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Use baby steps and go slowly letting your GSD pup get used to their crate. Offer them meals Provide them a few meals either very near or inside their crate for a positive association with their new crate. When you leave As they spend more time inside their crate, work on leaving them alone for very short periods. Step 1: Introduce Your German Shepherd to Their New Crate Spend about 5 minutes, two to four times a day, introducing your dog to their special kennel. Familiarize your dog with the kennel by tossing a high-value food reward near the crate to entice them. Let them explore the kennel and go in and out freely on their own. A fun, squeaky toy tossed inside can sometimes help them explore their crate. Step 2: Feed Your German Shepherd Inside Their Crate When your dog has sniffed the crate and wandered in and out multiple times, offer them a meal inside with the door propped open. Offer several meals, in the same way, to show your dog a kennel is a safe place. After a few meals inside and when they are comfortable eating, begin to quietly and softly close the door. But let them out once their meal is over. Next time, leave them in the crate for a shorter period. This way you reward them for staying quiet, instead of whining. When they enter, toss them a treat as a reward. Close the door quietly and sit in the same room as them for 5 to 10 minutes. You can even sit calmly next to the crate while dropping food into it occasionally. Now, go to another room for a few minutes to leave them alone. Instead, sit in the same room again for a few minutes before releasing them. Increase the time you leave them alone in the room and repeat the previous step upon your return to them. Once you work your way to leaving them in their crate for about 30 minutes, begin leaving them in their crate while you leave your house. Step 4: Crating Your German Shepherd When You Leave the House Leave the house for a short time with them in the crate using the same process above to call them to the crate. Call your dog to their crate anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes before you want to go so they have time to settle in their crate and relax. Tell them to go into their crate, give them a reward, and offer them praise. Leave the house without a big commotion. When you return, quietly let them out of their crate. Their collar could get hung up on one of the bars and cause serious injury or worse! When you take the time to introduce the crate properly, they see it is a comfortable place that has their favorite toys and tasty foods! You must keep this slow. If at any time your dog whines, you have gone on too long! Praise puppy for relieving themselves. Offer fresh water and take them back outside again. Take your pup back outside to eliminate before crating. Let them outside to relieve themselves and stretch. Offer fresh water, cuddles, and another meal. They need to go outside after eating and drinking. Place your pup back in the crate. Play with them and take them for a walk. Supervise them by leashing them to you and watching them closely. Let them outside. Praise them for using the bathroom outside. Throw a ball or work on basic obedience. Return inside and leash them to you to supervise while playing, petting, or letting them rest next to you. Bring them in and let them explore while you watch them. Keep them leashed to you when indoors to avoid any accidents. Offer fresh water. Take up the water a couple of hours before bed. This is to prevent accidents in the crate overnight. Let them stretch their legs in the yard. This gets him too excited before bed. You want bedtime to be a calming ritual. You can make your own schedule based on the typical times a GSD puppy needs to go out. Be sure to watch for these times and set an alarm if you need a reminder. Pay attention to these times and let your dog out: When they first wake up. After their first meal of the day. Before you go to work. Image used with permission by copyright holder How long does it take to crate-train a German shepherd? With that being said, crate-training a dog usually takes longer than teaching him how to sit or stay. Recommended Videos As a general rule, puppies should be left in a crate for one hour per month of age, but they should never be kept in a crate for longer than four hours at a time. By the time your pup is six months old, he should be able to sleep in his crate overnight without having any accidents. Crate-training tips Whether you have a young puppy or an older dog, crate training requires time and patience. You may want to purchase a crate large enough to accommodate his adult size. Leave the crate open in a room where you spend plenty of time. Your pup may wander into the crate without being told to do so. Now you can try closing the door and leaving your pup in his crate. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are German shepherds hard to crate train? While crate training a German shepherd puppy may seem easier than training an adult dog, studies show that sometimes the reverse is true. In fact, many GSD owners will find that this is one of the easiest breeds to housetrain, as long as constant supervision and consistency are required. However, remember that all dogs learn at their own pace. Where should your German shepherd puppy sleep? According to the professionals, your German shepherd puppy should sleep indoors in a crate. Not only does crating your dog at night make housebreaking easier, but it also keeps your dog safe. Puppies, especially German shepherd puppies, explore the world with their noses, which can lead them to mischief. Image used with permission by copyright holder Crate training is one of the most controversial topics amongst dog owners, but research shows that crating your dog can help her feel safe and secure. With time and patience, your German shepherd will come to view her crate as her den , and she might even choose to spend time there on her own. Editors' Recommendations. Most people start crate training their pet when the dog is a puppy, as it is also a very effective potty training tool. Being able to spend time in a cozy, comfortable crate also provides your pet with a peaceful retreat when they want some rest and relaxation time away from the hustle and bustle of family life. The idea of crate training your dog is to provide a comfy, secure space where your pet feels safe and likes to spend time , especially when left alone while you go to work, pop out to the store, or run errands. So, why is crate training such an essential part of raising a German Shepherd , and what are the benefits of crate training? Potty Training Crate training your dog makes the potty training process much easier and quicker. Obedience Training Crate training is a handy tool for obedience training as long as you start crate training your pup from a young age. I found crate training my shelter rescue dog challenging because she was a year old and had never been crated before. That said, we worked hard together, and eventually, she was confident and happy to use her crate voluntarily when I sent her into it. Crate training can help to build mutual trust between you and your furry friend, which is crucial for obedience training. Protection German Shepherds are often thought of as confident dogs that work with law enforcement and as guard dogs. However, these dogs are people-oriented and can sometimes feel insecure when left alone. Safe Transport Most dogs love to go with their owners on day trips and to the park, which usually means riding in your car. For safety reasons, you should always travel with your puppy or adult dog safely restrained in a crate. Not all dogs appreciate car travel and can get car sick. Destruction Prevention Puppies of all breeds can be destructive when you take your eye off them for a moment! Rather than using a blanket your pup could drag into the crate and potentially choke on, we recommend buying a proper, machine-washable crate cover. Step 1: Choose a Crate The best crates for crate-training puppies are high-quality wire mesh crates with divider panels. Ensure you buy the correct size for your puppy. In addition, a crate divider means you can buy a large crate size for your puppy to grow into without having to upsize to a new crate several times as your pet matures. Step 2: Introducing Your Pup to His Crate Before you begin your German Shepherd crate training program, set up your new crate in a room where your puppy will spend lots of time, for example, in your bedroom or living room. Make the crate super comfy by adding a mat, some cozy bedding, and a couple of chew toys. Your puppy should be allowed to go in and out of the crate voluntarily. Your aim at this stage is to encourage your puppy to feel secure and confident approaching the crate and going inside. Using treats and toys will show your puppy that the crate is a fun, positive place where he wants to spend time. Step 3: Feed Your Pet in the Crate Once your German Shepherd puppy happily goes in and out of the crate by himself, start feeding him inside the crate. Puppies reluctant to enter the crate are usually tempted by food, especially greedy breeds such as Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Start by putting a small bowl of food your pup will eat in ten minutes or so in the crate. As your pet gets more confident and content to eat in the crate, build up the amount of food you give him so that your puppy spends more time eating his meal. Step 4: Begin Closing the Crate Door Now that your puppy is content to eat his meals inside his crate, start shutting the door for short periods, minutes at first. Gradually feed your puppy in the crate with the door closed for extended periods. During this time, try giving your pup a chew stick or a Kong toy stuffed with treats or peanut butter to keep him occupied. At this point, you want your puppy to feel comfortable inside his crate with the door shut. Step 5: Slowly Build Up Crate Confinement Time Now that your puppy is happy to spend short periods in the crate with the door shut, you can begin increasing the length of time he spends in there. If your puppy is happy with that, increase the periods of time he spends inside the crate. Remember to give your puppy plenty of toilet breaks and exercise between confinement periods. Dogs of all breeds do best when they have a routine and understand what to expect and when. Day 2: Continue with Step 1, moving to Step 2 if your puppy is ready. Day 3: Complete Step 2 and move on to Step 3. Day 4: Finish Step 3 and begin Step 4. Day 5: Finish Step 4 and move on to the final Step 5. Throughout the crate training process, be sure to take your time without rushing your puppy. If you try to hurry things, your puppy could lose his confidence in the crate and in you! Tips for Successful Crate Training Finally, here are a couple of top crate training tips that have worked for us! Your dog should always have a positive association with his crate, such as treats and toys. Can You Leave an 8-week-old Puppy in a Crate? Never shut a puppy in a crate as a punishment or if he is not confident and happy to be left in his crate with the door shut. A: German Shepherd dogs are intelligent creatures that love to learn and work alongside their human owners. Although these dogs can be playful and willful, you can usually crate-train your dog within about a month or so. Keep your training methods consistent, and always use positive reinforcement training methods to guarantee a happy dog and a successful crate training program! Q: How long can I leave my dog in his crate? However, senior dogs and those with medical conditions might need more frequent potty breaks. Dogs and puppies can usually last longer overnight since their metabolism slows down. However, you must remember to take your pet for a potty break before settling down for the night. Q: Should I ignore my puppy crying when crate training? Puppies cry to get your attention and be let out of the crate. If you give your pet the attention and freedom he craves, you simply teach him that whinging and crying get him what he wants! Training pads can encourage your puppy to soil his crate, sending the little guy mixed messages and potentially setting back your potty training program. Final Thoughts Did you enjoy our guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy? If you found the article helpful, please share it! German Shepherds are generally intelligent dogs that enjoy working alongside people and are highly trainable, so they generally take well to crate training. How long did it take for you to crate-train your German Shepherd puppy? Tell us in the comments box below. Meet our writer Wanda C Wanda has LOVED dogs ever since she was a child, and is currently a dog parent to a 3-year-old poodle who means the world to her. Leave a Comment. But goodness, German Shepherd puppies can get into a lot of trouble! Crate training a German Shepherd puppy can help ease the stresses of puppyhood. Believe me, crate training is your best friend! Well, after your German Shepherd, of course. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about crate training a German Shepherd puppy. What is Crate Training? There are a lot of people who feel this way, and the truth is — it can be cruel if the crate is misused. To make this happen, your pup must think of its crate as a place where the good times roll! In other words, a puppy should associate its crate with only pleasant experiences. Now be prepared — this is a process with a lot of training involved, and it can be long and frustrating at times. What are the Benefits of Crate Training? There are so many great benefits to crate training a German Shepherd puppy. Let us count the ways… A way to feel secure: A crate makes your puppy feel safe and secure. Remember, dogs evolved from den animals so they like having a small, protected place of their own. A way to potty train: One of the toughest things about raising a puppy is potty training , and a crate is a great tool to help take the headache out of housetraining. When Allie was a puppy, she would wake me up with a whine in the middle of the night to let me know she needed to potty. With a little time and a lot of patience! A way to transport: Crates make travel much easier for both you and your German Shepherd! Riding in cars can be very stressful for your pup, but if your dog is comfortable being crated, it makes for a much easier ride. A way to protect your puppy: As a puppy, Allie would get into everything! She would eat or chew anything she could get her mouth on, and I worried about her eating something dangerous while I was out. Many dogs are injured or worse from chewing electrical wires or eating toxic substances so crate training is essential to keep your active German Shepherd puppy safe from harm. A way to protect your stuff: Did I mention that German Shepherd puppies love to chew!? This includes your furniture, shoes, and anything else you leave where your puppy can find it. If left loose in your house, your puppy will most likely search and destroy! A way to keep your sanity: Overall, crates offer you something priceless — peace of mind! Crate training saved me a lot of stress and energy while potty training Allie. Crate training means a happier you and a better relationship with your furry friend so you can have fun being a puppy parent! How Do I Choose a Crate? Dog crates come in different materials and sizes and can be purchased online or at your local pet store. There are a lot of options available! This section will help you make the best buying decision for you and your four-legged family member. Wire Crates Pros: Wire crates are well-ventilated, and the pan slides out so they are easy to clean. They are also collapsible for storing or moving, and you can purchase a divider for this type of crate. Larger sizes can also be heavy. Plastic Crates Pros: Plastic crates are good for travel. Because the sides are mostly solid, your puppy may feel more secure. Cons: Plastic crates are harder to get clean and less ventilated. Fabric Crates Pros: Fabric crates are very lightweight and great for travel. Cons: Fabric crates are not very durable and are easily destroyed by a mouthy puppy. If the crate is too big, your puppy will potty on one end and sleep on the other, defeating the purpose of using the crate for potty training. So what is the best size crate for a German Shepherd puppy? Go with a or inch metal crate with a divider — the divider is key! Use it to partition the crate, giving your GSD pup just enough room to stand up, lie down, and turn around. GSD puppies grow fast! So just move the divider back to give your pup more room as it grows. Check out my full guide to the best crates for German Shepherds if you want to learn more, but here are three of my top recommendations. There are several sizes available, and you can choose either a single or double door. I went with the inch size, and 8-year-old Chyna still fits inside perfectly. Very durable and sturdy but still folds easily. Plus, the price makes it a great value! Includes a fleece bed, which is removable and washable for easy cleaning. Very easy to set-up and fold-down, making it a great option for dogs on the go! Allie uses this one for long traveling long distances in the truck. Petmate offers several variations on this hard-sided plastic kennel, including several sizes to choose from. Easy to assemble and very sturdy, making it the safest crate for airline travel. If your dog gets overly anxious or nervous in new situations, this crate might be the best choice. Ok, new crate for your puppy — check! But what else do you need? Bedding When I first started crate training Allie, I bought a nice, fluffy bed for her to sleep on while in her crate — bad idea! For a puppy, I recommend buying something a bit more durable and a bit less fluffy. Toys Toys are great for a puppy learning to love its crate. It gives your pup something to do other than chew up the bedding and teaches it that crate time is fun! Just remember, eventually, your puppy will be left unsupervised in its crate for extended periods of time. So any toys you choose for its crate must be safe! Allie loved gnawing on her Kong while in her crate. Treats Speaking of treats, make sure to keep plenty of treats on hand to use as rewards. A crate cover will help your dog feel safe and keep it from being disturbed by its humans walking by. You can purchase a crate cover or even use a towel or bedsheet. Keep in mind, never cover all sides of the crate — your dog needs plenty of ventilation. As I mentioned before, the most important part of crate training is teaching your puppy to LOVE its crate! How do you do this? Use lots of treats, patience, and praise to show your dog that learning is fun. Put the crate in a room where your puppy spends a lot of time and prop the door open or remove the door altogether. You can add a crate mat and toy, but then back off and let the puppy investigate the crate casually — no pressure! Your puppy may explore immediately, going in and out of the crate to sniff around. But if not, you can encourage it with a few treats or toys near the front of the crate. Be patient until your puppy is bold enough to go all the way inside its crate without any nervousness. Use during mealtime Once your pup is comfortable with wandering in and out of its crate, pair mealtime with crate time. Adding a food reward reinforces those positive associations you want to build between your puppy and its crate. Start by regularly feeding your puppy next to the crate, then slowly work the food dish into the crate at the front, then further back. Close the crate Once your pup is happily chowing down while standing all the way inside the crate, start closing the door during mealtime — but just until dinner is over! Open the door again as soon as your pup is finished eating. Then, close the door. Stay near the crate for several minutes, then go into another room for a few minutes. When you return, sit near the crate again for a few more minutes before opening the door. Repeat this step until your puppy is comfortable in its crate for at least 30 minutes without you in sight. This may take several days or even weeks so be patient! Crating when you leave Now your puppy is ready to try crating while home alone for short periods of time at first. Make sure to give your puppy a potty break before crating for an extended period of time. Stick to your normal routine for crating — use a command to get your dog to enter the crate, praise your dog briefly, give them a treat, and then leave quietly. Keep it low-key when you return as well. Wait a few minutes before letting your puppy out of its crate and try to ignore any excited behavior. Crating overnight Before attempting an overnight stay in the crate, make sure your puppy is tired and ready for sleep. Lots of exercise and playtime before bed will help. Give your puppy a chance to potty immediately before bedtime. Again, use your normal routine for crating command, praise, treat. Once your puppy is happily snoozing through the night, you can move the crate wherever you prefer. Only keep puppy-safe items in the crate at night. A regular daily routine is important in training your puppy, and consistency is key! Puppies learn best through repetition so create a puppy crate training schedule and stick to it. Here is a super simple German Shepherd crate training schedule that you can easily modify to fit your needs.

Known Diseases Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Kidney disease Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination polyuria increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite Wobbler syndrome In veterinary medicine, this is the name given to a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the area of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves in the area of the cervical spine. Cardiomyopathy In large breeds of dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is by far the most common cardiomyopathy. A mix of Boxer and American Bulldog usually has the physical characteristics of both parent breeds, including a muscular body, square head, and short coat. However, there are some differences in appearance, and some dogs may prefer one parent breed more than the other. How big do Boxers and American Bulldog mixes grow? Boxer and American Bulldog mixes are usually medium to large in size. They can weigh between 54 and 70 kg and grow up to 58cm high. How do I care for a Boxer-American Bulldog mix? Boxer and American Bulldog mixes need lots of exercise, so a daily walk or play session is a must. They also need lots of mental stimulation, so games, training and chew toys are important. Be sure to socialize your dog from a young age to avoid aggression. What health problems do Boxer and American Bulldog mixes have? Boxer and American Bulldog mixes are prone to some health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and heart disease. They can also suffer from allergies and skin problems. Are Boxers and American Bulldog mixes good family dogs? Yes, Boxer and American Bulldog mixes can be good family dogs if properly trained and socialized. They are usually loyal and protective of their families. However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals, so supervision is required. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Is the Boxer Bulldog mix the best pet for your family? What is a Boxer Bulldog? But, as dog fighting ceased over the years, the American Bulldog and the Boxer developed into calm and affectionate family pets. The Boxer Bulldog mix has none of the aggression its parent breeds used to have. Bulldog Boxer crosses make excellent watch dogs as they are naturally alert, swift, and protective of their masters. This American Bulldog Boxer breed is a high-energy, curious dog that needs to always have something to do. Otherwise, they will get destructive when bored. Bulldog Boxer mixes are intelligent and athletic, and they love to play and be around their human family. What does a Boxer Bulldog mix look like? The Bulldog Boxer mix is a large dog , with a muscular body, a wide chest, and a medium-sized tail. As we mentioned above a full grown Bulloxer weighs around 70 to 90 pounds 31 to 40 kg and is about 22 to 27 inches 56 to 69 cm in height. American Bulldog crossbreeds tend to share the same stocky body. Check out the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix , for instance. Many Boxer Bulldog mixes have the signature Boxer look we all love, with a square-shaped jaw, a short muzzle, and short floppy ears. How difficult is it to take care of a Bulloxer? Caring for this crossbreed is easy. Checking and cleaning its ears once a week will also keep ear infections at bay. How do I train a Boxer Bulldog mix? Early socialization and obedience training are necessary for Boxer Bulldog puppies to grow up as happy and well-behaved dogs. Socialization prevents them from becoming overprotective and aggressive towards other people and pets. Here are a few things you need to remember when training these pups: They are intelligent and eager to please their owners. Clicker training works best for this breed. How long do Boxer Bulldogs live? Like we mentioned on the fist paragraph as well, the average Boxer Bulldog mix lifespan is 10 to 15 years. An adult Bulldog Boxer needs 3 to 4 cups of good-quality dry dog food, divided into three evenly spaced meals daily. This pooch need to be active as they can be overweight. Bulloxers need 30 to 45 minutes a day of play to maintain a good weight and maintain their muscular build. Their short muzzles and short hair make Boxer Bulldog mixes uncomfortable in cold weather, and they may also suffer from skin diseases and joint problems. How much is a Boxer Bulldog mix? Given the price of Boxer Bulldog puppies, it is important to find a good breeder should you intend to buy your own pup. If finding Boxer Bulldog breeders proves to be challenge, you may check these breeders of American Bulldogs and Boxers:. The Bulloxer is a Boxer American Bulldog mix. Breeders most likely bred the Bulloxer to have an intelligent, intimidating guard dog. Both parents come from unfortunate dogfighting pasts in 19th century Europe. The Confident American Bulldog parent Meet the white American Bulldog puppy The American Bulldog is a descendant of its English Bulldog breed , which had an unfortunate past of being bred and used for fighting and bull-baiting until these deplorable sports were banned in the s. After, breeders began turning the tables and breeding these dogs as compassionate family dogs rather than fighters. The American Bulldog dates its lineage back to 17th century America. They were probably first introduced to the United States in the s as working dogs with their immigrant owners. Females weigh pounds 27 to 36 kg , and males weigh pounds 34 — 45 kg. They stand strong at inches 50 — 64 cm , females on the shorter end of this spectrum. Their muscular stature lends to their self-confidence, as well as strength and endurance, as they were once farm-working dogs. The AKC recognizes them as a Working dog breed. The Boxer we know today most likely originated from German Bullenbeisser dogs in the s. In medieval times, these dogs hunted large game like bison and bear. Boxers have been successfully used as military dogs, therapy dogs, herding, and guard dogs. The Boxer is a fearless, protective companion who moves with both power and grace. A full-grown Boxer can weigh as much as pounds kg , with females typically weighing 15 pounds less than the male counterpart. They stand at .Their short coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Their life expectancy is years. What does a Bulldog Boxer mix look like? The breed typically has short, floppy ears and a broad, jowly nose. They rock a thick chest and square head that adds to their intimidating look. Their tails are medium-length but often docked. A short muzzle with a slight underbite inherited from their Boxer parent is really the cherry on top if you ask me— it brings out their goofy, gentle side in their overall appearance. How big do these dogs get? These dogs are large, weighing in at pounds kg and stand tall at inches cm. While these are large dogs, they are adaptable to apartment living as long as they have access to a park or yard nearby and receive the proper amount of exercise. Coat and color of this crossbreed These dogs typically have short, dense coats— good news for owners on the hunt for a breed with low maintenance grooming needs. Their coats will come in colors such as white, light brown, brindle, or fawn. Since Boxers tend to have white markings along their chest and face, the Bulloxer may inherit this stylish appearance. Pros and Cons of the Boxer Bulldog personality The Gentle Guard Dog: The Pros They have an intimidating look and make excellent guard dogs as they are incredibly protective of their owners. Clicker training is an excellent choice for this breed. For a better idea of how entertaining these dogs are, check out this video of Kimble, an American Bulldog Mix with musical talent: Bulloxer or Bulldozer? They may become destructive if bored— talk about a rebellious streak! The crossbreed is susceptible to separation anxiety, which may be the cause of these behaviors. Bulldog Boxers need more than an owner; they need a boss. A Bulloxer may have more energy than it can handle. They can get super rowdy, jumping and running around. These dogs may not get along with other larger dogs, so if you have others in your household or plan on having multiple dogs in your house, this breed may not be for you. Regular teeth cleaning is essential. Ideally, this should be done every day. But begin with brushing as often as possible— some dogs hate this! Clean them out once a week with a cotton ball and dog-specific ear solution to avoid wax buildup, which can cause infection. They could easily break which can not only be quite painful but also cause infection. Playful Exercise Needs Bulloxers are energetic dogs who need minutes of active play a day to maintain their strong, athletic builds. I want to note that large-chested dogs are prone to a serious and deadly condition called bloat, usually brought on from too-quickly eating large amounts of food or too much exercise right after eating. The Food-loving Dog Diet A full grown Boxer Bulldog mix needs about cups of dry food a day, split between meals. These dogs are prone to joint issues, to make sure to pick a dog food rich with vitamins and both chondroitin and glucosamine. These dogs are prone to obesity, so stick to a strict feeding schedule and keep snacks to a minimum, with a healthy balance of food and exercise. Boxers have specific needs, so it may be best to feed a Boxer-specific diet. Are they healthy dogs? Boxers are prone to major health risks like cancer prevalent also in Bulldogs and Epilepsy. Bulldogs have their own impressive list of health risks. Bulldogs are susceptible to allergies and various skin issues, like eczema. There are plenty of loyal, healthy dogs deserving of good homes. Breeder options if you must If you absolutely must buy from a breeder, I recommend doing a great deal of research beforehand and asking the right questions— many breeders are just disguised puppy mills. Some questions to ask a potential breeder are: What are your adoption application procedures and requirements? Where do you get your dogs? What are your health screening procedures? Who is your working veterinarian? What are your follow-up procedures and requirements after adoption? What kind of follow-up resources will you offer me? How many times will you or have you bred mom and dad from this litter? And Bulloxer litter sizes are typically adorable little puppies. This is mainly due to the array of health issues from its Bulldog parent. They can weigh pounds and stand at about inches. The breed is so rare that there is little information about them, but their lifespan is years. Boxer Victorian Bulldog mix — The victorian Bulldog was specifically bred to have a healthier Bulldog breed, which turned out to be a huge success. Comment below! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. These loving dogs with a charming disposition might get destructive when separated from their family for a prolonged period. Because of their inherent alertness and courageous nature, the Boxer-American Bulldog mix is always aware of their surroundings. They can be suspicious of strangers and become aggressive to unfamiliar people only when they are perceived as threats. These dogs attain maturity slowly and may behave like boisterous puppies for some years. They are usually patient with children as well as small dogs and puppies. However, they may have trouble getting along with large adult dogs. Care Exercise Being very playful and exuberant, the Bulloxer is always active indoors. To satisfy its need for exercise and keep its muscles toned, take your pet for long walks, play fetch, or get it involved in agility, flyball, and other dog sports. Grooming As it is a light shedder, its coat does not require much grooming. Weekly brushing using a rubber grooming-mitt or bristle brush will help keep its hair under control. Bathe your Bulloxer only when needed. Trimming its nails once a month and daily brushing its teeth are some of the other grooming needs. Health Problems Although the Bulloxer is generally a healthy and physically active breed, some dogs may get affected by a few health issues. These include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bloating, intestinal problems, heart conditions, and cancer. Training Clicker training: Since the Bulloxers might be headstrong by nature, using harsh methods to make them obey to commands could induce behavioral problems. They tend to respond better to clicker training, which is a simple method of training based on positive reinforcement techniques. Follow a click-treat-click-treat pattern so that your dog can associate the noise of the clicker with a reward. Make sure that the clicker is held out of sight. House training: Establish a regular schedule so that your Bulloxer puppy learns when to play, to eat, and to potty. Since a pup can control its bladder hours, you should take it frequently to a specific spot outside, where it can eliminate. Feeding An adult Bulloxer needs cups of dry dog food a day. Both of these are highly coveted breeds, recognized by the AKC with pedigrees and papers. Also, take a look at the facilities to gauge how well the puppies have been treated. Try to meet the parents of your pup too if you can. They can tell you a lot about the future of your puppy. Boxers were originally used for dog fighting, and they even got their name from the way they swing their front paws, which looks similar to a boxer throwing punches. The Bulldog is a brave beast of a dog that was originally used in bull baiting. They were so tough that they could even take down full-sized bulls, a feat that few other creatures could accomplish. Today, both breeds have become much calmer, which is why they make such great companions and guard dogs. A lot of that toughness remains though, and it makes for very athletic dogs. They only shed lightly and need very little grooming overall. They Can Become Destructive When Bored Bulldoxers are highly athletic dogs with above-average levels of intelligence, a mixture that often results in destructive behaviors when left alone. Your Bulloxer will need some mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from getting bored. Once your Bulloxer gets bored, you might come home to find the backyard full of deep holes or your couch chewed up into a million pieces! Make sure to exercise your Bulloxer plenty and keep them mentally engaged to avoid these destructive behavior patterns. This is a very loving and loyal breed that will want to stand guard, keeping the family safe. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They know how to be gentle with smaller creatures, including the children of their family. They tend to get along very well with pets of all types, even small dogs and cats. American Bullboxer Description The Bulloxer is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Boxer and the American Bulldog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any of the breeds in the hybrid. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She loves to camp, hike, swim and sleep! At 6 months old he was about 65 lbs. Great personality and very smart. Too smart if you ask me. His father is a registered American Bulldog who weighs about lbs. I think he can do it! I know he makes me laugh. His dad is a lb. American Bulldog and his mom is a lb. He loves to play catch and he runs faster than any other dog at the dog park. He is very loving and has a sweet demeanor but definitely has a lot of energy and is a bit hard-headed. He is a wonderful addition to our family. He's still the fastest dog I've ever seen, and has grown to have the best personality. He watches television with us and plays with everyone friendly to him any chance he can get. All he wants out of life is the thrill of playing in the shallow waters and cuddles. All small breeds.Japanese Chin, Cockapoo and a teacup Shih Tzu. And I have 2 small kids. She is around 55 pounds or more in this picture. We just love Roxy. She is a sweetheart. She currently weighs 65 pounds. If all Bulloxers are like Roxy I don't think I would get any other type of dog again. She is so loving and kind to all of us. Its chest is broad and thick, and the head is in a square form. This hybrid has a short muzzle with a slight underbite. It can come in different colors or a combination of colors. These dogs are very energetic, playful, and loving but may also be stubborn at times. It is very loyal to and protective of its owner and will do anything to protect them from harm. You will have to show it a lot of love and affection for you to get the same from it. Although they are generally very friendly with others, you will have to train them consistently and socialize them early. If not properly socialized, they may become aggressive to those they think are threats. They enjoy playing around with their owners so it would be best to bring them out to do exercises from time to time. It needs to spend its energy on physical activities, or else they can become destructive at home. Never let them get bored or leave them all alone in your house because you might have to clean up a lot of destroyed objects when you get back. They are also prone to suffer from separation anxiety. Bulloxers are quick learners, but when your Bulloxer becomes stubborn, you will have to establish your dominance on it to make it listen to your commands. It is very strong-willed, so you have to be very confident when you are dealing with it in training. One thing you have to know about is that this hybrid often produces sounds and smell from multiple orifices on their body. Bulldog Combined with Boxer Puppies for Sale If you are sure that a Bulldog Boxer Mix is the right dog for you, then you have to find a reliable and reputable breeder. Nowadays, it is tough to find a breeder that you can fully trust. It is highly essential to get your puppy from a legitimate breeder since the way they were treated and raised to that point may have a significant impact on its personality, behavior, and as well as its health. There are thousands of breeders all over the globe, but only a few thousands of these are trustworthy. In selecting a dog breeder, you have to assess and analyze a lot of factors. You should visit their facility and see the space in which the dogs are kept in and check out what kind of food they are feeding the dogs. Try to assess the care and attention the breeders put into both the parent dogs and the puppies. You make sure that the breeders are knowledgeable about the hybrid, Boxer combined with Bulldog. There is no strict schedule that you have to follow. You only need to bathe your Bulldog Boxer when they are dirty. It is also not good to shower them often since it will affect the natural oils they have on their skin. Make sure to wipe its ears from time to time. Bulldog Combined with Boxer Health Problems Overall, a Bulloxer is quite a healthy crossbreed for its size and is not likely to suffer from many health issues. However, they are prone to obesity, which is why you have to regulate their food intake. A few Boxer Bulldog dogs have been known to develop different kinds of cancer, but it is rare for this to happen. Although they are not inclined to contracting many diseases, it is still essential to bring your pet to the vet frequently to have a general check-up. Here is a list of common canine ailments that they may suffer from throughout their lives: Hip Dysplasia — This is a common occurrence in dogs of this size. Because they are heavy, their joints have a tougher job in supporting their bodies. This condition will bring your pet a lot of pain, which is why you can opt for your Bulloxer to get surgery to correct it. Bloat — The cause of this disease is unknown. As soon as your Bulloxer exhibits symptoms such as shortness of breath, bring him to the vet immediately. Epilepsy — This term is used to describe multiple episodes of seizures. The most common cause of seizure in a dog is idiopathic epilepsy, which is usually a genetical predisposition, but there is no exact cause known. Your pet may not feel pain during an epileptic episode but will feel confused and may panic. Try to observe your dog, and if it has more than one seizure per month, then you have to get treatment from a veterinarian. Boxer Bulldog Mix Food Requirements The Boxer Bulldog is a larger than average dog, and it will require three to four cups of dry dog food daily. Try to avoid feeding your pet one big meal and instead divide the amount of dog food into two separate meals because Bulloxers are prone to bloating. Make sure that you give it dog food of high quality and one that contains all the nutrients it will need in a day. Remember to check all the ingredients in the dog food before purchasing them. Choose the product that has nutritional additives such as vitamins and minerals to keep your pet healthy. Since this crossbreed is likely to suffer from joint issues and pain, try to find food that has chondroitin and glucosamine. Do not buy products that contain unknown meat-meals or byproducts and those that contain various unnecessary additives like dyes. These dyes usually trigger food allergies of the dogs. It also contains different kinds of healthy fruits and vegetables such as pear, spinach, green, carrots, and blueberries. Nulo Adult Salmon and Peas This dog food has deboned salmon, turkey meal, and chicken meal as its protein source. This product leaves out any ingredient that may trigger allergies. It also does not have any grains, corn, wheat gluten, soy, artificial additives, colors, or flavors. It provides a balanced diet for all dogs. Also, it does not contain any soy or fillers, such as grain and gluten. You would not have to worry about your dog missing any nutrition because this dog food has all the nutritious ingredients that a Bulldog Boxer needs. Bulldog Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements Because this hybrid is very playful and enthusiastic, they will become very energetic inside the house, which is why you need to allow it to spend its energy outside through physical activities such as walking, jogging, or running. It loves stimulating its brain, so try to have them go through obstacles set up in your backyard from time to time. Your Bulloxer will need at least minutes of exercise per day. Be careful not to overwork and exhaust your pet because it might have breathing problems. You can utilize different types of toys and kinds of activities. Tennis balls are one of the toys that Bulloxers enjoy playing with the most. They love running around and fetching these balls, but after a couple of times of throwing, your arm will get very worn out. This device allows you to play with your pet companion for an extended period without wearing out your muscles. Boxer combined with Bulldog dogs have no problems with playing by themselves. Although they want you to participate in their playtime, they are still happy getting preoccupied with a toy. This toy is perfect for when you are suddenly too busy to play with your furry friend physically. It is a very sturdy ball and also glows in the dark, which makes it very attractive to your Bulloxer. This product is shaped like a football and is perfect for a game of fetch. It has deep ridges, which make it easy for dogs to pick up and carry. Your pet may play with this toy in the pool since it floats in water. Also, it comes in bright colors, thus, increasing its visibility. Boxer Combined with Bulldog Training Your Boxer Bulldog Mix dog is generally quick to train since it is smart and a fast learner, but they may, at times, be stubborn. Bulloxers have an independent trait, so they will do whatever they want to do if they feel like you are less confident. When you are dealing with this hybrid, you have to establish your dominance throughout the training session. There are two essential pieces of training that you have to do with your Boxer Bulldog, namely: Clicker Training. It utilizes positive reinforcement techniques. Researchers have proven that this method works exceptionally well for Bulloxers. Because Bulldog Boxer dogs are sometimes headstrong, harsh training techniques will not work and would bring about bad behavior. You should follow a click-treat-click-treat pattern so that your dog will understand that the sound of the clicker is associated with getting a reward. Do not let the pet see your clicker. House training. You have to establish a schedule for your pet to play, eat, and to go potty. This training is essential to maintain peace inside the home. Boxer Crossed with Bulldog and Families Bulloxers are excellent family dogs because they are very affectionate and very protective of their owners. They have a high sense of awareness of their surroundings and can be aggressive when they perceive something as a threat. This piece of information is vital to those who are looking for guard dogs. They are playful and enthusiastic, which is why they will also get along with children. Usually, these dogs are very patient with kids, but you might not want to leave them alone with very small offsprings. If you ever decide on getting a Boxer Bulldog mix as your furry companion, expect to feel more warmth and happiness in your household and your life.

The few dogs with very loud murmurs, however, may be subject to fainting, and there even may be sudden death. Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected. Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected. It should be stressed that minor "flow" murmurs are commonly found in young in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds, but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs" are not associated with heart disease in the adult. The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic stenosis has increased in recent years, although the number of cases is still very low in relation to the number of dogs bred. To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A breeding control scheme has also been established. Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognised in a Boxer it should be referred to one of the cardiologists. The breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result. Dependant upon the findings the condition may be treatable. If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a specialist cardiologist. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects The heart is a four-chambered pump which is divided into left and right sides. Each side has two chambers: blood enters into the thin-walled upper chamber atrium. It then flows into the larger, lower chamber ventricle. The ventricles have thick walls composed largely of heart muscle. Between the chambers of the atria and the ventricles there are valves that prevent blood flowing backwards from the latter to the former. On contraction, blood flows from the ventricles into the major blood vessels. There are also valves at the junction of the ventricles and these blood vessels that preventing blood flowing backwards. The right side of the heart receives blood from the whole of the body other than the lungs, via the venae cavae. The blood accumulates in the right atrium and during a heart beat it is sucked past the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and then as the right ventricle contracts squeezes its muscular wall, the blood is pushed through the pulmonary valves into the pulmonary arteries that take it onto the lungs to take up oxygen. The left side of the heart receives this oxygenated blood from the lungs, via the pulmonary veins. The blood accumulates in the left atrium and during a heartbeat it is expressed past the mitral valve into the left ventricle. Then, as the muscular wall of the left ventricle contracts, the blood is pushed through the aortic valves into the aorta and onto the other major arteries which carry it around the body to perform all the functions of blood circulation such as delivering oxygen and nutrients and sharing heat and metabolic products throughout the body. So, the left hand side of the heart has to pump blood around the major organs of the body, whilst the right hand side only has to push blood through the adjacent lungs. This difference does not affect the structure and function of the atria very much but requires that the muscles of the left ventricle have to be much stronger than the right. As strength is largely a function of muscle size the muscle wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the right Aortic stenosis is a condition of the heart in which there is a narrowing of the aortic valve of the heart that controls the flow of blood from the left ventricle. The condition is characterised by an abnormal ring of tissue at the valve which interferes with normal blood flow, creating resistance to the passage of blood and causing an obstruction The lesion of aortic stenosis in the dog commonly occurs in the subvalvular position, and thus the condition is called subaortic stenosis. The severity of the lesion can range from mild to severe, from an incomplete ridge of fibrous tissue to an extensive fibrous band encircling the aorta. A heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound of blood rushing through the valve when the heart contracts, is heard in dogs with the condition since there is turbulent flow through the obstructed valve. The degree of murmur, and its duration correlates with the severity of aortic stenosis Kvart et al .Exactly what happens in an individual depends on the degree of obstruction of the aorta, whether or not other valves of the heart are affected, and the degree to which conduction of heart beat signals are interfered with. The consequences of various manifestations of the disease are outlined below. When resistance to the flow of blood is high, the left ventricle has to contract more forcefully to expel the blood and this causes high ventricular pressures which may cause the left ventricle wall to become thickened and lead to damage. As a result of this abnormally high ventricular pressure, the intramural coronary arteries - which supply the muscles of the heart with blood- will thicken and collapse, and the muscle wall of the left ventricle will start to degrade necrosis and scar tissue will form fibrosis. Eventually, the cardiac tissue does not receive adequate blood flow and thus does not receive enough oxygen for normal function myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Heart failure may start to occur since the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the narrow valve to meet the requirements of the body. The reduced volume of blood past the stenosis valve causes abnormally low blood pressure in the rest of the body hypotension. The body is able to compensate, to some extent, for impending heart failure using various mechanisms although some of these can themselves lead to further problems. When there is inadequate blood flow from the heart, heart rate is increased so that blood supply to the organs is maintained. However, this raised heart rate may restrict the ability of the ventricles to relax as there is less time between each contraction; time in which the ventricles can relax and fill. Increasing heart rate can cause backward or congestive heart failure, in which fluid builds up in the lungs pulmonary oedema and in which the amount of blood that the heart can push forwards around the body decreases. A further problem is that it is during relaxation that the heart muscle itself receives blood via its coronary arteries so when beating quickly its own oxygen supply can decrease and heart muscle can die. Inadequate blood flow from the heart also causes the body to react as though there has been a loss of circulating blood volume. Hormones are released in response, which cause fluid to be retained even though there actually has been no loss of blood. The amount of fluid in the body thus increases and this is another reason that fluid accumulates in the lungs. As the walls of the left ventricle thicken the heart shape changes and the valves of the heart can become distorted and leak. Leakage regurgitation of blood in the reverse direction from the aorta back into the left ventricle, and this may manifest in a diastolic murmur Schaer .When the valves, the tricuspid and mitral valves, between the ventricles and atria are affected, they may allow blood to flow backwards into the atria during contraction which causes further backwards or back pressure heart failure problems and the problems, outlined above, associated with this. The abnormally thickened muscle often contains scar tissue or fatty infiltrates which interfere with the conduction of nerve signals through the heart resulting in uncoordinated contractions dysrhythmia or arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeats can contribute to both forward and backward heart failure. Forward heart failure occurs when the left ventricle provides inadequate blood flow to the body and this can lead to weakness, collapse, fainting and sudden death. Other congenital heart abnormalities may be associated with aortic stenosis, including pulmonic stenosis, and atrial septal defect Oliveira et al , though more often than not aortic stenosis occurs alone. Affected dogs may also be at risk of complications such infections of the inner lining of the heart endocarditis , caused by bacterial infiltration due to the defective valve. In one study, a smaller aortic annulus at the junction of the aortic valve and ventricular septum and a steeper aortoseptal angle relative to body size was notable in both healthy and affected Boxers, and these may be key factors for the development of aortic stenosis Quintavalla et al .Return to top 2. Dogs with mild narrowing, which does not progress, may have a normal lifespan, with very few changes to quality of life. Dogs that are moderate-severely affected by the condition may experience serious welfare problems. They may exhibit an inability to exercise, fainting and muscle weakness. The build-up of fluid in the lungs, due to pulmonary odema, leads to difficulty in breathing with the animal showing rapid or laboured breathing or coughing. Where the heart muscles receive reduced oxygen as a result of the obstructed blood flow myocardial ischemia and hypoxia , dogs may experience fatigue or chest pain angina. Affected dogs may be at risk of complications such as changes in heart rhythm arrhythmias — which in themselves may directly cause welfare problems by making the dog faint or collapse - congestive heart failure or infections of the inner lining of the heart endocarditis. In one study of Boxer with aortic stenosis, infective endocarditis and left heart failure tended to occur later in life and in dogs with mild to moderate obstructions Kienle et al .These complications may lead to sudden death. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Aortic stenosis is not a true congenital defect, since it develops after birth Pyle et al .Aortic stenosis is often a progressive disorder, and the severe forms can lead to death in early adulthood. In one study of 96 Boxers with aortic stenosis, 21 dogs .The prognosis for long-term survival of dogs with untreated mild or moderate aortic stenosis if favourable, with an average median survival of 4 years 3 months and 2 years 6 months respectively, but the survival of dogs with severe aortic stenosis was poor, with an average survival of 1 year 7 months Kienle et al .Definitive treatment for severe aortic stenosis requires surgical intervention, either excision of the lesion or replacement of the valve, but the surgery should be performed before 6 months of age for greatest success Muir et al .Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The true prevalence of aortic stenosis in dogs is currently unknown, since the previous studies are based on small, local, veterinary populations. Heart murmurs are commonly reported in dogs; over a 4-year period in the UK, .However, it is important to note that these heart murmur data are not specific to aortic stenosis, and that not all heart murmurs point to significant cardiac disease. Aortic stenosis has been reported to be one of the most frequently recorded congenital cardiac abnormalities in the dog Tidholm .Of dogs with aortic stenosis, the Boxer breed has been shown to have an increased relative risk of the condition, with an odds ratios of 9. A prevalence of 1. As part of a mandatory breed screening programme in Italy, Boxers were screened for cardiac abnormalities and of Boxers 8. There is no reported difference in the predisposition of males and females for aortic stenosis. Return to top 5. Initial diagnosis results from detection of a heart murmur using a stethoscope, although murmurs can be indicative of other heart conditions or even of normal function. Murmurs are categorised on a six point scale from Grade 1, the mildest and least audible, which can be heard with a stethoscope only in a quiet room to Grade 6, the loudest and most turbulent, which can be heard with the stethoscope not touching the chest, or even without using the stethoscope. Echocardiographycan be used to evaluate: heart size, function including the direction and speed of blood flow, and valve appearance. Other diagnostic tools used to determine the severity of the disease and the presence of heart failure, include: ECG recordings, blood tests, chest radiography and full physical examination. ECG can be used to detect occult disease eg heart rhythm abnormalities at a stage before animals show any clinical signs. Return to top 6. Genetics An inherited basis of aortic stenosis is strongly suspected in the Boxer, though there is no definitive data to support this. Boxers have a higher risk of aortic stenosis compared to other breeds, and there are specific conformational traits associated with the Boxer breed that affect the morphology of the aortic valve small aortic annulus, steep aortoseptal angle; Quintavalla et al which may be linked to the development of the condition. To our knowledge, there are no studies of the genetics or mode of inheritance of aortic stenosis in Boxers. Aortic stenosis is considered to be a dominant trait in Newfoundlands Stern et al but in Golden retrievers, the condition is more likely to be a rescessive trait Stern et al .In both studies, authors also suggest that the inheritance pattern may be more complex and involve multiple genes, and especially considering the variation in age of onset and the lesion type and placement associated with the condition Pyle et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? Since the genetic mechanisms or mode of inheritance is not known for this breed, there is currently no way of telling specifically which animals are likely to become affected. Importantly, not all dogs that carry the genotype show outward clinical signs and there is a range of severities of affected dogs from mild to severe. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Although dogs with a mild form of aortic stenosis have a low risk to develop symptoms of the condition, it is still important to identify these dogs for the purpose of eliminating the condition from the breed Farrell et al , since mildly affected and asymptomatic dogs may pass on a more severe form of the condition to their offspring. Since , a breeding scheme has been in operation in the UK for the Boxer breed, and it recommends cardiac screening for murmurs of dogs at 12 months or older. Dogs with grade 3 murmurs of higher are considered unsuitable for breeding, and dogs with grade 2 murmurs are only recommended for breeding with a dog clear of a murmur. Further research is required to determine the mode of inheritance involved in the development of aortic stenosis in Boxers, in order to establish a valid method to eliminate the condition from the breed Meyers-Wallen .Return to top 9. Return to top .Human Genetics —48 Tidholm A Retrospective study of congenital heart defects in dogs. Because of this blockage, the Boxer dog's heart must work much harder and faster than normal. Yes, it can be. It is a tricky condition.Some Boxers have a mild case which does not affect life span at all.However, with others, it can be severe and fatal. Abnormal heart rhythms in a dog can lead to sudden death. Any dog that is being considered for breeding should be tested for this - along with Doppler studies a particular type of ultrasound machine that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel - by a board-certified canine cardiologist prior to any pairing. Diagnosis Once a heart murmur is detected, your Boxer dog should be referred to a canine heart specialist. One of the most important aspects will be to determine the severity of the murmur. This is helpful to see the size and shape of the heart. Any abnormal enlargement of the heart's chambers can usually be spotted, which would indicate a more severe case. EKG - An EKG is important as it will determine the severity of the heart's valve narrowing and it will measure electrical impulses to the Boxer's heart. Ultrasound- With Aortic Stenosis, the left ventricle wall of the heart thickens. This test will measure the extent of the thickness and well as the internal dimensions of the heart. Doppler Test - A Doppler test is a specialized ultrasound test that measures the flow of blood through a blood vessel. Of most concern, will be the left ventricle. The flow rate can tell you a lot. Flow is measured by meters per second. If a dog has a flow that is LESS than 4 meters per second, he will usually live to full life expectancy and not have any major problems. If a Boxer has a flow that is MORE than 5 meters per second, this is an indication that the dog will be affected by this disease; though all tests will be combined together to give the murmur a 'grade'. Medication will most certainly be given and the dog must be monitored on a regular basis. Studies have shown that this procedure does not significantly extend the life span of affected dogs. The 3 most commonly prescribed beta-blockers for Boxers with Aortic Stenosis heart murmurs are propranolol, atenolol and metoprolol. It is available in tablet, injectable and liquid forms. Owners should immediately report any side effects to their dog's veterinarian. It is given as tablets but is also available as injectable doses. It is given as a tablet. Note: Always follow the exact dosing instructions for any of these Aortic Stenosis medications, as an overdose can be toxic and sometimes fatal. A dog should be checked every 6 months to 1 year, with testing done to see if there are any changes. Boxer dog health issues - A list of the health conditions most likely to affect the Boxer dog breed. Boxer dog exercise requirements - Ensuring that your Boxer puppy or dog stays active for a healthy body and mind. Boxer dog is skinny - There is a phase that some Boxers goes through that occurs around the 14 to 22 month old mark, in which the ribs may be visible and the dog looks too lean. Why Boxer dogs drool - While they do have big lips, is it normal for this breed to excessively drool. You might also be interested in: How the heart works The heart is basically a large muscle divided into 4 chambers 2 atria and 2 ventricles with a dividing wall between the right and left sides septum , and a series of valves. The heart works through electrical fibres in the walls which stimulate rhythmical contractions of each chamber to pump blood either out to the lungs or around the body. What can go wrong? This disease is characterised by replacement of the normal heart tissue with fatty or fibrous tissue. Over time, this will upset the normal electrical activity of the heart. It can lead to arrhythmias, or an irregular heartbeat. This irregularity means the heart is unable to function efficiently enough to pump blood and oxygen around the body to meet demand. Symptoms The most common symptom seen with this condition is fainting, or syncope. Unfortunately, sometimes the first sign that a dog has ARVC is sudden death. In other situations, the changes in the heart can cause heart failure and lead to symptoms such as a cough, breathlessness and exercise intolerance. There is testing available to determine if a dog carries the particular genetic mutation which is to blame for ARVC. Diagnosis and treatment Once diagnosed, by way of an ECG and an echocardiogram, treatment is aimed at controlling the arrhythmia with medications in order to reduce the chance of collapse. Both of these conditions involve a narrowing of the pulmonic and aortic valves respectively. The pulmonic valve controls the flow of blood out of the right side of the heart and towards the lungs. A narrowing at this location means a higher pressure in the right ventricle is needed to push the blood through, which can overload the right side of the heart. The aortic valve controls the flow of blood out of the left side of the heart and towards the rest of the body. A narrowing at this location means a higher pressure is needed in the left ventricle to push the blood through, which can overload the left side of the heart. Most cases are picked up in puppyhood. Symptoms In both cases, symptoms can include a murmur over the affected valve, signs of heart failure and arrhythmias. Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis is by echocardiography and although the symptoms can be controlled with medication, ultimately, surgery is often needed. Dilated cardiomyopathy DCM What is it? DCM is disease of large breed dogs, Boxers included. DCM occurs when the muscle in the walls of the heart degenerates, causing it to thin and stretch. These changes mean that the heart is unable to beat efficiently and therefore will eventually lead to signs of heart failure. Causes As well as the suspected genetic component to DCM, more recently there have also been potential causal links made to certain diets, specifically grain-free diets. Infections and other diseases such as thyroid disease have also been implicated. Symptoms The symptoms are similar to the other conditions mentioned, as often, the signs are subtle until the animal begins to develop heart failure. General fatigue, breathlessness, coughing, collapse and exercise intolerance are all common. Diagnosis and treatment DCM is fairly easily diagnosed on echocardiography and treatment again revolves around managing the symptoms of heart failure, treating any arrhythmias and relieving any excess strain on the heart. What is the prognosis? As vets, we see common things commonly. We will regularly see and diagnose cases of heart disease in dogs, in many different breeds. For those that do, the earlier it is detected, potentially the better the outcome. Annual checks, often at the time of vaccination, are recommended, but if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, it is worth seeking veterinary attention sooner. You might also be interested in:.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. How much does an 8-week-old Golden Retriever sleep? How much exercise does your 2-month-old Golden Retriever need? Eight weeks is typically when breeders allow puppies to be taken to their new homes, but some breeders keep them for a couple of extra weeks. This shy, sleepy puppy will eventually get more comfortable with its new environment and come out of its shell in a couple of days. Socialization is important for eight-week-old golden pups. Getting your pup used to these things is a good way to avoid potential behavioral issues as the puppy matures because it allows them to learn how to feel and react to various stimuli and leaves you with a confident, well-adjusted pup. You need to reinforce the idea that your puppy is safe and gain their trust during this time period. During this time, pups will be a little more fearful of things like strangers, sounds, and certain objects. It will pass, and usually only lasts a week or so. It can be a little scary or discouraging for the owner of a golden puppy to see them go through this fear period, especially if they start exhibiting fear towards people. Goldens are known to be such friendly and social dogs, so watching them exhibit such antisocial traits can be off-putting. You can still get them outside and introduce them to new things, just remain mindful of their feelings. You need to be patient with an eight-week-old puppy. These adorable balls of energy and fluff are completely dependent on you to meet their needs and there are a LOT of needs! Check out our article on the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers so you can meet their hygiene needs! You need to be patient with them so that you can not only bond with your new pup, but also help him grow and learn about the world around him. Sometimes the puppy that was the smallest puppy in the litter can grow and quickly become the largest. And the largest puppy of the litter may not always remain the largest. As a breed, Golden Retrievers vary in size and weight. So you should enjoy that before they grow too big to pick up and cuddle! You may be surprised to learn that 8-week-old Golden puppies require about 18 hours of sleep a day. This may seem counter-intuitive because most people would assume that if a puppy is full of energy it needs to run it off, but in all actuality what they really need is sleep. You should use either pens or crates to make sure that your pup gets the optimal amount of sleep both through the night and during the day. Here are some things you can do to help your puppy nap: Adorn their crate or pen with comfortable blankets or pillows. Learn whether your pup likes to sleep on a bed or on the floor, then set their crate or pen up accordingly. Cover the crate or pen using a blanket or towel so that their visual stimulation is limited. You can use aromatherapy products for dogs to lull your pup to sleep. Get your puppy something like a stuffed Kong toy because licking and chewing are relaxing to pups. Classical or calming music can help your puppy get to sleep. You can expect that your pup should be ready for a nap after being awake for around an hour. So, you can get him to sleep easier using these tips. An 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy is largely able to know how much exercise it needs all on its own. What you should do instead is either pick them up and take them home or give them a break and see if they get a second wind. Golden Retrievers excel at playing fetch, but you need to keep games short. The running and then suddenly stopping to pick the ball or toy up and bring it back is hard on their tiny bones. People often adopt Golden Retrievers with the intent of getting a companion to exercise with running, hiking, biking, etc. Allowing your puppy to play with toys in your yard or house can be a good, safe way for your puppy to exercise. Having a yard is ideal because you can let your pup run around the yard and explore, while also burning off some excess energy. Just make sure you choose a short, easy walk that your puppy can handle. However, some days they have more energy than others, which is normal. Every Golden Retriever has varying exercise needs. Some are pretty chill and would rather lay around, while others are really hyper and active. You need to know that positive reinforcement works best for Golden Retrievers. You should avoid any sort of training that is based on punishment. There are also other training methods that can be beneficial to your pup. Group training is a good way to get your pup acquainted with other dogs and learn alongside them, while the trainer provides you with ways to better train your pup. You also have the option to hire a professional dog trainer, who will come to your house and give you customized tips to train your puppy. Before hiring any sort of trainer, ask them about the methods they use to avoid distress for puppies. They need to learn about confinement early on. Another important thing to teach your pup is their name, and to come to you when you call them. The bond with your pup is vital to any other training you do with them. For more about the training process, check out our article about Golden Retriever Puppy Training. Hey, food is good, okay? Most 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppies should be eating around half a cup of food three times a day. So, talk to your vet for a specific amount. They need high-quality puppy food. For more about what to feed your pup, check out our article about the Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers. Your golden puppy will probably quickly devour any food you place in front of them. It can be a good idea to buy a slow feeder bowl or toys that dispense food to slow them down a bit while also giving them some mental stimulation and making mealtime fun. Just as infants put things in their mouths, puppies do too. They do this to both plays and learn about their world. This can really suck for humans because puppies have sharp little teeth that feel like needles. The good news is that you can do some things to cut back on the biting and learn to deal with it. The first thing right off the bat you should do is to make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Secondly, scatter chew toys all over your house. Third, give your puppy a break if they start biting. This is as easy as going on the other side of their gate or putting them in their crate. This lets your pup know that when they start biting, the play stops, and access to you is denied. Many people suggest yelping and making loud noises when your puppy bites. But this is actually pretty counter-productive because it can make the situation worse by scaring the puppy. Other puppies can get more excited by the noise and bite harder. Biting is just something that puppies at this age do. However, remember that getting through this trying time is going to help you establish a lifelong bond with your new family member. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards. They enjoy physical activity and have many favorable traits as a gundog bred to retrieve downed game birds. They are friendly and gentle and often train as assistance or detection dogs due to their easy trainability. Apart from starting training while young, other breed-specific reasons make training a Golden Retriever puppy easy. Here are three examples: Golden Retrievers are among the smartest dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs , canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranks Goldens fourth of the brightest working dogs. So, even at just two months old, your puppy has it in his genes to learn and execute commands. To perform their original hunting job of retrieving felled ducks and other game birds in the Scottish marshland, Golden Retrievers had to be watchful, eager, and energetic. These are primary learning attributes. Golden Retrievers also have advanced skills as gundogs. They also have to excel at obedience. These are core training requirements that make your Golden Retriever easy to train. To succeed in your training mission, however, there are specific principles you need to follow. Read about these key training standards in the next section. Key Principles of Golden Retriever Puppy Training The purpose of any dog training is to have behavioral skills mastered. I explain these training requirements in my 10 key principles of successful Golden Retriever puppy training. However, they also have to handle grooming, making them feel uncomfortable. Your Golden Retriever can learn to manage this uneasiness if exposed to handling when young. In one study, puppies subjected to early gentling behaved more calmly at 8 weeks old than puppies not experiencing early handling. You can continue to hold your pup gently as soon as you arrive home. Teach Name Recognition How does your Golden Retriever puppy know you are talking to him if you only make commands? It would be best to teach him his name as this is the foundation for his future training. Say his name first, then give the command. That way, your pup knows to answer when you call. Assert Yourself as the Alpha Leader In dog training, your Golden Retriever must know that you are the boss from the start. Set rules and boundaries, and be consistent and fair. He will respect you as being top of the hierarchy. Never mistake being the alpha with punishment. It will only cause resentment. An alpha leader is calm and assertive, teaches his dog to be happily submissive, and approves of the behavior. Rewards reinforce the behavior, and you can use treats, a favorite toy, or activity, in conjunction with lots of verbal praise. Only Give a Command Once When it comes to training, you reap what you sow! Teach your pup to heed a command the first time you say it. Then make lots of eye contact. Repeat until he learns to obey the first time you give the cue. Dogs have poor short-term memory and will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes, as discovered in this experiment. However, dogs can recall your training commands through associative memory, which means they remember based on associations and not memories. For example, if you put your shoes on and grab your car keys, your Golden Retriever knows you are going out. Once your puppy has corrected his undesirable behavior with the required behavior, reward him with a high-value treat and heaps of praise. Other unacceptable confrontational methods include growling at your dog, forcefully removing an object from the mouth, withdrawing food, staring, using a shock collar, or tying your dog for hours. Your dog needs to have consistency, which means everyone else in the household. Dogs need simple training instructions, and everyone should also use the same verbal and non-verbal cues. Perform the same basic commands every day. At this young age, ten minute sessions are far better than a ten-minute session. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the desired behavior and mastered it, including in different locations and with various distractions. With these ten principles, you can now apply them to the essential areas that you need to train your 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in first. How to Socialize a Golden Retriever Puppy Dogs are social creatures, especially the Golden Retriever, who is super friendly, good-natured, and loves to be around you. To socialize a Golden Retriever, expose him to many different experiences, places, and situations. Include noises, smells, other people, children, babies, animals, cars, bicycles, objects, the weather, etc. Early socializing and training your Golden Retriever plays a significant role in developing adult dogs, as found in this exciting study. Check out these two important findings: Dogs socialized well as puppies are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games, helping them establish a real bond with their owners. Socialization will make your puppy feel confident around people and teach him to engage in his new world happily. You can teach your Golden Retriever social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. My best tips: Take one step at a time. Use positive reinforcement. I often get asked whether you can socialize your puppy before his final vaccinations. Take him to non-doggy places or carry him where necessary. To potty train an 8-week-old Golden Retriever, create a separate area where you want your puppy to go, establish a routine, and start with hourly potty breaks. Supervise your puppy at all times, learn to spot the signs, and never punish him after an accident. Give lots of rewards and praise when he goes. Many new dog owners fall for this — your puppy has to learn to tell you he needs the toilet. Make sure you take your puppy outside often enough. Stick to your schedule! It is a gradual process for him to grasp this. It may take a few weeks to master potty training, not days! Usually, puppies will need to go early in the morning, after a meal, and after a play session. Use their natural rhythm for daily poop walks. Dogs hate messing in their sleeping area, and most will usually hold it. Walk your Golden after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to poop. Do the same in the evening. Puppies need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and a short walk every hours is an ideal routine. If you crate your puppy when going out, get friends or family to help you stick to your routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new pup a pretty good idea of your expectations. To crate train a Golden Retriever puppy, get him used to the crate by letting him explore it. When he is happy to go in and out freely, introduce treats or feed inside, and close the door; that way, he associates nice things with his crate. Gradually increase the time he spends inside with the door closed. Here are seven fundamental principles when crate-training your Golden Retriever: Let your puppy sleep in the crate at night. Initiate crate training on the very first day. It will be harder to succeed if he gets accustomed to other sleeping arrangements! My puppy cried during the early hours of the first night, but then, she was just fine. A rough guideline for puppies to be left alone in a crate is one hour for each month of age, up to four hours. Keep your puppy in the crate when unsupervised. It only sends a message that he can get his way. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly associate that being quiet leads to positive things. He will quickly learn that this is his particular spot. Interesting toys and comfy bedding will offer some solace for your Golden Retriever. Dogs are denning animals, so they often go underneath tables or desks. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into it. My favorite is the MidWest Homes for Pets Dog iCrate from Amazon, as it has everything you need, including a divider and a handy removable wipe-clean plastic pan. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel check price on Amazon are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is also airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. This sends a message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth to prevent chase drive until he releases. Then, give praise and redirect the biting with a chew toy. When your puppy gets the hang of repeatedly letting go, and his bite becomes softer, this is a good sign that he is beginning to learn his bite inhibition. Helping a dog learn to curb the force of his bite is necessary to living with humans. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially began learning from their mother and siblings. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Golden Retriever puppy soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not be able to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and jaw muscles. Remember to have realistic expectations, as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his bite inhibition. Teach a leash cue, and start very short walks. Reward with a treat and praise. You can do this by letting him wear them inside the house or yard for a few minutes. I use this one as it gives you more control, is inexpensive, and comes in various colors and styles. Give a treat when your dog obeys the command. Introduce your Golden Retriever to short outside walks on his leash. Anticipate the behavior and quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is the crucial part. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. Follow the excellent training principles above and use reward-based training to train your puppy in these areas successfully. Be consistent in your commands, and always discipline at the precise moment of unwanted behavior. Are you looking for a puppy training schedule? Related Posts You May Like:. We took each puppy individually and did a rigorous eh, not really test to find out which puppies would be best suited to do service dog work. However, there were two tests that stood out: The Retrieve Test — We crumpled up a piece of paper next to our puppy to get his attention. I mentioned we performed 10 tests, but the results of the above two ended up determining which puppies would be our next service dog puppies in training. Puppy temperament testing is tiring! Liberty Berlin — While she performed about the same as all the other pups on every other test, Liberty stood out during the Umbrella Stability Test. She was the only puppy to enthusiastically approach the Umbrella. We knew from day 1 that Liberty was a confident puppy and had a good feeling that she would have no problem with the Umbrella. She lived up to our expectations boldly and playfully engaging the umbrella. Tank Bear — One of the larger puppies in the litter, Bear was our little cuddly buddy. He did not do well on the Umbrella Stability Test and neither did three of his siblings. However, Bear was a standout when it came to the Retrieve Test. Bear was the only puppy to run out, pick up, and bring back the crumpled-up piece of paper. Not only was he the only one to do it once he did it several times! Trooper Buster — Our smallest puppy by over 3 lbs. Trooper was our mini-mite. Even though he was the smallest he may have been the mightiest as he was the first of only 2 puppies Liberty was the other to climb out of the whelping box. While not exhibiting the enthusiasm of Liberty during the Umbrella Stability test Trooper had a more curious attitude towards the opened Umbrella as he approached, sniffed, and explored showing a more calm demeanor than Liberty. The response of the other puppies on the Umbrella Stability Test ranged from slowly moving away from the umbrella to cowering and running away from the umbrella. The Golden Bear Puppy — Checking out different surfaces. Day 56 — Puppy Names Since the beginning of this series, you may have noticed I listed 2 names for some of these puppies. After 8 weeks with these adorable puppies, they finally got to meet their puppy raisers. Bear stayed with us while Buster and Berlin went to new homes. Awww…Cuddly Golden Retriever puppies! Berlin — Our former first lady she was first born , Liberty first went to a puppy raiser home until she was 16 weeks old. Unfortunately, I did not have a puppy raiser to work with her for the full 18 months. As luck would have it the breeder we partnered with for this Golden litter was looking for a female puppy as a potential breeding dog. Again, we did not have a puppy raiser to train him and we looked to a service dog organization we volunteered with in the past. We contacted Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs and set up a meeting to have Buster tested, and he passed with flying colors. They fell in love with Buster on the spot and adopted him into their POOCH program where he is being trained at a prison to be a service dog. We kept our Lil Bear to train as a service dog. From the beginning, we knew he was a little softy, but he passed the retrieval test with flying colors so we had high hopes for him. We started taking him on outings to the book store, grocery stores, and shopping malls. He never showed the confidence we hoped and while he would eventually adapt to places after several visits he was always hesitant in new situations. He continued to progress and we were hopeful his confidence would grow as we exposed him to new environments and worked on his training. At the same time, an opportunity arose and we had to make a decision with Bear. Our friends had recently lost their long-time Golden Retriever, Sugar, and also tragically lost a puppy they had adopted. After discussing with my wife we decided to see if our friends were interested in adopting Bear. They said YES! And the rest is history. Heck, he has a huge following cheering for him every step of the way! Puppy Crate Training ? Once again, Happy Birthday to our Golden Litter! That concludes our 8-week journey with our Golden puppies! Just in case you missed any of the other blog posts in the series: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — This is Week 8! I hope you enjoyed our pics and insights into raising a Golden Retriever litter. Raising a litter of puppies is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Definitely not for the faint at heart. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a note in the comment section below. Are you about to bring home an 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a good starting point for learning the basics of how to raise and train a puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Sleeping Schedule 8 Week OldGolden Retriever The majority of 8 week old golden retriever puppies leave their mothers and other littermates. The best time to make a foundation, continue socialization, and start training is now. If you're a new dog owner, you might be concerned about how to make it through this critical period in your puppy's growth. What then should you do to train an 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy? Teach your 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy gentle handling and name recognition as these are the basic part of training. Early on, use techniques for positive reinforcement to train him with straightforward commands. Make it clear to him that you are in charge, maintain consistency, and enforce discipline without yelling or using force at this time. By putting the basic dog training principles into practice, you'll discover how to precisely trainand take care of an 8 week old Golden Retriever in this brand-new manual. But at what age ought they to be? When you first bring your 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy home, you should begin training him. It just means that training dogs are much simpler when they are young because they are more receptive and eager to learn. This is not to say that older puppies or adult dogs cannot be trained. The first significant milestone after a Golden Retriever puppy has been taken from its mother is around eight weeks old. Setting the base for your puppy for her integration into your family now is crucial. Your Golden Retriever is 8 weeks old, has probably encountered a variety of situations, and is eager enough to learn and abide by your household rules. In a recent study, it was demonstrated scientifically that puppies as young as 8 weeks old are quite capable of learning, as they quickly picked up the ability to open a puzzle box that was lured with food and could even remember the skill an hour later. Interestingly enough, a human taught these puppies how to do the task better than their mother did. Additional research has demonstrated the value of socializing and training puppies in order to shape their behavior in the future. In this study, puppies who participated in a six-month, one-hour-per-day command and socialization training program outperformed adult dogs who took the same courses in their responses to strangers. In order to make your life and the life of your pet easier, we are providing you with 10 cool tips on how to care for an 8 week old Golden Retriever. Take Care Of Health There is no denying the adorable nature of 8 week old golden retriever as they are small and cute. They get along incredibly well with children and other house pets but you have to take care of their health. Keep your breakable possessions out of the helicopter wag's reach because they are big and strong but make their grooming and health in priority. Daily Brush The Dog Coat 8 week oldGolden Retriever puppies have lovely long coats that can be straight or wavy, and they shed a lot. You must brush it every day to keep it from matting and to lessen the shedding. If you start doing this when they are young, they get used to it and even start looking forward to it. While brushing them, keep an eye out for scabs, cysts, scratches, and bumps; if they do not go away in a day or two, take your pet to the veterinarian. Clean The Dog's Ears Do not use cotton swabs to clean your dog's ears. Wipe your puppy's ears and ear flaps from the inside out using some wet cotton gauze wrapped around your finger. Do it every other day, and immediately take it to the vet if you notice wax buildup, discharge, or an offensive odor. Trim His Nails They might detest it, but you need to keep them in shape. Your puppy needs to have their nails trimmed when they begin to click on the floor. If he or she does not exercise enough, you might need to trim more frequently. According to vets, active dogs require fewer trims. Avoid cutting into the quick, blood vessel located in your dog's nail, when trimming. It can bleed and is also excruciatingly painful. Don't cut the nail in one motion as well. If you see a circle on the trimmed surface, proceed slowly and stop right away because that is the fastest. Never use human toothpaste for your 8 week old golden retriever at any cost because it is highly toxic for dogs. Regular Exercise For both humans and animals, regular exercise is essential. Make sure your furry child plays for at least 30 minutes twice a day and takes brisk walks. Play fetch with it or, if he enjoys water, take your 8 week old golden retriever for swimming. Make a dog's den and convince the animal that it is its personal space. They must have a place to go to when they are anxious or depressed. But never use it as a punishment zone because that will make them anxious. Teach them the fundamental rules. Never physically punish or yell at your 8 week old Golden Retriever as aversive training methods only provoke fear and distrust. Teach Them Socialization Dogs are sociable animals, particularly the Golden Retriever, who is extremely amiable, kind, and loves to be around people. From about three weeks of age, socialization starts with the breeder and continues with you until he is about twelve weeks old. So, after bringing an 8 week old Golden Retriever home, how do you socialize him? Make sure they interact with other animals by taking them to a dog park. Take them to one of the many pet-friendly cafes that are available today. Dogs shouldn't just be familiar with other animals; they should also. They must be aware that people who dress differently than them are still people, and that they should treat them with respect. Do take them to crowded areas in order to allay their fears and help them become accustomed to loud noises. If they are not used to it, they are terrified of fast cars and bikes. It is comparable to human infants. Expose a Golden Retriever to a variety of situations, experiences, and environments in order to socialize him. Describe the sounds, smells, other people, kids, babies, animals, cars, bicycles, items, the environment, etc. Your puppy will show growth if you take your time and make each experience positive. Friendly Environment Towards 8 Week Old Golden Retriever According to one study, early socialization and friendly environment training for your 8 week old Golden Retriever are extremely important for its development into an adult dog. Look at these two crucial conclusions: When socialized well as puppies, dogs are less likely to exhibit undesirable behavioral issues like aggression and fear. Dogs that have been socialized are more likely to interact with humans in a positive way. They also become better players, which aids in the development of a genuine bond between them and their owners. Your puppy will learn to interact with people and enjoy his new environment thanks to socialization. Through planned training sessions with the family, you can impart social skills and confidence to your Golden Retriever. Although socializing with your dog only takes a few weeks, the lessons he will learn will guide him for the rest of his life. Sleep promotes healthy brain and physical development in your puppy. A wild and aggressive puppy is frequently overtired and in need of a nap. They may appear to need more exercise to expend all of their crazy energy, but what they really need is sleep. Your puppy can benefit from getting enough rest both during the day and at night by using crates and pens. Many 8-week-old Golden Retrievers struggle to fall asleep on their own, even when they are in dire need of it. Therefore, you might need to intervene and assist your puppy in falling asleep. Before you put your dog in for a nap, make sure that their crate or pen is comfortable so that they can unwind and sleep more easily. An 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy may find it easier to fall asleep if the crate or pen is covered with a blanket because it reduces visual stimulation. A puppy can fall asleep with the aid of products like the Snuggle Puppy toy and Adaptil spray or diffuser. Gently pick up your puppy and place them in their pen or crate when you notice them settling down for a nap or when it's time for them to rest after being up for a while. Summary If you're a new dog owner, you might be concerned about how to make it through this critical period in your puppy's growth. The 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy is utterly adorable. They make wonderful pets, but If you're a new dog owner, you might be concerned about how to make it through this critical period in your puppy's growth. In this article, we have described 10 cool tips on how to take care of an 8 week old golden retriever. We have summarized all tips on how to make them learn to sleep, exercise, socialization etc in order to make them confident and self-assured. Visit Drlogy Pets for detailed information on the pet care domain.

Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Thank you! If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved. Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners. Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend. Bruce Wayne Bruce is a 7-year-old sweetheart who is looking for a forever home. He loves to go for car rides and is completely housebroken. This perfect gentleman knows basic commands and just wants a loving home where he can cuddle next to his family at night. The rescue said his transition into a new home would be easier if he was the only dog but he is learning that other dogs mean him no harm. Bruce loves everyone he meets but will bark to alert his family someone is there. If this faithful pup sounds like the perfect match for you, you can find out more by clicking here. The playful girl will need a home with a fenced in yard to play fetch and run around. Does Layla sound like the perfect dog for you? Adopt her. He has the biggest heart and just wants to find a family who will love him the way he is. He gets around just fine thanks to a custom wheelchair. If you are ready to experience unconditional love — adopt him! The six-year-old loves attention and looking at herself in the mirror. She would do best in a home with another dog as she is unsure of loud noises and new things. A patient family with a fenced in yard would be perfect for Peaches. They arrived with three other siblings but these two would love to find a home together. They are incredibly smart, eager to learn, and ready for a forever home. If you are able to open your heart and home to two adorable puppies click here. The seven-year-old gentle giant loves children and people. He does not do well with other male dogs but could live in a home with a female dog. If this handsome boy caught your eye, you can adopt him here. While he still has bursts of energy, he prefers attention over play and has not shown any interest in playing fetch. Adopt him here. He can be a bit bossy so a home with older children or no children would be best. Rocko is too interested in cats to live with them but can live with another dog, after a meet-and-greet. Looking for an adventure buddy? Marley Mae is your girl and she loves car rides. Daily walks will be required but fresh air and exercise is good for everyone. Oliver is a love bug and just wants a family of his own. If you are willing to spoil him with attention and cuddles, apply to adopt him here. Boyd is currently in Texas looking for a loving forever home. Adopt him! The gorgeous pup will shed and is still learning to walk on a leash. He needs a family who will teach him basic commands and house train him. If you are ready for a lifetime of fun and learning, apply to adopt Asher here. Missy is a friendly gal rescue estimates she is 18! She prefers a home without children. Let her show you how to enjoy the little things in life, like a relaxing care ride. If she is the dog you have been looking for, adopt her here. Colin is 7 years young and a total sweetheart. He enjoys walks and meeting new people but also loves cuddling. The affectionate boy does have separation anxiety so he would do best with a homebody. She is 5-years-old and gets along well with other dogs. This loving girl is looking for a forever home. Adopt her! He needs a family that will take the time to teach him how to be a good boy. He is a year-old boy who loves other dogs, cats, and children. He is looking to enjoy his golden years with a loving family. Bring him home! He is missing hair due to a skin infection that is being treated by a vet. This good boy is ready for his forever home. She just wants a family of her own to go on walks and cuddle with. Anyone ready to give her a life of luxury and love her unconditionally can adopt her here. The young boy loves to play with a ball and will do so for hours. He loves people and would do best with a family that prefers to stay in or take him along on adventures. He loves treats and is a quick learner. An active family would be the best fit for Samson as he needs to go on a couple mile walk every day. He gets along well with other dogs and just wants a home of his own. Does he sound like the perfect dog for you? He loves going for walks and to the beach. As soon as he sees his leash his tail starts to wag. While he is always up for adventure, the big fella also loves to relax and cuddle. If you are looking for a best friend who will never leave your side, then look no further. Adopt Harlow here! The golden mix boy is inquisitive and energetic. He needs a patient family who will teach him how to be a good boy and watch him grow into his huge paws. She walks well on a leash and is as sweet as can be. She enjoys playing with other dogs but can be a bit bossy. The sweet dog is looking for a calm and quiet home to enjoy his golden years. He enjoys cuddling and going for short walks. FAQ about golden retrievers and how to start the process of adoption. What is the lifespan of a golden retriever? Golden retrievers are active dogs with a life span of years. How much exercise does a golden retriever need? The breed is part of the sporting group and was originally bred to retrieve ducks and fowls for hunters. They need daily exercise consisting of a walk, a game of fetch, or a trip to the beach. Ideally, they should have 60 minutes of intense exercise a day and a great way to achieve that is through hiking. How to adopt a golden retriever? If you think a golden retriever is the right dog for you, contact your local shelter. Be sure that your lifestyle is a fit for a golden and consider adopting an older dog. No matter what type of companion you are looking for, you can find a perfect fit in a rescue pet. History Where are Golden Retrievers from? One of the best documented and most fortuitous efforts to produce a breed resulted in the Golden Retriever. The man responsible for the breed was Lord Tweedmouth, who lived just north of the Scottish border along the Tweed River. How big do Golden Retrievers get? Goldens can reach a weight of 55 — 75 lbs, and a height between .A Golden Retriever has a dense, straight or wavy outer water-repellent coat, which sheds heavily twice annually and lightly throughout the year. Groom a Golden Retriever weekly to maintain the double coat and control shedding. What are the Golden Retriever colors? The breed was first considered to be a yellow variety of Flat-Coated Retrievers but was recognized as a separate breed, the Yellow or Golden Retriever, in .What makes the Golden Retriever dog so popular? The breed was valued for the hunting abilities so ably produced by the careful blending of foundation stock, and only later became popular as a pet. How long do Golden Retrievers live? Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of 10—13 years. What are some Golden Retriever facts and information? Facts Golden Retrievers are best known to: Push through heavy vegetation.

The breed was also developed to think independently, which results in an active dog that bores easily. Exercise and training can help keep your boxer calm. Step 1 Ensure your dog gets adequate exercise as an outlet for their energy. Boxers need at least an hour of exercise daily; walking on a leash will work, but running in the yard is ideal. A boxer that does not get enough exercise is more likely to display hyper behavior such as jumping, barking, mouthing and rough play. A common belief among boxer owners is that a tired boxer is a happy boxer -- or, better put, a tired boxer is a calm boxer with a happy owner. Step 2 Train your boxer every day. Even a five-minute training session will keep his mind engaged. Aim for three short sessions a day, and always end the training when the dog has done something right. If necessary, do one repetition of a behavior the dog always does correctly so you can end on a success. Step 3 Play games to challenge your boxer's problem-solving ability. Mental stimulation can sometimes be more tiring to a dog than physical exercise. Hide a few treats in a room, and then ask your boxer to find them. He gets to eat the treats he finds. If two people are available, one of you hold the dog and the other hide in a different room. The hidden person calls the dog, and then gives lots of praise, treats and affection when found. Step 4 Provide your boxer with interactive toys such as puzzle boxes, treat-dispensing toys and toys-within-toys. Boxers tend to love these toys, since they encourage independent thinking and pay off when the challenge is solved. A boxer that receives regular physical and mental exercise rarely has an excess of energy. He will still be active and exuberant, without the hyper edge of a dog that is not routinely exercised and mentally challenged. Step 5 Crate your boxer when you cannot supervise him and he is excessively energetic. Most dogs will quickly calm down in their crate and typically fall asleep. Your dog shouldn't spend the majority of the day in his crate, but keeping him contained protects both him and your home from the mischief a bored boxer can create. More Articles. The key to a happy, balanced and calm dog is a combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, and entertainment. They say that a tired dog is a happy dog! Physical Activity Boxers require at least 1 hour of daily exercise split into two walks. The more time you can spend outside with your dog, the better. Since these dogs are exuberant and very active, walking at an easy pace down the street is not their cup of tea. Take at least min for each activity. Do one cardio activity per day. Making bubbles can also entertain you boxer outside. Your Boxer will be thirilled with bubbles and some of them will end up in his mouth so if you use bubbles made for children those can cause upset stomach and vomiting in your dog. You can find dog bubbles with different scents bacon, peanut butter… but maybe the plain version is the best. Use the warm wet cloth to wipe your canine friend after play. Water games can also be a fulfilling experience for your dog. Your Boxer dog will be happy to catch his favorit toy you have just thrown in the water. Dog sprinkler is another idea how water can entetaining for dogs. Your Boxer will have a lot of fun try to catch the water and also kept cool during hot summer days. If you get back from work late and you feel very tired to go for a long walk in the dark with your dog, a laser pointer may help you in this situation. Go outside in your yard, sit in some nice, comfortable chair, take a laser pointer and start playing with your Boxer. Be careful never to point in his eyes with the laser and enrich this game by hiding some treats in the yard and then point towards them. Your dog will be thrilled with the game. Dogs like playing with balls very much. Some Boxers are able to play with a ball for hours, pushing it in front his paws while others need a kind of stimulation so you can play a little soccer with your dog. In all cases, he will get tired. You can also set up a dog tunnel in your yard and look how your Boxer has been busy especially if you throw the ball jumps through the whole tunnel or if you put some treat inside or at the end of it. Boxers love to run and stretch so these activities are great to keep them and their muscles in good shape. Just pay extra attention if you have a puppy under the age of 1 year. Mental Stimulation Sometimes mental stimulation may be more tiring to a dog than physical activity. Some studies have shown that dogs in general have the emotional capacity of a 3-year-old human. What does that mean? If you have kids or you spent some significant amount of time with them, then you know. If you just let the small kids do nothing, soon they become bored and most probably overly hyper. If they have nothing to focus on, they get bored and destructive. You need to give him some interesting task that requires the use of his dog senses especially sense of smell. For example, you can hide some treats in the room and encourage him to find them. At first, start with some easy to find places but later on work up to more difficult sessions. Of course, once they find them, they are all his! If you have a yard you can play the same game outside. Hide the treats in the grass or elsewhere and let your dog uses his senses to reach the tasty bite. Your Boxer should find you and once he does, reward him for being a good dog. Arrange them times a week and your dog will be thrilled. Since dogs like to gnaw, if you get some nice marrow bone, your Boxer will highly appreciate that. This can keep him entertained good amount of time. Individual play is also very important. Nice, sturdy chew toys or treat-release toys will help your Boxer keep his mind and senses very busy. In the end, you get tired but happy canine! There is a huge variety of dog toys on the market. Owners usually recommend KONG toys that you can stuff in with peanut butter or banana. For a longer run, freeze the stuffed KONG. You can also try with Monster mouth works the same as KONG, it can be stuffed with any treats your dog likes. A good option for chew toys is the Bully sticks. These sticks are pretty safe for your dog and rich in proteins. They can provide long-time fun for your Boxer. Or squeaking toys like Air Kong Squeaking toys. Avoid super soft material toys for Boxers, as they can destroy them in a couple of minutes. Your Boxer will be very happy to work for his food. Put some tasty bites in a puzzle toy or use a snuffle pad to hide some treats. He will be mentally stimulated plus he will use his sense of smell. A Win-Win! Boxers also would like to play with RC cars. Bear in mind that the size of the car has to be adjusted to the size of your pet. The best ratio is .The speed of the RC car is also what matters. The more you pay the more speed you get, just remember when you are doing the purchase, that your dog might take it apart. Obedience Training Basic obedience training is essential if you want to have well-behaved and calm dog. Boxers act like puppies longer than other breeds. The age of 1,5 -2 years is the typical age when owners search for ways to calm down their dogs. They are not sure if their Boxers energy level is fine since they have large almost adult size dogs that are acting like puppies. After they turn 2 years Boxers start slowly to calm down of course if they have everything they need- regular physical activity, training, mental stimulation, care, and attention but this is a rather gradual process. Even when they mature these bundles of joy are full of energy. They require a lot of daily exercise and short walks down the street are just not enough for them. Conclusion Having a restless puppy jumping around on everything could be cute for some time but in a long run, a Boxer that interacts with his guardians in a calm and respectful manner is a much better option. They need a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Proper training is a must otherwise you will end up with a hyper dog that is destroying your things and jumping on your guests. On the other hand, if treated the way they should, Boxers can be very well-behaved dogs that still will bring joy to your life. With a strong, powerful body and plenty of energy, this breed can be quite active at times. The issue at hand however, is what to do if a Boxer is hyperactive and won't calm down. Let's dive into this topic and discuss all relevant issues. When a young puppy is not running around, he is recovering from acting hyper and napping so that he can get up and do it again. And this is because despite his size, the 12 month or 18 months old is still indeed a pup. He has the mentality of a pup and his actions reflect that. So you have a rather large dog of 45 to 55 pounds .The size of Boxers can fool owners. Since Boxers almost but not quite reach their adult weight by 18 months but have puppy-like tendencies for some time beyond that, owners can sometimes expect too much from a puppy that is beginning to take on the appearance of an adult. Stages of activity levels to expect with Boxers: 8 weeks to 4 months old: This is the 'new' puppy stage. Boxer puppies can be very hyper but owners often do not need to help them calm down because they'll plop down when they tire out, which is quite often. At this age, a Boxer can be running around one moment and asleep with his head in the food dish the next. This is a time of exploring and curiosity… the energy level is like a roller-coaster. You'll want to have a solid schedule in place so that a hyper Boxer puppy has more structure to his day. A Boxer will still get a lot of joy from playing and often craves tons of attention from his owners… this is a good thing… that interaction is a big part of proper bonding and instilling proper hierarchy that will lead to a well-behaved dog. Daytime naps are much less at this point, so having a Boxer awake most of the day can lend to feeling as if the dog is always on the go… or at least is restless if you are not available to get him outside and on the go! By this time, all commands should have been taught and the dog should have a good schedule of releasing his energy in burst of exercise… and if this has not been done or if the Boxer is home alone much of the day and has no release, they'll be some behavioral consequences of that. Generally Boxer dogs begin to calm down by the age of 2 years old, though it is a gradual process, as you'll note from above. Issues can arise if these elements are not in place, however it is never too late to take charge and we will go over some steps owners can take to reel in a hyper Boxer dog. Most will indeed act like adults, but this does not mean that you will have a perfectly behaved dog that can handle any situation with grace and refinement. Boxers are as intelligent as a human toddler , hyper aware of their environment and subject to acting hyper or in most cases very restless if healthy methods of releasing energy are not available or encouraged. The adult may have trouble with separation anxiety or may become agitated or overly clingy if he is not offered both physical and mental workouts. He relaxes quite a bit but can still be engaged to take walks, explore and even take on new challenges. Problems of restlessness can arise if the dog has health issues that interfere with his sleeping or if some disrupts his environment. How to Deal with a Hyper Boxer and Calm Him Down The best method to calm a puppy or dog down is to have a routine that preemptively combats hyperactivity before it reaches an uncontrollable level. It is much easier to avoid this state of frenzied behavior than it is to reverse it. Do keep in mind that very young puppies up to about 4 months old cannot really be reined in; they are all over the map and will have short energy bursts followed by deep sleep; it's a temporary stage that will gradually even out. Here are some ways to encourage a calm demeanor: 1 Have the proper confinement method. The confinement method that you use to keep him in one spot will have a big impact on his behavior. If the area is too small, a Boxer can develop overwhelming feelings of being pent up and this can make him very hyper and agitated. It's very stressful for a dog of any age to be confined to a small space. This breed also can have some claustrophobic issues more than others, so this only adds to the issue. When made to stay in a tiny area with not enough room to move around, there are often issues of developing restlessness and anxiety. It can be difficult to calm a Boxer down after he has been let out. If a dog is stressed that he is alone or even if he is just bored, quite a bit of damage can occur as he roams the house, looking for an outlet. Puppies do best with a sectioned off area of a room; the kitchen or living room is often best as they should be close to their humans and not feel as if they are too isolated. Another option for Boxer puppies is an appropriately sized indoor canine playpen. Older Boxer dogs that are housebroken often do best with one room, not having full access to the house. And for those with separation anxiety, being alone in a large empty house if often more stressful than being alone in just one room that has all the needed supplies to keep him safe, happy, fed and occupied. One of the biggest mistakes that owners make is taking a Boxer out once he shows signs of needing to get outside. If you're sitting on the couch, binge watching Games of Thrones and after 3 shows you realize that your Boxer is acting hyper he really doesn't have much interest in whether or not Daenerys will ever actually get Drogon under control and then you say, "Oh, my Boxer could probably use a walk", it's often too late. At that point, the walk will only help a Boxer release the frustration that built up as opposed to the walk being an outlet for a normal level of activity requirements. He will be a bit calmer, but not as calm as he would be had you taken him out in advance of the building agitation. So, the best thing that you can do is to set up a schedule of when you'll engage with your Boxer dog and really try to not miss any sessions or delay them. If there are others in the house, this can be split up between those who are going to be involved with caring for the puppy or dog. There are 3 activities that you'll want to do on a regular basis: Walks - The importance of these are often understated. It may seem as if your Boxer is just ambling along, perhaps even just going along for your sake but this is not true at all. The Boxer is a strong breed that was built for action; he needs to work his muscles and experience the liberty of movement. Super young pups should have all puppy shots before being taken out. For most Boxers, regardless of age, two walks per day are best. The daily amount should 45 minutes for pup and 1 hour for those 1 year and older. These can be broken up in any way that suits your own schedule and time availability. Cardio - Just a 15 minute bout of high intensity action such as Frisbee or fetch once per day can make a huge difference in a Boxer's demeanor, keeping much more calm and happy when he is back in the house. Some owners mistake a Boxer's indifference at seeing a Frisbee as not wanting to engage. However, it is often the level of enthusiasm that an owner displays that will directly impact a Boxer's desire to run. Most love to run and stretching and working the muscles in this way is a great method to keep a Boxer dog in good shape. That hyper and restless activity that you witness when a Boxer is in the house can be channeled into a short session of action that leaves the dog satisfied and both physically and mentally ABLE to be calm. Commands - We going to dive into this a bit more ahead, however taking 15 to 20 minutes a day to work on commands has a triple benefit: 1. You work toward having a well-trained dog which in and of itself is a huge plus. It helps a Boxer learn self-control. When a dog discovers the element of focus and purposely learning, he is then able to self-regulate and this itself can help the dog calm himself down. It helps to establish hierarchy, with you as the clear leader. For any dog to behave well, this is a must. While it is true that Boxers will be much calmer if they have a physical outlet, stimulating the mind plays a huge role as well. Very detailed studies have proven that canines in general have the emotional capacity of 3 year old humans. This is quite telling. Do you have kids? Or have ever spent even an hour with a toddler? They are super hyper, highly inquisitive and importantly are never happy just 'being' for long periods of time. Dogs are the same. Boxers can become hyper if they have nothing to focus on. Just left to 'be', they can get bored and have trouble knowing what to do, so they run around… they quite literally can end up bouncing off the walls in an overly hyper state with no real tools to calm themselves down. Now, if you take that same hyper Boxer dog and he is taken out for walks twice per day, plays one-on-one with his owner once a day AND is given indoor task that require him to use his canine senses, he'll be a much happier and calmer dog. The mention of canine senses is rather vital here…. Dogs have urges to use their sense of smell… to sniff… to explore with their noses …. It's the way it has been for thousands of years and it's a canine urge that is not going to go away no matter how pampered or spoiled a life a dog lives. So dogs have this innate craving to sniff after scents that builds up each day if not allowed to really use this, it can cause a dog to become frustrated. So, an indoor game that involves a Boxer using his sense of smell along with a task that requires focus is often an integral part of preventing hyper behavior and giving a dog a feeling of accomplishment that can work with the other elements to keep him calm. You might be thinking that you'll have to invest in some sort of intricate canine version of Sudoku. Not at all. This is as easy as hiding some treats in the house and encouraging your Boxer dog to find them. As with cardio mentioned earlier, the energy level and enthusiasm of the owner plays a huge part in how eager a Boxer will be to follow through. Speak with in an animated voice and encourage your dog to seek out the hidden treats. Start with easy to find hiding places and then work up to much more difficult sessions. Once a dog learns that it's time to play the game, he often will not give up and will search until he finds his treasure. Advanced sessions can include having the reward be deep in a cardboard box under layers of old towels and safe odds-and-ends and be sure that the treat itself has a strong scent; a good choice is a strip of bacon grease blotted out because most dogs won't bother to move much for a food that they will receive at any rate. Be sure to use a command word such as 'Find' or 'Go Get' and a word to end the session such as 'Good, Find' or 'Good, Get' to establish when this begins and when this ends. You don't have to do this every day; 2 or 3 days a week is usually enough to make a Boxer dog happy and work in conjunction with the other methods to keep hyper behavior at bay and encourage a more calming atmosphere when you just want your dog to settle down. Continued below 4 Have the right collection of toys for your Boxer. Are you guilty of walking out of a dollar store with an armful of cheap dog toys? If so, you may very well then be an owner who wonders why the heck your Boxer isn't just happy having all those toys and would rather run, jump up and spin around the house like a hyper nutcase. When a dog is bored he will do one of three things: Sulk and act depressed, bark or otherwise have disturbing behavior or express agitation. When you invest a few more bucks to obtain sturdy, quality toys that encourage independent play, this can make a huge difference in a dog's general state of mind and his ability to keep himself occupied. Think of someone giving you a paper and pencil compared to paper and a piece Crayon box. Give your Boxer rawhide alternatives that allow him to happily gnaw away or treat-release toys that motivate him to work to gain his reward. There are two huge benefits of teaching a Boxer all basic commands: he will respect you as the true leader and you will have control over his behavior. While a hyper puppy definitely still needs to be walked, engaged and given tasks to stay busy…and a puppy cannot be expected to remain calm all day… when you take the assertive position to give a 'Sit' command that is listened to without hesitation, this can really come in handy if your Boxer is acting hyper around company or when out in public in a store or other area where you really need him to act calm. It's never too early or too late to start working on this. Training for the basics of Sit, Come, Stay, Down, Get or Fetch and Give can start when a Boxer puppy is 8 weeks old and can be taught to older dogs as well. In addition to this, teaching a Boxer to Heel is always advantageous and not only will keep him calm when out on a walk around the neighborhood but will also keep him appropriately by your side in high energy situations where a dog can become hyper just by picking up the vibe of an event. The size of a dog's world is exactly the size that an owner allows it to be. Dogs that are not used to seeing cars and people walking about will often bark like mad when they do actually see them. Dogs that are not used to being out in public will act inappropriately because they have not been exposed enough to know how to stay calm. Dogs that rarely see a visitor to the house will often jump and act overly excited on those few occasions that someone new enters into their territory. Boxers should be gradually exposed to the many situations, places, people and other pets that exist in the world. If you stayed inside your home… only venturing into your yard and nowhere else for years and were suddenly plopped down in to Times Square, you wouldn't be so calm either; that's how dogs feel if they are isolated and not given the opportunity to slowly learn about the world and all that is in it. Go to parks, bring your Boxer along to run errands, bring him hiking, change up the walking routes, take the time to say hello when you pass by another owner with his dog, have him outside with you while you wash the car, bring him to the beach… unless there are big signs saying 'no dogs allowed' bring him along and let him experience the sights and sounds of the world. Hyperkinesis - Being clinically hyperactive is often misdiagnosed. Most dogs simply need the physical and mental releases as we discussed above. These highly sensitive dogs can be set off into a frenzy by everyday simple noises such as microwave beeping or normal household events such as someone zipping down the staircase. For these rare cases, thorough testing must be performed, which should include a 2 to 3 day stay at an veterinary hospital where vitals are monitored, both heart and respiratory rates, when both at rest and when stimuli is introduced. If this is diagnosed, stimulants similar to those that are given to humans with ADHD can be helpful as are vet supervised changes to the diet and possible supplements of L-theanine, GABA and valerian root. Senior Issues - In some cases, a senior dog will be unable to stay calm and this is often related to either cognitive decline, health issues that are causing discomfort or a combination of the two. Physical discomfort often associated with arthritis can cause a dog to have trouble resting or sleeping. Food Allergies - While we have not seen any studies showing specifics, veterinary medicine claims that canines may have food allergies that can lead to abnormal behavior including acting hyper and having an inability to calm down. With all the high levels of chemicals found in many manufactured foods, it's easy to believe this could be the case. When a dog is constantly ingesting artificial coloring, artificial flavoring and all kinds of chemical preservatives, this is not good for physical health and it's not a huge leap from there to a dog's mental health as well. If this is suspected, a change to home cooked food or a switch to a quality commercial brand without these elements should be considered. Summary Boxers are animated, able to express emotion and are great companions. This is not a lazy breed or one that is content to sit alone just 'being'. Expect your Boxer puppy to be hyper and for a Boxer of any age, follow the guidelines for providing proper care which will help your dog channel his energy in a health way. With our dogs, we often get what we give. The attention and time that you take to interact with your Boxer will pay off, giving you a happy and healthy dog. The Most Popular Pages: How much water a Boxer dog needs - Making sure that your Boxer is hydrated is super important to his overall health. Boxer dog summer care - Changes that should be made when the weather is hot. Grooming, feeding, coat care and more. Which shampoo is best for a Boxer dog - The best products to keep the skin from getting too dry and to help keep the coat healthy and shiny. Boxer dog eye discharge - Often eloquently referred to as 'eye booger's; why these develop and how to properly clean them. Boxer dog is drooling - How much is normal and reasons why it may be excessive. Later in the session, I showed her how to get him leashed up while remaining completely calm and fitted him up with a Martingale collar to help her have more control. As usual, the Martingale with the twist to the leash helped immensely. It was great to see the dog walking calmly in a heel next to his guardian. But before we were able to go out for a walk, we needed to communicate to Baxter that he needed to ramp his energy down. He was so excited, he had little control and squirted himself all over the room and the people inside of it. I was strictly observing for the first few moments to see how bad it got, but when Baxter literally climbed up on top of her I had seen enough. I had her get up to eliminate the lap space then when she sat down and he tried to climb back up, I used a hissing sound to disagree with him. Not only did Baxter not have any rules or limits he was supposed to respect, his guardians petted him so much that he got the idea that petting him was normal. To help start to redefine the leader follower dynamic I asked them to stop petting him temporarily. While its ok to pet a calm and balanced dog, petting a dog in an excited or unbalanced state actually reinforces what the dog is doing at the time. So when I have a client with this kind of dog, I advise them to Pet with a Purpose; asking the dog to sit or lay down and then petting them after they comply. This way the human is rewarding the dog for actions and behaviors they want. After these few corrections Baxter settled down quite a bit and started to keep a small but respectable distance from his primary guardian. Her guardian informed me that the dog often tried to jump up on her or take food that she was eating. I went over the escalating consequences I like to use when a dog breaks the rules: Make a loud hissing sound as soon as, or before the dog breaks the rule or boundary. Stand up suddenly and turn to face the dog until it is stationary. Marching directly at the dog until it turns away, sits or lays down. Placing the dog on a leash and standing on it a few feet away from its head until it returns to a completely calm state. To test how well Baxter learned from my disagreement I had the girl get a hoho and sit on the floor right next to the dog. But that is one of the great things about dogs, they live in the now. I find that often its the humans who take the longest to stop bad habits like petting the dog for jumping up on them. Within a few minutes, Baxter was recalling like a champ. His guardian kept mentioning how well he did in training, but once he came home, his excited behavior returned. This is likely the case because the dog was in a strutted environment when in obedience class. But once he returned home, the lack of rules and structure made the dog think that was the top dog who could do as he pleased. A big part of this was the easy going laid back nature of his primary guardian. Usually a nice calm energy is the goal I try to stride for, but in this case it was too laid back for this particular dog. The guardian almost had a wind up before moving or correcting. A good example of this was when the guardian made the hissing sound to disagree. Even after pointing this out to her she struggled to eliminate the pause and wind up. With some additional practice, she should be able to start responding and reacting much quicker. Because timing is such an important part of dog communication, the improvement of this skill will pay big dividends down the road. It was great seeing Baxter interacting with his guardians in a calmer, more respectful manner. Now that she knows how to lead and communicate with him in a way he understands, this new improved behavior will become his new normal. Share this:. I have friends that have done the same only to be disappointed when their boxer is still bouncing off the walls at 6 years old! In order to have a truly calm boxer regardless of age we have to be proactive in managing their energy. You probably guessed it, the answer is stimulation, both mental and physical with more emphasis on mental. Dogs require their minds to be worked just as hard as their physical bodies. And we do this through training, socialization, nose work games, puzzle toys, and other stimulating activities. This will leave your boxer feeling relaxed, calm, accomplished, and tired! The reason boxers have so much energy is due to the fact they were originally working dogs. And as with all working breeds, they have a huge output ready to go every day. Boxers, in particular, were used as guard dogs and hunting dogs. Dogs that have been accustomed to working long hard days are still not quite ready for the relaxing non-eventful lives that most of them live today. Ultimately, working dogs must be put to work in order to be happy, content, calm and obedient. Without this stimulation, boredom, frustration, and hyperactivity take over. Socialization Every opportunity to socialize your boxer should be grabbed with two hands! Socialization is the most potent form of mental stimulation for a lot of dogs. If you can implement more socialization, your boxer will soon be calmer, more obedient, friendlier, and content overall. But the most important thing here is the time of the day you choose to take your boxer out. If you can squeeze in at least minutes of fetch first thing in the morning, your boxer will start his day off with a calmer demeanor. This is such a simple tip but will have a huge impact on their day. This also coincides with leaving your boxer home alone , which should be kept at a maximum of hours, to avoid boredom and frustration. Puppy pens Puppy pens are essentially a large more liberating crate. It will confine your boxer but with a lot more space. Place him in there with treats, new toys, and plenty of praise. Even though these are basic and easy, our dogs still find the activity stimulating and rewarding. And you can always make the challenges harder with a little creativity. Your boxer will receive important mental stimulation, not to mention his behavior and obedience will keep improving from it. Offer a calm environment Another proven way to calm dogs down is to ensure their environment remains calm. Everything from outside noises, our own voices, and people moving around in the home. If we live in a bustling chaotic household, our dogs will reflect a similar behavior and demeanor. If we can remain calm and ensure our home is somewhat peaceful, our dogs will benefit greatly. Extra tips here would be to ensure your boxer resides in a quiet part of the home and to remain as calm as we can ourselves. Dogs with calm owners, are usually calm themselves. You can also play calming music and consider a lavender or vanilla diffuser both proven to have a calming effect on dogs. Some dog behavioral experts believe this to be one of the most important factors in raising a calm dog. Puzzle toys If you need your boxer to stay occupied on their own, then puzzle toys can help you out here. This is essentially a slow feeder and you can use regular dry kibble or treats. Your boxer will need to roll the ball around until the treats fall out. You can also adjust the hole to make it easier or harder for the treats to fall out. Thanks for reading! Yes and no. All dogs have their own breed characteristics and traits that speak so loudly of that breed, but on the other hand there are certain behaviors all dogs have. The next question is: can dog behaviors that are sometimes not considered polite to humans be trained or are they just what you have to deal with owning a Boxer? All behaviors are trainable. We just need to find what works for your Boxer. Not So Polite Boxer Behaviors Boxers are a fun, loving, outgoing and high-spirited breed that have a lot of energy and affection to expel. That being said, some inappropriate dog behaviors can come from all this energy and desire for attention. The most common impolite behaviors I see with Boxers are excessive jumping, pawing and muzzle punching. I deal with this on a constant basis! Jumping Jumping is common for many dogs, especially energetic and excited dogs. Boxers kind of do this wiggle jump because they can barely contain their excitement. What do you do when you come home and your Boxer is wiggling and jumping all over the place? Keep tasty treats outside the door in a jar, grab a handful of them before you walk in and toss them on the floor when you enter the house. This distracts your dog for long enough for you to get in the house without being trampled as well as breaks the jumping routine and rewards your dog for keeping all four feet on the floor. Pawing and Muzzle Punching These two Boxer behaviors go hand-in-hand because your Boxer is usually doing them for the same reason: attention! As we all know, Boxers are usually very affectionate and can be attention hogs, which I love, but sometimes they become a little pushy about it. I have a great exercise that can help your Boxer build some self-control and teach him that patiently waiting for attention will get him the attention he desires. Begin in a quiet low distraction area. Place medium grade treats in your hand and make a closed fist to present to your dog. Ignore any pawing or muzzle punching from your dog. Once your dog stops pawing or muzzle punching, open your hand full of treats and use your other hand to take a treat to give to your dog. If your dog goes toward the baited hand hand with treats when you open it, simply close it and begin the dog training session again. Continue working on this exercise until you can open your baited hand and reward your dog with each piece of food one at a time, waiting three seconds in between each treat. Sometimes, you like the behaviors in moderation, which is why working on these exercises will help you gain a little more control in these situations. Is your dog facing the frightening issues? These tips not only make calm your dog but also make him socially better with people and other dogs. Prefer the calm behavior; When you give the attention to your dog? I think when they lay down in a calm mood? Well if your boxer dog clings in the hyper mood most of the time, then it means that he needs your attention. There are many ways to offer him attention. For example, when your dog lies down, praise him, pat him and serve the food treats to him. Whatever you do for him, make sure that he likes your caring way. You can say that the attention is the best way to stop the overexcited behavior of the dog. The more you will give attention to your dog, the less he will get hyper. Training and practice; Through training and practice, you can teach your dog on how to stay calm. Educate them on how to stay calm is not the main thing; its rehearsal is more important for them. Instead, always try to spend the sufficient time with your pet to help him staying calm. Give preference to your dog necessities; As a dog owner, you should understand your dog needs, for example, calm environment. Once you are done with it, then you should teach the basic skills to your dog on how to interact socially with others. If your dog has the habit to run in the room or grasping at the neighbor kids, then you should teach them not to do that. Your training will not only keep your dog calm, but he will also learn the perfect method on how to interact socially. Dogs get worried fast, so it is important that which thing is making your dog scared. ASAP, you should try to take away the frightened reason. When you will eliminate the frightened fear reason, your dog will act peacefully. Say no to the negative emotions of your dog; Wanted to know the best tip on how to calm Down a Hyper Boxer? Then never give a ride to his negative emotions. Many times, it could be difficult for dog owners especially when the dog becomes panicky. Act as a peaceful person at this time because dogs are emotionally sensitive. If you show the annoyed, aggravated, worse, or distressed behavior to him, you will be totally failed to make him calm down. Fear is an automatic reaction of every dog, so you should take a deep breath and give the response that everything will be fine in some time. Your dog only needs care, kindness words and safety feeling at this time. Safe environment; The best thing on how to calm Down a Hyper Boxer is to give a safe environment. To keep his frightened level low make sure that his hang out and sleeping place should be safe. Safe place means, where he feels himself calm without any anxious. In the winter season, you can use a large blanket to cover your dog and make him comfortable from the outside weather. By providing him the quiet room and bed, you can also make him comfortable. On the other hand, you should train your dog on how to react on those places where he feels scared. Aromatherapy; Give a try to the Aromatherapy therapy. You can add lavender oil during this therapy to make your dog feel extra relaxed and calm. Last but not the least way to calm your dog is to soothe him time to time. Soothing behavior not only eliminate his fears, but he also gets to know that how to react or handle these sort of situations. Additionally, soothing behavior makes him identify all those objects or signs that boost anxiety in him. Medication; In the emergency situation, medicine is the best thing to make your dog calm and to lower down his anxious behavior. You can give a try to the Valium but after consulting with the vet. Avoid giving the strong medicines to your dog because chances are there that it will damage the liver of your dog. Dog specialists only recommend these sorts of medicines under critical circumstances. According to my recommendation, you should give a try to the herbal remedies first, for example, lavender and geranium oils, chamomile and extract of peppermint to calm your dog. Be Prepared; When your dog feels frightened, keep yourself cool and keep yourself prepared on how to deal with this situation. First, change the place of your dog because the chances are there that the place makes him frightened. Leave your dog for some time or help him to overcome this situation by offering care and love. To calm a scared dog first, you have to overcome its main cause. To overcome this situation you can try a variety of things, for example, take him to the safe place or look after him.

There is no price difference for color, size, or gender. When you purchase a puppy, you receive a three-generation pedigree. The litter will be registered with the ALAA, information on how to care for your new puppy such as potty training, feeding, and grooming , and a lifetime of continued customer support. We also provide you with a puppy kit that includes a leash and collar. Both males and females make great family pets. Please check out our current litters on Facebook. Exceptional Nutrition We feed our dogs only the best dog food available. This ensures that they receive all of the necessary proteins, fats, vitamins, and nutrients for a healthy coat and skin. Healthy Pups A breeder that does not put any time or money into caring for their dogs or does not spend any money on health testing will have the ability to sell puppies cheap. Is it really cheap when you get a puppy with a bad temperament, shedding coat, or health issues? Just remember the old saying: you get what you pay for. We have achieved the highest honor given to a breeding program by the ALAA, which is the Gold Paw, for extensive health testing on our breeding dogs. She is a super sweet puppy who loves to snuggle, play fetch, chew on toys and play with her foster siblings. She is good with cats and other dogs and would love a home with another big dog to rough house with. She is crate trained and will sleep the whole night. She is also potty trained. She is very smart and loves to learn new tricks! If interested in adopting this adorable little girl submit an application at saveourcockerspaniels. If you are out of the state of Florida you would need to travel to Florida to complete your adoption. Please note that we do check vet references and your current pets must be up to date on vaccinations, Heartworm testing and be able to provide proof of purchase of HW prevention. All dogs and cats in your home must be spayed or neutered. We will not set up a meet and greet until your application has been received, reviewed and approved. Adoptions are not done on a first come first served basis. We will accept applications and then screen all and choose the best match. Only approved applicants will be contacted. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lake City Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We have answers. What are Labradoodle puppies for sale near Lake City like? A Labradoodle is a unique breed of designer dog that combines the intelligence of a Labrador Retriever with the agility of a Poodle. This hybrid breed first gained its popularity in the late s as the result of Australian breeders crossing the two breeds in order to create a service dog with the intelligence of a Labrador and the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. Labradoodle puppies are extremely smart and can be easy to train for a variety of purposes, from becoming service animals to becoming loyal companions. Are Labradoodle puppies for sale in Lake City hypoallergenic? Labradoodles have become increasingly popular due to their hypoallergenic qualities, and the answer to this question is both yes and no. Labradoodles descended from the Poodle breed are known to be low shedding, non-allergenic dogs, meaning people with even the worst pet allergies can theoretically own one. However, since all Labradoodles comprise a mixed breed, there is no absolute guarantee that a Labradoodle will not cause an allergic reaction, depending on the other breed s that make up the mix. Do Lake City Labradoodle puppies for sale have special dietary needs? Yes, Labradoodles do have some special dietary needs. Just like any other breed of dog, Labradoodles generally require a balanced diet tailored specifically to the breed's particular needs. Labradoodles typically require a lot of protein and certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. When selecting a diet for your Labradoodle, it's important to choose one that is specifically designed to meet the breed's dietary needs, such as a high-quality dry kibble. Also, U. Do Labradoodle puppies in Lake City have any kind of special requirements? Labradoodles have a few requirements to ensure they are healthy and happy. Just like other breeds, Labradoodles need regular visits to the veterinarian, including annual vaccinations. They also require regular grooming, including brushing to keep their coats and skin in optimal condition. Exercise is important to a Labradoodle--a 30 minute to an hour-long walk or play session each day is recommended to keep them stimulated and healthy. How big do Labradoodles for sale in Lake City get? Labradoodles can vary quite significantly in size depending on the specific breed and generation of Labradoodle. Generally speaking, Labradoodles are considered medium-sized dogs, with weighed ranging typically between 30 and 65 pounds. Full-grown adult Labradoodles commonly reach heights between 17 to 24 inches at the shoulder, which is equivalent to a two or three-foot height at the withers. Depending on the particular lineage of the Labradoodle, size may range anywhere from a small-medium size, all the way up to large. Do Labradoodle puppies near Lake City like to swim? Labradoodles are known to be excellent swimmers. They have an affinity for the water! Due to their coats, which are a combination of Labradors' thick fur and poodles' curly coats, they are naturally water-resistant. Labradoodles often enjoy splashing around in shallow lakes, getting doused in streams, and even diving for toys in a kiddie pool. The swimming opportunities are endless when it comes to Labradoodles and you're sure to have a great time bonding with this friend in the pool. Do Labradoodles in Lake City get along with kids? Labradoodles can be excellent companions for children, showcasing traits of patience and playfulness. There are few hugs and cuddles that a Labradoodle won't happily accept! These breeds have ever-friendly dispositions and often times love to be around children. They are great at making new friends which means they will get along with other kids in the neighborhood. With proper training, they can become loyal guardians of children, showing them the joys of responsible ownership and teaching them the importance of a loving relationship with animals. Is training Lake City Labradoodles for sale easy? Training a labradoodle is not an easy process; it requires dedication, patience, consistency, and an understanding of the canine's needs and behavior. Labradoodles can be full of energy and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation in order to be content and content. With a well-built strategy, though, Labradoodles can be trained to be well-mannered, socialized, and obedient. To start, it is important to create defined boundaries and expectations, and then provide positive reinforcement for desirable behavior.

Bulldog aggression is sometimes a concern among English Bulldog owners. Bulldogs attack for the same reasons any dog feels forced to react—fear, frustration, protection, and pain. Bulldog aggression stems from their breeding. People sometimes misinterpret dominant and animated behaviors as bulldog aggression. Although bulldog attacks are rare, always set your dog up for success to prevent any mishaps. Establish acceptable behaviors at an early age. This curbs bulldog aggression and the potential for a bulldog attack. What Causes English Bulldog Aggression? Built to withstand intimidating bulls , they stand their ground and make no bones about it! Their stocky bodies and antagonistic attitudes were perfect for herding livestock. Hunters and ranchers needed fearless, aggressive bulldogs to hold their own against wild boars and cornered bulls. Wrinkled coats give them a fighting advantage to slip away without major injuries. Over time, dog baiting lost popularity, and bulldog aggression is no longer a common trait. Modern bulldogs are loving companions. You can find videos all over the internet of pouty, sensitive, affectionate bulldogs. Like any dog, bulldogs need to know what behaviors are acceptable. All bulldogs have different tolerances and triggers for aggression. Knowing your bulldog is the best way to understand their levels of tolerance. Every dog is different and your patience is key to fostering their trust. Enrolling your bulldog in obedience classes, understanding their behavioral cues, and giving your dog the space they need are the best methods to prevent bulldog aggression. Establish good habits and encourage behaviors you want from your bulldog. This will help get ahead of most instances of bulldog aggression. Bulldogs were bred to work with large livestock, but have always been beloved. All dogs act on instinct and learned behaviors. After your bulldog learns what behaviors are acceptable, they might test boundaries. Some behaviors of bulldog aggression are: Possessive Aggression: Guarding high valued items, people, and food are instinct for dogs. Some are more tolerant than others, but protecting what they want is not uncommon. Again, some of these cues are very subtle depending on the dog. Bulldog aggression becomes dangerous when you reinforce guarding. Immediately addressing guarding behaviors decreases the chances of potential bulldog attacks or scuffles. Remove high value toys and desensitization cut the chances of bulldog aggression. Being picked up, entering their personal space, startling them, or sustained eye contact can trigger bulldog aggression. Redirected Aggression: Bulldog aggression can emerge in moments your pup feels frustrated. High energy situations like many dogs playing at once can make them feel aggravated. Unfortunately, the closest creature or person can be the target of a bulldog attack. Territorial Aggression: Protecting territory is instinctual for many dogs stemming from ancient times. Before dogs became domesticated, they defended their territory out of survival. An aggressive bulldog may feel threatened when people step into their territory. In fact, many dog parents confuse fear and guarding for dominant aggression. Bulldogs attack when they feel forced to protect, but are otherwise docile and affectionate. If the root of bulldog aggression is not corrected, it puts your pup and family in danger. Handle the first signs of aggression quickly and with patience. The Surprising Truth Revealed! Cues like avoiding eye contact and growling are ways of communicating discomfort. Hitting or scaring them reinforces bulldog aggression. If someone continues to threaten their boundaries, they feel the need to protect them. The same situation can happen to dogs. Ignoring boundaries will likely end in a bulldog attack. Socializing your dog early is vital to their safety, comfort, and quality of life. Safely and slowly introducing your dog to new people, environments, and other dogs desensitizes them. Decrease bulldog aggression by taking your pup to obedience training. Professional help gives you guidance to support your dog through their learning process. Bulldog aggression can be subtle, but there are cues to spot before a situation escalates. Signs of a potential bulldog attack: Avoiding eye contact and turning their head away Snapping at other dogs. Written by Dr. Their mean-looking flattened face, which includes a strong jaw, is perceived by many as a sign of aggressive behavior. Now the question is, are these perceptions justified? English Bulldogs are not aggressive but obedient, affectionate, and kind-hearted. This medium-sized breed has a considerate disposition and calm temperament, making them a lovely family pet. Despite their laid-back attitude, English bulldogs are courageous and thus, make an excellent guard dog. Keep reading to learn more about how English Bulldogs interact with other people and animals. Are English Bulldogs Aggressive to Humans? English Bulldogs are not aggressive to humans. These bulldogs are people-friendly and love human attention. However, English Bulldogs may act ferociously if they feel threatened or act distant towards strangers. Family Members English Bulldogs are people-friendly, so they make a great family pet. These dogs are affectionate and can get along well with most people, be it small children, adults, and older adults. Read on as we look at how English Bulldogs behave around people of different age categories. Babies English Bulldogs are very compassionate and patient with babies. Toddlers English Bulldogs are equally playful with toddlers and young children. They can be a great and vigilant companion to your little kid. Older Kids Older kids can bond with English Bulldogs by taking them on regular walks and spending time together. Typically, this breed gets along with older kids better than some other breeds do. Adults These warm-hearted pooches hardly ever show a sign of aggressiveness with adults. However, if your bulldog ever shows attacking behavior, you should not let this go unchecked. Strangers How English Bulldogs react when they see a stranger has to do with their upbringing. Guests A well-socialized bulldog might act shy or reserved if they see a guest. Intruders These bulldogs are incredibly loyal pets and will defend their family if they sense a threat from an outsider. Their tenacious attitude and protective nature will help them deal with any danger. That will change if your dog feels a threat to them or your family. English Bulldogs tend to be more aggressive to other animals than to strangers. Part of the reason is their history as bull-baiting dogs. However, selective breeding over the years has reduced their attacking tendencies. Other Animals in Your Household A bulldog brought up in a caring environment with decent adequate will not endanger other pets in your household. However, even a trained dog may seldomly show hostility to other dogs in the house, especially the males. However, the level of aggression is toned down if the two dogs have a history of positive encounters. English Bulldogs generally get along well with cats as well. Some canines may occasionally get less friendly if provoked by the other pets. Overall, their accepting nature helps them make good bonds with the other animals in the house. Animals They Encounter Outside English Bulldogs display a more aggressive behavior if they encounter an unfamiliar male dog outside their house. Depending on their upbringing, they may bark a few times or attack the other dog. However, if you notice your bulldog getting agitated without any provocation from other dogs, you should spend some time helping them navigate through such situations. Male English bulldogs are more aggressive than females, provided they both received the same environment growing up. However, female English Bulldogs tend to be more territorial. Both males and females are relentlessly stubborn, yet males are more challenging to train. A retrospective study in Spain by the Barcelona School of Veterinary Medicine in analyzed 1, dog aggression cases. In terms of temperament, both males and females are not much different. Males are more playful and energetic and are more welcoming towards others. Females are comparatively less jolly and are not eager to socialize. As mentioned earlier, even though male English Bulldogs have aggressive tendencies, female bulldogs tend to be more territorial. Due to their stronger territorial instincts, female English Bulldogs can attack more viciously if someone evokes these impulses. Give them the care and love they require, along with the necessary training. Their approval rate would not be high if they were naturally aggressive to others. Moreover, an opinion ranking from veterinarians was published in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal about aggressive behavior in different breeds of dogs. The vets ranked bulldogs with an average Aggression Ratio score of 0. Most causes of aggressive behavior in English Bulldogs are due to their dominance and territorial instincts. Possessive English Bulldogs may display aggression, especially regarding food or toys. Here are some common reasons an English Bulldog may act aggressively: English Bulldogs want to assert their dominance over their pet parent. However, dominance-related aggression is not as concerning as other causes. English Bulldogs may get furious if their territorial senses are triggered. English Bulldogs can act angrily due to their possessive tendencies, especially regarding their food or toys. Possessive bulldogs will not be happy if they see someone approaching their food bowl while eating or picking their favorite toys. English Bulldogs can get violent in stressful circumstances. If English Bulldogs are in danger and need to protect themselves, they may take a defensive position. English Bulldogs can act aggressively out of frustration. They may use that energy to attack the person holding the leash. Your English Bulldog is being aggressive if they try to attack when you or a stranger gets near it. Conversely, your English Bulldog is being protective when they guard their space and belongings without showing attacking behaviors. Suppose your dog is always on their perfect behavior but starts showing some extra energy when they see a stranger approaching them or a family member. You should be worried when your pet displays rough reactions without any provocations. Moreover, female bulldogs have their maternal instinct triggered if a stranger comes near their puppies. In addition, they may get ticked off if the other pets in the house try to eat their food. These instances are cases of a dog being overprotective and not angry. However, being overly protective is also not favorable. Your dog may inflict an injury in a situation that did not demand it. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Pretend To Be Injured Whenever your English bulldog puppy biting and growling at you, pretend to be injured by his bites. When the puppy bites, you yell loudly and pretend like you are hurt a lot. This will shock your puppy, and he will release the hurt immediately. You can continue doing this until he retrains himself from biting you or growling at you. By repeatedly exercising, your puppy will learn that it is hazardous to bite their friends and humans. As time passes, your puppy will learn to become gentle during playtime and get to know that skin is a sensitive part and must not be pressed. Avoid Your Puppy If your puppy bites you while you are playing with him, stop playing at that very moment. When you stop playing immediately, he will realize that he has done something bad. We were playing on the couch, and he bit me. After repeating this every time he bit me, he finally understood that biting is bad. What will happen is he will suddenly become defensive and will become aggressive in the future. These small things are very important and must be kept in mind while training your puppy. Never forget to praise him for his good behavior. Socialize Your Puppy Socialization is very important for the English bulldog puppy to get comfortable with everyone. Your puppy should feel comfortable around friends and strangers. Socialization helps your English bulldog puppy biting and growling not to bite visitors. These etiquettes are necessary, especially when you take your puppy to parks and public places. Save Yourself from Puppy Attacks Puppies are very curious about everything happening around them. They get excited when they see some movements happening around them. You may have noticed your puppy walking moving around your feet whenever you walk around them. If they see any sudden movements, they will immediately attack. When this happens, stop right there and let your puppy settle down. When the puppies watch the children running around, they get very excited and start running and playing. There are chances that your puppy may bite the kids or anyone they are playing with. To avoid this, whenever you see your puppy come running towards you, give him his chewy toy to play with. Never forget to motivate your puppy by giving him his favorite treats. Always keep the treats in your hand while training. When I was training my puppy, I used to have these soft puppy treats all the time. These were his favorite treats, and due to them, he used to perform all the tasks that I gave. Everyone must follow one more important thing , all these exercises, and recommendations in the house. The puppy needs to be comfortable with everyone in the family. So everyone must spend some time with the puppy to become familiar with him. There will be times when the puppy will have to spend the whole day with other family members, and then it will be easier for both dog and the family member. These tips and recommendations are really helpful if you follow them thoroughly. Training your puppy at the correct time is the key to stopping him from doing bad behavior. Adult Bulldog Biting and Growling Sometimes adult bulldogs are also seen biting and growling at humans. I will give you some normal tips about training your adult bulldog. The tips are as follows: Teach your adult bulldog the same discipline you would teach your puppy bulldog. This will make him realize that you are hurting. Leave him alone for a while to get him in the discipline. With correct and appropriate training, you can stop your English bulldog puppy from biting and growling. It would help if you acted properly around your puppy in order to teach him. As the training will continue, he will definitely learn the difference between harming and playing. Training your adult bulldogs can be quite a difficult job but not impossible. So, have patience and train your English bulldog puppy will love and compassion. You will surely have positive results. Related Articles:. TonkaTruck28 said: Hey everyone, I have been reading here for awhile, but am brand new to posting. I just got my new bully a couple weeks ago and need some help! I have a 10 week old bully who will not respond to any sort of discipline, especially when he is "zoned out". I feel he has made progress with the normal puppy biting of the feet and hands and he doesn't really chew on our stuff, mostly his toys and our physical selves but sometimes he gets so wound up that nothing works. We try to redirect him to his toys when he bites us and he tries to force his way through the the toy to us, if we try to remove him from the situation or from anything he wants to do he growls aggressively not a playful puppy growl and tries to get at our hands. If we say NO or no bite or yelp he snaps and growls and bites as if we're just egging him on. Putting him in timeout in another room for 5 minutes and ignoring him when he comes out until he does something we can praise him for seems to get him out of his "zoned out" state of mind but I would like to learn another method to deal with him. We try to praise him for everything he does right or well in hopes that he would prefer that but it's seeming he prefers trying to assert his dominance. Any help is much appreciated! Click to expand.But I would recommend every time he is naughty biting and the attitude he gets put in the kennel. I know some say not to dicispline with the kennel but no bully likes or want to be locked in there. He bites you put him in there, Also when Coop would bite or be going going after my son I would clap really loud sometimes a few times. For some reason clapping get their attention and they don't care so much for it. When Gracie and Coop are playing and they get a little rough I do my normal yell or a weird ahhh ahhh or no no or knock it off in my loud dominant yell or I will clap and they both stop right away and look at me like "what we weren't doing anything wrong" Just gotta nip it in the but now and from what you are saying I think the kennel is needed. I would kennel coop and just get him out of the situtation when he would bite my son and it lasted for a couple months. The puppy biting is hard to stop but around months they start losing puppy teeth and calming down. Coop bit all the time and now at 8 months he is such a lover!! Cuddles and loves his family. My 2 year old got the brunt of the biting and now him and coop are best friends. My son can't walk past him with out giving him a big kiss!! Just hang in there and show him who is boss. I think the kennel thing will help you though!! Putting in the kennel is just simply defusing and getting him away from the situation. This is what I did with Cooper and he is great now.SO putting him in there as a disciplined did not make him hate the kennel! Radar was not happy with my arrival and made it clear with a lot of barking and some posturing. I had expected this so I had adopted an assertive body posture, made sure I kept him in front of me and did not back away or react to his barking. At first I simply stood my ground at the back door while I stood in the kitchen and observed Radar. His head was lowered and he was making a lot of intermittent eye contact, but he consistently moved backwards each time he barked at me. It was a slight movement, but enough for me to see and indicated that he had some insecurity. I moved forward in a confident and deliberate movement making sure that I kept my hips and shoulders squared up. This lack of practice at the proper way to greet a human was glaringly apparent. I continued to move forward after each bark, pausing between each step to gauge his reaction and behavior. Radar consistently moved backward this way one bark and step at a time. Everything is ok. While he acknowledged that things were not alright, the fact that he kept saying it was ok underscored a part of the problem. We cannot rationalize with a dog when its in an unbalanced state of mind, and often humans unconsciously attempt to convince themselves things are better than they are. As I had this discussion with his owner I kept my eyes fixed on Radar as the best chance to get bitten from an insecure dog in this type of situation is when you drop your attention from them while they are all worked up. Radar continued to bark at me so I continued to step towards him which caused him to continue to back away. After I got a few feet into the living room, Radars barks took on a less intense tone. He continued to bark, but eventually recused himself from the situation — walking around a couch and standing under an end table on the far side of the room. Only after Radar turned away and walked away did I come into the room and introduce myself to the members of the family. After discussing the situation with his owners for a few minutes, it was clear that their lack of rules, boundaries and structure combined with an abundance of attention and affection for no reason had given the dog the idea that he was in a leadership position. His owners had been yelling at him to be quiet with little success. I explained that when a dog is barking and we yell at them, they often interpret that as our agreeing with their barking. Then I went on to show them some non verbal modes of communication using body language, eye contact, movement and timing. Within a few moments they were successfully using these new forms of communication to disagree with his behavior and barking. He was still clearly not happy I was there, but his stiffness, barking and eye contact all improved dramatically as the session went on. It will be important that they continue to uses these new communication methods and apply them as soon as Radar starts to bark, protest or engage in unwanted activities or behavior. Its much easier to get a dog to stop or calm down if you disagree with them as soon as they start. The fact that it worked so effectively combined with their desire to curb this aggressive behavior was already paying dividends. I went over some new ways of petting the dog that will help change the leader follower dynamic as well as some rules that will help Radar start to assume more of a follower position in the home. I also suggested that they practice a leadership exercise to help accelerate the transformation in the leadership dynamic in the home. This exercise is easy to master and affords the family the ability to gradually make it more challenging. This gives the dog the ability to practice deferring to their authority. It will take regular enforcement of the new rules and complete adoption of the new communication methods before they are able to eradicate this behavior for good. But based on how quickly the members of the family adopted the new methods, they should see a gradual change in his attitude, behavior and respect for their commands and authority. Share this:. Are English Bulldogs Aggressive? Are English bulldogs aggressive? Anyone considering the laidback English bulldog for their next family pet needs to know: Are English bulldogs aggressive? But there are a few factors we can consider to determine the likelihood of aggression in purebred dogs. The job the breed was originally bred to do, its inherited health issues, and the statistics surrounding breed-related aggression can all help us determine the risk of aggression in a specific breed. Breeding, Health Risks, and Data The best way to determine whether a purebred dog is predisposed to aggression is to look at its breeding and health problems. If a dog was bred for a job that requires aggression, like fighting or guarding, then you may see more signs of aggression. And if a breed inherits health issues like rage syndrome , cognitive dysfunction , or hypothyroidism , they may be at higher risk for aggressive behavior. Dog breeders will often point out the different personalities of puppies from the same litter. So, to a great extent, personalities will vary from one bulldog to the next. However, you can get a sense of bulldogs' most hard-wired personality traits based on what they were bred for. In order to succeed in this sport, dogs needed to be strong, fearless, and willing to lead an attack. Now you're starting to see where concerns about bulldog aggression are coming from. But over years ago, bull baiting was banned, and breeders worked hard to save bulldogs from near extinction — transitioning them from fighters to family pets by selectively breeding the friendliest and most devoted dogs. So, years of breeding adds up to about generations of bulldogs bred specifically as cuddle companions. This length of time is longer than the entire history of the golden retriever. And like goldens, the bulldog breed are reliable family members that are gentle with children. Bulldog Health Issues That Can Lead to Aggression English bulldogs are considered one of the least physically healthy dog breeds in existence — to the extent that some have questioned the ethics of breeding bulldogs and Norway has banned their breeding entirely. The majority of their health problems — from bulldog skin bumps to hip dysplasia — do not cause aggression. However, bulldogs are prone to hypothyroidism, a condition where their thyroid doesn't produce enough of the thyroid hormone. If your previously well-behaved bulldog starts showing signs of aggression, take them to your vet. It could be a sign of hypothyroidism. Aggression could also be a sign that your dog is in pain and needs an examination, treatment, and pain relief for dogs. Bulldog Aggression Data English bulldogs are rarely mentioned in studies on aggressive dogs or reports on dog bites, which is surprising when you consider that bulldogs are the fifth most popular dog breed in America. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA found a strong link between the popularity of a dog breed and the number of bite incidents. In the AVMA study, as a breed got more popular, more bites were reported by that breed. However, the only reputable report we could find that mentioned English bulldogs was a local report from Denver, Colorado , where bulldogs ranked 13th in dog bites — much lower than you would expect given their popularity. So, based on the data, English bulldogs appear to be at a lower-than-expected risk for aggression. Dog owners have a bigger impact on aggression than dog breed. Here are the most important steps English bulldog owners can take to prevent aggression: 1. Raising well-socialized pets starts at a young age, and any socialization the breeder provides will set you up for success when you take your English bulldog puppy home. To get the healthiest possible bulldog, you may also want to consider a hybrid bulldog, like the Olde English Bulldogge. While not considered purebred dogs by the AKC, Olde English Bulldogges have been mixed with other bully breeds to preserve the health of the breed. Seeking out an Olde English breeder is one way for concerned bulldog lovers to champion this friendly breed. Start Socialization Early As soon as your puppy is fully vaccinated, sign them up for a puppy socialization class. In your spare time, head to parks or outdoor cafes, and make it your mission to introduce your English Bulldog puppy to as many different types of people as possible, including children, the elderly, the handicapped, and people of different sizes and skin tones. Use Positivity-Based Dog Training Train your puppy using positive reinforcement training , rather than dominance-based training , which has been shown to increase aggressive behavior in some dogs. Nipping is common when puppies are young and teething. Make sure to teach bite inhibition early, and prevent food aggression by hand feeding your puppy or placing your hand in their food bowl while they eat. Remove Your Dog From Stressful Situations If your dog shows signs of stress , like tucking their ears and tail, whining, pacing, panting, or hiding, you should remove them from the stressful situation, give them a time out in a quiet room, and offer a calming dog chew to help decrease their stress levels. A stressed or scared dog is more likely to act aggressively against a perceived threat. By removing them from the situation early and helping them regain their sense of calm, you can keep their behavior from escalating to lunging or biting. Bulldogs are involved in fewer bite incidents than you would expect, given their popularity, so the breed appears to be at low risk for aggressive behavior. As a bulldog owner, you can raise a well-adjusted dog by getting your puppy from a responsible breeder and providing consistent, positivity-based training. Read more.

This is perhaps the reason why many dog lovers want to buy one nowadays. True, different dog breeds have different needs, but they all have something in common. After all, different breeds tend to have unique personalities. Short-haired shepherd breeds are no exception. They are loyal and obedient Short-haired shepherd breeds are extremely loyal to their owners. But as usual, too much is bad. They are cautious and loving Short-haired German shepherds also tend to be cautious around strangers. And you can expect that your relationship will last forever. After all, the hard-hearted personality of short-haired German shepherds makes it impossible for them to get used to many people at once. Thus, sufficient knowledge about them is necessary in order to avoid disappointment later on. Frequent vacations, trips, and overtime are the perfect ingredients for disaster when it comes to short-haired German shepherds. You only see them as watchdogs It goes without saying that short-haired German shepherds need freedom, just like how other dogs do. So keeping them restrained with chains for a long time will only lead to problems. Paying no attention to their behavior can only spell disaster, so watch out for sudden changes. The best thing about dogs is that you can take advantage of these to suit your needs. Here are some tips on how to do so. Teach them new skills regularly While dogs are known for being fast learners, short-haired German shepherds are beyond that. When buying… Due to the popularity of such breeds, there are many shams selling short-haired shepherd breeds. So, what you need to do is limit yourself to respected breeders. To avoid health issues , you might have to spend more on your initial purchase. They can even shed more than their long-haired counterpart. Purchase chew toys, the durable ones With proper care, short-haired German shepherd puppies can grow with tenacious jaws. Surely no one wants to fix damages in their yards or home, so buy some chew toys. Secure a regular check-up with the vet As previously said, the short-haired shepherd breeds tend to endure the toughest struggles. Even when they appear healthy, they might not be. So send them to the vet once in a while. Ensure a healthy diet If you think their shedding, chewing, and health issues are tiresome to deal with regularly, you can minimize it through their diet. Feed them fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, berries, while providing them protein with meat. If properly fed, they can shed less and experience fewer health issues. Conclusion Short-haired German shepherds are strong, flexible, reliable, and loving dogs. If this is the kind of dog that appeals to your sensibilities, then they might be the perfect fit for you. When properly taken care of, they can be a new addition to your family. And that includes spending money on them along the way. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. It is sometimes referred to as a regular coat or a short stock coat. These dogs are amazingly loyal, and they can feel anxious when you are not around. It explains their unfriendliness to strangers. Moreover, they do not easily make new friends, and a lot of socialization techniques are needed to reduce their aggression and rejection. Short haired GSDs are quite energetic, so they need at least two hours of exercise every day. Your pup will join you in all your activities, be they walking, running, swimming, or riding a bike. Their coat has a double layer, so they can withstand cold and severe weather conditions. However, such a coat needs constant grooming, at least every days, especially in spring and fall, when their shedding can become a true catastrophe for your household. The origin Short haired Shepherd Dogs, as well as long haired, are the result of the long and deliberate work of German breeders, whose goal was to breed an ideal herding dog with a stable mentality and good health. Only those with the best physical and mental conditions were allowed for further breeding. Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Shepherd Dogs were reclassified from Shepherds to guards and police dogs. However, the same creator, Max von Stephanitz, advocated strongly for shorter hair on German Shepherds. Then why did he prioritize eliminating the long hair feature from Shepherd dogs? Because lengthy hair hinders the capacity of a dog to work. Long fur is a liability for a large working dog, due to the absence of an undercoat and the ease with which it becomes dirty. Even modern-day working line German Shepherds must be agile and athletic. When long hair became somewhat more troublesome than short hair, breeders producing working dogs began removing the long-haired variety from the stud pool. We can easily recognize them in movies, such as Strongheart or Rin Tin Tin. Size and Appearance A short haired German Shepherd dog is usually athletically built. Its height is inches at the wither, and it can weigh pounds. Males are obviously bigger than females, and they look quite masculine. Their muzzle is long and the ears are erect, facing forward. The back should be straight, and a sloped back that has appeared nowadays can cause severe health problems. The outer layer of the coat is usually dense and located close to the skin. The fur is straight, but sometimes slight waving occurs. The undercoat is wooly and thick because it is meant to protect the animal from severe weather conditions. The short haired GSDs look like wolves. Nevertheless, they can be of different colors. Black, black and tan, sable, gray, or red and black colors are acceptable. However, lighter colors are not popular among breeders and owners. That is why they are appreciated as working dogs in many jobs, including the police and the army. These dogs are perfectly protective. They are always alert if they need to guard the family or household. They can even seem too possessive to their owners. However, these animals are very clever and trainable. They always want to please you. So, if you reward them with some treats, training will have much better results. Separation anxiety is one of the most severe behavioral problems. They feel lonely, frustrated, and anxious if they cannot see you for a long time. They may even start chewing your clothes, footwear, and furniture if you are out. A German Shepherd can start barking and howling, and it may cause some trouble in your relationships with neighbors. Anyway, the dog needs an exciting job to do, even if it is just playing with a toy. To keep your dog healthy and comfortable — adhere to the following care recommendations. Hair A short haired Shepherd has a fairly stiff coat, and during shedding , it covers the entire environment, including the furniture and the carpet. To prevent this from happening, brush your pet twice a week with a special brush. Bathing Two to three baths per year, excluding fall and winter, is the optimal number of water treatments for this breed. Washing more often will cause its coat to lose its natural shine. Teeth Shepherds often suffer from tartar, so once a week they should be given a special chew stick. This could cause its bite to become deformed. Walking A German Shepherd needs to get both mental and physical exercise every day. The best way to do it all at once is to train outside. If you keep your dog in an apartment, take at least two hours of daily walks. Training The German Shepherd requires mental workouts at least three to four times per week for 20 minutes each. It is important to remember that the muscles and joints in puppies under 6 months old are still developing. Training must be demanding but fair and kind. Violence is not permitted. The Shepherd may become hostile or cowardly as a result. It is best to start training your puppy when they are between two and three months old, starting with simple commands. It is advised to get in touch with a qualified dog trainer if you have no prior experience with dogs of those breeds. Feeding For a healthy pet, choosing a balanced diet is crucial. German Shepherds with short hair require a diet high in protein and low in fat. Dry food and natural food are also acceptable. Fish is beneficial to these pets. Calcium-enriched goods should only be consumed in moderation. For the short haired German Shepherd, it is preferable to select premium ready-to-eat food. Make sure there is enough water while using dry food. The following daily feeding schedule is advised by experts. When a puppy is born, it is fed 6 times in the first two months , 5 times in the third month, 4 times from the fourth to six months, and 3 times per day from six months to 1 year. When the dog is older and is considered an adult, meals are only given twice daily. Feed the Shepherd dog at the same time every day. The food should be served at a medium temperature. This is crucial for the development of its proper posture. They may suffer from such health issues as hip dysplasia, heart and eye conditions, and generative myelopathy. Getting insurance is a good idea, too. FAQ How rare are short haired Shepherds? Short haired GSDs are not rare at all. You can see these dogs almost everywhere. According to the AKC, German Shepherds are the third most popular breed, and its short-haired representatives make up most of the population. Short hair is a dominant gene, so the chance to get a long-haired puppy from its short-haired parents is quite minimal. Do short haired German Shepherds shed less? Short haired German Shepherds shed continuously throughout the year, however, the fall and spring are the seasons when they shed the fastest. In contrast, long-haired individuals do not shed more in the fall or spring. However, they must also be brushed on a regular basis. Do short haired German Shepherds Get Cold? Short haired GSDs do not become cold because of their thick undercoat, which serves as an insulating layer and keeps their body heat from escaping, keeping them relatively warm in colder weather. If taught and introduced from a young age, the breed is completely capable of sleeping and living outside. What is a short haired German Shepherd? A double-coated standard German Shepherd is a short haired German Shepherd. It is also known as a regular coat or a short stock coat. Final Thoughts A pet, a reliable guardian, or a dignified exhibitor — the short haired German Shepherd easily copes with any of the roles. The breed combines endurance, trainability, and affection for humans. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Lifespan Sociability Since the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, there are plenty of reputable breeders, and finding a puppy is usually not a problem. That said, they can vary fairly widely in price, as some are bred purely for the pet trade, while others are bred as working dogs and will cost a fair bit more. While the German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, they are actually a fairly recent breed. German Shepherds as we know them today were first bred in the late s by Max von Stephanitz, with a dog by the name of Horand becoming the first officially registered German Shepherd. They have American Kennel Club recognition. They go by several names. During World War I and II, both Americans and Europeans sought to get rid of the German part of the name due to its association, and the dog thus became known as the Alsatian in most of Europe. Image Credit: Pixabay 4. They are highly intelligent. German Shepherds are widely considered among the most intelligent dogs on the planet. They are immensely popular. According to the AKC, since , German Shepherds have consistently ranked second in the United States for the most popular dog breed, with only the family-favorite Labrador Retriever above them. They served in both World Wars. During World War I, German Shepherds were used by both the Germans and Allied forces for carrying messages and distributing food and as rescue dogs and as personal guards. After the war, soldiers were impressed by the capabilities of the breed. They are Hollywood stars. German Shepherds have long had starring roles in many Hollywood movies, with Rin Tin Tin being the most well-known, with dozens of movies throughout the early s. They were one of the first seeing-eye dogs in the U. Dogs are commonly used as an aid for people with visual impairment or complete blindness. Although this role is now often associated with Labradors or Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds were among the first. There are few dogs more adorable than German Shepherd puppies, and there is no shortage of homes for them. They come in eleven recognized colors. The classic black and tan German Shepherd is the color most associated with the breed, but these dogs actually come in 11 different colors. Their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility are almost unmatched by any other breed, evidenced by their use in so many ways. The fur sometimes flies among German shepherd fanciers regarding coat lengths. What the hairball, right? The overwhelming majority of German shepherds have moderately short to medium-length hair, as dictated by the breed standard. The term is primarily used to distinguish them from long-haired GSDs. Some long-haired individuals lack an undercoat, and they sometimes cost more due to their rarity. However, they are essentially the same pooch otherwise. Long-haired shepherds also occur, but both the AKC breed standard and UKC standard call for one coat length as we mentioned: medium. Excessively long or short, close-cropped coats are deemed faults. A standard German shepherd has a thick, medium-length coat that may appear slightly longer around the neck and rear legs. This is a point of contention in many breeds with differing looks, including Chihuahuas who can be short or long coated and Labs, who come in three colors. Many owners insist there are behavioral differences between types, while others disagree. Personality Differences Generally speaking, appearance has little weight on personality. A German shepherd is a German shepherd. They are large, athletic dogs who love human interaction and thrive when faced with challenges. Dogs from working lines are usually more active with a strong drive compared to show stock. Health Differences As with personality, there are few health differences noted between the short-coated and long-coated shepherds. Any potential health differences between the two can likely be attributed to the coat length. For example, the long-coated variety may be at greater risk of developing hot spots in wet weather. Also, and somewhat counterintuitively, long-coated shepherds are sometimes more susceptible to hypothermia, since they sometimes lack an insulating undercoat. All dedicated GSD breeders as well as those working with any other breed should screen their breeding stock for common health concerns of the breed. Certain colors can lead to issues, however. For example, pale, blue, and liver colors are considered faults, and white is a disqualifying color. On the other hand, long-haired German shepherds do not meet the breed standard since a long coat is considered a fault. These dogs cannot compete in a show ring. No — short-haired GSDs are not rare. In fact, short-coated German shepherds are more common than those with long coats. Additionally, since long-coated GSDs are seen as going against the breed standard, most breeders avoid producing them, or they choose to sell them on a pet-only contract. The point behind this is line of thinking is that every generation of puppy should strive to reach the breed standard. But on the other hand, because of the rarity of the long-coat gene, some breeders deliberately produce them and charge a premium for these long-haired doggos. Also, note that those who opt to breed long-coated shepherds may not always have the same goals as traditional GSD breeders. Now, while the standard calls for a double coat, the undercoat is sometimes lacking in long-haired GSDs. On the surface, this may not appear to be a big deal, but in colder climates, an undercoat is vital in insulating your dog from the elements, so these long-haired pups may actually have a tougher time staying warm. Because the vast majority of short-haired shepherds have an undercoat, they shed more than longer-coated pups who lack one. They also require more brushing around shedding season to remove any loose undercoat. The same is true of long-haired GSDs with an undercoat. Image from Pinterest. The German shepherd dog has a dense coat that sheds regularly. Weekly brushing is recommended to maintain his handsome looks and cut down on tumbleweeds around the house. Brushing should increase during heavy shedding periods, such as when seasons change. Regular tooth brushing and ear cleaning are also musts to keep him in tip-top shape, as is a good flea prevention program. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.