of gray. Its coat is long and dense, with a medium to thick texture. It is usually smooth, but sometimes a little wavy. It is necessary to brush it regularly to avoid matting and tangles. This breed has a demanding coat care, as it usually needs to be bathed once a month or every six weeks. It should also be brushed and trimmed regularly. What are breed characteristics of this mix dog? A Bullmastiff-Poodle mix is a large, athletic breed with a short coat. It has a typical large, muscular Bullmastiff stature, but the legs and muzzles tend to be short and shaped like a Poodle. The breed has a height at withers between 56 and 66 cm and a weight between 24 and 38 kg. The coat of the Bullmastiff Poodle is mostly soft and smooth, although there can be some different textures. In most cases, the mix has a black or gray color, but there are also some rarer color variations such as brown, cream and cinnamon. Fur length. Height: 18 - 24 inches at the shoulder Weight: 45 - 70 lb. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them. Bullmastiff Poodle Standard Mix Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Bullmastiff mixed with the Poodle Standard might be prone to joint dysplasia, cancer, torn ACL, bloat, among others. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. Height: 10 - 15 inches at the shoulder Weight: 10 - 15 lb. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them. Bullmastiff Poodle Miniature Mix Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Bullmastiff mixed with the Poodle Miniature might be prone to joint dysplasia, cancer, torn ACL, bloat, among others. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.

However, they also have a range of health issues due to the way they are bred. One of the most common is the English Bulldog back and leg problems, also showing signs of lameness. It can be painful watching your furbaby limping or in pain from their back legs. To understand more of why this happens and what you can do, read on! English Bulldog Back Leg Problems You may have noticed that your English Bulldog has been limping from their back leg, showing signs of lameness. Sometimes, the limping would happen after sleeping or lounging on their leg for a few hours, which would wear off gradually. However, if the pain lasts for a few days, then it may be a health issue that requires intervention. Here are a few reasons why your English Bulldog is experiencing back leg problems: It can be a strain due to falls, accidents, overexertion of energy, or playing too much. This can cause strain around the tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the back leg. It mostly happens after heavy exercise, especially since English Bulldogs tire easily Your English Bulldog might have broken their claw , causing pain in their back leg. This may come in the form of a stone, gum, insect bite or sting, or an open wound. In order to avoid insect bites in future, you can use an effective pet safe ant killer. Other times, the back leg problem may be due to other serious issues, including: It may come from a break, fracture, or dislocation. English Bulldogs are more prone to injuries because of their genetics, as English Bulldogs are more prone to leg injuries because of genetics, easily hurting themselves when more active. Ligament damages can also happen if your English Bulldog would twist and jump incorrectly. Hip or elbow dysplasia is very common in English Bulldogs, as they are a brachycephalic breed. This may cause lameness and back leg pain. Treatment and Prevention of Back Leg Problems Now that you know more about English Bulldog back leg problems, the next question is how you can treat and prevent them from happening. If they have a pained reaction, gently massage it and lightly apply pressure on the spine to see if they put any resistance. If he also shows other symptoms such as broken toes or claw nails, lethargy, and loss of appetite or swelling, take him to the vet right away. Take note of all of the signs and symptoms you notice in your dog. The vet will perform in-depth diagnostic tests such as a blood test, x-ray, MRI, and fluoroscopy all as needed to see what is wrong with your English Bulldog. Fortunately, most conditions can be treated with antibiotics, medication, therapy, a cast, among other treatments that are deemed appropriate. Furthermore, make sure that your dog gets a lot of rest and drinks water, especially if the reason behind the pain is overexercise! Wrapping It Up English Bulldogs may limp at times, which is one of the different health issues they come across due to their breed. With earlier intervention, your pet can live a longer and healthier life without much pain and discomfort. Hopefully, you learned more about the English Bulldog back leg problems and how to treat them properly. If you believe your English Bulldog is suffering from such pain problems, do evaluate their situation and take them to the vet as needed. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects An understanding of the anatomy of the normal spine of the dog is useful in understanding this condition. Figure 1. The regions of the spine. The spine or spinal column of dogs is made up of many bones, called vertebrae and it is divided into 5 different regions. There are 7 bones in the neck cervical region, 13 in the chest thoracic region, 7 in the lower back lumbar region and 3 fused together to form the sacrum at the hips. Lastly, there are the tail coccygeal bones, and their number varies. In English bulldogs and other screw-tailed dogs there are relatively few coccygeal vertebrae. Vertebrae are numbered according to region of the spine, starting from the head and working towards the tail. Thus the first cervical vertebra is called C1, the second C2 and the first thoracic vertebra is T1 etc. Intervertebral discs are found between the vertebral bodies. The body of each vertebra is positioned ventrally towards the lower side. Dorsal towards the back of the dog to the vertebral body each vertebra forms a hollow tube of bone, called the vertebral canal. Through this tube created by the column of vertebral canals the spinal cord passes, connecting the base of the brain with peripheral nerves. This tube of bone protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of delicate nerve tissue which transmits the messages between the brain and other parts of the body excluding the head. Figure 2. Diagram showing the shape of normally-formed vertebrae in the spinal column and how the spinal cord runs through them. Each vertebral body develops in the foetus from two separate parts which fuse together and then ossify turn to bone. Hemivertebrae occur when this fusing process fails to happen correctly so that the vertebral body of one or more vertebra is malformed and wedge-shaped LeCouteur and Child .Often the fusion or ossification is asymmetrical Jeffery et al .The malformations vary, with the apex of the wedge pointing dorsally, ventrally or medially towards the middle of the animal across the midline LeCouteur and Child .These abnormally-shaped vertebrae often lead to alterations and deformities in the shape of the spine such as kyphosis curving upwards of the central spine , scoliosis deviation to the side in the central spine or lordosis curving downwards in the central spine LeCouteur and Child .This angulation of the spine is often moderate to severe and can lead to displacement of the vertebrae LeCouteur and Grandy .The deformity or instability in the spinal column can then narrow the vertebral canal, compressing and damaging the spinal cord, and this can lead to serious clinical signs LeCouteur and Child .This spinal deformity and the consequential clinical signs often progresses as the dog grows or, sometimes, happen secondary to mild trauma because of the spinal column instability LeCouteur and Grandy .Figure 3. Abnormal development of vertebral bodies results in formation of hemivertebrae. Unlike the normal shape of vertebrae shown in Figure 2, in which the opposing faces of adjacent vertebrae are at right angles to the line of the spine, wedge shaped vertebrae as shown here can lead to distortion of the spine with health and welfare effects. Figure 4. Radiograph of a hemivertebra in the thoracic region of a Pug. The wedge shaped vertebra has caused lordosis of the spine, which in turn can cause compression and damage to the spinal cord. Image property of Helen McDonald, to whom we are grateful for permission to reproduce it here. Hemivertebrae can occur in any breed but are most common in brachycephalic, screw-tailed dogs such as English bulldogs also Pugs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers. This is because the kinked tails that many find desirable in these breeds result from hemivertebrae in the tail region of the spine and these breeds have genes that tend to cause the formation of hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column as well as in the tail LeCouteur and Grandy .The commonest region of the spine to be affected by hemivertebrae, in brachycephalic screw-tailed dogs such as the English bulldog is the chest the thoracic area LeCouteur and Child .Figure 5. Hemivertebrae is the cause of kinked or screw tails in some breeds of dog, such as the Boston Terrier and Pug shown here. This condition makes them prone to developing hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column also. Image sourced from Wikipedia at www. Hemivertebral abnormalities commonly occur without clinical sign of disease Done et al .However, if the spinal cord becomes damaged or compressed signs appear. Signs include posterior paresis abnormal functioning of the hindlimbs , muscle wastage, an abnormal shape to the back and back pain. If the problem is severe then the dogs can lose all use of their hind legs and can have urinary and faecal incontinence inability to control passing urine or faeces. Signs can be gradual or rapid in onset and sometimes are progressive Colter .In a number of cases, however, signs may be mild and non-progressive and stabilise once the dog has stopped growing at about 9 months of age Jeffery et al , though the deformity will remain. In these cases no treatment may be necessary. Skin infections and other skin problems can occur in skin folds if the tail is very tightly coiled. In severely affected individuals the only hope is major surgery of the spine to attempt stabilisation and to stop the spinal cord being compressed. This is not straightforward, needs specialist veterinary treatment and may not always be successful. Some dogs which are completely paralysed in their hind legs may not recover use of them after surgery. Paralysed dogs have long-term care needs which many owners find difficult and some dogs will be euthanized because of this. It is an ethical dilemma whether these permanently paralysed dogs should be euthanized or if their quality of life may be sufficient to justify supported living with paralysis and incontinence. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Some dogs with hemivertebrae suffer no apparent ill effects however others have major welfare problems such as pain, loss of function of the hindlimbs and incontinence. Pain from spinal cord compression can be significant and severe and difficult to control using drugs. Along with pain, the spinal cord damage in severely affected individuals leads to the need for rapid veterinary treatments including major surgery. Some animals may not recover and may need to be euthanized. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact The condition usually first manifests in young growing dogs and worsens as growth proceeds. In a case study by Jeffery et al , all three dogs described were less than 7 months of age. Though some may be mildly affected, all affected animals will have permanent deformity unless surgical intervention is used. The disease problems can develop rapidly over hours or more gradually. Though some dogs with hemivertebrae do not develop signs, others develop severe problems which will not improve unless surgical intervention occurs. Some dogs with severe signs may not improve after surgery and may need to be euthanized. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The numbers affected are not known, but it is considered a common problem in English bulldogs and other brachycephalic short-nosed breeds that have screw-tails, as the deformity is connected to the screw-tail phenotype physical shape which is a breed characteristic. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are English bulldogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 50, Return to top 5. English bulldogs are considered to be predisposed to hemivertebrae because of the breed having a screw-tail Jeffery et al .The condition may be suspected in any English bulldog with spinal deformity or with the characteristic clinical signs because it is commonly seen within the breed. A diagnosis can be made using plain and contrast radiography x-rays, with or without dye, which shows up on the x-ray being injected around the spinal cord , however, Jeffery et al believe MRI magnetic resonance imaging scans are needed prior to surgery to help decide on exact surgical requirements. The presence of hemivertebrae seen on x-rays may also be a confusing finding. Older English bulldogs may have spinal disease from other causes and detection of hemivertebrae may make diagnosis of the real cause difficult. Return to top 6. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All English bulldogs are potentially prone to the problem because the breed has a screw-tail. Without x-ray images of the spine, definite absence of hemivertebrae cannot be confirmed. However, a mature animal without signs has a lower chance of developing clinical problems than a puppy which has yet to undergo its period of significant growth. Currently no advice can be given on how to ensure a healthy individual, free from the condition, is not a carrier. This may become clearer when the genetics of the condition are better understood. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Not known, though whilst the breed standard includes a screw-tail the condition seems likely to persist. It seems likely, since the screw tail is caused by hemivertebrae in the tail, that out-breeding to dogs with straight tails, then selection for a straight tail might be a way forward to eliminate this welfare problem. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Colter S Congenital anomalies of the spine. One of the more common problems can be them limping on the back leg or front paws or showing signs of lameness. Some limping happens after sleeping and it will gradually wear off. No matter what the situation, you should always call your own vet for professional advice if your English Bulldog suddenly starts limping. Why is my English Bulldog limping? Some of the more common reasons why your English Bulldog has started limping will be strains to a tendon, ligament, or muscle — this is the soft tissue injury I referred to earlier and will happen after your English Bulldog has been exerting himself; the limping will start suddenly afterwards. Given time to recuperate, rest, and stop jumping and running, your English Bulldog should be better in just a few days. That means no walkies or indoor play! Check there is no visible bleeding or cuts on the paw. Check for any splinters or foreign objects in the paw. Check to see if your English Bulldog is lethargic and not eating. Check for any visible signs of swelling. When you call your vet, make a note of what you see, if anything. This is particular important if your English Bulldog wakes up from sleeping with a limp and shows no sign of the limp going inside of 30 minutes. Your English Bulldog might start limping after sleeping, laying down and just waking up. Keep scrolling down for the more serious English Bulldog lameness symptoms. Over-exertion: Your English Bulldog could be limping after some particularly excessive exercise. English Bulldogs get worn out very easily and will be exhausted after heavy exercise of just a few minutes. The limping could be due to utter exhaustion so give them water and time to recover. Injured claws: Your English Bulldog might have broken a claw. This injury can be extremely painful, especially if the tear in the claw gets to the nerve ending. Wound to the paw or insect sting: Your English Bulldog might have a splinter in his paw making him limp. It could be an open wound, a stone, chewing gum, or even a insect bite or sting so do a thorough check. Strain or muscle injury: Your English Bulldog might have strained a leg, joint, or muscle whilst playing or even just going about his day to day business. But there are more serious health conditions that limping legs are sometimes attributed to. Breaks, fractures, and dislocations: English Bulldogs are prone to leg injuries due to their genetics and can easily hurt themselves when active. Torn ligaments: Ligament damage will occur after your English Bulldog twists and jumps. It can be very painful but can be treated easily by a vet. Hip or elbow dysplasia: English Bulldogs are prone to these health conditions, being common with brachycephalic breeds. The hip dysplasia can occur in their back leg with elbow dysplasia in the front legs and paws. Luxating patella: This is the medical for a kneecap dislocation. It occurs on the back legs and you will notice your English Bulldog skipping or limping in pain. Inflammatory disease: Also known as panosteitis, English Bulldog puppies will often have this inflammation on their leg bones. You might see your English Bulldog shifting from leg to leg to balance the weight with this lameness condition. Your vet can check for it with a simple blood test. It can be fixed with an operation surgery, and your English Bulldog might even be back and walking inside of 60 days. Arthritis: This condition is most common in older English Bulldogs, where limping is a gradual thing as the joints become more swollen over time. Vets can prescribe therapy and medication for the pain. It can be treated with antibiotics. Valley fever: This is a fungal disease found in the United States and can either make an English Bulldog puppy limp, or an older dog. It is not related to how old your dog is. Neurological disorders: This will often occur after damage to the spine where a disc will touch against the nerves, leading to potential lameness in your English Bulldog. English Bulldog limping on front leg or paws Many of the reasons I have already listed for English Bulldog lameness and limping will happen with the back and front legs. But there are some conditions which will only cause limps to one of the other. For example; elbow dysplasia front legs or hip dysplasia rear legs. Elbow dysplasia front leg limping : This is very common in English Bulldogs and happens due to bone abnormalities in the elbow joints on the front legs. It happens due to cartilage fusing to the bone resulting in an elbow joint being pushed out of place. It will be very painful to your English Bulldog, with obvious swelling. Handy Hint: To keep your Bully free from injury you should not walk them too much. Here are guidelines for daily exercise limits. How vets diagnose lameness and limping Once you have booked an appointment in with your vet, they will do a manual check of your English Bulldog using just their hands. They will press and pull to see what the cause could be. The check will go something like this: Examine the paws for obvious signs of injury. Pull the legs stretched out to check for a reaction. Do gentle massage on all four legs. Lightly apply pressure to the spine to see if the English Bulldog puts up resistance. In this article, we will be focusing on the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog is a sweet, dependable dog breed that makes a wonderful addition to the family. As with all dog breeds, Bulldogs are predisposed to certain health conditions and mobility problems. Joint conditions such as dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, and breathing issues are just a few of the medical issues impacting the English Bulldog. The bulldog is classified as a brachycephalic breed. A brachycephalic dog is any breed with a flat face and smooshed nose. Bulldogs are the most diagnosed breed with BOAS. This can lead to overheating, difficulty getting enough air into their lungs, and can cause heavy and rapid breathing. Bulldog breathing issues can range from mild to severe. Age is not always a contributing factor, although it can worsen as a dog ages. Very young dogs can also exhibit signs of BOAS. Dogs diagnosed with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome should be cautious of any medical procedure that requires anesthesia due to an increased risk of dying. Secondary risks of BOAS include gastrointestinal issues, bronchial collapse, and even heart failure. Joint Problems Joint and ligament injuries are quite common among bulldogs. In fact, hip dysplasia is one of the most common issues among English Bulldogs. Sometimes referred to as Bulldog Dysplasia, both the elbow and hip joints can be affected. This can cause looseness in the hip joint leading to instability, joint pain, and arthritis. Both elbow and hip dysplasia are prevalent among the English Bulldogs. Simple Ways to Promote Canine Joint Health: A high-quality dog joint supplement can reduce inflammation, support joint mobility, and ease joint stiffness. Keep your pet at a healthy weight to limit joint stress. For example, an overweight bulldog is at a higher risk for developing joint issues as they age. Regular exercise. Bulldogs prone to joint problems should avoid high-impact activities such as jumping or running. A multi-modal approach through canine rehab can help keep joints healthy. Although a dog can show signs of arthritis at any age, most Bulldogs will show signs of arthritis in middle age or later. In addition, because bulldogs are prone to knee and elbow issues, osteoarthritis is also quite common among the breed. Sudden paralysis can be caused by a neurological condition, a traumatic injury most frequently when the spinal cord because compressed , or a degenerative disease. Bulldog Mobility Solutions Luckily there are mobility aids available to help your bulldog walk. Becoming paralyzed or having sudden hind leg weakness does not mean the end for your best friend. The cart will help your dog stand and walk naturally, and your dog will also get the exercise it needs. Benefits of a Bulldog Wheelchair: Ability to stay active and independent. Continued exercise encourages the natural elimination process, making it easier for dogs to pee and poop! Great for mental health, an active dog is a happy dog! Perfect for rehabilitative support during recovery Dogs get to spend more time with their family doing their favorite things! When choosing the best wheelchair for your bulldog, pick an adjustable cart. Since your dog will be moving more often, regular exercise can help an overweight dog shed extra weight and even help strengthen their legs. In many cases, mobility loss can be progressive in nature. Related Articles:.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military.

The goal is to show your dog that all people and pets should be engaged with calmly and respectfully. This is a very dominant breed and so you should take the time to socialize it early to avoid that behavior as much as possible. Socialization will help the dog develop an even temper. This is an important part of raising an American Bulldog. Without socialization, your new dog may be suspicious of all new people and animals, which can lead to unwanted behaviors, such as biting. You can socialize your dog by taking it to public areas and allowing it to have positive experiences with new people and pets. If at a dog park, slowly introduce your dog to the other dogs and people around you while still on the leash. If your dog seems to be friendly, comfortable, and welcomes the interaction, praise it for its good behavior and gradually allow more interaction off-leash and in larger areas. If visiting a breeder to pick out a pup, there are some specific things to look for that can indicate socialization has already begun. Observe how the puppy interacts with its littermates as well as its parents. A shy, withdrawn, or overly cautious pup is probably not well socialized and has not been exposed to a lot of different situations. Remember that when you get a dog you want to avoid bad breeding situations, for example puppy mills. Not only do unethical breeders have inhumane conditions for their dogs and usually inbreed them, but they do not do the early training and socializing of their dogs that is imperative to raising a well-adjusted dog. Each dog will develop their social skills at their own speed, so go as slow as needed. As your dog becomes more socialized and comfortable with new things, you will see that it develops an overall better temperament. Don't forget to introduce cats, children, and anything else that you want your dog to be familiar and comfortable with as well. Take your introductions slow! When introducing your dog to a cat, don't let the animals see each other right off the bat. Keep them in separate rooms and allow them to smell each other under the closed door. After they get used to each other's smell, let them see each other from a distance. Over several days let them get closer to each other on a regular basis, all while keeping a hold of both. Also, know that in some areas there are legal liabilities related to owning this particular breed. There have also been cases of homeowner insurance policies being denied and the breed is actually banned from ownership in some areas. Research the situation in your area before committing to this breed. American Bulldogs are a very intelligent, strong-willed, and frequently stubborn breed. This can make them a challenge to train, especially for first-time dog owners. They will need to know that you are the dominant one in the relationship and training them will require a lot of dedication and patience. It will be beneficial for you and your new pup to train with voice commands as well as hand signals. The upside to training with both of these commands is that if you are in a situation where your dog can't hear you, they can still see what you are asking them to do and can react accordingly. Giving your dog treats or praise when it does something right will help reinforce the behavior. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with this breed, as they enjoy pleasing their owners. Since this breed loves attention from the people that they are bonded with, ignoring your dog when they exhibit bad behavior will work better than other disciplinary measures. When trained and socialized well, American Bulldogs have the tools they need to judge a situation and decide when everything is OK or when they may need to act on their natural guarding instincts. During any sort of training, if you feel overwhelmed or your dog doesn't seem to be learning at a reasonable pace, consult a professional. They will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may be having about the process or techniques that you are using. Before you get an American bulldog, consider how to care for one. How do I care for my American bulldog? You need to give them exercise and train them well. Provide a healthy diet and plenty along with regular groom and a yearly annual exam. But you can do the following things to help the process. Start Training Early As soon as you get an American bulldog, start the training process. These dogs love to learn and can learn quickly. But they can also be protective, so training and socializing them to behave well is essential. Keep reinforcing good behavior so that you can prevent any destructive behavior. And you can use the training to teach new tricks or simply remind your dog of what they already know. Create a schedule and routine for their training, playtime, meals, and sleep. Your routine should work with your schedule, but also consider that American bulldogs will need to be active. The routine should include plenty of time to let your dog run around. Provide Regular Exercise As mentioned, American Bulldogs are very active dogs, so they need time to get out their energy. A great way to do this is to take your dog on a long walk each day. You can play with the dog, or you can let them be on their own. There are plenty of exercise toys that are tough enough for bulldogs as well. Here is our ultimate exercise guide for American bulldogs for tips and tricks to help them focus all that energy. Socialize the Dog Because of their protective nature, American bulldogs need plenty of socialization. They can be great with kids and other pets, but training will help. Here are our best tips for socializing your American bulldog. Have a friend come over to help socialize your dog with people. If your friend has a dog, they can bring the dog to help with socialization. And if not, you can take your dog to a dog park or enroll in a socialization or training class. Give your dog time to interact with other dogs and people, even if you live alone. Then, you can make sure your dog will do well if you pass someone on a walk. Stock Up on Toys If you have to leave your dog for a long time, such as for work, you should have plenty of toys. Some toys to get for your dog include: Ropes Balls Anything your dog can chew on That way, your dog can entertain themselves through the day. The space can be in your backyard, but you should also have room in your home. Give your dog a special spot for their food and water so that they can get to it easily. You may also want to choose a spot without anything valuable. But you should still brush the dog at least once a week to keep their shedding under control. And when you brush your dog, take special care with their wrinkles. That way, you can keep bacteria from building up in those areas. Like the wrinkles in their skin, their ears can have bacteria buildup, which can lead to infections. It also gives you an excuse to see if there are any signs of a problem. If so, you can take your dog to the vet to resolve the issue. Here is our step by step guide on cleaning their ears. Give Regular Baths Another monthly task to help care for an American Bulldog is to give the dog a bath. However, baths are necessary for keeping bacteria from building up on your dog. Trim Their Claws Before or after bathing your dog, you should take the time to trim their claws. That way, you can keep the claws from getting too long. Then, your dog can continue to play and be happy and healthy. These dogs need to eat a lot of protein to support their muscular build and athletic life. This goes for all bulldogs. For tips on how to know how much protein, carbohydrates and fats to feed your American bulldog, read on guide on what to feed a bulldog. Look for food with meat protein as the main ingredient, and consider getting food with omega-3 fatty acids. Keep the carbs low to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. American Bulldogs can develop allergies, so check on those before trying a new food. Visit the Vet Regular vet visits are also helpful in caring for an American Bulldog. You should take your dog to the vet at least once per year, but you can visit more if your dog has problems. The vet can check for symptoms and run tests to detect certain conditions. American Bulldogs are at risk of hip or elbow dysplasia, allergies, and other disorders. Going to the vet each year can help you identify and treat any problems before they become severe. When going through a breeder , ask for a health guarantee to make sure the dog is currently healthy, as well as the mother and the stud. But you can use this information to create a plan of action to help care for your American Bulldog. But there are special considerations, such as allergies or other health issues. Post Views: .If you neglect your American bulldog or fail to give your dog the proper attention and support its needs, this will affect its behavior and even make them more aggressive. Take a look at these tips for taking care of your lovely pet. Provide proper diet American bulldogs are the kind of breed that do not really need special diets, but they are the ones who need the proper amount of food to grow healthy. The best advice is to provide your dog with the right amount of food by watching the weight of the animal and feeding it once a day or every other day, adding some snacks to the food. It should always have access to freshwater, since it is the one that keeps the animal hydrated. When considering food for your bulldog, the best food for this breed is the ones that give the dog the most energy, meaning that the food used should be made of the best ingredients providing the animal with the most nutrients possible. If you are in doubt about the food you are buying, check the labels carefully to make sure that there is no added artificial flavor or harmful preservatives. They are very active, energetic, and high-energy dogs that require a lot of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Providing the right amount of exercise is the most important factor in ensuring that you are properly caring for your American bulldog. The best way to provide the right amount of exercise is to take the dog for a walk every day of the week. On the days you do not go for a walk, play with the dog in the yard or the house. If they have been properly exercised when they are puppies, American bulldogs can be less energetic when they get older and may only need an hour or two of exercise per day instead of the full amount. Another thing that you must do if you want your American bulldog to be well-socialized is to make sure that the people who handle it are friendly and gentle. This means not allowing friends and family members who may be hostile towards dogs into your house and also not allowing just anyone to interact with your American Bulldog. Still, you should use a leash whenever it is outside because there are people who may try to antagonize your dog if they know that it is leashed. If your bulldog bites someone while on a leash, this would be considered self-defense by law. Most American Bulldogs also love the company of other dogs. If you live in a neighborhood where there are a lot of people and their dogs around, then letting your dog run free without a leash is probably not such a bad idea. Of course, this does depend on how well your dog can control its impulses and respond to your commands. For the American bulldog, there are a few health checks that pet owners should regularly do. The first of these is checking for ear infections. Also, check for ticks and fleas, as well as scratching or irritability that can indicate parasites. Another health check to run on your bulldog is making sure they have a healthy weight. Overweight Bulldogs are more likely to suffer from several different diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Make sure to weigh them regularly and adjust their diet accordingly. In conclusion, it is important to properly take care of an American bulldog if you want them to be healthy and happy. The most important part of this is making sure that they are exercised sufficiently and socialized with the right people and dogs. This also includes running regular health checks on them to make sure that they are safe and healthy. Related Reading. They can keep going for ages, require plenty of exercise and can be very strong. If you live an active lifestyle and are athletic then this dog is probably a good fit for you. They are known for sometimes being difficult around people who they do not know well and it is vital with a young dog or puppy that you bond with them quickly and do as much as you can to get them to like and trust humans. Otherwise there could be problems down the line. If this does not happen then there is a risk that they become overly aggressive, not the best trait in the world, unless you are looking for some sort of savage guard dog! This said, they can also be very loving. Take this as a sign to train your American Bulldog puppy well in the early days. If you do then you will be well rewarded. In this short article we take a look at five tips for taking care of your American Bulldog puppies. Invest in some chew toys It is completely normal for puppies to want to chew and it is good for their tooth development. However, this said, it can be a pain if they decide to chew their way through all of your possessions. Of course it is probably inevitable that you will lose a few things if you have a puppy. However, being aware of it is important so you can limit the amount that you lose. A good thing to do is to invest in some chew toys that the puppy can specifically use to chew on, mitigating the risk of having your other possessions chewed on. These toys should be non toxic and you must make sure that the puppy will not choke on it. Otherwise it can be very simple. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise We already mentioned that American Bulldogs need a lot of exercise. When the pup is really young he will probably get enough exercise anyway for his size. A short walk should tire him out. However, when the puppy gets older more walks will be needed. Further, all exercise should be monitored and supervised. It allows you to have a good look at him and for him to get used to you. Check the skin, coat, eyes, ears, teeth and tail. The nails may need trimming from time to time. This is an easy thing to learn how to do. The breeder who sold you the dog should be able to advise on how much and how often to feed the puppy. You should continue with the type of food that your puppy has had before gradually weaning it on to the food that you want to give it. Avoid any uncooked meat. It is vital in the early stages that your puppy does not eat anything bad. This could affect its development. Avoid bones at an early stage as they could splinter and hurt your puppy. Healthcare Most American Bulldogs will live long and happy lives as long as their owner looks after them well. Your vet will be able to advise you when it comes to getting the right vaccinations and how often you should get boosters for these. As with people general good healthcare, exercise and good food will prevent illness. Related Articles. They are a medium-sized dog; they are stout and strong and muscular. One of their most recognizable characteristics is their wrinkled face. They also sport a broad face and shoulders, hanging skin around the mouth and neck, and pointed teeth with an under-bite. Their personality should be that of a good-natured dog; not aggressive or vicious. As with any breed, the bulldog does require specific care needs in order to keep him healthy and ensure longevity in his life. Here are seven tips for caring for you bulldog to help him to stay happy and healthy so that both your bulldog, can enjoy a long, happy life together. Diet Proper diet is so important to caring for your bulldog. There are plenty of cheap versions of dog food on the market today and many of them do not put meat first as the first or main ingredient. Your dog needs a well-rounded diet of proteins , fats, carbs and vitamins and minerals. You do not want to overfeed your bulldog no matter what kind of food he is on, as this can quickly cause weight gain for you pet. Bulldogs are short and stalky and being overweight can create knee and gait problems, among other health issues. Bulldogs should be feed two to three small meals a day. Exercise Because bulldogs are medium-sized dogs, they can be comfortable living in a house and even an apartment, with little room to roam inside, however, they will require exercise outside of the home on a regular basis. Playing games with bulldogs also helps to keep their minds sharp and active. Dog parks are perfect places for your bulldog to play. He will benefit by getting exercise as well as socializing with other dogs and people. Bulldogs tend to especially love children, so by socializing your puppy to kids of all ages starting from puppyhood, you will be nurturing that natural, sweet nature in them that they have for children. Once they bond with children in the home, they tend to be protective of them in, which is a plus, for many bulldog owners. Groom your bulldog Bulldogs do not require a whole lot of grooming, but they do shed some. Unlike other breeds that need regular baths, bulldogs do not, unless dirty. They do, however, need to be brushed regularly to help keep the shedding fur from building up and the natural oils in their skin from causing skin issues. Chaffing or dirt that can be cleaned out with a damp rag. Your bulldog should get regular dental care. Health checks Bulldogs are prone to certain medical conditions, such as, laryngeal paralysis, hip dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism and more. Getting regular, annual physicals by your vet can help ensure your bulldog is in good health as well monitor your pet for any changes that may be happening as he gets older. Regular vet checks is one way to help prevent health conditions from starting or becoming a bigger issue. Plenty of chew toys Most all dogs need to chew; it is their nature. Chewing serves several purposes: when your bulldog is a puppy, chew toys and bones help your pup get through his teething stage. Like human babies, they need to be able to chew to deal with pain and discomfort, as well as it helps loose baby teeth to fall out. When a dog feels nervous or anxious, or bored, they will be more tempted to pick up a shoe or chew on a piece of furniture if they do not have plenty of their own toys to chew on. Create a space just for them Dogs want to feel secure and comfortable. If they do not have their own space they can go to, to rest, sleep, or escape from a storm or noises, they become anxious and nervous. Your bulldog should have his own designated, comfortable space he knows he can retreat to anytime he wants or needs to. Give him a comfortable dog bed that is just his size where he can find toys nearby, maybe a blanket that is all his, he can curl up with. If you crate your bulldog, make it comfortable for him inside so that he knows he can go in freely to rest and retreat whenever he wants. Bulldogs are a great family dog that are more than willing to love all family members, and love attention back. They can be quite the cut-up and keep their owners on their toes with their funny dispositions. It is no wonder why bulldogs rank so high on the AKC registry , because they are just all around, good dogs to have for a pet. You can also read:. She may prefer to be an only dog. The American Bulldog was first bred as a powerful and athletic all-purpose working dog, used to catch hogs and cattle. They are typically gentle and loving family companions, but may not tolerate other dogs, especially those of the same sex. They require early training and socialization and have a high energy level. American Bulldogs are generally healthy with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to American Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in American Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for American Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your AmBull looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your American Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections American Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in American Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for American Bulldogs Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Clinical signs usually appear in younger dogs, between around one to three years of age. In the early stages, rear leg weakness and imbalance can occur. It can progress to weakness involving all four legs, and some dogs also lose vision. There is currently no effective treatment for this disease, but a genetic test is available. Dogs carrying the mutation should not be used for breeding since it is readily passed to future generations. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Ichthyosis Dry, flaky, itchy skin is a common problem for many dogs, but AmBulls, in particular, are prone to a severe flaking skin condition called ichthyosis. Named for the large dry flakes that resemble fish scales, this problem usually arises very early in life, with most affected puppies born with abnormal skin. Several palliative treatment options like special shampoos and fish oils give variable levels of relief, but there is no definitive cure for this inherited disease. There is a genetic test available for many breeds that can determine whether he is clear, a carrier, or affected. This is important information if you are planning to use your friend for breeding, as it is not recommended to breed dogs who are affected or carriers; the goal is to prevent this debilitating disease in future generations. Eyelid Abnormality Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and American Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Taking Care of Your American Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your AmBull live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Very easy to groom, her short coat requires only occassional brushing. Clean her nasal folds at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. American Bulldogs love to be with their family and they are adaptable to many living situations as long as they are given adequate exercise. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your American Bulldog needs help. Office Calls Give us a call at for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Change in appetite or water consumption Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth Itchy skin scratching, chewing or licking , hair loss Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy hairless patches on face or paws Emergencies Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes General reluctance to run or play Loud breathing, tires easily at exercise. Low History of the American Bulldog English bulldogs were originally used for bull baiting in 17th century England, a gruesome sport involving dogs fighting bulls. The practice has since been eliminated, and bulldogs dazzled their way into the lives of families across England even becoming a national symbol. English bulldogs were brought to North America to use their strength and determination as farm dogs. Farmers bred them with other working dogs to get the best all-around breed for their specific jobs. Their intelligence, loyalty, and agility made them helpful for both herding and hunting. Thanks to two determined breeders, John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, these dogs were repopulated and went on to become the popular companions they are today. As the breed developed, American bulldogs were known as friendly pets that were a must for families across North America. Their intimidating looks and strength made them a great breed to represent competitive sports teams. Bulldog baseball mascot, May .In the grooming department, these short-haired dogs don't require much aside from basic care. Exercise American bulldogs do best with at least an hour of exercise per day, which owners can provide through daily walks or playing in the yard. Along with helping your dog maintain its health and a suitable weight, exercise is a great way to keep this breed mentally stimulated. Without enough exercise, American bulldogs are prone to find their own entertainment—which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or getting into off-limits items at home. This breed is best suited for active families that enjoy plenty of playtime with their dogs. Your American bulldog will be happy to join you on walks, runs, hikes, and games like fetch or tug-of-war. These dogs typically enjoy grooming, and weekly brushing will significantly help owners manage shedding. Though their coat is relatively low-maintenance, American bulldogs are known to have issues with excess drool. Their slobber is natural; just be sure to keep any wrinkles free from excess moisture to avoid bacteria buildup or infections. Like other dogs, American bulldogs require regular baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks to avoid overgrowth and pain, while ears should be cleaned as needed to prevent infections. Training Consistent training is a must for this breed. American bulldogs are naturally protective sometimes to a fault , but they do love to learn. Training your dog in basic obedience can begin as early as six to eight weeks of age, and socialization is necessary once puppies have received the necessary vaccines to be safe in public. American bulldogs can need a helping hand when it comes to acceptable behavior around strangers and other animals. This will help your dog become a friendly companion and avoid unnecessary aggression. Since these dogs do best with love and attention from their owners, they also respond very well to positive reinforcement methods. Offer treats, affection, and playtime as rewards for desired behavior. Training should be consistent and ongoing throughout the dog's life. Responsible breeders will test prospective parent dogs before breeding to avoid passing these problems down to puppies. The following are conditions to be aware of with this breed: Elbow and Hip Dysplasia : Common in large dog breeds, dysplasia is caused by a malformation in the dog's joints as they age. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: This hereditary disorder affects your dog's central nervous system. Genetic tests can determine whether this disease is present in specific bloodlines. Allergies : American bulldogs can develop allergies caused by an overactive immune system. While many puppies grow out of it, these symptoms are manageable in older dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend a food allergy test if symptoms like redness, itchy skin, or licking paws are present. Avoid overfeeding to prevent unnecessary weight gain , which can cause joint issues. Your veterinarian may also recommend omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. Along with maintaining the proper nutrients, it's important to be aware of any food allergies your dog may have if they struggle with red, itchy skin. Talk to your veterinarian to determine a suitable diet and portion sizes for your dog based on their age, weight, activity level, and specific medical needs. Allergy tests provide the most definitive results, but owners can also slowly switch between different protein options to find the best results. Where to Adopt or Buy an American Bulldog American bulldogs are a popular breed in many regions of the United States, so finding this breed shouldn't be a major challenge for prospective adopters. Check your local shelters to meet American bulldogs in need of forever homes in your area, or reach out to breed-specific rescues to meet a variety of dogs. If you're set on starting with a puppy, it's essential to research responsible breeders before adopting. Always ask for a health guarantee and the litter's family medical history. The right breeder should also allow you to meet the litter's parents and see the conditions in which their dogs are kept. To start your search, check out these resources for breed-specific rescues, the national breed club, and the AKC:.

All of her last litter got parvo but thanks to Stray Dog Support Inc. She needs a safe place to land when she finally arrives here. Diet is adult dry dog food with low fat, no coloring, non-preservatives, and boiled white rice. She will bark at them. The day I rescued her she bit me. Need a home with a fence Yes Can the dog jump fences Yes Can the dog live in apartment Yes Needs a home with another dog Yes, used to being around his siblings Current food Nutrescan Any known allergies None Favorite activities e. She is a very insecure dog, I think she was very mistreated and ran away from home, because she enjoys being indoors but always asks for her space. To vaccinate her and spay her had to put her in the crate because she tried to run away, when I try to pet her she will put her head against the wall and trying not to see me in the eyes, she avoids eye contact and t was very hard to care for her after spay she did allow me to clean her wounds but would show her teeth, she tried to bite me once. She is very sweet and always happy to see us, more the kids when they arrive from school, but very insecure. These puppies are from two of the greatest parents we have seen. The mom and dad are highly intelligent trained bird dogs. The dad is the son of a US.Minor damage to one of the wood slats as shown, from my yellow lab last year when she was a puppy. Aproximately .Price is.Calgary 4 Blue heeler lab cross puppies ready for their new homes and a ton of belly rubs! We are ready to go to our new homes. We are looking for new homes! Some of us were born July 1 and the rest of us July 6, which means we are ready to go! Did you.Visit Website Below to Order Now! They have started eating softened puppy food, and are just starting to play. Olaf is the biggest of the bunch. Ariel and Belle are almost twins in their markings. Mulan is.Comes with first set of shots and deworming. Both parents are kind loving dogs with amazing temperament. Lots of energy.Will be going for their shots on Sept .Puppies will be ready for their new home on Sept .Their mom is a beautiful purebred rottweiler. They are very playful and energetic. These puppies will make good family pets. Their parents are purebred chocolate and.Two pictures of parents are included. He is the sweetest 15 week old puppy. Last one in the litter to find his.Just one puppy left! Calgary We have 8 beautiful lab puppies ready for their new homes. They're very playful, good with kids, and other animals. Puppies have been vet checked, had their first set of shots and deworming. Mom is.These gorgeous pups may bring you just that! We welcomed the sweetest puppies into our family on July 3rd. She is up in.I used to use them on my two labs. Like new. Used them with our lab puppy. So for small dog or puppy. We have three still available and ready for their new homes! These pups will be raised in our home, and be socialized well with.I already have all my vaccines and comes with all my accessories. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Both parents can be view. There date of birth is June .Have been around other animals. Mom and daughter 2nd litter in second photo. Healthy and in the process of potty training. Born June 17th .Mom is golden retriever Dad is a Choclate lab 5 girls 4 boys. All black, some with minimal white markings. Very affectionate puppies. Will make.They are 8 weeks old. Both parents can be viewed. He was my pick of our females 1st litter but I'm going through a seperation and have to rehome him. He is not house.These adorable pups are ready to go to their new homes, there are only 2 left so contact us ASAP! To inquire about these puppies, contact us at.Very sweet and loving puppy but has a lot of energy to be managed, preferably would go to someone with.Browse other categories in All Categories in Calgary. We have 4 handsome boys and 4 beautiful little girls. Dad is a purebred yellow english labrador retriever and comes from a.Please Contact Rehoming my Beautiful Dog Calgary Looking to rehome my 2 years old dog to a loving family or individual. He is trained, and well behaved, and love small people. If you are wondering why I need to rehome my dog. I am going to some.Just one puppy left! Calgary We have 8 beautiful lab puppies ready for their new homes. They're very playful, good with kids, and other animals. Puppies have been vet checked, had their first set of shots and deworming. Mom is.These gorgeous pups may bring you just that! We welcomed the sweetest puppies into our family on July 3rd. These gorgeous puppies have great genetics and will grow up to be loving pets. They are being raised on our.We have three still available and ready for their new homes! These pups will be raised in our home, and be socialized well with.A whole lot of puppy love mixed in a beautiful colored littler. Mother is an Un-Registered Yellow Labrador. She is a beautiful dog. Standard size - taller and.Bird Dogs! Rocky View Exceptional Pedigree and top-quality puppies. We have high expectations for these litters! The moms comes from hunting lines has tones of natural instinct and is an excellent retriever. Bo a master.Both parents can be view. There date of birth is June .Have been around other animals. Mom and daughter 2nd litter in second photo. Healthy and in the process of potty training. She is not.He was my pick of our females 1st litter but I'm going through a seperation and have to rehome him. He is not house.These adorable pups are ready to go to their new homes, there are only 2 left so contact us ASAP! To inquire about these puppies, contact us at.These adorable pups are ready to go to their new homes, there are 3 black and 1 chocolate available, contact us ASAP to inquire: email.Browse other categories in Pets in Calgary. Testimonials Hear what they have to say about Us! Here they were in Canada, right there in Alberta. Thanks Stu and Diana for giving us the privilege of owning a dog like this. Calvin Draper Regina Stu and Diana are fantastic, talented, experienced breeders consistantly producing the highest quality Labrador Retrievers. I got my first Club Mead Labrador in , and have been fortunate enough to have trained a few of their Labs over the years and I have loved each of them deeply. These quality breeders have an uncanny ability research pedigrees, plan litters, and raise well-socialized pups ready to take their new family in any direction they choose to go whether retriever sports, agility, competitive obedience, great family pet, or all of the above! They have an unbelievable talent to match a pups personality to the home that's just right! I have the privilege of having one of theirs, Tuna, in our home. She is a great hunter, a great companion and a pleasant roommate. If only her current handler could keep up to her potential.She is a quick learner, biddable, quiet on line and in the holding blind. Intelligent and sensible. She has a great attitude and good marking dog. She can't wait to dig in and go to work. Pretty Special Pedigree too. You guys sure know how to put dogs together! Thanks Stu and Diana. Our number 1 focus is producing dogs that carry on natural retrieving talent, trainability, and physical prowess to perpetuate our sport. We constantly look at ways to improve the dogs while maintaining the original standard of the breed. We raise English Lab puppies and American style Labrador puppies. All our Labrador retrievers are health tested for ALL common genetic disorders. We have labs of the very best genetics from show and field trial lines. We strive to raise puppies that will make exceptional family pets, hunting companions, and competition dogs. We strive to promote the Labrador Retrievers' original instincts, disposition, temperament, abilities, intelligence, type, and conformation. Labrador retrievers are, without a doubt, the most loyal and tolerant family dogs. Labs are one of the most popular dogs in the world. They are a well-mannered, loyal, energetic, and exemplary family dog. We have bred and reared several lab puppies, and enjoy them a great deal. They are the perfect choice for families with children, as these dogs are very patient with tiny humans. Labradors are large working dogs with all the energy of a breed created to spend long hours running in the field. The owner should ensure they have adequate space and time to keep these dogs active. Labs are happy, friendly dogs. Labs have above average intelligence and learn quickly; as a result, they are the dominant Service dog for the blind. Labrador Retrievers make prominent family members, usually get along well with children and other pets. They will alert you to strangers, but are not "guard dogs", although they will offer protection to the best of their ability. Above all, they give unconditional love. Udonstar Labradors is a small family kennel. We have started our kennel near Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. To provide more space and a top of the line facility for our labs, we have moved to our 90 acre farm near Carbon, Alberta. We are located now around an hour east of the Calgary airport. We raise our puppies on a large acreage in a loving and clean environment. I handle them daily from birth. The puppies are well socialized with people and other animals. Our dogs receive lots of love and attention during the day. Waiting List.

Why Choose Acrylic Containers? Perhaps your dog has a larger wardrobe collection than your own. Maybe you are obsessed with all of the cute lucite dog leashes and bowls we have available. Or maybe, your loved-up pup has a toy collection to rival that of a four-year-old child! A lucite dog toy basket is a lifelong solution to keeping them stowed out of the way in one designated space. A dog toy bin made from straw or fabric is difficult to keep clean and sanitized. Usually, these materials will not withstand the test of time. Plastic storage bins are simple to rinse and disinfect with warm water and soap to keep your dog's toys hygienic and safe. The receptacle is made from hardened acrylic material, so you can trust it will stay fresh and beautiful over the long term. Choose from a lid attached by acrylic hinges or a removable cap, depending on what works best for you. Or try the rectangular storage trunk with natural cotton handles that make tidying and transportation easier. Dog toy bins make keeping your home clean seem effortless. With these lightweight acrylic containers, you can also pack up an overnight kit when your pup spends the night with family or their furry best friend. It is no secret to pet owners that keeping a furry friend in the home can feel like an endless toy tornado at times! Declutter the simple and stylish way with sophisticated pet storage bins. Share via Email Is your dog a toy enthusiast? Would your furry friend rather be playing with their toys than doing anything else? Read on for our dog toy storage box recommendations and more! However, there are some practical and safety reasons you might choose a toy box solution for your home. This advice is especially relevant if your dogs are heavy chewers or curious chewers since the basket itself can become a point of interest. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a toy box for your dog: Size: How many toys does your dog have? Are they big or are they small? Lidded vs. Open: Lids are great for pups with tons of toys, since spillage can be a real pain to clean up. For dogs with fewer toys, an open toy box will do just fine. Materials: Dog toy boxes, bins, and baskets come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and of course materials. Ultimately, the material you choose should be one you like the look of. Made from painted alloy steel, this is a lightweight option that can easily be tucked away in a closet. Thanks to the short profile, this is a good option for small dogs who like to get toys from their toy box. Bone Dry Paw Print Dog Storage Bin Practical and large enough to hold toys for big dogs, this simple storage bin also features sturdy rope handles for easy carrying. If you have a super chewer, this might not be the best option since it sort of resembles a rope toy. Show more Should my dog have a toy box? Investing in a toy box specifically for your dog will help keep your pups playthings in one place and save your home from disarray. Lots of toy boxes can be kept in sight for your dog to reach into when they like and are a great way to encourage your hound to stay active with physical and mental stimulation. What toys do dogs like most? No matter the size, age, breed or temperament of your four-legged friend, there are plenty of doggy toys available to keep your hound entertained. From interactive to squeaky, chewy and cuddly options, shop around until you find the perfect toy that your pup will enjoy playing with while encouraging them to stay active for many hours. Dog toy boxes: Our top picks: Here is our pick of the best dog toy boxes available for .We think the paw shaped cutout design adds a nice decorative touch, making this an ideal option to keep on display. Our pick is the brown version, but it also comes in a more minimal grey hue if you prefer. For dinky-sized dogs try the smaller size , which has adequate storage space, too. Crafted from cotton, it features sturdy rope handles so you can move it around easily. We think it would make a thoughtful gift for a dog owner, too. It's also fantastic for storing rolled up pet blankets as it will slot neatly onto most shelves. We think this will look great everywhere, but particularly in rustic-inspired interior schemes. The rattan material suits a range of different interior styles. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Best dog toy storage boxes Dog Toys Basket Best dog toy storage boxes Dog Toys Basket This simple cotton bag is made of a durable canvas and is a brilliant option for puppies or smaller dogs, whose toys tend to be a little bit smaller. You can choose to add two different lines of text and, if you're shopping for a cat as well as a dog, you can change the bone engraving to a fish logo. We love the neutral colours. It also comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. We like the forest green shade of this particular basket. Watch Next. Made from sturdy fabric with a paw print and bone pattern, it features fabric handles on either side for simple maneuvering. Customers love the dip in the front, which allows pups to easily reach their toys. Large breed dogs with a lot of chunky toys will need a bigger box than a petite pup with smaller toys. Thinking about these things in advance will help you determine the right type of dog toy storage to consider. And make sure you check the dimensions carefully before you buy — sometimes these boxes are smaller than they look! Material Dog toy boxes come in all sorts of materials — from soft fabric to wood, metal, and plastic. If your dog is a drooler and their toys often get wet, look for a toy box that can be washed. If your dog loves to chew things, avoid a soft felt or canvas box that they might be tempted to nibble on. Additionally, if you plan to use it outside or in your basement, you might want a waterproof toy box that can stand up to changes in temperature. Breeds like Malinois or American Bulldogs might try to chew through any type of box, in which case they may ingest pieces and become very sick. Just keep in mind that a box without a lid allows for more airflow. Look around your house and consider your decor, then search for storage that closely aligns to your tastes. In addition to selecting a design that will suit your style, consider things like accessibility, handles, and whether your chosen box will easily fit into the space you have in mind. While some dogs can handle having their toys available at all times, it may not be a great idea for all. Other, more intense dogs will play for hours with toys if they are freely available, which is not ideal. As you get into a routine of tidying up, you can even have your dog help bring their toys over to the box. And when you put the toys back in, you might want to give them a quick wipe, checking soft toys for holes and hard toys for any cracks or breaks that could make them unsafe. The contai.The container has a metal frame to help the toy basket hold its shape as your dog searches for their favorite toy. At 24 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches, the basket is large enough to hold your dog's toys and but low enough so it's easily accessible for your dog. Shoppers said they were surprised all of their dog's toys fit inside and that it is a nice addition to the home. One reviewer even used this bin as a gift basket for a friend bringing home a new puppy and filled it with essentials for them. What is Dog Toy Storage? Dog toy storage is a great way to keep your dog's toys contained in one area of your home, backyard, or car. By putting your dog's toys in a specific area, your dog will be able to find them when it's time to play and keep mess to a minimum. A toy storage container also allows you to keep track of how many toys your dog has and know when it's time to replace them. Types Dog toy storage containers come in a variety of styles and designs to match any decor. Most dog toy containers have either an open-top design that allows dogs to access their toys whenever they want or are sealable containers that need to be opened for their dogs. Materials Dog toy storage containers should be made with safe materials that are sturdy and easy to wash or wipe down. Here are the most common materials: Canvas: Light and portable, soft canvas bins are a stylish way to store dog toys. This material is also easy to wash or wipe down, and many are machine washable. Metal: Wire or metal containers have an open design that allows you to better see what's inside. For heavy chewers, a material like metal is best to prevent damage. Wood: As a more natural material, wooden toy storage can be customized with paint of different stains. Just make sure there are no loose wood pieces that your dog could get hurt on. You want something large enough to store a majority of the toys yet low enough for dogs to still access it on their own. Something around 9 inches high should be tall enough to provide access and good storage. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best material for a dog toy storage container? The best material for dog toy storage containers comes down to your personal style and space available in your home. If you have a dog who is a heavy chewer, metal storage containers tend to last the longest. Should dogs always have access to toys? Play and enrichment are important to the mental health of all dogs. But if you know that your dog has a tendency to destroy toys, you'll want to put them away where your dog can't access them if you're unable to supervise. Otherwise, open access to toys is great to prevent boredom. Can my dog put their own toys away? Dogs who have a lot of toys can be taught to put their toys away in their toy storage containers. Our experience is your guide to making the best choices for the best dog: yours.

Andrex is a British brand of toilet roll. It is owned by the American company Kimberly-Clark. The brand Andrex is also used by Kimberly-Clark in the Hong Kong market, with products from their Taiwanese factories though wet wipes are imported from South Korea , [3] [4] along with the brands Scott , Kleenex and Scotties. Its sister brand in the U. In Austria it is called "Hakle," and in Germany simply Cottonelle. Harrods department store in London sold the handkerchiefs exclusively. Before Andrex, brands such as Bronco and Izal produced products that were harsher. It was the first two-ply tissue. St Andrew Mills was taken-over by Bowater in , and in , Bowater formed a joint venture with the Scott Paper Company , Bowater-Scott, that specialized in tissue products, including Andrex. However, the original idea in was for a young girl to run through a house trailing a roll of Andrex. The television regulators did not approve this as they felt it encouraged children to be wasteful. Since then there have been different adverts featuring various puppies eponymously known as "the Andrex puppy". Factories in Flint and Barrow in Furness supplement production on the mainline product, along with the Puppies on a Roll, Aloe Vera and Quilts variations. Linkedin marked the 75th anniversary for toilet paper brand Andrex and marks the 46th birthday of the iconic Andrex Puppy. The original concept for the commercial campaign was to have a little girl running through her house trailing a roll of Andrex toilet paper behind him. However, television regulators blocked the idea as they considered it to be too wasteful. In the original spot, the Andrex Puppy pulled out a roll of Andrex all throughout the house to advertise the strength, softness, and length of the roll that makes the toilet paper so special and loved by people everywhere. Since the advert aired, there have been over adverts with puppies that have portrayed the Andrex puppy. Andrex has long been committed to training puppies to become guide dogs. A couple of years ago, the brand partnered with Guide Dogs UK Charity for the Blind and Partially Sighted to raise money to finance training 40 puppies as guide dogs. The money was raised through sales of a limited-edition soft toy Andrex Puppy with portions of the sales going towards the charity. Hey there, animated pooch! Spoiler alert: the digital version of the Andrex Puppy gets into just as much toilet paper trouble as his real-life counterpart! Toilet paper quickly unravels towards him and a small Labrador puppy suddenly accompanies the older dog.