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There may also be previously approved applicants who are in line to meet the dog. The first step to meeting our available dogs, is to submit our online Application at www. Once approved to adopt, we will help you find the Boxer who is the most likely candidate to fit into your home and lifestyle. The Boxer you least expect may be the one who chooses you! Please understand that we are all volunteers and the adoption process may take several weeks. Providing thorough information will help expedite this process. Preliminary Screening — Upon receipt of the application, all references will be checked including the vet, landlord, and HOA if either is applicable. If any information is lacking, additional details will be required before moving forward. Once this part of the process is completed and approved, a member of our Application Team will call you to go over your application and answer any of your questions. You will then be contacted regarding the status of your application and if applicable, a home visit by one of our Volunteers will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Home Visit — This is an Share. This 6-year-old boy is always looking for opportunity to play, and loves making everything a game. He is a great ball player and may not always bring it back, but his enthusiasm keeps the game going. He enjoys carrying toys around wherever he goes, squeaky toys are super fun, but Kong toys are also wonderful. Like most Boxers, he also enjoys Boxing with his people, jumping up and giving a light two paw pounce. He also has a prankster side with shoes and likes to untie your laces when you are walking. He is loyal to his friends here at Satchel's but can be a bit picky. He takes a little time to get to know people and, although he is high energy, he prefers a calm first-time meeting. Allman has a Woof Pack leader here at Satchel's and they are working on his acceptance of new people. Once accepted, Allman is a loving, playful, intelligent boy who can't wait to be with you. He walks very well on a leash and loves going on adventures. He knows his basic commands and with treats, he can do them with a swiftness. Allman would be the perfect canine companion for someone who loves being active or has a love for and understanding of the Boxer breed. He would do well with a fenced in yard, or multiple walks to get some of the energy down. If you love the Boxer breed, please consider coming to Satchel's Last Resort to say hello to Allman, this beautiful boy could be what you've been looking for all along! For an appointment to meet Allman, please submit the adoption application no commitment found on our website, www. September 13, , am. Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? 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June 8, Affiliate Disclaimer As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties. This mix is a versatile dog that is known for being loyal, protective, and intelligent. The Akita German Shepherd Mix is also called Akita Shepherds or Shepkitas and has a beautiful coat that makes this mixed breed dog stand out. Akita German Shepherd Mix breed characteristics They can build a strong bond with their owners and make great family pets but may be too much for small children. Akita German Shepherds need plenty of exercise and can be quite active. They are also known to be independent and stubborn at times. Some Akita Shepherd owners believe that male akita shepherds are also more likely to bark and howl than female akita shepherds. General Breed Attributes The breed is a blend of the best qualities of both the German Shepherd and Akita, so they come in an array of colors — from light tan coat color, to pitch black, and everything in between. The Akita Shepherd is a great dog with high energy. Learning more about the breed characteristics will help determine if it is right for you and your family. Background and origin The Akita was originally bred in Japan to hunt bears and other large game. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are known for being loyal, intelligent, and protective. Max von Stephanitz is the founder of the German Shepherd breed. He is considered to be the father of the breed. They were used in the German military and were working dogs and were used for herding sheep and guarding property. There are two different types of Akitas — American and Japanese. The Akita Inu is a smaller dog and has a smooth coat. The American Akita is a large sized dog and has a thicker coat. Common traits of both breeds Akita Shepherds are a mix of two very different breeds but they share some common traits. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent. Akita Shepherds or Shepkitas need plenty of exercise and can be quite active. The male Japanese Akita weighs between pounds and stand up to 28 inches. Temperament When given proper training and conditioning, the Akita Shepherd breed can be a great family companion. This mixed breed dog is also very social, loveable, loyal and playful. While they do love to please their owners, Akita Shepherd mixes tend to be headstrong. They can also be very stubborn and intentionally obstinate. Part of it is due to their playful nature and the other part is a behavioral issue. But, with the right care this will be minor. However, behavioral issues will be difficult to quell. Unfortunately, females tend to be worse than males in this regard. The independent nature of Akitas combined with the bold autonomy of German Shepherds equate to an a dog that may need to be reigned in. Family and children Akita Shepherds make great family pets but maybe too much for small children. Akita Shepherds make great guard dogs and are protective pets when it comes to their family. Along with adequate and consistent training, the dog will be more than amenable and affectionate toward the child. Still, never leave an Akita Shepherd alone with other pets or children without supervision. This breed will enjoy everything from playing fetch in the back yard to taking an hour long walk. As with any dog, you want to start training regularly and early socialization are important. Grooming requirements and Shedding Because both Akitas and German Shepherds are dogs with fairly thick coats, your Akita Shepherd probably will too. This means you have to do daily maintenance brushing along with a weekly thorough brushing. Use a slicker brush and pin brush for grooming in between sessions. The dog will also probably need the fur cut down on its coat. This is ideal during summer, to help the dog tolerate heat better. After your precious pooch has been outside, you have to check its ears and coat for pests and fleas. Health The life expectancy of an Akita Shepherd breed is around 10 to 13 years old. While these are robust, strong and healthy dogs, they do experience some health problems. The most important of these health problems will be things like: hip dysplasia. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Akita Shepherd Highlights The Akita Shepherd is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Akita or German Shepherd Dog parents. The main colors of Akita Shepherds are brindle, white, silver, red, gray, brown, sable, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. Regular weekly brushing—and daily brushing when their coat blows—should do the trick. Akita Shepherds have medium energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. With proper introduction, an Akita Shepherd can be an incredible, calm companion for kids. Always supervise play between kids and dogs. If introduced properly, Akita Shepherds can become friendly with other dogs. They may have a prey drive with smaller animals like cats. They are also incredibly eager to please and thrive with consistent training. Breeders wanted to combine the stoic, protective nature of the Akita with the loyalty of the German Shepherd. Both are intelligent breeds, making for a smart, loyal, protective hybrid. They continued to create Akita Shepherds as demand for the breed continued to rise. Akita Shepherds are still most commonly found in the United States. Even though the Akita Shepherd breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Akita Shepherd rescues, or check with breed specific German Shepherd or Akita rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Akita Shepherd Size As the Akita Shepherd is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Akita and German Shepherd parents, you can expect Shepkitas to be on the larger side. Most weigh in at 75 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 28 inches from the shoulder. The female Akita Shepherd tends to be slightly smaller than the male Akita Shepherd. Some dogs may be smaller or larger than average. Akita Shepherd Personality Many Akita Shepherd enthusiasts describe their Shepkitas as serious with a streak of silly. In order to curb any unwanted habits or guarding behaviors, be sure to start training your Akita Shepherd as early as possible. Akita Shepherds are highly alert dogs, and they may try to protect you from whatever threat they perceive. This mixed breed is incredibly loyal and loving to their humans, and they want to make sure you are safe! While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Akita Shepherds suffer from include : Bloat. They would always look forward to pleasing their owners with expectations of a little attention. These dogs are incredibly daring and alert, with a strong defensive instinct, and thus make good guardian dogs. They are excellent working dogs as their parents, provided they have been trained to be so since puppy-days. However, some experts argue that these dogs might be prone to developing behavioral issues or characteristics of aggressive demeanor due to poor breeding. They are said to be such dogs that would find the weak areas of their owners, and when they decide to leave, they can easily skip away. Hence, it is advisable to build barriers around the boundary where your Akita shepherds would live, as also to keep an eye on its day to day activities. Care Exercise Being the offspring of two large working breeds, the Akita Shepherd needs a lot of activities and exercise every day. They love jumping and running. Take them out for a couple of long walks and jogs every day. You can also take your Shepkita to a dog park where they would be able to mingle comfortably with other dogs, devoid of any territorial aggressions. If you have a yard, take it out of leashes only if your yard is enclosed. This should ensure all-around safety. These activities are especially necessary if your dog lives in an apartment. Your dog enjoys challenges. Enthuse it to take part in vigorous playing sessions, including tug of war, Frisbee, and different other retrieving games that demand physical exertion. Grooming Use a slicker brush and comb them daily. A shedding rake also helps remove loose hair. But you do not need to bath it often. It is enough if you would do so only once or twice a year. Avoid shaving or trimming the coat too often since it serves as insulation against intense heat and cold. During the rainy season, it even helps to repel most of the water that accumulates. Health Problems The Shepkita might be prone to hip dysplasia, which they often inherit from its Akita parent. It primarily happens when breeders would choose a dog for breeding, which is suffering from hip dysplasia. Other health issues that this breed might inherit from their ancestors are epilepsy, elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, tumors on the spleen, keratitis, and chronic eczema. Training The Akita Shepherd needs a firm-handed, robust trainer, who can tactfully control the dog. Leadership quality is a quality that is a must for the trainer. Begin teaching and training them from the time of adoption. Allow them to socialize more and more each day, and help them mix with other pets and guests. Teach them to know you as the leader with an authoritative persona, power of command, and confidence. Always let your dog follow your footsteps, especially when you take it outdoors. Remember, successful and complete training is the key to success in making your Akita Shepherd a homely, well-behaved dog. Otherwise, the quantity of food and the diet chart should be the same as the other large dogs of its type and energy very much like its parents. They are said to be allergic to corn, thus refrain from giving it to them. Interesting Facts Some Shepkitas might develop dry eyes that might be caused by eyelids that do not completely close when asleep. Lifespan Sociability Akita Shepherd puppies are super daring and alert dogs. Bred from two outstanding working breeds, these dogs thrive when they have a job to do. Some experts state that this breed is prone to behavioral issues, such as aggression, due to poor quality breeding. The Akita Shepherd is also known as the Shepkita. Their stout and muscular build only add to their brawny reputation. Despite their aggressive appearance, Akita Shepherds are actually extremely affectionate and loving dogs. While quiet, they are constantly on the alert and always prepared to protect their pack. If properly trained while they are still puppies, Akita Shepherds can be extremely obedient. Very intelligent, this high-strung hybrid needs firm and consistent training or he may overpower you. It is also crucial to socialize these dogs starting at a young age in order for them to be well adjusted. Since they are working dogs, Akita Shepherds are also very active and playful and would do best in an active household. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They can become aggressive if they feel threatened or are unsure about themselves. For this reason, Akita Shepherds do best in families with older children. They are also great for couples and individuals. They can effortlessly spend an hour or more running in cold climates. Since they are an adventurous breed, Akita Shepherds are much more suitable for suburban or rural locations because they get a lot more exposure and stimulation from the large expanses of land to explore and run. For the first four months or so, puppy food should be fed for them along with natural food. Always avoid feeding them foods that contain preservatives. The best source of protein for Akita Shepherds is meat. However, veggies can also be included in their diet to ensure they are getting vital nutrients. An adult Akita Shepherd should be fed five to six cups of high-quality dry dog food that can be broken up into two meals per day. However, they can enjoy a long nap and a cuddle on the couch after playtime is over. Allow your Akita Shepherd to accompany you on long walks or jogs a couple of times a day. You can also keep him happy by tossing a ball in the backyard or challenging him to a game of tugs-of-war inside of the house. A minimum exercise time of 60 minutes per day will do. Additionally, these smart dogs also need mental stimulation. If he already understands basic commands, check out the Internet or books for more advanced tricks. Give him a job to do: Akita Shepherds are herding dogs. Help him fulfill these duties by rounding up your slippers and bringing them to you. They work best with firm yet positive training methods. If your pooch has more German Shepherd genes, the faster they will pick up on new tricks. These dogs can be stubborn at times. As his trainer, you must act strong and take the lead to establish your dominance. You should also bear in mind that Akita Shepherds will shed a lot during the spring and summer months, so grooming during this period is essential. Other grooming necessities include trimming their nails and cleaning their ears once a week. Here are some of the minor and major health conditions your dog could experience over his lifespan: Minor Conditions. Her father was an Akita and her mother a German Shepherd. She has a great temperament! She lives with a 3 pound Yorkie that she loves! She is not small animal aggressive. She is somewhat independent, aloof, and weary of strangers. She needs time to accept strangers and we joke that she acts like a cat! However, she also has some of the German Shepherd traits. She is always obedient, very smart, eager to please, and very trainable. She has those traits from the German Shepherd breed. She also "herds" us around the house sometimes. She is not all a "relentless barker" like some Shepherds are. And she rarely wines or growls. What I like about her is that we seem to have gotten the best of both breeds! She is affectionate when she wants to be and she can also be independent when left alone which gets rid of the " separation anxiety " that Shepherds often have. I am completely happy with her. She protects me with her life when my husband is not home. Almost like she knows that I am alone and needs to be looked after. I love her! The one bad thing about her is that she has a typical dominant personality that Akitas have which means she needs a "Pack Leader" that always is her leader otherwise, she can take over and become very relentless. He was the easiest dog to train in any of my experience, and his temperament is extraordinary. Also I have always admired a brindle coat and this pooch wears it quite well. Pinto is a large proportion of white with splotches of color over a third of the body in an organized pattern. Pinto Akitas usually still have a black facial mask, although sometimes split by white down the middle. White with black spots or freckles — atypical of either Akitas or German Shepherds. Shepkitas, except solid white dogs, will often have facial masks. Just how stubborn or strong-willed your puppy becomes depends on what proportion of genetic factors it inherits from each parent. Keep in mind that your pup has the potential to inherit domineering tendencies from either or both parents. German Shepherds are generally easy to train, although they can have issues with dominance. Akitas are willful, strong-minded, and independent. While clearly very smart, they seem to ponder commands before executing them. Are They Good Watchdogs? Prepare yourself for potential aggression against perceived threats. Early training and socialization are crucial so that your dog can become a reasonable and discerning judge of strangers. Experts recommend focusing more on teaching obedience rather than guard training with a Shepherd or an Akita. German Shepherds have courage, boldness, and fierceness that have placed them among the best guard dogs. Not specifically bred for aggression, their hostility against intruders comes from protective instincts first cultivated through their work with livestock. They extend that protection to all family members and are territorial over the home and property. Akitas, like Shepherds, are loyal and courageous. Their ferocity against intruders is inherent and uncompromising. Their double coat will be thick with the outer guard hairs probably medium in length. Your dog will need a bath if soil build-up becomes severe. Use a mild shampoo to help prevent irritation and keep the skin from becoming too dry. Clip nails at least once every six weeks and check ears regularly. A long-haired German Shepherd will rarely not have an undercoat. Usually, a Shepherd has thick fleece underfur near the skin, with a medium to long outer layer of coarse hair. Neither dog requires clipping of their coats. Your Shepkita will have a thick undercoat that insulates it from the sun and keeps it warm during the winter. Several states have passed laws that prevent you from leaving your dog for prolonged periods outdoors when the temperature dips below freezing. Some dog houses now provide safe means to install a pet heater when it becomes extremely frigid in the winter. The German Shepherd and Akita do, however, both thrive in cold conditions. Their undercoats provide excellent insulation, and their longer outer fur acts as a water repellent to keep them dry. Despite this, a shelter may still be needed. They share several issues in common. Your veterinarian may recommend surgical intervention in some cases. Hypothyroidism — The thyroid gland functions below normal levels, requiring supplementation. Elbow dysplasia Hemangiosarcoma — A cancerous growth on the spleen that can cause chronic bleeding. Autoimmune skin diseases Akita German Shepherd Mix According to Globaldogbreeds , the Shepherd Akita mix has picked up a few unique health problems not commonly cited in the research of German Shepherds or Akitas. Luxating patella — More often associated with small dogs, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons reports that luxating patellas appear to be on the rise in dogs like the Akita and Flat-Coated Retriever. How long will your Akita Shepherd live? Akitas, German Shepherds, and Shepkitas all have similar life spans — the Shepherd lives 10 to 13 years, according to Shepped. The Shepkita is also reported to live 10 to 13 years and the Akita 10 to 15 years. German Shepherds, with their intense single-minded focus and exceptional stamina, need mental stimulation as well as sessions of rigorous activity. Akitas tolerate shorter bursts of exertion, but still need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day, according to Animalwised. You need to incorporate training with both of these breeds, and the earlier you can start, the better. Shepkitas are most likely to be kind and protective of children in their household, if socialized from a young age. They may or may not tolerate other animals. You may not see dog aggression appear in your pup until it approaches adolescence, or around six to eight months of age. Both Akitas and German Shepherds can learn to see children as part of their pack that they need to protect, and around whom they must be gentle. Akitas cannot be trusted to extend that solicitous attitude to children outside of the family. German Shepherds and Akitas have a strong prey drive. Some Akitas befriend cats, but their volatile play energy warrants extreme caution. The Shepherd Akita mix is potentially a great family companion. Like most large dogs, it requires early socialization and firm training. You can enjoy several activities together like flyball, fetch, agility training, obedience exercises, and hiking. If you have plenty of quality time to spend with a large and strong-minded dog, a Shepherd Akita mix may fit your family perfectly. FAQ: 1. What is the Shepkita breed and what are its characteristics? Answer: The Shepkita is a cross between a German Shepherd and an Akita, known for accentuating power, intelligence, loyalty, guarding, and utility. It makes an intriguing working dog and dedicated family companion with intense focus, a strong work ethic, and versatility. What is the history of German Shepherds and Akitas? Answer: German Shepherds originated from sheepherding dogs across Germany and were developed to a perfect working dog by Max von Stephanitz in .Akitas were originally a hunting dog from the Northern mountains of Japan and were bred for its competitive nature. What health issues should I be aware of for my Shepherd Akita mix? Answer: Both purebred Akitas and Shepherds have health problems they can pass along to any offspring. They share hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy. The breed also has some unique health issues such as Luxating patella and lupus. How do I groom my Shepherd Akita mix? Answer: Your Shepkita will likely require brushing every day and a bath if soil build-up becomes severe. Clip nails at least once every six weeks, and check ears regularly. Is the German Shepherd Akita mix the right dog for me? Answer: If you have plenty of quality time to spend with a large and strong-minded dog, a Shepherd Akita mix may fit your family perfectly. Nonetheless, it may not be the right dog for households with other animals, and early socialization and training are crucial. They were first bred to hunt large and medium-sized game, such as elk, boars and small bears, as well as fowl. They were also used as guard dogs to protect the Japanese royalty. They are seen as a national treasure in Japan, and they symbolize protection, health, happiness, and longevity. They were first brought into the United States by the American author, political activist, and lecturer Helen Keller , who became infatuated with the breed during her visit and was given a puppy as a gift to take home. The population of these dogs steadily began to increase in the US when servicemen brought their own dogs back with them after World War II. They are fairly large dogs, with a distinct and powerful appearance. They have a big head and small triangular eyes and a robust stance. Their coats usually come in black, white, or chocolate, a combination of color and white, or brindle. These dogs also shed quite a bit of their hair, so weekly brushing is advised to keep their plush coat healthy. Akitas usually stand at around inches high cm and weigh in at between lbs kg. They usually live to become 10 to 15 years old. In terms of their personality, Akitas are a bold and willful dog and extremely loyal to their owner s. They are wary of strangers, alert, intelligent, and have a lot of courage. They are also an active breed and require a lot of exercise to keep them from becoming bored, and in turn, destructive. However, they are very playful and affectionate with their owners. They enjoy companionship and, with proper training and socialization, can become amicable around other people and animals. However, they are still best suited to a one-dog home and are stubborn, so they require a little more patience when being trained. Quiet Intelligence Many Akita Shepherd owners say that this breed of dog is a quiet one. These are highly alert dogs who are always on the lookout for any perceivable threat. They always want to make sure you are safe and will let you know if something is up without being yappy about it. They are also not very likely to bark a lot only when they deem it absolutely necessary , which is great because no one likes a neighbor with a noisy dog! Extreme Loyalty These mixed-breed dogs are extremely loyal to their human friends, as both of their parents are also very loyal companions. They are likely to develop a strong bond with their owner and can be overprotective at times. It is advised that you focus on teaching your Akita Shepherd to be obedient rather than doing any sort of guard dog training. They are only trying to protect you because they care about your safety. High-Maintenance Grooming Akita Shepherds have a double-coated fur of medium length hair, and thus they shed quite a lot. Taking proper care of their coats can be high-maintenance and requires a lot of time and energy to keep it looking at its best. This means that they may not be the best dog for someone with allergies. Their coats are quite manageable if you groom them regularly enough. A slicker brush, like this Miracle Coat Slicker , is essential, as well as an undercoat deshedder, like this PetNeat Professional Deshedding Tool , for when they start to blow their coats. Health Concerns Akita Shepherds are an appealing dog for many reasons, but they also have the tendency to inherit several health problems from their parents. While the Akita Inu and German Shepherd are two very different dogs, they do have some health issues in common. Canine Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition in which the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit or develop properly, and it causes them to rub and grind against each other instead of sliding smoothly. This causes the hip joint to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to a complete loss of function. This is relatively common in large dogs and is a health issue when it comes to Akita Shepherds. Bloat Bloat is also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus complex GDV and is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. This makes the blood pool at the back end of the body and will eventually send your dog into shock. It is caused by a deficiency in the amount of a protein in the body needed to make platelets stick together to form a clot when a blood vessel is damaged, or the skin is cut. This clot would seal the opening and prevent the body from losing too much blood. The deficient protein is called the Von Willebrand factor. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that is more common in older dogs. It is a progressive disease of the spinal cord, which can lead to a loss of coordination, dragging, or knuckled-over feet. Eventually, the limbs become weak, and the dog can no longer walk. It is caused by the degeneration of transmission fibers in the spinal cord demyelination , which strips away the insulation between the nerve fibers, and axonal loss, which is a loss of the actual nerve fibers. This interferes with the communication between the brain and limbs and leads to the eventual loss of use of the limbs. Hypothyroidism is a common manifestation of this disease, but autoimmune thyroiditis can also be a symptom of something else, like lupus erythematosus or pan endocrinopathy. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells in the retina. The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye that converts light entering the eye into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain to be processed and interpreted. This disease causes these photoreceptor cells to deteriorate or atrophy over time and will lead the affected dog to become blind eventually. There are some other health issues to watch out for that we have listed below: Elbow Dysplasia.

Once shipped, you will receive a unique package tracking number for each product you ordered. You can track your package from origin to delivery address online using the tracking number provided. We understand that our customers value updates on their packages, and we are committed to providing them with the best possible service. For this reason, we will proactively share the following tracking updates via email: Order Packed - This email will be sent to you when your order is packed and ready to be picked up by the shipping company. Order Shipped - This email will be sent to you when the shipping company picks up your package and it's added to the logistics network. Order Out for Delivery - This email will be sent to you when the package arrives at your local post office. Delivery Failed - In the unlikely event that the package arrives at your doorstep but no one is available to receive it, we will send you an email notifying you of the failed delivery. To ensure that you receive these updates and your package is delivered securely, we kindly ask that you provide us with an accurate email address and request shipment to an address where someone is available to receive the package. Pet offers a day return policy for items that arrive damaged or defective, or if you are unsatisfied with your purchase. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. If you need to return an item, please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order at hello ilovemy. We kindly request that you provide photos of the item to help us understand the issue and improve our product offerings. We will provide you with a return address and guidance on how to proceed with the return. Once we receive your returned item, we will inspect it and notify you of the status of your refund. You will receive the refund to your original payment method within a certain amount of days, depending on your card issuer's policies. While all of our first-time customers thus far have been very kind and have simply asked us to send another piece. It does sadly happen on rare occasions, more likely in case of fragile goods. This is largely because payment gateways won't refund their fees to us. We request you to split this cost with us. We will bear the cost of return shipping. Pet, we understand the immeasurable joy and love that comes with having a furry friend. That's why our collection of high-quality and affordable gifts is crafted with utmost care and devotion, just like the way you treat your furry family member. They serve as heartfelt expressions of love for your best friend, capturing the unique bond you share. Pet that perfectly capture the essence of your furry friend's personality. Unleash your furry love and flaunt your pet-loving personality with our extensive collection designed exclusively for pet-loving people like you. Each item is carefully crafted to delight and serve as a constant reminder of the unconditional love your furry friend brings into your life. With pets and parents in mind, our products celebrate the priceless bond that exists between you and your beloved companion. Pet, you're not just supporting a small business; you're becoming part of our big dream of spreading happiness through pet-loving products. Ask us using either of the options below: 1. Filling out our contact form 3. Goldens we have bred have gone on to finish their show championships, field and performance titles, have served as therapy dogs and also as service animals. Most, however, are placed as family pets and nothing makes us happier than placing a nice puppy with a great lifelong family. They enjoy competing in various venues, depending on what makes them happiest: AKC conformation, hunt tests, rally, obedience, dock diving, FastCAT. All of our puppies are raised right inside our home and exposed to daily life with kids and other pets. We utilize Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation methods for the best head start possible for your puppy. Feel free to have a look around our website. You will find much information on our dogs, family, and show brag information here. Please feel free to contact us directly via phone or email if interested in one of our puppies and we will get back to you when we have a moment. If we do not have any available, we will gladly point you in the direction of another respected golden breeder who may. We look forward to speaking with you and sharing our dogs with your family. Have a wonderful day!

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. While you can contact literally any company to ask for freebies it never hurts to ask! Free clean fill dirt ready to be delivered with free delivery. Freebies are a great way to try new products or to get discounts on items you already love. Find free stuff near you Find items you need for free, or easily list your items to give away. 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Adoption Procedure We have many wonderful rescues available. You can preview most of the rescues here on our website, but it may not be complete as we get new intakes regularly. The best thing to do is to contact Renee to discuss your particular situation and which rescue may be a good fit for you or you can just show up during our regular adoption hours to meet the rescues and we can work with you to find a good match. We have regular adoption hours most Saturday's between 8am - 11am, or by appointment. We suggest you come early as we can get quite busy as the morning progresses. You must be here at least by 10AM as it takes at least an hour to meet and get to know a dog, do an introduction with your dog and fill out the adoption paperwork. These are private appointments and must be set up with her before coming out by calling .We are not usually available on Sundays. Getting a dog is an important decision, and all members of the household must be present including children. If you have another dog, you must bring them with you in order for us to evaluate whether one of our rescues will be a good fit for your family. We suggest having them crated in the car. Proof of home ownership or a letter stating landlord permission is required. If you would like to come out during regular adoption hours, you can call to let us know leave a message if we do not answer or just show up during the adoption hours. The sanctuary is located County Road 29, Woodland, California. As an added benefit, all of our rescues come with free lifetime obedience training. The best way to reach us is or rottsoffriends gmail. When Considering a ROF Adoption Your donation at the time of an adoption is not a fee to buy a dog; it is a donation for the service we provide. It is not refundable. Your donation may be claimed as a tax deductible donation, and furthers our efforts to do as much as we can for as many as we can. We incur significant expenses in paying redemption fees, veterinary fees, transportation costs, boarding, and food costs and ask for an adoption donation for each dog. Your donation offsets a portion of those costs, but in no event exceeds the amount of care actually provided. All donations are applied to our rescue program to further the ROF mission. Rescuing an animal is a commitment. They are not perfect, and in most cases ROF will have limited information about the dog's history. ROF makes its placements based on our evaluation of the dogs, and decades of experience handling dogs and matching dogs to appropriate owners. In addition, we rely on the information provided by our prospective adopters; honesty is the best policy when discussing a potential rescue. Despite the number of dogs in need of homes, it may be that ROF does not have a rescue suitable for your particular situation. Children and other pets are but a few factors that we consider in placing a rescue. The determination to place or not to place any animal is made in ROF's sole discretion. We are advocates for the animals, and it is our goal to do what is best for the dog. Your new companion may have accidents, bark, jump, chew or require regular exercise. No dog is perfect and even a good natured, obedient and trained dog may create stress in the home initially. Please keep in mind that you may love your new pet on Day 1, but it may take some time for your new family member to feel secure in their new environment. Be respectful that you are a stranger to them and not do too much too soon. A crate is an excellent tool for training; we recommend continued crate training as part of a successful transition into your home. These are just some of the things ROF expects potential adopters to consider before making the decision to rescue. ROF offers a six week basic obedience class that runs consecutively year round. We work on basic handling skills and the "heel", "sit", "stay", "down", and "come" commands. ROF rescues can come to the classes as often as they like, free of charge. The class is open to all breeds and is not limited to ROF rescues. ROF is available to discuss specific questions or circumstances for the life of your dog. If for some reason, you can no longer honor your commitment to the dog. They cannot be sold, given away, placed on "craigslist", or brought to a shelter. ROF is a Forever Home for these animals and in the event they must be returned they must be returned to us. Please contact us and allow up to 72 hour for ROF to make arrangements for your dog's safe return. This year old spayed female was dumped in a valley shelter. She is a sweet, squishy, cutie pie who will be our poster girl for this week. This hunk of lovebug is a 10 mos old Pyrenees mix. He and his sister, Barbie, were found in the road in Capay. No one claimed these sweeties and they are now vetted and ready for homes. Perfect, calm and cuddly, Bimbo would fit in any family situation. Call for info. She is so happy now that her eyelids have been fixed she had entropion and she got a new photo to show her personality. Lots of bouncy puppy energy and needs some manners, but she is very trainable and learning fast! This unique blue eye precious pup is the mutt of your choice. A female Benji! She will require our mandatory free basic obedience class to help with some of her insecurities. He is a sweetheart who plays well with other dogs and is people friendly. Harry comes with free lifetime obedience training classes. Call Renee at for a private appointment or come to our Saturday Adoption Morning am. This cutie pie is a small boxer mix of some sort with boundless energy. He is currently in obedience class and walks nicely on leash. Ralfie will need a firm, no nonsense owner who will set boundaries about mouthiness and leash biting and pulling. Harry is a 1. She is pocket sized, fun loving, energetic and super sweet. Come meet this sweet girl! Her dad was probably also an Anatolian. Trix is 8 weeks old, spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccines. She comes with free lifetime obedience training classes. Come meet her by calling Renee at .She plays well with other dogs, is super moldable and has a goofy personality. Check out her video on Facebook playing with Vergil. Betty will be a great buddy for a family as well as a for single person. She would be wonderful jogging or hiking pal! Come meet her! Trinity needs a brush up on her obedience training and will get lessons when our next group of classes start up. Trinity has a heart of gold and will be a wonderful addition for a family or single. Come meet her!! You have to meet him to understand what a loving sweet boy he is! Julius has had some obedience training so is ready for his Forever Home! Spike loves to play especially with his ball. Spike walks calmly on leash, is not dog reactive and loves being petted. What more could you ask for. Call Renee or come to our Saturday Adoption Morning! Chuck is a 2 year old calm cuddly neutered Rottie male. This big boy was picked up by animal control as a stray so we have no history. He must have grown up in a home as he is very friendly. He is crate trained but needs further obedience training. Come meet him! This is Whiskey! This boy had a wonderful owner who totally loved him but due to a life change the owner had to give him up. It was heartbreaking for both of them but now Whiskey needs a new loving Forever Family for a retirement home. We are having an adoption morning tomorrow October 8th so come on out and meet him!! Now he is getting over his shyness and his real charming personality is peeking out. He is such a cutie! He loves to play with other dogs and could probably get used to living with cats. He is super curious and would love a new BFF. Come meet this lovable guy! She is a very friendly girl. She needs a brush up on her obedience training but she comes with free lifetime obedience training classes at our location. Amelia loves a good time! She loves attention from her human friends! She is as friendly as she is big. Kassie is full of energy, loves to play and run around. Due to her size we worry about small kids so she should be in a home with no kids or at least older kids. Kassie needs a brush up on her training. She came in with her sister who is also larger but not as big as Kassie. They will do best living in different homes. Farley came to us with a broken front leg after he was apparently hit by a car. He will be going in this week for surgery to get it repaired. Farley is a silly goofball who loves to gently play and investigate even with a bad leg. He walks on leash and is crate trained. All of our dogs come with free lifetime training classes. Come meet this super handsome boy! Twila is a 1 - 2 year old spayed female Rottweiler She is a smaller sized female and is super people sweet Twila is crate and leash trained and comes with free lifetime obedience training classes. Call Renee at to set up an appointment to meet her! Frodo is a super big and solid- no fat here- 1 year old neutered male Rottweiler. Frodo came to us from a shelter having had surgery done on his cherry eye problem. So by the time Rotts of Friends received him, the surgery has been completely undone. A wonderful vet Dr Louie from Antioch offered to redo his eyes for us and with the help of a cone, his surgery was an amazing success! Frodo needs some obedience training but is a very happy carefree young dog. He loves nothing better than to pick up truck tires and move them from place to place! Watch his video to see him in action. This dog is a complete rambunctious super sweet love bug. No small children please because of his size. Interested adopters should have previous Rottweiler experience. Call Renee at to set up an appointment to meet him. She is very energetic and came from a shelter in the east bay where the kind shelter vet took a worthy interest in saving her life. She has a high chase drive, so no small kids or pets but she is super people friendly and responds well to corrections. Leia needs a home with an experienced Rottweiler owner. He is a gentle, well trained boy. Tobi is very loving and bonds with his human buddies. He has some stranger danger issues and can become very protective of his family so will do best in a single owner or adult family home. Roofus is very friendly and likes playing with other dogs. He is currently enrolled in obedience training classes. Roofus is tall, healthy and full of energy. He acts like a five year old. He walks well on leash and knows some commands. He came in with two other dogs that he lived with. All Donations are fully tax deductible c 3 non-profit organization. It may take some time to find the right puppy for you. The first thing is to look for the best place to adopt these dogs. They should be in good health, with a stable, good, and responsible owner. It will also help if your puppy is spayed or neutered, and has had all of its shots. Rottweilers mix puppies for adoption with German Shepherds because the traits of both dogs are used for training. Therefore, both dogs will be more obedient and have a better life when adopted together. Both of them are very eager to please their owners. You can find Rottweiler puppies for adoption at various locations, including private dog shelters, breeders, and rescues. Before adopting any German Shepherd mix puppies for adoption, it will be helpful to get some information about them. You can get this information from the Internet. There are also websites where you can meet and interact with German Shepherd breeders and owners who are interested in breeding their dogs. You may want to visit a local animal shelter and talk to the staff about German Shepherd mix puppies for adoption. You will be able to get an idea about the behavior of these dogs, as well as the ability to see pictures of them. You can also visit rescue groups that help abused, neglected and abandoned dogs. This is the most ideal place to find dogs because they are in the care of caring people who love the dogs as much as you do. German Shepherd mix owners need to know that these dogs mix does not necessarily mean that they are bad dogs. Some owners do have great relationships with their dogs. They understand the work that goes into raising a German Shepherd. They also get along with other people and dogs. Your new best friend may not be the best dog in the world, but he or she could be just the right dog for you. You may try out different breeders in your area before you make your decision. You may have to take some trips to visit the place so you can observe the puppy in its life. Having done this kind of research, you should be able to select the puppy that is right for you. Not only do these organizations keep records of registered dogs, but they also keep records of those that have been lost. You may want to get your puppy from a local rescue, but you must know where your dog comes from. Getting a German Shepherd mixed with another breed of dogs such as a Chow or Rottweiler is not a good idea. The best German Shepherd mix puppies for adoption are those that come from pedigreed lines. Pedigreed German Shepherd dogs are made by breeding two purebreds together. When breeding two purebreds together, they have more in common than just being purebred. They usually share the same parent and have the same mother. These dogs are usually very friendly and obedient, but they are also somewhat fearful. You will need to handle these kinds of mixed dogs carefully because they can be quite temperamental. Share this:.

This applies to all dogs, and not just golden retrievers. They can be well-trained and well-socialized dogs and still behave in an undesirable manner — aka, be naughty. So, how to discipline a golden retriever correctly? To discipline a golden retriever you need to stop them from doing the bad behavior while in the act and redirect them to the good behavior. Disciplining a golden retriever in the long term is easily done by reinforcing the good behaviors to replace the bad ones. How to Discipline Your Golden Retriever Correctly Here are the simple steps you can use to discipline any dog; Catch the dog in the act. There is no physical punishment involved nor is there any yelling or scolding of any type. Now here is where it gets interesting; this thing you take away can vary depending on your own dog. The important thing is that they punishment is done by taking away something they anticipate and love. This signals to the dog that they are being punished, and once they follow the commands and do the good thing, you can reward them with them with the thing you took away. What does this teach the dog? They need us to teach them how they should behave by reinforcing good behaviors. For a more practical example, check out my guide on how to stop your golden retriever f rom eating everything here. You will find a step-by-step guide on stopping the bad behavior that should be an excellent example of a very common problem with golden retrievers. For another example, you can also check out my guide on how to quiet down your loud or noisy golden retriever on command here. They may look and act smart, but you should never forget that he is a dog, not a person. They think the way a dog does and only know what we teach them. Some people will just raise their expectations too highly for how their dog will behave. Even the smartest, good-est dog there is will dog things that make you furious at times. Focusing only on the symptoms, not the root issues Focusing on correcting every bad act a time is like focusing on treating every symptom of the disease at a time. For example, a dog that chews on everything and barks all the time could be bored and has a lot of pent-up energy because they are not getting enough exercise. When you are physically punishing the dog, you are not correcting their behavior, and instead, you are teaching the dog to become more aggressive to defend himself, to fear you and trust you less, and to become smarter and sneakier when they are doing the bad things. Physical punishment should never be used to reprimand the dog in any way. You should never hit or smack the dog in any way. You can learn how physical punishment causes aggression in Golden Retrievers here. Yelling at the dog The second worst thing after physically punishing the dog is yelling at them. Shouting and yelling at your dog will tell them that you are angry, and this will result in fear and aggression. Another reaction to yelling would be indifference. After a while, dogs can learn to just not care about your yelling and shouting any more and become insensitive to it, which means that you will not get any where with it. In General, yelling is a bad idea with dogs, and it will only make matters worse. So what will they learn instead? So, what should you do instead? You should catch your dog in the act, quickly take them outside and wait until they go outside and reward them when they are done. With repetition, your dog will learn that you want them to go potty outside. Potty-training your dog is your responsibility. This only teaches them that this is an acceptable form of play, and this will teach them that biting when they grow bigger — when it becomes actually painful — is okay. And believe me, goldens do have a strong bite that hurts. Pay attention to your reactions to your dog from the moment you bring home to not reinforce any bad behaviors. Not reinforcing the good behavior enough Here is a piece of news that may come as a surprise to many; Dogs Forget. Yes, they forget their training. As time goes on, your dog will start to forget some of his training. This will show up as they become inconsistent in following some commands. When this happens, you should immediately work on reinforcing their training. Otherwise, as your dog starts forgetting his training, the good behaviors could be more easily replaced wit bad ones. This is the moment you should start making the rules as clear as they could. Be gentle, firm, and consistent. Keep your rules clear and firmly stop the dog from breaking them for whatever reason. Remember that whatever you teach your dog in their puppy-hood is likely to stick with them for their lifetime, so be consistent and start the training as early as you step into your house with them. Conflicting actions that confuse the dog If one time you laugh at them jumping at you but then you yell at them when they jump on your child, that will confuse the dog. The same happens when you make certain rules clear to the dog — such as no begging for table scraps — but then someone at the family breaks it — such as when your spouse give them table scraps. Making the rules clear is not only about the dogs, but about the whole family. Anyone that interacts with the dog on a regular basis — be it a spouse, the kids, the neighbors, relatives, or friends — should be well aware of what the rules are. They will only understand that something is allowed or not allowed. Getting emotional Golden retrievers tend to be sensitive dogs , and getting emotional will only make the situation worse. If you get angry at the dog, your dog can be angry as well, and this will make correcting the bad behavior quite difficult. Keep your emotions under control when disciplining your dog. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and even facial expressions. Whatever the reason may be, you need to be able to know when you need professional help and go seek it. In these cases, it ends up with the poor dog getting abandoned. Be ready to ask for professional help from a dog trainer when all else fails. There is nothing wrong with that. They like to spend as much time as they can with their owners, engaging with their families, and generally just around people. This is quite common when they are being left alone for long periods of time. If that seems to be the case, there are many solutions to make your golden retriever feel less lonely, the easiest of which is to simply give them more attention and spend more time with them. If you have to spend some time away from them, there are still ways to make them less lonely. You can learn what to do if you have to leave your golden retriever alone here. As someone who has a job in an office which requires me to spend a portion of my day away, I like to stay connected to them when they are alone at the house. It also allows me to keep training them when outside by giving them treats even while at my desk. You can check out the Furbo dog monitor on Amazon here. Not Getting enough exercise Goldens are e n ergetic and active dogs. They need at least 30 to 40 minutes of moderate to intense exercise per day. Speaking of chewing, you can check out the best toys for goldens that will withstand heavy chewing here. The solution here is obvious, of course you should exercise them more. Thankfully, with golden retrievers, you can easily identify when this starts happening. Goldens have superb recall of their commands, and so missing a few recalls is a clear sign that something is not right, and that it may be time to go over their training again. You need to re-train your dog at least once every couple of years to keep their training fresh in their minds. You are reinforcing bad behavior unintentionally We have also discussed this one before. If you, or someone that regularly interacts with the dog, is intentionally or unintentionally reinforcing the bad behaviors and confusing the dog, you should tell them to stop. Make the rules clear to everyone that interacts with the dog, and give no exceptions. They are ill Dogs can misbehave or even become aggressive when they are ill. If your dog shows any physical symptoms of illness, you should take them to the vet and have them checked out. Sudden mood swings, changes in sleep schedules, refusing to eat, eating too little, or eating too much are examples of signs that you may want to have the vet check them out. They are injured or in pain Dogs can easily hurt themselves while playing, especially when playing outside. This can also cause the dog to misbehave or behave in ways that are not like them. You can easily tell that your dog is injured or in pain if they start distancing themselves from you or if they react aggressively when you touch a certain area — such as their paws. A very common problem that occur to goldens as they grow older is their limping. Golden retrievers can easily hurt their hips or knees playing roughly when they grow older. In this case, you will also want your vet to check them out. You can also learn about all the causes of golden retriever limping here. They are anxious or stressed Golden retrievers, or any dog for that matter, can misbehave when they are anxious or stressed. There are a lot things that can make a dog anxious and stressed, but most commonly are loud noises, bright lights, changes in routine, and a move to a new house, neighborhood, or city. If your dog is anxious or stressed, you need to spend more time with them to reassure them and comfort them. They want to mate Golden Retrievers can misbehave when they want to mate. Goldens can try to run away even to find a mate, and some of them unfortunately never make it back home. If your golden retriever has not been neutered, this could very much be the reason they are misbehaving. The solution then is one of two options, you can either find them a mate or neuter them. Punishing them or trying to discipline them is unlikely to work here, mating is a very strong and persistent instinct that can drive even the most well-trained dogs insane. They are bored Dogs love routine, but some dogs can also get bored of living in a groundhog day. Try to introduce some new changes to their life and see if this fixes some of the issues. If you are going for nighttime walks, make sure to check out my recommended leashes for night time walks here. Related Questions How to Discipline a golden retriever puppy? The only way to discipline a golden retriever puppy is by replacing the bad behavior with the desired one through positive reinforcement. Your golden retriever is probably not listening to your commands because they are forgetting their training, sick, injured, or is fearful. Golden Retrievers could also not listen to their owners if they are anxious, stressed, or feeling lonely. How do I get a disobedient dog to listen? To get a disobedient dog to listen, you need to train them using positive reinforcement by rewarding them for good behaviors and following commands while taking something away from them — like stopping treats or ignoring them — when they are not cooperating. If you liked the article, you can share it using the share and pin buttons at the end of the post. Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here — Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats! Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find. There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. Check Price on Amazon Although young Golden Retriever puppies have short attention spans, the ideal time to start teaching basic commands is at 8 weeks old, as soon as you bring your pup home! Training sessions should only be up to five minutes long at this young age but can be repeated many times throughout the day. The second effective discipline moment is at the precise moment your puppy performs the unwanted behavior. When your Golden Retriever misbehaves, you should immediately communicate to him that his conduct is unacceptable. Expressing your disappointment and denying a reward immediately after an improper action is performed helps your puppy associate his poor behavior with the experience of no reward. If this message is given later, a disciplinary moment is lost. Because scolding your Golden Retriever long after any wrongdoing is crazy as dogs only have a 2-minute short-term memory. An excellent example of this is when your Golden Retriever will be excited when you walk through your door, even if you were with him 10 minutes earlier! However, dogs can recall your training commands through associative memory, meaning they form associations between commands, events, and behavior. Instead, your Golden Retriever is deliberately doing bad things, whether he knows it or not! It might even strengthen it! At least if he barks at you, he gets some attention from you! This is referred to as demand barking and is when dogs have learned that barking serves to get them what they want. Instead, ignore the bad behavior and reward him only when he has resumed the learned positive behavior. If we take our example of demand barking, ignore your Golden Retriever by not reacting to him or yelling at him. But as soon as he goes quiet, quickly reward him. Timing is vital as you must offer the reward, such as a tasty treat when he stops barking. And of course, find time to be with your dog! As a high-energy dog, an adult Golden Retriever needs around 2 hours of daily exercise. This can vary according to age, size, health, and genetics. Golden Retrievers are already one of the breeds sadly prone to obesity due to too many owners treating them like humans, unable to ignore their begging and puppy-dog eyes. A more recent study by the Morris Animal Foundation to understand juvenile obesity in Golden Retrievers is currently ongoing. Dogs with no outlet for energy will also engage in destructive behavior because they need to find a way to entertain themselves. Chewing, biting, barking, digging, jumping up on people, pacing, urinating at home and general hyperactivity are examples of destructive behavior. Rather than punish, find time to exercise your Golden Retriever. If you consistently chastise your dog and perhaps do so well after the event, you are missing the discipline moment. You will only cause confusion, fear, anxiety, distrust, and aggression in your dog. Suppose you come home after leaving your dog for an hour or two, and you see that he has misbehaved, such as chewing your table leg, and he is sitting there cowering, ears pinned back, and showing the whites of his eyes while looking up at you. Then quickly redirect the unwanted behavior to the desired one and always reward good conduct. The Behavior Was Not Mastered in the First Place If your dog is inadequately trained and the behavior is not perfected, your Golden Retriever will neglect good behavior. On your side, this will take patience and consistency. Similarly, if the training was left uncompleted, the dog may regress, which means starting all over again. This time, make sure to complete the learning process and avoid inefficient techniques, such as command nagging. Teach your Golden Retriever to respond to a single cue every time. Check out this video on how an experienced Golden Retriever mother teaches her excited puppies to calm down before feeding them! When puppies are removed too soon from their mother, they miss out on this vital learning. This video is incredible — it has over 77 million views! How an experienced dog mother teaches her 8 weeks old puppies to be calm. It means that he is stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious due to being separated from you. However, sometimes it can be caused by a former family member no longer being around. If you regularly leave your Golden in his crate for hours, he may also suffer from this distressing condition. Common behavior problems of dogs with separation anxiety include excessive barking, howling, whining, urinating, or defecating in the home despite being house-trained, digging, escaping, chewing, and destroying things. Your dog simply cannot cope with being alone. Use behavior modification techniques, counterconditioning, and desensitization to reduce separation anxiety. For example, you can condition your dog to look forward to being alone when he learns to associate the sound of your keys with getting a special treat. Another technique is desensitization. This is where you gradually teach your Golden Retriever to cope with being alone by leaving progressively. For example, you can start by making progressive departures of minutes and slowly increase. You might be wondering… How do you discipline your Golden Retriever without punishment? Find the solution to that in the next section. Positive and Negative Reinforcement Discipline is how dog owners communicate that some behavior is acceptable to their pet and others not. A dog must understand what actions his master likes and those he does not to succeed. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, means using a reward for desired behaviors. As the reward treats, attention, toys, praise, etc. Your puppy will quickly learn nice things happen when he does the right thing. In positive reinforcement, rewards include: Treats: These should be healthy and given in moderation. You can give small pieces of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or ham, or you can try safe fruits or vegetables. Expression of physical attention: Your Golden Retriever will enjoy a hug, a gentle pat, or a stroke behind the ears. Negative reinforcement means taking something away or removing the reward to increase the frequency of the behavior. Once he is lying down, you reward him by releasing the pressure. You have removed something the dog finds unpleasant the negative part to increase the desired behavior. If you keep doing this, the behavior is reinforced. Another example of negative reinforcement is if your Retriever is pulling on the leash, you may decide to stop walking. The straining on the leash is a negative feeling for your dog, but the negative feeling goes away when he stops pulling. On the contrary, it means reinforcing good behavior and deterring unbefitting behavior. In other words, you should not punish your Golden Retriever. It also includes other forms of punishment that would cause the dog physical harm, such as withdrawing food and water, and psychological punishment such as over-crating or tying him outside for days on end. Dogs do not have the logical ability to associate punishment with their action and, therefore, are unlikely to change. Instead, your dog will develop fear and aggression towards you, ultimately destroying your relationship, as he will no longer trust you. Animal abuse is also a crime that constitutes violent acts, neglect, and failure to provide general welfare. Yelling also causes fear and aggression in Golden Retrievers, making them rebel against you, possibly with a bite, or they may try to run away. Over time, dogs can take a kind of indifference to your yelling and learn to ignore it. You will not get anywhere with them in training and achieve very little. This scientific research showed that dogs trained using aversive-based methods experienced poorer welfare in both the short and long term than dogs trained using reward-based methods positive reinforcement. Specifically, they displayed more stress-related behaviors and body language during training and increased amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. Rather than shout at your Golden Retriever, you will achieve far greater results if you use a calm voice and make concise, consistent commands in a confident tone. And wrong! This is a misconception, and it will only teach your pup to fear you. You have to toilet-train him! Instead, if your Golden Retriever pees on your carpet, quickly correct his behavior and redirect him outside. Reward him when he finishes off by giving lots of verbal praise and a training treat. Most pet stores have tons of choices regarding chewing and teething toys, or you can always find a great selection on Amazon. While punishing will cause harm, disciplining is intended to teach and reinforce positive behavior. Correcting unwanted behaviors always works better than punishment. Use effective positive and negative reinforcement as these have proven to be the best training methods for your doggo. Adverse training techniques are counterproductive and will only harm the intense connection between you and your dog. In some cases, you could lose it forever, which would be pretty sad. Related Posts You May Like:.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. In the last weeks she has calmed down a lot. At home she couldn't be sweeter and more adorable. Of course she sometimes counter surfs and needs to be reminded to sit or lay when we are eating or cooking. But in my book that's totally normal puppy behaviour. Nights are a bit tricky, for a month she has been waking us up every night at three and every hour after that. Right now it's not so bad anymore, but she still wants to get up at 4. But I'm usually tougher and keep ignoring her, so when my husband is not at home she might even continue until 7 am. Leash walking has been one of the biggest concerns, but this is now very manageable. By preventing situations that create nervousness avoiding peak hours with a lot of distractions and dogs barking behind fences things are going pretty well. When I sense that she's getting nervous lagging behind, constantly searching for contact and jumping on me I start to praise her and give treates every time she walks nicely and ignore the jumping or say no. After a minute or two of constant praise and reassurance, she she can usually relax and start to sniff around more. When a scary sudden sound emerges or she hears a dog barking she doesn't see, I usually throw treats on the ground right away to avoid the jumping up reflex. I can continue this for as long as the scary sound or other impulse is present. It's now been a couple of weeks since she's jumped up on me and grabbed my arm with her teeth, as she did before when things got over the treshold. I have now come to a conclusion that when she's nervous or unsure what to do, she seeks a reaction or relief of some sort by jumping and using her teeth. I have also introduced the palm touch when I sense she's anxious, so she finds a new way to take contact, instead of the jumping up. When she jumps a lot and finds it hard to to proceed calmly, I sometimes ask her to sit for a while and give a lot of praise when she does. Now she knows that when things get too excited, she sits down for a while and waits for my reaction. The teeth come out also when somebody rubs or pets her the wrong way and she gently or not always so gently moves the hand away with her teeth. However this is not biting. So we try to avoid these situations. When she greets someone at the door she now takes a toy or a shoe in her mouth because she knows using teeth is not okay in this situations. So I'm quite optimistic about her forgetting the teeth thing for good at some point. We are really taking baby steps, I'm actually going the same route with as little distractions as possible, with a little variation to make sure the walk is as relaxed as possible. Some day we might even be able to go to the park with the dozen dog smells, which is a little too overstimulating to her most times. Now we are also able to play a bit of fetch or tug-of-war without her going all crazy zooming around and jump biting. When something new is introduced to the environment like snow we try to avoid stimulating her senses with this kind of play, because it can all be a bit too much at once. Even our year old boy can safely play with her inside the house, without us monitoring the situation all the time. Thanks for the encouragement and support! Hope someone else is able to see a light at the end of the tunnel, when reading this thread. It WILL get better. However, I would be surprised if there weren't any backlashes coming ahead when puberty really hits. What commands should my six month puppy know? And much more! Average 6 month old Lab size? It seems amazing that the little fluff ball you bought home just four months ago should be so big. And bouncy! But I know you want an answer, so as a very rough guide, many 6 month old lab puppies will weigh around 50lbs. The remainder of his growth, another lbs or so will take place more slowly over the next 6 months. What should my black, yellow, or chocolate Labrador weigh at six months? People often ask if there is any difference between the different colors with regard to weight and size. The answer is kind of. Working type American or field bred Labradors are often lighter at six months than show type English or bench bred Labradors. And in the UK at least, most field bred Labradors are either black the majority or yellow including fox red. Most not all, but most chocolate Labs in the UK are show or pet bred Labradors and tend to be more heavily built. There is a softness to his features that will last another couple of months or so. How much food does a 6 month old Lab need? How much food your puppy needs will depend on how much he weighs and what condition he is in. Have a look at our puppy feeding chart and also at the instructions on the packet of food that you are using. If your puppy is a little on the skinny side give him a tiny bit more food than recommended and if he is looking a bit plump, a little bit less. Consistent overfeeding will make a puppy fat. Consistent underfeeding will see him lose weight. How often should I feed my six month old puppy? Your 6 month old Lab can drop down from three meals a day to two without any problems. This means that you will be giving the same amount of food as before, but in two larger meals instead of three smaller ones. So, if your pup gets diarrhoea when you switch to twice daily feed, skip a meal to let his tummy settle, then go back to three meals a day for a few days. When you next try going down to two meals a day, give him two small meals to begin with and increase the meal size gradually over the next few days How far should my six month old be walked every day? If you are not familiar with it, the five minute rule says that a puppy needs five minutes of exercise per day for each month of his life. Like many young Labs, adorable six month old Myles loves everyone: by Ericka from the USA Most experts would divide that into two sessions. This refers to formal walks, not playing in the garden or messing about with other dogs. And the reason for that caution is that your puppy is still growing and the growth plates in his joints are still vulnerable to damage. So my advice would be to avoid hard exercise until your puppy is well past his first birthday and then to build up gradually over a period of several weeks. Sexual maturity in Labradors Puppies become sexually mature before they are physically mature and long before they are mentally adults. Some six month old puppies are capable of breeding. And definitely should not be allowed to do so. Apart from the ethical and moral implications, it may be physically harmful to breed from such a young female. Many female Labradors will have their first season sometime between six months and a year, so this is something you need to be looking out for. Neutering Some of you will have already had your 6 month pup neutered, others will be thinking about doing so in the next few months. If you decide against neutering, this is a good point in time to review the security on your property and make sure it is thoroughly dog proof. Labradors are surprisingly agile and can often jump higher, and dig deeper, than you imagine. Beautiful Poppy at just seven months old: by Karen R from Germany Once sexually mature, many a Labrador, particularly but not only males, will make more effort to explore beyond the boundaries of your property. And if you have a female in season, other enterprising males will do their best to find a way in! Whatever your intentions, the time for breeding is a long way off right now. Bear in mind your dog is nowhere near grown up. In many ways he is still a baby. Has my 6 month old Lab finished teething? Most puppies have shed the last of their baby teeth by six months of age. And will have cut many of their adult teeth by this point too. Most will have all their adult teeth within the next month or so. This is the point at which most young dogs start to lose their fear of losing you. This has some big implications for those that exercise their young dogs off leash in open country, where there are temptations such as wild birds and animals to chase. Which brings us to the next question. As a trainer of working retrievers I can tell you that I have had six month old Labradors that were quite advanced with their training and others that had barely started. All reached the same standard eventually. However, it is important to get started with training now. And while there is no set standard your puppy should have reached, it is definitely time to get some safety cues installed. What commands should my six month old puppy know? Most six month old pups have only quite basic obedience and are not yet reliably obedient when there are lots of distractions about. While many six month olds will sit when asked, and come when called in the house and yard. And a lot the majority of six month old Labradors are still pulling on the lead. Professional or serious hobby trainers aside, this is fairly normal. Most importantly, you need to focus on proofing these cues against distraction. Come The come cue, or recall, is important so that your dog can be allowed safely off leash and recalled if any hazards appear. You can find information on teaching recall here: How to teach a basic recall Even if you have made quite good progress with recall, now is quite a good point at which to be thinking about the about turn walk this is a technique to prevent your dog from getting too far away from you on walks. This is especially important as he grows bigger. Labradors are strong and often friendly dogs. This makes pulling on the lead very common as your puppy does his best to engage every passing stranger in a game. Gorgeous Charlie enjoying a run at six months of age — he also appears in our feature at the top of the page: by Julie T from Cornwall UK I have seen grown ups pulled clean off their feet by large dogs on leash. Being pulled off your feet, or losing control of your dog at the roadside is a very real risk. Many young Labradors are very friendly and while this is a great thing overall, it can cause some problems with training at this age. I mentioned proofing earlier, and proofing is the process which teaches our dogs to come away from other dogs or people. And proofing is the way to succeed. The main problem with proofing is that it takes time and help. You might also find proofing Labrador obedience helpful. What is the best way to train my 6 month old? Training methods are changing. We are in something of a new era with regard to dog training methods and there are now plenty of good trainers who can show you how to train your dog effectively without fear or pain. Behavior problems Most six month old pups are through the housetraining phase, though there may be very occasional accidents if a your dog is left alone for a lot longer than usual. Female dogs may have an occasional accident during their first season too, but these are usually isolated incidents. What about chewing? If you are expecting chewing to stop at the same time as teething coming to an end, you may be disappointed. We look at destructive chewing in more detail in this article , but it can be at its worst between 6 and 9 months of age. Which brings us to a common question Can I de-crate my six month old Lab? It seems mean to shut him away at bedtime. Why not give him the freedom of the kitchen during the night? Well, this can work. But often it does not and results either in a bad chewing problem or occasionally, in a relapse in house training. You can find out more in this article which includes detailed de-crating instructions. The other big issue for many puppy parents with six month olds, is excitable behavior. Particularly jumping up, and sometimes nipping How do I stop my six month old Labrador from jumping up? Jumping up is a common problem in young labs. These are friendly and affectionate dogs who enjoy close contact and like to greet their friends up close! You and your visitors not only tolerate it, but actually reinforce it by petting the puppy as he does it. Or rather over- excitement. This is the age at which excitable behavior can become quite a challenge again. Partly because the dog is now physically bigger, stronger, and more difficult to control. Now, more than ever, you need your dog to listen and respond to your voice. Playing safely More often than not, excitable behavior that has got out of control, started out as a game. However, if you are struggling a bit, you are not on your own. Drop into the forum and say hello to all the other puppy parents. If you are following my training of Bubba, you know that training a 3—4-month-old puppy is a big challenge. By the time your puppy reaches the 5-month age, they have generally started to mature some, not a lot and are usually a bit more receptive to training. Here is the training you can work on with your 5-month-old Lab puppy. Regarding this series of posts This is post nine of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Bubba has turned the corner from puppy to adolescent. She now understands the training schedule and looks forward to being trained twice a day. I know this because when Bubba comes out of the dog trailer, she is watching me and bouncing in anticipation of being trained. She has learned that if she does her obedience work, she gets to retrieve. So, she is willing to do the work to get the reward. This simple shift has made working with Bubba so much more enjoyable. Now is when I get to really see her start to improve, and I find that so rewarding. Training and socialization for five-month-old Labrador puppy Here are the things we have been working on and will continue to work on with Bubba in month five. Increased self-control and restraint This goes hand-in-hand with obedience. I must continue to increase my expectations of Bubba and put her in more and more situations where she must make the decision to obey. At this age, I can see the conflict going on in her mind. I call her with a HERE command, but she wants to run after the cat. She looks at me, so I know she heard me and then she looks at the cat. At this point, she will more often than not choose to obey the HERE command and come to me. This is huge. It shows some maturity and an increase in knowledge and understanding of right and wrong behavior. Dog trainers live for times like these. It means the dog is growing and learning and making good choices. This drill is very simple. Why is this important? Well, most people have problems with their dog coming to them consistently. The reason is most often because each time the dog comes the dog gets put away in the house, or in a crate. Or they get something taken away from them like a toy or a stick. It allows your dog to learn that coming to you is a good thing and not a bad thing. Obedience training your 5-month-old puppy We continue to work on obedience daily with Bubba and will for at least the next months. After that, we will still do obedience training at least twice a week. You are never done obedience training. Your dog may get very good at obedience work, but if you do not work on it for a few weeks or longer, it will start to deteriorate. For now, we simply use a chain collar and heeling stick, but not too far down the line we will start collar conditioning her for corrections by the electronic collar. In fact, technically, we are already collar conditioning Bubba since each time we take her out to train we put an e-collar on her. It is a small puppy sized collar and it is not turned on, but she wears it each time she gets trained. So, when I pull out the e-collar, Bubba gets very excited because she knows she is going to get trained. This is the response we are looking for. Some dogs get very excited when the owner grabs the leash, because they know that they are going for a walk. This is the same reaction we are looking for from putting on an electronic collar. The dog should not act differently when the e-collar is on. If your dog cowers or fights you when you want to put the e-collar on, then you have introduced the collar incorrectly and your dog now thinks that the e-collar is a bad thing. This means that your dog is collar wise and will act completely different when the e-collar is on. This is a huge problem because it is very likely your dog will be obedient when the collar is on and disobedient when the collar is off. That is not what we want to achieve. We want your dog to be obedient with or without the e-collar on. Micro-obedience sessions At this young age, we often do what I call micro-obedience sessions. These are obedience training sessions, but they are only around minutes long. These are very effective for puppies because they have a very short attention span. You just must pick one obedience command to focus on for each micro-session, preferably only one drill. It is better to do micro-sessions a day than to try and pack too much into each session. She is not perfect, she is still a puppy and therefore makes a lot of mistakes, but she understands the HEEL command and I can walk in squares or a figure 8 and she is following my legs for the turns. I will continue to work on longer and longer walks with Bubba at heel throughout the month. Learn more about How to obedience train a Labrador puppy. Bubba is a chocolate Lab, and as I have said in the past, chocolates tend to mature slower than black or yellow Labs. Because of this, Bubba really struggled with a remote SIT for a long time. She could not seem to stop her little butt from moving! However, we have made progress and she is now sitting still, and I can walk away from her to a distance of around six feet while she remains seated. Again, she makes mistakes. She is a puppy, and we must give her some grace, but we still correct the mistakes and continue to work on improvement. The distance can be anywhere from 3 feet to 6 feet. Later, this will be very important since this is the position to which I expect all my dogs to deliver the birds. She will end facing the same direction I am facing, sitting next to me. This is a vital drill that we do with every dog that goes through one of our programs. It teaches the dog to deliver the bird to a HEEL position. By starting this with Bubba at this young age, she will learn quickly what the HEEL position is and soon I will be able to say HEEL and put my left hand out from my side slightly and she will come into that position. I did use treats for a short time, which again, I am not a fan of for many reasons. HERE is a vital command and so we will work on it daily. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, manually does mean chasing her puppy butt down, putting on a lead and pulling her towards me with the HERE command all the way back to where I was when I issued the command. It is so important that you never, and I mean NEVER, give a dog a command that you are not willing to enforce in one way or another. For your dog to learn that commands are meant to be obeyed, they must understand that any refusal of the command will be backed up with a correction. The correction may only be a sharp NO, or it may be more serious like a lead correction. Retrieving with your 5-month-old Lab puppy In my last post, I talked about how important it is for you to NOT retrieve with a teething-puppy. Bubba has most of her adult teeth in already, we are just waiting on a few, but she is showing us she is more than ready to retrieve again. So, we have begun hand thrown marks again and she is going out like gangbusters and delivering the bumpers right to my hand. If I notice any problems with her carrying the bumpers or if she starts dropping them a lot, I will stop again until the teeth are more solid. If Bubba seems to be in pain at all during retrieving, we will stop immediately. We never want her to associate retrieving with pain. Bubba already understands the retrieving game when it comes to assistant thrown marks too. She sits with me or Steve at the line and faces the gunners throwers in the field. She sits tall and proud; she knows what the gunners are out there for, and she is ready to do the work. It is so fun to watch these puppies figure out the game and what their job is. It is time to start a new retrieving drill with Bubba. The drill is designed to get a dog to mark throws that are further and further away. It gets them to run out a longer distance to a mark and not even notice the change in distance. It is done by starting with a 20—yard mark, generally on shorter grass where the bumper can be seen on the ground. Have the thrower throw the bumper and send the dog using their name. After the dog picks up the bumper and is running back to you, take a few large steps backward. Take delivery of the bumper and line your dog up for another mark. The mark will be in the same place, but that location is now several yards deeper since you have backed up. Have the thrower throw another bumper and again send your dog. After the dog picks up the bumper and is running back to you, again back up several yards. Repeat until your dog is retrieving at longer distances. This drill works well for dogs that have a very strong retrieving desire. For dogs with less desire, you will need to move much slower, only doing marks total in a session. Remember, you never want to burn out your dog with retrieves. Always leave them wanting more! Final thoughts on training for your 5-month-old Labrador puppy If you have been following these posts, you are getting very close to moving your dog into hunting training. We take dogs for our hunting programs right after their adult teeth are in, so generally at months of age. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your 5-month-old Labrador puppy. Size 5-months Labrador retriever is already a big and large dog by its size: its average weight is kilos and its height at the shoulder is approximately cm. Training Take walks a day and do not overstrain a puppy with active games. It is still too young to undergo some special training which starts from 1 year, as a rule. You just can proceed with slightly breaking of the habit of relieving a puppy at home and praise your puppy for doing it outdoors. Advice: from this age start to show your dog that you are his master and it should obey you. Be careful! It is necessary to unleash a puppy in safe and enclosed areas only. Healthcare Your 5-months Labrador puppy was vaccinated in 2. Besides, you can already treat your puppy against worms before the next immunization. Remember, that puppies under 1 year are still have vulnerable immune system. Feeding Now you can feed your puppy less frequent, 3 times a day, at that, one meal should be a between-meal snack. For example, you can feed your puppy like that: 8 a. Labrador retrievers are prone to obesity, so, you should not overfeed your puppy. Feed it 3 times a day in strict proportions and, if you feed a puppy with dry food, choose one for puppies prone to extra weight. Advice: your Labrador puppy is growing very fast, so, it needs some food supplements to be strong and healthy, with correct body and skeleton development. Choose special vitamins for puppies with a maximum content of calcium, vitamin D3 and phosphorous. Conclusion 5 months is the age during which a dog owner should be very responsible towards a puppy since its health, immune system, as well as behavior traits, are beginning to form. Take care of your Labrador puppy since its puppyhood to make your dog sound and healthy. This post may contain affiliate links. That Mutt may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post. My Lab puppy Rip is almost 5 months old at the time of this writing. He is a very good puppy with just the usual puppy issues like trying to chew rugs and jumping on us for attention. The potty training also seems to have finally clicked! I wanted to write this update about Rip for my own reference. So, here is my Rip update! He will be a bigger puppy then but he will also learn so much. During 3 weeks of introductory training, my puppy will get a lot of experience with flushing and retrieving live birds and a lot of proper exposure to gunfire. Lab puppy, Rip! I hope to hunt with Rip next fall and possibly take him to some retriever hunt tests. Puppy training vs. Meeting different dogs and people Rip has met lots of different dogs and people of different ages. He gets excited and will sometimes jump on people but he is not as over the top as my dog Remy still is. Rip is more reserved and does a lot of thinking. He plays appropriately with different dogs. He is not too rough. Such as in the car while driving somewhere fun. I will say, Rip seems to be a very well-adjusted puppy and I know most of that is from his genetics. When Rip comes back from bird dog training, I plan to dive into obedience a lot more. Right now, he really only knows sit, down and stay for a few seconds and come! I already have one resource guarder , I would prefer not to have two! Not jumping on people Rip does not get quite as excited as Remy does when we greet people but he does want to jump on people , as most dogs do. So I am going to try to really get ahead of that habit and correct it early. Wish me luck. Puppy leash training and walking Once he turned 4 months old, Rip finally wanted to go for walks so I started walking him for about 1 mile twice a day. My parents are doing something similar with him now, I believe. He is so different from my weimaraner Remy who was marching along for miles a day by 10 weeks old. Right now, Rip has no leash manners. He pulls, stops, sniffs, cuts behind me and in front of me, chases leaves, bites plants, sits down, zig-zags, stops to look at birds. So, I have a plan to work on some serious leash manners starting in late November when he comes home. How to stop a 5 month old Lab puppy from pulling There are different methods to teaching a dog not to pull. If he pulls, I simply will not move. My adult dog Remy pulls all the time. Due to my lack of patience and his strong will, I gave up on him and just manage him with a no-pull harness. Let me know if you have suggestions on this. I wrote a Facebook post a few months back where I said I purposely have my dogs spend time away from each other each day — chewing on Kongs in different rooms or walking with me at separate times. Remy is a very high-energy dog and needs to run hard every day to be fulfilled. My adult dog guards toys from my 5 month old Lab puppy The other issue is how Remy will guard toys. Thankfully, he does not lunge and bite over a toy. Instead, he snatches the toy and then clamps down hard on it with black eyes and hackles raised, growling. This can get frustrating because the puppy obviously needs toys to chew on or he starts chewing on rugs and furniture. So this is another reason why they get separated at times. Remy chews on a Kong in another room while Rip plays with some other toys. Puppy kennel training I have never had an issue kennel training a puppy. He usually just falls asleep. So, those are the latest updates with my 5 month old Lab puppy Rip! He really could not be any better. He is such an easygoing puppy. If you are raising a puppy right now, what is your biggest struggle? Thank you! Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of That Mutt. She writes about dog training, dog exercise and feeding a healthy raw diet.

They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions! Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! Your browser does not support the audio tag. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Note: Docking tails is illegal in most European countries. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can be high-strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , where the dog is led to believe it is alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous , and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Dogs may start to bark a lot without proper human to canine communication , rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. Height, Weight Height: 11 - 15 inches 28 - 38 cm Weight: 15 - 17 pounds 7 - 8 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Miniature Poodle must be over 10 inches and 15 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is less than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulder cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Miniature Poodle. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. It will be calm indoors if it receives enough exercise. It will do okay without a yard. Exercise Miniature Poodles need a daily walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. They are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving beginning, although they excel in any performance event you offer them, including agility, obedience, rally and conformation showing, and often one will leave one ring and go directly to another to compete again. Since they love water they are great dock diving dogs and love water retrieving. Life Expectancy.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.