goldendoodle puppies for sale in vermont

Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. We also strive to prove that every dog has unique characteristics just like every human. The Teacup Poodle is a size variation of the poodle that is not officially recognized. However, they are incredibly intelligent little dogs and make excellent companions for older children and elderly people. Teacup Poodles are small, athletic dogs with a friendly, easygoing temperament. Teacup Poodles for Sale The Toy Poodle is the smallest of all the poodle breeds and over the years, these charming little dogs have proven to be some of the most popular companions. Teacup Poodle puppies are one of the most impressive dogs in the canine world. Not only are teacup Poodles extremely friendly and affectionate to their owners, these loveable beauties vibe well with young children, strangers, and other dogs. Teacup Poodles will range in price, but they are not cheap. Sometimes depending on the breeder, you will find this breed for even more money than that. Teacup poodle, Outstanding Toy Poodle puppies for sale at affordable prices, all our puppies are Up-to-date on shots and ready to go. Client Testimonials What they say After a long journey she is finally with us and she is adorable! She come to Frankfurt with airplane and it was one of the most beautiful moments in my life! Thank you for this little angel she is adorable everyone loves her! He was delivered to me and is exactly like the pictures. He is so small and sweet. I took him to the vet and he is perfectly healthy. I love him so much! Teacup-Poodles Store is the only place to buy a cute and healthy dog. I highly recommend them. You will be shocked to see how adorable and tiny these puppies are. I have had an amazing experience with Mr. He is very respectful man who always keeps his word. He is a great breeder also, making sure that your puppy is in good health. My baby arrived in great condition. They far exceeded our expectations! My sister and I both got female poodles and they are tiny and adorable! They are eating and drinking well, friendly, and very playful! They seem very well socialized as they love my daughters, my other dog, and even my cat! They have not been afraid of anything! Allison Contact Us Please feel free to contact us anytime. If there are calls on queue, you may hold or leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. We are currently working with other partner breeders from all over the world to bring to our customers high quality teacup Poodle puppies and a discount prices that is not available else where. Quick Links. Whether you are looking for a standard-sized Poodle or a pint-sized Teacup Poodle, our platform offers a wide selection to choose from. Browse our listings from ethical Poodle breeders and find the perfect furry companion to join your family. What are Teacup Poodles? Teacup Poodle puppies are enchanting miniature versions of the elegant Poodle breed. These charming little pups are carefully bred to be smaller than the standard Poodles, making them irresistibly adorable and sought after. Despite their small size, Teacup Poodle puppies possess all the wonderful qualities of their larger counterparts, including their intelligence and affectionate nature. What is the Average Size of a Tea cup Poodle? Teacup Poodles have a compact and petite build, making them perfect for cuddling and carrying around. When fully grown, these tiny canines usually stand around 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their small size makes them ideal for indoor living and suits various living environments, including apartments and smaller homes. Despite their diminutive stature, Teacup Poodles have big hearts filled with love and devotion for their human families. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training. Along with their intelligence, Poodles are affectionate and loving companions, forming strong bonds with their human families. They are known for being social and friendly with both children and other pets, making them a perfect fit for families of all sizes. Our listings feature ethical Poodle breeders who prioritize the well-being and health of their puppies. Each Teacup Poodle for sale on our platform is raised with care and attention, ensuring they are well-socialized and ready to become a beloved member of your family. About Tiffany Well, hello there! I can assure you that I am the one you have been looking for. How do I know? My coat is shiny and soft, and I have been told that my face is too cute for words. I am also fun if I do say so myself. I have been known to catch a ball or two, long walks tickle my fancy, and fetch is just about my favorite pastime. Reviews There are no reviews yet.

I think it's going well, but this is our first time, and I was hoping you wise and welcoming dog people could help me with a couple of concerns. We use all her food to train her, and higher value treats for recall, hide and seek, and the only thing she's hesitant about so far--water. She settles well in her crate and naps about every two hours. If we try to settle her out with us, we end up with the thrashing-biting- zoomies. When we tell her "kennel", I feel like she's relieved, and she enters and sleeps we do close the door and cover with a towel. Am I interpreting her right? Can we keep crating her for naps for now working on preventing zoomies? Or will that mean she doesn't learn to relax with the family? She can't play in our yard anymore because she is attempting to eat her weight in soil. She will also chew up sticks, acorns, grass etc. We stop her, but is this normal and will she outgrow it? If she starts doing it outside our yard, I don't know what we'll do because she has to romp outside somewhere! My final question for now is the water thing. It's been 95 degrees here, she's black lab, and I'm totally mystified that she doesn't enjoy water. I've looked it up and tried a lot of things plastic wading pool in the backyard, and going in with her. We allow her to make all her own choices but do encourage and throw a treat party when she enters. Still, she'll only go up to her "knees" in the bay gentle sloping entrance, no waves, sandy bottom. Should we keep trying once a day, or back off? Other positive things we could try? I'm concerned that if she doesn't swim and love it before 16 weeks, the window of new experience will close and she'll never like water. Not a problem if her eventual family doesn't live near it or like it, but she might go to a child or parent with children who does want to take her to the water. Thanks so much for reading and for any thoughts you want to share! Print If you have a week-old Lab puppy, you probably have your hands full. They are growing quickly, both in size and knowledge, but they are also still a bit like toddlers, always getting into something. Here is the training for your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post seven of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy Here are the things we worked on this week while training of Bubba. Working on control As Bubba matures, we need to work on more control. Bubba must learn to control herself in different situations. We continue to work on these control situations, but we are now adding more opportunities to exhibit control. This is challenging for a puppy her age, she wants to bolt out of the crate, but she must exhibit control and wait for the release command. Obedience training your week-old puppy We continue to work on obedience training using a chain collar and heeling stick. Bubba is learning to walk at our side, but it is far from perfect. She is also sitting on command, with occasional reminders from the heeling stick. I continue to work on strengthening her SIT. I can currently walk away from Bubba steps, and she will remain seated, but she makes lots of mistakes. I move my body while I stand a couple feet from her, and command SIT at the same time. It is very hard for puppies to understand that they must remain seated and still when someone else is moving. But it will all come. It just takes a lot of repetition and enforcement. I will slowly extend the distance between Bubba and myself. A stronger SIT will also take some maturity. As Bubba gets older the obedience will get easier for her to understand and to complete the necessary commands. But I will also make the training more difficult by adding distractions. It is not easy, and I did resort to treat training as I bid time to teach with the electronic collar. The treat training has helped a lot but has also resulted in some bad behaviors. Bubba is now jumping on me more because she anticipates a treat from my pocket. I have been firm and consistent in correcting the jumping, but it is most definitely a result of the treat training. In addition, Bubba thinks she should get a treat for doing things she has been doing for weeks without a treat. I will continue with the treats for the HERE command for the next few weeks, and then I will start weaning her off them. Introducing your Labrador puppy to hunting elements Bubba is almost done her introduction to hunting elements except for gunfire. Gunfire must be done slowly, with the noise getting incrementally closer to Bubba over time. We have already started this introduction, but it will be several months or more before we move the gunfire right next to her. Introducing your puppy decoys in water Swimming is something Bubba loves to do, so this week we added water marks with decoys in the water. We give her the time to check out the decoys with no correction and when she finally picks up the bumper, we praise her with a Good Dog. A few marks through decoys will be enough to teach Bubba that the decoys are not the thing she should be retrieving. I will continue this training for Bubba for the next couple weeks and then will stop since she will be teething, and I do not want to cause her any pain while doing this training. Increased distance for assistant marks Assistant marks are vital for teaching Bubba to mark watch where the bird fell so she can run to the correct area. We make sure she gets marks every day, but we limit the number of marks she gets to three. The reason we do this is because with young pups you want to build their retrieving desire. Desire is built not by giving your puppy unlimited retrieves. It is built by limiting the number of retrieves the puppy gets at any one time. My husband likes to compare it to a Thanksgiving dinner. If you sit down and eat a huge plate full of food, you are not going to be hungry a few hours later. But if you only get a little piece of turkey for your meal and then are told that is all there is, you will be very hungry the next time you are offered food. If you have a dog struggling with desire, you want to limit the retrieves. Sometimes to only one per day, or one every other day. Bubba is not struggling with desire at all, so we stick to three retrieves per day. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy Your puppy is probably advancing well in training at this point. You should see some marked improvement in her obedience and behavior. Set some reasonable boundaries and enforce them. Work on obedience on a regular basis, even if only for 5 minutes a day. If you do, you will see your dog grow in leaps and bounds. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your week-old Labrador puppy? Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

Many a dog owner has played with their pup until they themself were exhausted and, much to their chagrin, their pup was still raring for more. As puppies, this can be the same for English Bulldogs but, as a brachycephalic breed, they do have their limits. This especially goes for activities like running and jogging. Similar to all breeds of dogs, English bulldogs need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. When it comes to running and jogging, however, they do have their limits due to several factors. Yes, they can run, or jog, by your side, but for very short distances and under the right circumstances. They are also prone to joint problems, especially their knees and hips, and running or jogging puts a lot more pressure on these joints and can hurt them even under normal conditions. Most English bulldog experts agree that they should only be allowed to run around for 30 to 40 minutes, and less on a hot, humid day. More than this and you risk that they will dangerously overheat, have difficulty catching their breath and cause damage to their joints, including their hips and knees. There are exceptions to the rule, of course. If your English bullie buddy is a fully-grown adult with minimum health problems and the temperature outside is moderate they may be able to run around a bit longer without any risks. This would be something that you, as their dutiful and loving owner, would need to evaluate and decide on your own. This is a question that must be answered on an individual basis. That being said, 30 to 40 minutes is the advised amount of time to exercise your furry buddy so, for example, if you want to take them on a short jog or run at a moderate to slow speed simply make sure that you go as far as will get you back to your home in 30 to 40 minutes. Weather is also a factor when running or jogging with your English bullie. Yes, it definitely can be, unfortunately. These are malformations of the hip and elbow joint that can make it difficult for English bulldogs to walk and move around, let alone run or jog. If your English bullie already has these problems running and jogging will undoubtedly worsen them. Furthermore, as they get older more severe joint problems can arise as well, such as degenerative spine disease. Running and jogging can exacerbate these problems significantly, causing much pain and discomfort for your beloved pooch and the possibility of expensive veterinary visits too. They include; The Weather. Too hot and they will overheat quickly, too cold and they will get a chill just as fast Their Age. The Distance. Running or jogging at a moderate to slow pace is recommended, especially when you consider how quickly English bulldogs can overheat and also that they have very short legs Their Overall Health. The healthier your pupper is the longer they can run or jog without any health risks Is it Worse for English Bulldog Puppies or Adults to Run? Like everything else we talked about this depends on several factors. What you need to consider is that English bulldogs go through several growth phases during their first year of life. If they are allowed to run or jog indiscriminately, it can cause permanent damage to many of their joints and lead to lifelong problems and pain. That includes their knees, hips, shoulders and other joints. Their heart and lungs are also developing and running or jogging can have a detrimental effect on these vital organs too. Which is worse? That being said, we recommend not jogging or running with your English bulldog or, at most, only engaging in this activity once in a while and only if your buddy is an adult in good health. There are many different activities that your English bulldog boo can do with you safely and still have a fun time. Here are a few toys that you can use to play with your bulldog bud and help them get their daily dose of exercise. These are great for tugs-of-war and fetching! American bulldogs less so, however, as American bullies are larger with longer legs and somewhat fewer overall health problems than both their English and French counterparts. I recently reserved an English bulldog puppy. He was born 4 days premature by C-Section and has 7 other littermates. His mother is a red and white, kc registered family pet and his father is a kc registered red and white stud dog who participates in shows. My puppy opened his eyes around 2 weeks old and started walking around 3 weeks old. Fast forward to now, he is 6 weeks old tomorrow. When we saw a video of him walking at 3 weeks old, he seemed to have some weakness in his back legs but we passed it off as normal because he had only just started trying to walk. His siblings seem to have some leg issues too. Another pup in the same video had one leg that seemed to go out to the side, as if stretching. They walk on wooden floor and the grass outside. They are being weaned onto puppy food and are drinking from a bowl etc. Everything else with my puppy is fine, his eating and drinking habits, his toiletry habits etc. They are all booked in to see the vet on Monday and then I am viewing my pup on Tuesday. I am just looking for some piece of mind. Should I be concerned about his legs? Is this true? Any help or advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you in advance. Pin2 2 Shares One of the funniest things about having a Frenchie is when they get what we call the zoomies and start running about like crazy. Our own French Bulldog get zoomies after a bath, late at, during play in the garden, after a poop, or sometimes with no rhyme or reason whatsoever. Why do French Bulldogs get the zoomies? French Bulldogs will run around like crazy with the zoomies to relieve pent up energy or even stress. Why do French Bulldogs run around like crazy? Animal behaviorists are unable to provide a scientific explanation for the zoomies, but there is a common observation. Dogs, and French Bulldogs get the zoomies in a variety of scenarios, typically when aroused by excitement, pent up energy that needs to be released, or even stress. They usually last a few minutes or less. It is not known what causes animals to engage in FRAPs. Our own French Bulldog Claude gets the zoomies in a variety of situations. When he does, he will like crazy, running from one end of the house to another, jumping on beds and couches with furious bursts of speed. Our Frenchie will often get the zoomies when out on a walk. When outdoors he will run fast laps of our garden with sudden direction changes and wild spins. When we incite hectic play with him in our house. He will run, look at us, put his head to the floor, then take off again the minute we take one step towards him. I assume he gets the zoomies for two reasons; one he hates towels, and two he runs like crazy to shake all the water off his body. Are the zoomies dangerous? Despite how fast and frenetic your Frenchie runs like crazy, they will rarely injury themselves as they seem to know the dimensions of their body and the space around them. There are also people more educated than me about dogs who have written about this interesting behavior. So, all we can do is make the assumptions as outlined in this post, and they make a lot of sense to me. If you want to prevent it, I can only recommend that you get your Frenchie more active both mentally and physically. Here are some Frenchie toys I can recommend which might help.

Labradoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. They are friendly, loving family dogs who are intelligent and easy and keen to train. Planning on adopting a Labradoodle in the state of Florida? The majority of rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender. The most common reasons for surrender are a change in lifestyle or the specific breed not being a good fit. A hefty price tag for Labradoodle puppies leads to high expectations from buyers. Puppies of certain colors and fur types are seen as less desirable, making them difficult to sell, and can end up in rescue. Due to their popularity, they are generally rehomed very quickly. Adoption applications for a single dog can easily reach the hundreds. Many centers use third-party platforms to advertise the dogs they are rehoming. The platforms advertise thousands of dogs available for adoption and are always the best place to start your search as your net is cast wider and you can refine your search by breed and location. Absolutely Pawesome has provided you with 23 of the very best Labradoodle rescue shelters located in the state of Florida below: Table of Contents. Located 1. It owns the Dreamweaver Farm, a pleasant place where rescues are housed until they find their forever homes. Thanks to the hard work of hundreds of volunteers, CPR managed to rescue and rehome over dogs. Saving Grace takes in homeless dogs that usually come from underserved, rural, and impoverished areas. They live in a Funny Farm type of setting that naturally helps rehabilitate and get them out of their shells. The International Doodle Owners Group, founded in , has 15 years of experience in rescuing and rehoming Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Pros: Has 15 years of experience Reasonable adoption fees Specialized in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles Cons: Needs more information on the medical care it provides Final Verdict The IDOG Rescue is one of the best options for specialized Labradoodle rescues that are available nationwide. Doodles Rescue Collective — Budget-Friendly Rescue The Doodles Rescue Collective is another nationwide option that stands out with its affordable adoption fees that make adoption more accessible. Founded in , the Doodles Rescue Collective has 13 years of experience. It managed to save and rehome Labradoodles and Goldendoodles since its beginning, thanks to more than volunteers across the states. The rescue cares about its dogs, which is why fostering can take from two weeks to two months. Also, the adoption fees are affordable. Understand the Breed There are plenty of abandoned and surrendered fur babies looking for another chance. Doing your research gives you a better understanding of what a Labradoodle needs so that you can be the excellent dog parent that your future canine friend deserves. For instance, Labradoodles hate being left alone. Your Labradoodle derives its joy from your continuous presence in its day. In addition, Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs. To stay fit and happy, they must exercise on a daily basis because they have a lot of energy that they need to release. So, knowing everything there is to know about the Labradoodle breed increases your chances of adopting one. Rescue Reputation Generally speaking, dog rescue organizations are expected to help countless dogs find new homes and preserve their lives. Younger and healthier Labradoodles tend to be more expensive than older ones. Keep in mind that certain rescue organizations charge an extra application fee too. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are many excellent Labradoodle rescue options throughout North Carolina. The top spot on our list goes to the Carolina Poodle Rescue. With 21 years of experience with Poodles and Poodle mixes, the rescue that owns the Dreamweaver Farm has a lot to offer. Sharing is caring! It works on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many abused, neglected, and abandoned Labradoodles and other Poodle mixes as possible. Whether it finds these dogs in shelters, the streets, or fresh out of homes, the Doodle Rock Rescue places these furry babies in temporary foster homes to concentrate on their individual needs, such as being trained and treated, to prepare them before finding their forever homes. In addition, the center takes in and rehabilitates dogs from anywhere across the country. Yet, the farthest this center will accept applications is from anyone who lives within miles of Dallas to make regular monitoring easier. Even better, the facility has its own clinic, the CHEW Animal Clinic, which provides high-quality, yet affordable veterinarian care in the area. Work Hard. Based in Dallas, Texas, the facility has been around for approximately two years only. In addition, the facility allows adoption for people within a five-hour radius of the DFW area in Texas. Rest assured that these Doodles receive immediate medical attention once they become a part of DDR. They also stay with a foster family for at least three weeks before adoption to learn everything about them. Founded in , the International Doodle Owners Group is based out of Houston, Texas, but has a network of volunteers across the United States and some parts of Canada. In its operation, it managed to rescue and rehome 2, Doodles. Founded in , the rescue center has over a decade of experience in rescuing and rehoming Labradoodles in need of a home. How to Pick a Labradoodle Rescue in Texas? So, to become the excellent dog parent that your future Labradoodle needs you to be, do your research on the breed so that you have a better understanding of what it needs. For example, Labradoodles are pretty energetic and active. They need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. The happiness of your Labradoodle relies heavily on your company. So, having excellent knowledge of the breed increases your chances of getting your own Labradoodle. However, not all of them are equal. Other rescues lack transparency in the information that they provide because they want to leave future adopters in the dark as much as possible. Speaking of money, some rescue centers are sketchy when it comes to finances. We already know that Labradoodles are expensive. Typically, younger and healthier Labradoodles are more expensive than older ones. Nonetheless, they all deserve a loving home. Some rescue centers have application fees, as well. Final Thoughts Hopefully, this article has given you a comprehensive idea about where to adopt a Labradoodle rescue in your area. The big star of our list of the greatest Labradoodle rescue in Texas is listed below. Our top choice is the Doodle Rock Rescue because it does excellent work to save as many abandoned and surrendered Labradoodles in its vicinity as possible. It also provides complete veterinary care and has reasonable adoption fees. Sharing is caring!

They are real giants in the sense that they are the biggest variety of the German Shepherd that exists. Up until today, the breed is still considered under development. The crossbreeding was done with the aim of producing a dog breed with the appearance and characteristics of a German Shepherd but larger in size and has fewer health issues. Nonetheless, King Shepherds are loving, intelligent, and versatile working dogs just like the classic German Shepherds. In fact, Shiloh Shepherds are the foundation of King Shepherds! This being said, Tina Barber, a German Shepherd trainer, had seen the need to breed a better version of the German Shepherd that can perfectly fit into a family as a working dog. This is how the birth of the gentle Shiloh Shepherd started. Shiloh Shepherds are a mix of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and few other dog breeds that are larger in size and have better genetics when it comes to health. As hip dysplasia is a common crippling disease for German Shepherds, breeds with better hip conditions were crossbred to produce the Shiloh Shepherd. It is said that Shilohs perfectly resemble the intelligence and loyalty of German Shepherds but are less aggressive and domineering. They are even called gentle giants because of their stable temperament. The classic German Shepherd alone is already considered as a large dog breed that could reach a height of 26 inches and a weight of 90 pounds! Now, you could just imagine how big a Giant German Shepherd can grow? This Giant German Shepherd could reach an astounding height of 29 inches for males and 27 inches for females. Their weight ranges between to pounds for fully grown male King Shepherds and 90 to pounds for fully grown female King Shepherds. If you put a German Shepherd beside a King Shepherd, you will notice the big difference in their height. Nonetheless, when compared to their predecessor, the classic German Shepherd breed, this giant hybrid is still significantly bigger in size and heavier in weight. The only significant differences of Giant German Shepherds to their ancestor other than their size could be seen with their coat and personality or behavior. King Shepherds Photo from marcothekingshep IG King Shepherds have retained the compact, solid, and muscular body composition of their ancestor German Shepherd. They are literally the giant version. They have a square head, almond-shaped eyes which could either be brown or golden brown in color and erect pointy ears. When it comes to their body ratio, they look a bit longer than tall. They also have a broader chest compared to the classic German Shepherd breed. Their tail is long and bushy that curls upwards. King Shepherds have thick weather-resistant fluffy double coats which could either be long, straight, course, or wavy. The main coat colors are fawn, red, brown, sable, and black. So if you are looking forward to owning King Shepherds, make sure to ready your cleaning tools because they shed regularly. When it comes to their personality, King Shepherds make the perfect family companions and guardians. They are intelligent, easy-going, and protective yet gentle dogs. These traits are a result of crossbreeding the intelligent and protective German Shepherd with the gentle giant Shiloh Shepherd. King Shepherds can be wary of strangers but not aggressive. They have also inherited the energetic and alert traits of their ancestors, German Shepherds. Because of this, they need regular exercises and activities to keep them busy and happy. Watch this video to see a five-year old King Shepherd while undergoing training: 5 year old King Shepherd! This dog breed has a proud carriage and a smooth and effortless gait. Their chest is deep and broad with the abdomen firmly held and slightly tucked. The skull shape of the Shiloh should have a balanced width and length with a slightly domed frontal appearance. The facial region should be moderately broad between the ears but not too broad. Shiloh also has a blunt black nose and almond-shaped brown eyes. Their ears are also erect just like German Shepherds. Their smooth and plush double coat can come in different varieties of color, patterns, and length. When it comes to colors and patterns, Shiloh Shepherd coats can have shades of black with tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver, and cream. Solid white and black are also acceptable as long as the lips, eye rims, and nose are solid black. However, white markings are discouraged as well as washed out colors. When it comes to their temperament and behavior, the Shiloh Shepherd is called as the gentle and better version of German Shepherds. Their calm and intelligent traits make them perfect as family companions. They are self-assured, composed, friendly and calm yet observant and perceptive for menacing situations. As mentioned earlier in the article, both King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd are new hybrids of dogs that are still under development. The Shiloh was born in — decades earlier than the birth of its son, the King Shepherd, .A few of the reasons why breeders produce large German Shepherd breeds include better health, better appearance, better behavior, and stronger body. In the case of Shiloh Shepherd, it was originally bred to produce a German Shepherd that is gentler and bigger. Trainers of German Shepherds back then believed that they are too much for the average family to handle. So, they decided and aimed to produce a dog breed that has the instinctive protective trait but is more calm and gentle — the result, Shiloh Shepherd! With the latest development of the Shiloh Shepherd breed, it is said that the Shiloh excels in all types of work, from animal assisted therapy to obedience to guardian assignments, while getting along very well with people. The King Shepherd, on the other hand, was also aimed to be a larger guard dog that can be a family companion. Since it has the foundation of the Shiloh Shepherd and the German Shepherd, King Shepherd inherited both the gentle and protective traits of its ancestor. More than the temperament, the breeding of King Shepherd also aimed to refine the health of the breed by crossbreeding it with other breeds that have better health history — especially hip dysplasia. If you want to produce a larger German Shepherd while maintaining the pure lineage, then you must do pure breeding. However, if you are interested in acquiring not only a larger size but also an exclusive trait from other breeds, then you can apply crossbreeding. Pure Breeding In this breeding process, two purebred German Shepherds with sizes that are larger on the larger end of the standard size will be bred to produce larger offspring. Once the puppies are fully grown, the ones with exceptional size will be selected again to be bred with other German Shepherd dogs that are also exceptional in terms of size. The process will continue from generation to generation until the trait is cultivated deep within the genes. However, breeding dogs with related lineage should be discouraged as it promotes health issues stemming from genetic problems. Cross Breeding Cross breeding process is done by breeding German Shepherds with other large breed dogs. This is the process done in breeding Shiloh Shepherds and King Shepherds. In the case of the Shiloh Shepherd, it was a mixed breed of German Shepherd and large breed dogs such as the Alaskan Malamute. Aside from the size, other factors such as temperament, appearance, and breed health conditions should also be considered in cross breeding as they will greatly affect the breed outcome. The lifespan of Giant German Shepherds ranges from 10 to 13 years which is quite the same as the normal German Shepherd. Crossbred dogs are expected to be healthier than purebred ones. However, although they are quite immune to other health problems due to the benefit of cross breeding, there are still health conditions that are common for Giant German Shepherd breeds. Nonetheless, both King Shepherd and Shilo Shepherd are just like other dog breeds — vulnerable if not well taken care of. Here are the common health issues among Giant German Shepherds: Joint Dysplasia: This is an abnormal formation of joints in either hip or elbow that can eventually cause lameness, instability, weakness, and pain. With this disease, proper blood clotting is impossible due to the deficiency of a protein that the platelets need. Perianal Fistula: This skin disease also known as anal furunculosis is a serious medical condition that most commonly affects German Shepherd dogs — both purebred and mixed breed dogs. It is a skin disease that affects the area immediately surrounding the anus. Eye Issues: Giant German Shepherds are also susceptible to different eye problems which include irritation, inflammation, watery eye, and pus discharge among others. King Shepherds are quite more expensive than Shiloh Shepherds. With all these being said, if you plan to own a Giant German Shepherd, then ready your pockets and wallet. Here are some of the reputable breeders and rescue centers where you can get your Giant German Shepherd. You can look for available puppies on their website as well as reputable breeders of King Shepherds. This breeder facility started in and is owned by the secretary of the King Shepherd Club International. Reputable Shilo breeders are listed on their website as well as puppies on sale. Puppies and stud services are offered by this breeder. If you want to give a homeless Giant German Shepherd a new home, then you can adopt from these rescues instead: All Shepherd Rescue — All Shepherd Rescue is dedicated to finding a home for Shepherds of all breeds. You can check out their website to look for dogs and puppies available for adoption. Different breeds of shepherds are situated in this facility. You can check out the available dogs for adoption. You can visit their website to see their rescued dogs. Who knows? You might find the Giant German Shepherd that perfectly fits you. The biggest among the German Shepherds with regards to size and weight are the King Shepherds. The King Shepherds have an average weight of pounds 55 kg and a height ranging from 25 to 29 inches cm. Whether it is the right dog for you or not depends on your preference, lifestyle, and dedication to taking care of a pet. First ask yourself what you are looking for in a dog. Are you looking for a companion? A guardian? A protector? Then if you have ticked all the boxes on the questions above, a Giant German Shepherd is the right dog for you. Their large body is an asset for being guard dogs. Plus, their gentle and calm personality befit them as companion dogs. Your lifestyle also has something to say whether the Giant German Shepherd is the right dog for you. Giant German Shepherds are active dogs, so you will have to walk them in the park or play with them regularly. This means you also need to be active! Lastly, you must be dedicated. Giant German Shepherds are large dogs that need more attention, space, food, necessity, and care. If you think you are not ready to provide all of the things I mentioned in exchange for their loyalty and love, then the Giant German Shepherd is not the right dog for you. In the end, no matter the size of the dog, their love will always be humongously the same. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Rescued a 3 moths pup after losing a big guy. My last one was an Anatolian lbs. Raised 55 Alpacas in the mts and never lost an animal to predators. So anyhow, this guy was getting huge. So after some research, I found and talked to a breeder of giants. Sweetest guy in the world. Super dude. Anyhow, great breed. Sweet with people, but tough with all the critters in the forest. It gives an estimate of the risk for painful osteoarthritis OA of canine hip dysplasia CHD later in life. With this information, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended by the PennHIP-trained veterinarian. It has been extremely helpful to me as a breeder to OFA-certify my dogs. If the breeders have been breeding a long time you should see lots of names.You are supporting puppy mills if you buy a dog with these registries as they are mainly for puppy mill breeders, You know what you get with AKC because of record inspections and DNA. All Buyers should beware! Both are breeding females that are not German Shepherds they looked like husky crosses but are registering them as German Shepherds and the registry does not care. I have personally seen it and so have many others. Are you looking for size? Here are some pointers! Most breeders of large german shepherds exaggerate by 50 lbs and several inches or more! Vet certified weight means nothing if you can't call the vet! Size means little if temper , health and longevity are not there!

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Family is located in the rolling hills of Upstate New York. We are a small hobby breeder with a great love and passion for the English Style Labrador Retriever. All of our dogs are part of our family and live in our home, they are not kenneled or kept in runs. Our goal with our breeding program is to produce labs that can be the perfect companion for the entire family, while holding excellent pedigrees that promote AKC standards for confirmation and are free from health problems and genetic defects. We convert our living room into a nursery when our puppies arrive so they can be with us as much as possible. Moms have access to their puppies all the time for free feedings and snuggle time. We never separate mothers from their babies as we feel this causes unnecessary stress on both of them. While some of our dogs will go on to show homes or to compete in in field trials, most find their calling as companions with families or as therapy dogs, service dogs, hunting dogs and best friends! Once again, the intelligent, family friendly Labrador retriever has taken the 1 spot on the most popular list for the 23rd consecutive year, the longest reign at the top in AKC history. We have helped birth and place more puppies this year than in any of our previous forty. Read the full text of the AKC press release here. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the Sunshine state. Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have shipped more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily ship our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Rochester. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Labrador Retrievers Make Good Therapists In recent articles, a licensed professional counselor with thirty years of experience, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children and seniors. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Taking care of a dog gives one a great deal of joy and satisfaction. Older people greatly value their friendship with their dogs. This greatly improves their emotional health. Furthermore, it helps people to overcome one of the greatest nuisances of old age, boredom. The responsibility of taking care of the dog who is dependent on them gives the older adult a reason to live life meaningfully. As far as the dog, having such good companionship from an owner is very good for their overall pet health. Dogs are especially responsive to conversation—specifically, tone of voice. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. What class of dog are Labrador Retriever puppies for sale near Rochester? Labrador Retrievers are a popular, highly trainable breed of dog belonging to the sporting group. They are strong, loyal, and energetic dogs, and are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Labrador Retrievers have a coat that is short and dense, with colors ranging from black, yellow, or chocolate. They are gentle and loving dogs, known for their intelligence and reliability. Outgoing, affectionate, and eager to please, Labrador Retrievers make great family pets, hunting dogs, and service animals. Are Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Rochester non-shedding? Labrador Retrievers are considered to be moderately shedding breeds. While they do not shed excessively, they do have a coat that usually needs to be brushed and groomed regularly to keep it healthy. Labrador Retrievers will also need to be groomed and bathed periodically. Labrador Retrievers do have an undercoat which sheds seasonally, and this molting of the undercoat can cause some fur to shed throughout the year. As a result, it's important to brush and groom them regularly to remove excess fur and keep them looking their best. What should I feed Rochester Labrador Retriever puppies for sale? A Labrador Retriever should be fed a well-balanced diet to ensure it gets all the essential nutrients it needs. For a puppy, you should feed them a high-quality puppy kibble that is specifically formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. It is important to feed them the appropriate amount at regular mealtimes and to split into two smaller meals if they cannot consume it all at once. For an adult, you should also be feeding them high-quality kibble that is tailored to their activity level and size. How do I prepare to adopt Labrador Retriever puppies in Rochester? Preparing for a new Labrador Retriever should start before you even bring them home. Make sure that you have identified at least one vet that can provide routine checkups for your pup. It is critical to have the necessary supplies such as a crate, food and water bowls, a leash and collar, and plenty of toys around. You will also need to be sure that your home has been prepared as much as possible, with any valuables or hazardous items removed from their reach. Fine-tune the house rules with your pup and to help create clear boundaries. Are Labrador Retrievers for sale in Rochester considered small dogs? Labrador Retrievers generally do not fit into the "small dog" category, as they are considered a mediumto large-size breed. The average size of an adult male Labrador Retriever is usually between inches in height and weighs between pounds while a female is usually between inches tall and weighs between pounds. While Labradors are strong, intelligent, and loyal dogs, they are considered a larger breed compared to many other toy and miniature dogs. Are Labrador Retriever puppies near Rochester active dogs? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are generally considered to be very active dogs. They are famously enthusiastic, energetic, and often have an outgoing personality. Labs are incredibly playful and love running, chasing, and other activities. They crave attention and exercise, and excel in obedience and agility competitions. They usually thrive when they are given plenty of time to run and play, making them ideal pets for owners who are willing to dedicate quality time to their furry friend. Are Labrador Retrievers in Rochester good for first-time owners? Labrador Retrievers are an excellent choice for first-time owners. They are loving and loyal dogs that are eager to please their owners. Labradors are intelligent and respond well to training, making them perfect for beginning trainers. They are also highly social breeds and enjoy playing and interacting with people, which is great for first-time owners who have not yet mastered dog training. Labradors are also relatively low maintenance, needing only regular brushing and the occasional trim of unruly hair, making them suitable for owners with a hectic lifestyle. Are Rochester Labrador Retrievers for sale considered smart dogs? Labrador Retrievers are noted for their intelligence. In particular, they are considered to be one of the most trainable breeds, particularly excelling at tasks involving scent and search and rescue. Many Labs are highly capable in a variety of sports, including agility, working with livestock, tracking, dock jumping, and retrieving. They are also known for being extremely loyal and deeply devoted to their family members. All of these characteristics make Labradors a beloved breed, demonstrating their intelligence and loyalty.

Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood.

Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. If this is the case,…. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!