life with labradors puppies
We spoke with Nico from Irvine, CA to find out more about this rare breed. His pups name is Olive. She loves to be near me and relax all day but is also a great companion for hiking and running. She is very loving and gets along with other dogs really well when playing. Some things to watch out for are: High energy Potential to be loud and snappy Stubborn streaks This breed is not easy to come by. How Are Golden-Chis Bred? One of the biggest things to know about golden retriever chihuahua mix pups is that they cannot be naturally bred; breeders of this unique mix rely on artificial insemination. In this case, the mother will always be the golden retriever, who receives the sperm from a chihuahua father. Because of the difficulty breeding this combination it will be hard to locate a breeder. Before you adopt or buy any pup, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable breeder! The best ones often have waiting lists, and they carefully breed their pooches to be the best and the healthiest. To get the most of your new golden retriever mixed with a chihuahua, look out for the signs of a good breeder before you buy. One of the best ways to learn more about a breed is to ask owners, and there are plenty of awesome golden chi parents all over the world! Many of them happen to run social media accounts for their dogs, which you can follow and check out to learn more about the breed! Here are some of our favorite golden retriever chihuahua mix pups on the internet: 1. Hermes As a Los Angeles resident, Hermes knows when to be wild and when to play it cool. This awesome pup loves to explore just as much as he loves to kick back and snuggle! Image Source: Hermesthegoldenchi 2. This little pup is the perfect example of a long-haired golden chi, and he loves to play. Image Source: loganpaws 3. This gorgeous pup is known for her silly antics, and she loves to explore with her mom! Image Source oliveacrosstheuniverse 4. Oskar Originally from Tenerife, this chihuahua-faced pup now enjoys a luxurious life in Germany. What is the best food for your dog? The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. Well, a designer dog, quite simply, is the result when you breed two purebred dogs to create a new breed. What do you get when you mix a dog with one of the friendliest dispositions and is considered brilliant, loyal, and playful the Golden Retriever with a dog that is tiny in size but enormous in personality, sassy, and sometimes very stubborn the Chihuahua? A Golden Chi is a unique kind of dog! Well, sit back, and we will dive into their history, temperament, size, appearance, and more. Be prepared to fall in love with this relatively new designer dog, the Golden Chi. Therefore, it must be done through in vitro fertilization IVF or artificial insemination to create this dog breed. Since breeding is not typical, it can be difficult to find breeders. Do your research and make sure you find a reputable dog breeder — one that does it for the love of the animal and not the love of the dollar! Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Temperament Having had several dogs throughout my life, I firmly believe your pet will take on the personality of its owner. My father got me a long-haired female Chihuahua when I was 18 months old. Now, Chihuahuas were not customarily considered good pets for children, particularly toddlers. However, this puppy was the most loving gentlest dog in the world. She was my watchdog, my playmate, and most of all, my best friend. We were inseparable, and she never growled or snapped at me. Even when I accidentally broke her leg when I was holding her and running with her in the snow. However, if my mother yelled at me, this dog would growl at my mother for disciplining me. A Golden Retriever is happiest when they are with people. The Golden Chi is sure to be loving and loyal as the Golden mother and sassy and bold as the Chihuahua father. Sometimes you will be butting heads with your adorable pup if it tries to be the alpha dog! It is essential right from the start to let this dog know you are the alpha dog, as it is with any breed of dog. Dogs, by nature, are pack animals, and they all want to be the leader, but we all know the dog cannot be the leader in the household! Chihuahuas can be territorial if left to their defenses and, like a toddler, might not like to share. So it can be with the Golden Chi, and you must make sure it knows the rules right from day one. If you are planning on getting a Golden Chi as a puppy and a family dog, especially if it will be around younger children, make sure you start training from the first day. Remember, you are the alpha dog, as well as the rest of the family. Your dog should learn to take commands from all family members. Golden Chis can be very confident and playful, and you and your family can relish in and be entertained by all their fun-living and playful antics. The Golden Retriever female, on average, is 55 to 65 pounds and 21—22 inches tall, while the average male Chihuahua is 2 to 6 pounds and about 9 inches tall. You can expect an average Golden Chi to be between 15 to 30 pounds and inches tall — a lovely small to a medium-sized dog! A Golden Chi dog will reach its full adult size, usually around a year to a year and a half old. The coloring of the Golden Chihuahua mix is usually tan or golden. However, they can also be red, chocolate, white, black, fawn, or cream. All thanks to genetics. They almost always have thick fur like the Golden Retriever. And if the father was a long-haired Chihuahua, you can expect your Golden Chi to have an even denser, thicker coat of fur! Since Golden Chis are considered small to medium breed depending on their height , they are generally regarded as suitable apartment or condo dogs. However, as with most puppies, you must ensure they get plenty of outdoor exercise. The last thing you want is a bored dog, which usually leads to destructive behavior. So please make sure your dog gets adequate exercise and training. Golden Retrievers shed A LOT emitting many fibers of joy and love in addition to hair and require regular brushing and grooming. Golden chis require less brushing. While they do shed, you can get away with weekly hair brushings. It may be worthwhile to invest in a robot vacuum cleaner to keep up with any fur that they leave inside. Dental care of the Golden Chi is a different story, however. Because of the shape of their mouth, their teeth can be overcrowded, leading to plaque buildup. It is recommended to brush their teeth at least every other day. Now, remember, this breed is part Chihuahua. And Chihuahuas are known for their stubbornness. It is best to start brushing and touching their mouth at an early age. It is in your best interest to start early and often with brushing their teeth! Another challenging but necessary grooming item is nail care. Most dogs do not like getting their nails trimmed. Again, it is vital to start this at a young age, do it regularly, and make it a game. This is easier if it is done with two people — one to do the trimming and the other to do the distracting and entertaining. At a minimum, it should be done every three to four weeks. But you can tell if it needs to be done more often. When their nails feel like actual nails being hammered into your body parts, that is a sure sign that nail trimming needs to be done! It is pretty safe to say your Golden Chi will require regular daily exercise. Remember I mentioned before you do not want to have a bored dog. A bored dog is a destructive dog. A well-exercised dog leads to a happy dog and delighted dog parents! Goldens require at least two hours of daily exercise, and Chihuahuas need about 30 minutes. On average, expect your Golden Chi to require between 30 and minutes of daily exercise. A puppy chi does better with several minute exercise periods, while a mature adult chi would do fine with two minute exercise intervals. Remember, a tired dog from exercise and play is not a bored dog, and an exercised dog is a happy dog with happy parents! And speaking of exercising your Golden Chi, it is essential to socialize your Golden Chi as it is with any dog. Just remember, as I said in the beginning, I am a firm believer that a pet takes on the characteristics of its owner. So, if you are very social, your dog probably will be as well, no matter the breed. But keep in mind socialization is crucial for any dog. Introduce them to strangers, young and old, at an early age. Ensure your dog knows not to snap or snarl at someone they do not know. It is sometimes beneficial to introduce your dog to doggy daycare to learn to interact with other people and dogs. If your Golden Chi is in a household with young children, never leave a child with the dog unattended, no matter the breed. A child must learn to respect the dog, and the dog will appreciate the child. If you plan to have children sometime in the future, you should schedule times when your chi puppy can get used to youngsters. Several things must be taken into consideration. For example, is your Golden Chi closer to the lower end of nine inches tall or the higher end of twenty-four inches tall? Younger chis need more food than older ones, and more active dogs need more food than less active ones. Do they get a lot of treats throughout the day? More treats equal less food. So be careful with how many treats they get. On average, you should give your pup between one and two cups of nutritious kibble daily, ideally divided up between two feedings. As they mature, they may prefer only to eat once a day, but in the puppy stage, it is essential to eat twice a day. Treats are essential during training, but treats should happen less often once trained. If ever in doubt whether you are feeding your dog enough, consult your vet. Most vets look for a belly that is smaller than their chest, and you may be feeding them too much if they start to lose that clear indentation. Responsible pet owners take their dogs to the vet regularly, and your vet will let you know if your Golden Chi is at a good weight. Is a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix right for you? There is not much difference between a female or a male chi, and no two chis are ever precisely the same, but they share some of the best and most challenging characteristics of both breeds. Some of their best characteristics are that they are intelligent yet sassy, trainable, generally have good health, low to moderate maintenance, and make good family dogs. Some of the challenges you might encounter are that they are not easy to come by; therefore, they tend to be quite expensive. They can be high-energy dogs, so they must get regular exercise. They can be stubborn, yappy, and can be snappy if not put in their place at an early age, so they must be trained right from the beginning. The Golden Chi is a designer dog breed you did not know you wanted. Once you look into their eyes, they become irresistible. So, buyer, beware. Do your research, and make sure this breed is the breed for you. They are captivating, lovable, loyal, and deserve the best. If you cannot accommodate their needs, they can become a giant, costly mistake, and they do not deserve this. However, if this breed is an excellent match for you, they can be one of the best pets you will ever have in your life! Golden Chis can be very loyal companions. Love and train them well, and you will reap the rewards of this unique breed! Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas cannot breed naturally. The process of creating the Golden Chi hybrid breed is complex and expensive, so while this breed is still relatively uncommon and not highly sought after, puppies are expensive. Choosing this type of breed means that you will have to do a lot of research, not only to ensure that the breed matches your lifestyle and requirements but to find a reputable breeder. The cost of the puppies means that you may find some disreputable breeders passing other crossbreeds off as Golden Chi in a bid to make more money from their breeding. Because this breed is not purebred, they are not recognized by kennel clubs, nor are they recognized by hybrid kennel clubs. You will have to call breeders to locate one that is dealing with this breed. The rarity of the breed means that you are unlikely to find them in rescues or local shelters. If you do, ensure that you get as much history as possible, and meet the dog before you take him home with you. If you already have dogs, ensure that you introduce your existing dog to the Golden Chi before you take him home. They have an excellent sense of smell and they are keen tracking dogs. They love to swim, have plenty of energy, are intelligent and they like to please their humans. This combination means that they can be trained as service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Although the Golden Chi is unlikely to follow the same path, primarily because of the difficulty in breeding the line, they do retain many of these beneficial properties. Your puppy could be a keen swimmer with lots of energy and a desire to please. A purebred typically weighs around 5 lbs and is 8 inches tall. Crossing it with the Golden Retriever means that the resulting hybrid will be around three times the size, weighing a minimum of 15 lbs and standing at least 20 inches off the ground. Instead, a veterinarian has to artificially inseminate a female Golden Retriever with the sperm of a male Chihuahua. The size of the resulting breed means that it cannot be inseminated into a female chihuahua. The parents of the Golden Chi. Left: Chihuahua, Right: Golden Retriever. Expect the breed to be approximately three times the size of the Chihuahua and half the size of the Golden Retriever. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Golden Retriever is famed for being one of the best family companion pets. He is known to love people of all ages, will love to spend time playing with older children especially, and he will enjoy any time you give him outdoors. The Chihuahua, on the other hand, is not as well as suited to life with children. He can be a bit grumpy, and if your son or daughter does not yet know how to behave around dogs, it can lead to aggression from the Chihuahua breed. It is likely that your Golden Chi will fall somewhere between these two extremes. Expect it to take time for your puppy to befriend all family members and when they do, you can bet they will become an integral and loving member of the family. Similarly, whether your Golden Chi gets along with other dogs, cats, and other furry family members, will depend on whether it takes after the Retriever or the Chihuahua. He offers the perfect compromise between these two breeds, but he may not be suitable for all families and owners. Consider the following factors before welcoming one of this breed into your home. The exact amount you feed will depend on the age and size of your dog. Active dogs also require more food. You should measure the food and provide it over two meals during the day. If you use food or treats as a training aid, take this into account when calculating how much food to give. Exercise Expect to give your hybrid at least 45 minutes of exercise a day. Walks should be sufficient, although the breed may benefit from dog agility and other canine sports classes. Training Golden Chis usually adopt the loving nature of the Retriever but the stubbornness of the Chihuahua. Unfortunately, this stubbornness does tend to prevail when it comes to training. So, while you will have an intelligent hybrid breed on your hands, they can prove difficult to train. You should attend training classes because these give you the tools to further train your dog, and they also teach some of the basic commands. Early training is especially important if you want your Golden Chi to live with children. Socialization should also be considered important, otherwise, your Golden Chi could adopt the standoff nature of the Chihuahua parent breed. They have a lot of hair, and it does tend to shed profusely. It will shed but this will be less than you would experience from a purebred Retriever. Other than a weekly brush, you should only have to deal with regular maintenance. You will also have to brush their teeth three times a week. This is especially important because poor dental hygiene is an issue with smaller breeds like the Chihuahua. Health and Conditions. Get to know the Golden Retriever When we think of the quintessential family dog, the Golden Retriever comes to mind. But did you know that these pups started out as working dogs? Adorable pure Golden Retriever dog Goldens were bred as waterfowl retrievers in 19th century Scotland. Their ability to serve alongside hunters was matched only by their mild, obedient disposition. Who knew this spunky breed had such a celebrated past? What do Golden Chis look like? Combining an itsy-bitsy, toy-sized pooch with a larger-than-life retriever is bound to come with its fair share of surprises. If your Golden Chi Retriever comes from an apple head Chihuahua, they may have a rounded skull with a pointed snout. Deer head Chihuahuas , on the other hand, could give your Golden Chi pup a longer muzzle and softer features. They often have floppy, fuzzy, Instagram-worthy ears that are usually light and dark golden. They almost always have thick fur, thanks to the Golden Retriever. But their coats will be even longer and denser if they come from a long-haired Chihuahua. Technically, Golden Chis can be golden, red, black, white, fawn, cream, or chocolate. How big is a full-grown Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix? Most Chihuahua Golden Retrievers will reach a middle-of-the-road weight by adulthood, around 15 to 30 pounds 7 to 14 kg. Goldens have a height of 21 to 24 inches 53 to 61 cm , while Chihuahuas are only 6 to 9 inches 15 to 23 cm at the shoulder. Their hybrid offspring will be somewhere within the range of 9 to 24 inches 23 to 61 cm. As a small-sized breed, the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix will feel perfectly at home in apartments, but be sure to give them plenty of on-leash outdoor exercise. Are Golden Chihuahua mixes good or dangerous dogs? You want to get ahead of any potential problem behaviors. Chihuahuas, for example, can be territorial. Make sure your Golden Chi puppy learns how to share and respect your leadership from a young age. All is not lost, however. Speaking of homes with tiny tots, stay close by when the kiddos interact with your Golden Chihuahua. Your odds of keeping the peace go up exponentially is when you socialize your Golden Chi early and often. Take them to puppy kindergarten and doggie daycare to reinforce good manners and proper boundaries. You also want to observe your puppy and their parents before buying. Even at just a few weeks old, puppies can give you glimpses into their personalities. If you have kids or fur babies now or plan to in the future , look for a Golden Chihuahua that readily romps with its littermates. How often should you groom your Golden Chi? Golden Chihuahuas are nowhere near as high-maintenance as purebred Golden Retrievers. Between their smaller stature and shorter coats, Chihuahua Golden Retriever crosses can do without daily brushing. Although they shed all-year-round, expect heavier shedding when the seasons change. Brushing your Golden Chi once or twice a week should keep loose hair, mats, and tangles at bay. Keep an eye out for the telltale signs of irritation and infection: redness and an unpleasant odor. Dental hygiene is another non-negotiable. Golden Chis with narrow jaws are at greater risk of overcrowded teeth, contributing to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Your Golden Chi will likely stage a resistance whenever the grooming kit comes out. Over time, grooming will feel less and less scary for your pup. Be patient, and remember that the trials and triumphs of beautifying our canines are part of the experience! Exercise: how much do Golden Chis need? Purebred Goldens require at least 2 hours of exercise a day, while Chihuahuas only need about minutes. Your Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix will fall somewhere between those two extremes, depending on their energy level and physical stature. While your Golden Chi is still a puppy, pepper their day with brief walks and short play sessions at regular intervals. Once Fido reaches his mature size, you can ramp up the amount of time you exercise him but reduce the frequency. For example, you might switch minute walks around the block for a light minute jog at the dog park. You can go a little below or above this range if that suits your pup. They can help you find the caloric sweet spot for your particular pooch. Health: How long do Golden Chis live? Chihuahua Golden Retriever mixes have plenty of life ahead of them. The average lifespan for this hybrid is 11 to 15 years! Purebred Golden Retrievers are prone to both cancer and hip dysplasia. Dental issues are rampant among Chihuahuas and their hybrid relatives. Their small jaws leave them vulnerable to cavities, crowded teeth, and tooth loss. Many Golden Chis luck out and inherit only the healthiest genes from their parents. To be on the safe side, exclusively shop with breeders who can provide health certificates. You want a well-cared-for canine that comes from good stock. Where to buy a Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix puppy? The size disparity between its parents makes the breeding process cumbersome and costly. For this reason, this crossbreed is far more challenging to find than other designers Chihuahua or Golden Retriever mixes. Not every breeder wants to deal with the hassle and expense. And those who do expect to be fairly compensated. Be wary of any kennels or breeders with dirt-cheap puppies. The last thing you want is to commit your time, money, and heart to a pup from a bad breeder. Be on high alert with any sellers that seem reluctant to let you visit their facility. Trustworthy breeders should have no problem with an in-person visit. Many will go so far as to require a face-to-face meeting with potential customers. Vet-certified proof of genetic testing is another must-have. Believe it or not, a lot of mixed breeds end up in shelters for different reasons. Try to check with rescues near you once a week or so. Golden-Chi Origins The Chihuahua Chihuahuas are among the tiniest of breeds, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in temperament. This loyal companion is zealous, fearless and always down for an adventure. Even though these dogs can be clingy and bark at seemingly random intervals, these pups consistently strive to please their owners, The Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is by far one of the most delightful breeds you will ever come across! They are loyal, friendly and easy to train, making them an ideal addition to any family. With a striking golden coat and an eager-to-please attitude, there's no mistaking this breed for any other. As such, they make popular choices in many households. Not only do they get along easily with people, but also with other dogs, cats and children too. Highly intelligent and incredibly sociable, these dogs require regular exercise and human interaction. The Golden Chi The Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is one of the strangest combinations of two completely different breeds out there. Even though the origin of this mix remains a mystery, both purebreds that the pup came from are fairly popular and it's easy to understand why! Because of their significant size difference, Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers can't mate naturally - instead, it requires highly controlled artificial insemination for a successful result. The Golden Chi is not recognized by the A. Golden Chi Appearance Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas offer a stark contrast in size, weight, and appearance, with the former being one of the largest and the latter being one of the smallest pedigree dogs. While Golden Retrievers can weigh up to 75 pounds and reach heights of 25 inches when fully grown, Chihuahuas usually stay within a pound range and max out at about 9 inches tall. These differences place them on opposite ends of the canine spectrum, yet both are incredibly affectionate animals who thrive when given human interaction and attention. A Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is any dog owner's dream come true. The pup has a unique look, since it combines two different breeds that have vastly different characteristics. This delightful breed may have a range of physical characteristics due to the two distinct parent breeds combining DNA, from short and long coats to a wide range of colors and shades, but their personalities can be almost as unpredictable. Owning one of these animals could end up being a very unique experience that nobody else in your area has had yet! A post shared by Brittany Douglas brittany. Golden Retriever Chihuahua mixes have inherited the loyal nature of both parent breeds, so they tend to develop close friendships with other animals quickly and easily. However, some caution should be taken when introducing them to a new pet, as smaller animals may view the Golden Chi as too energetic or intimidating. With proper socialization though, these loving pups will be fast friends with any animal you bring into your home. As double-coated breeds, both Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers require regular maintenance to keep their coats healthy and looking their best. Chihuahua Golden Retriever mixes are not hypoallergenic. Golden Chi Health Golden Retriever Chihuahua mixes typically have a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years. While Chihuahua Golden Retriever mixes may inherit some of their physical and behavioral traits from their parent breeds, they also inherit the same health issues. Dental issues Unfortunately, Golden Chis often suffer from dental issues due to genetics and their somewhat unfavorable size ratio. The larger teeth may not fit properly in the tiny mouth, making the teeth more susceptible to overcrowding and misalignment. While veterinary care at an early age is essential for providing preventative treatments for certain dental problems, owners should also be mindful of daily teeth-brushing instructions and feeding routine in order to ensure that their pup remains healthy. Osteosarcoma Golden Retriever Chihuahuas mixes are known to suffer from an aggressive form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma that has the potential to spread to other organs and drastically reduce life expectancy. It's an incredibly heartbreaking illness for any pet, and can occur at any age so it's important for owners of Golden Chis to be aware of the risk. However, with regular trips to the vet and proactive care, it's possible to identify and manage any issues early on. Hip dysplasia The condition is actually quite common in larger dogs, but also affects small breeds too, like the Chihuahua Golden Retriever mix. It occurs when the hip joint is malformed, making it difficult for them to move around or even walk. Unfortunately, there's no single thing that can prevent it from happening, so all owners must keep an eye out for symptoms such as stiffness after exercise or difficulty getting up to their feet. Grooming As a unique combination of two beloved breeds, the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix comes with some very special grooming needs. To keep your Golden Chi's coat looking shiny, it is important to brush them at least once a week, including their legs and other areas that might be harder to reach. Bathing should also occur no more than once a month using a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Additionally, regular checks for fleas and ticks are necessary as these pesky parasites love to set up shop on this double-coated pup! Training While the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix provides loyalty and affection, unfortunately, it also includes some unwanted tendencies from the latter breed, such as being difficult to train. Despite their intelligence, proving stubbornness in this area tends to be a common problem. And while there are ways to work around this, it will take patience and consistency during training sessions for owners to get the desired results from their Golden-Chi. A post shared by Toffee Khawaja toffeethegoldenchi Feeding Feeding the perfect amount of food to a Golden Chihuahua mix can feel like a balancing act. Variables such as age, size and activity can throw off the ideal diet for your pup. Plus, even for purebred dogs, there is no cut-and-dry formula. However, you can achieve a good baseline with cups of dry food per day. Exercise Exercise is important for any pet, even more so for certain breeds. If you have a Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix, you'll need to determine which parent breed they most closely resemble when it comes to exercise requirements. Purebred Goldens usually need at least two hours of exercise per day while the tiny yet feisty Chihuahua requires just minutes. Male vs Female Golden Chi The differences between male and female Golden Retriever Chihuahua mixes may include the male being more aggressive and dominant. Also, depending on their parents' temperaments, female mixes can end up being aloof or overly clingy, while males tend to bond better with their humans. On the other hand, females can exhibit stronger loyalty and protectiveness for their humans than males. Long hair, brown nose, flowing long-haired tail. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. However, we can glean that it was probably the result of a recent crossbreed, likely sometime between the s and early s, when crossbreeding peaked in popularity in the United States. Major Marjoribanks was searching for a dog as a companion and a guardian of his luxury mansion. Thus, the first Golden Retriever litter was born. Golden Retrievers are fantastic dogs for just about anyone! Their friendly and loving nature makes them great family pets, though they may have a little too much energy for an elderly owner. The Golden Retriever was first bred in England in , as a result of a cross between a golden-colored street dog named Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The popularity of crossbreeding in the United States began in the s, peaking in the s and early s. Though the exact date when Golden Retrievers began to be crossbred is unknown, we can safely assume that people began to cross Goldens with other dogs during this time. The Chihuahua begins in Mexico and is a descendant of the ancient Techichi dog, a mute dog that was kept as a pet by the Toltec people, an Aztec tribe. Despite their impish size, the Chihuahua remains a moderately popular pet among Americans, with the American Kennel Club putting their popularity ranking at 37th. Given their size, the Chihuahua is a great pet for elderly people, without the strength to control a larger animal. They were a result of crossbreeding of unknown origin in Mexico, beginning as descendants of the Techihi dog, an ancient breed belonging to the Toltec Peoples, an Aztec tribe. The crossbreeding history of the Chihuahua is almost unknown, though, given their small size, not many people tend to cross-breed them, as there are numerous physiological boundaries to doing so. Therefore, their cross-breeding history is somewhat spotty. Making sure that you get a temperament match for you, your family and your potential adoptee will only make things easier once the dog arrives. The Golden Chi adopts some of the temperaments of both of its parent breeds. Expect an active and sometimes hyperactive dog with a small frame but feisty nature. Though it is loving and loyal to its owners, it may be somewhat standoffish with strangers. Despite their stubborn nature, the Golden Chi should be relatively easy to train, with some time and patience. The Golden Chi is a little heavier than your average Chi, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. Given that it has Golden Retriever genes and will likely be long-haired, you can expect a light to moderate amount of shedding throughout the year. A weekly brush will help mitigate this significantly. Despite being small, they are rather energetic dogs, requiring roughly 45 minutes of exercise per day. The average life of a Golden Chi is roughly years.
If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. And thanks to their excellent temperaments, they also make perfect therapy and service dogs. Of course, we cannot forget that thanks to their Poodle heritage, these pups are well-known for being allergy-friendly dogs with their low-shedding coats. The perfect four-legged companion, we must say! For this reason, ethical breeders always conduct extensive health and genetic testing to rule out any hereditary illnesses that can be carried onto the offspring. Health warranties should always come in written form, and they typically cover the first one or two years from adoption. After all, breeders can claim whatever they want on their websites. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Arizona, Dulcito Doodles only breeds their litters from fully health tested and cleared parents. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Dulcito Doodles is very much committed to raising healthy, well-rounded, and confident puppies. They follow the Badass Breeders protocols, implement the Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , introduce them to grooming and socialization , and start the puppies on litter box training as early as 3 weeks old. In addition to that, they feed their pups a high-quality raw food diet to provide them the best start in their care. Our Prices and Health Guarantee We are small family based hobby Bernedoodle breeders located in North Phoenix, AZ and we specialize in raising and training gorgeous and healthy high quality Bernedoodles in various sizes and colors. Our puppy parents are health tested and are loving sweet dogs with great temperaments. We try to use holistic natural approach with our family and pups as much as possible. Our special puppy training curriculum starts on day 1 from birth and continues till pups leave us. Many of our pups are working with children and adults with various physical and mental disabilities including Autism and past traumas. We have pups who became mobility and seizure alert service dogs. We teach our fur babies to trust, submit and love people and to adjust easier to many different environments. We use special set of exercises and training techniques from Puppy Culture, BAB by Jeanette Forrey, Super Dog Bio sensory program and set of our own proven exercises that proved themselves amazingly well for our pups for many years and helped us better prepare our fur babies for service and therapy work. We provide our fur babies with a great solid foundation to build on. Our pups start potty training at 3 weeks old and later at 5 weeks old they start using doggy door and at 8 weeks old they are usually keeping their puppy room accident free. Pups will go home potty trained to use doggy door and potty box and will also know a few simple commands appropriate for their age. They will be dewormed and have their wellness exam and first vaccines done by our Vet. Our pups get to spend time inside and outside, learn variety of different surfaces to walk on and play on, learn about different smells and textures, get exposed to a variety of sounds and movements during our desensitization exercises. Reach out to us please and see if we have just the right fur baby for you. Many blessings to you. Katerina Share this:. Website: Arizona Goldendoodles More About Bernedoodle Puppies In Arizona Before you are all set to get a small Bernedoodle for your family, you must know about its behavior and other general details about adaptability. Here is an overview that will help you to make an informed decision. Temperament And Behaviour Bernedoodles are often quoted as a breed that comprises traits from the best of both worlds. They do not shed much, which is an element from their poodle background, while they are active and moderately energetic, which comes from their Bernese Mountain Dog side. They are very compassionate towards the people they are around, and as a result, they make great family dogs. They are also very good with children and enjoy hours of cuddling and playing. They are smart and are incredibly comfortable interacting with other dogs and humans. The most important and respectable trait about them is the level of loyalty they uphold. A Bernedoodle is very dedicated and will instantly provide you with a lot of warmth if it feels that something is wrong. You must train your Bernedoodle to stay on its own while you are at work. Bernedoodles are prone to experience separation anxiety, and therefore incorporating this element in their routine during their formative years holds a lot of importance. Health Bernedoodles are incredibly healthy dogs because of their genetic arrangement. They are immune to many common disorders because of their biochemistry, and therefore you can be relaxed about their general welfare. However, even after eliminating all the possible causes of the ailment, it is not possible to predict how an offspring will turn out in reality. The best possible thing to do is to feed the parents with proper meals on time and by taking care of their medication if any. It would be best if you fed your puppy religiously in the beginning so that it does not contract any health disorder. Proper exercise and lots of love will also ensure their happiness. Breeders vs Shops It is a very general question that emerges in the minds of people who wish to get themselves a pet. Buying a puppy from a store might be very convenient, but it devoids you with the small details about your furry friend. Shops deal with a lot of animals, and therefore they are not invested in a particular animal or a breed. A breeder, on the other hand, will be equally invested and will provide you with all the essential details and things to keep in mind. Right Advice A breeder will always want the best for the puppy. They will help you in selecting the right puppy that will be suited to your lifestyle and expectations. Money becomes secondary for breeders because their primary objective is to provide the best possible life to their puppies. Correct Details Most shop owners tend to conceal some details that might hinder their sales. On the other hand, breeders are entirely transparent about the details of their puppy. They tend to provide all the right information because they have seen the puppy grow and are well versed with the way it functions. They will help you out by providing details from the situations that they have encountered in reality. A shop owner might not be able to help you in such cases because of their generic understanding. Conclusion Having a Bernedoodle will be a worthy addition to your life because of its happy-go-lucky attitude. They will never let you have a moment of sadness with their happy faces and wiggling tails. You can contact the above-mentioned breeders according to your preferences and expectations. It is imperative to be firmly determined before getting a dog because it requires commitment and attention. If you think that you have all the needed motivation and resources, step out and get all set for incessant sessions of cuddling and late-night walks. Woof Woof! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Flagstaff Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! This combination is called the F1 Bernedoodle, or a first-generation cross, and it is believed these puppies grow up to be much healthier than both of its parent breeds and will display the most desirable mix of traits. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. Discover more about our Bernedoodle puppies for sale below! The Bernedoodle is a strong, robust dog with a compact and powerful body. It has a bushy tail, long-hanging ears, a triangular muzzle and button eyes. Their coat comes in a variety of colors such as black, white, tan, brindle or a combination thereof. Even though these hybrid dogs have been around less than two decades, the breed is already very popular. Weight Because the Poodle comes in three different sizes, so does the Bernedoodle. A toy or a tiny Bernedoodle stands 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs 10 to 24 lbs. A mini Bernedoodle stands 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 lbs. A standard Bernedoodle stands 23 to 29 inches tall and weighs 70 to 90 lbs. Bernedoodle Temperament and Behavior If you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle, with the laid-back yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. The Bernedoodle is a responsive and loving breed. They are intelligent, social, and good with children. These traits make the Bernedoodle easier to train and a good family dog. Bernedoodles have a relaxed temperament but a moderate energy level. Since the Bernedoodle is a combination of two different breeds, the puppies will have a combination of personality traits from each parent breed depending on the amount of each breed involved in the cross. It can even depend on the individual pooch — litter mates that have the same parents might turn out to favor different lineages, some leaning more towards their Poodle or Bernese roots than others. From the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles can be a little wary around strangers so early socialization is important. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles. This also means that separation anxiety could end up being a problem for Bernedoodles in case they are not properly socialized. Bernedoodle Health For the most part, the Bernedoodle is a healthy breed. In fact, the creators behind this designer breed claim that elimination of health issues typical for the purebred dogs is what drove them to crossbreed dogs in the first place. However, in no scenario is it possible for someone to predict how healthy any dog will be throughout their lifetime: the best you can hope for is that a proper diet, plenty of exercise and regular visits to the vet will help keep your pooch healthy and happy. Life Expectancy The Bernedoodle is still considered a new breed still being perfected so there is not enough information about their lifespan. While there is no way to say with certainty how long Bernedoodles live, breeders estimate that the average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years. Of course, there are bound to be slight variations due to the difference in sizes, so a tiny Bernedoodle might live to be 17 years old, while the standard sized are closer to the shorter end of the range. Exercise Requirements The activity level of Bernedoodles varies depending on breeding, but they are typically a moderately active breed. They do love their outdoor adventures and will be more than happy to join you on a hike or your morning jog, but they do not need intensive exercise to stay healthy and happy. With that being said, the Bernedoodle can be a good choice for apartment dwellers provided they have enough space and are willing to take their pet on long walks and to the dog park. This means that Bernedoodles adapt to various lifestyles, including different activity levels. You could be letting them roam about in a securely fenced backyard and maybe play with another canine companion, arrange a visit to the dog park for a game of fetch or simply have a daily walk around the block. The smaller varieties — toy and mini Bernedoodles — tend to be more active than the larger varieties. In any case, a good daily walk should be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements of a Bernedoodle. A good idea is to offer puzzle toys and interactive toys, too. These will keep your pet entertained and offer a challenge for their smart minds. Bernedoodle Coat Bernedoodles come in any combination of white, black, and brown. It is also possible for Bernedoodles to be tricolor or sable — black, white and brown. This color combination is also the most difficult to achieve, and as such, the most desirable. Recently, some breeders have presented a merle Bernedoodle which displays a marbled white and gray pattern on a black coat. Puppies with this coat are very rare and usually the most expensive. Just as Bernedoodles come in different colors according to breeding, they also have different types of coats. Most Bernedoodles have long, wavy coats that shed minimally. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are less common and tend to shed more than wavy or curly-coated Bernedoodles. The goal with crossbreeding these two popular breeds was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes. Bernedoodle Grooming The amount of shedding depends on the type of coat your dog has inherited from either parent. Those with a straighter type are prone to shed more, whereas if its coat is curly it will tend to shed less. Brushing somewhat regularly will help to prevent matting. Bernedoodle Training If bred well, the Bernedoodle should be an easily trainable dog because it inherits intelligence, eagerness to please, and a calm demeanor from its parents. As with other breeds, it is good to train and socialize your dog while still a puppy to avoid destructive and nuisance behavior later in life. During the puppy stage Bernedoodles can be a little headstrong, but this tends to lessen as the dog matures and receives training. It will make both of your lives so much easier in the long run. See store for details on a particular puppy. Dog Registry of America, Inc. International Designer Canine Registry.
Reserve your new puppy now! Experienced Breeders We are a small boxer breeding family from rural Pennsylvania. All of our boxers are house pets who receive attention and love daily. They are vetted regularly and health tested. We do not have kennels or an outdoor facility of any kind. Each and every puppy is raised with our family, in our home. All of our boxers receive daily exercise and training. We begin potty and crate training at 4 weeks of age, so when they go to their forever homes, training has already begun!! Supreme, Respectable Lines We have a wide variety of registrations to suit our needs. We are known for our brand new line of Merle Boxers, as well. With each litter we will clearly state the registration, health and bloodlines. Our dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and our pups will be too! All of our dogs are on a diet of PawTree. We believe a high quality diet is essential for raising healthy dogs and puppies. Click on the link below to get started!! How about an emotional support dog or an athletic dog to run and bike with? A boxer can do it all! They have been used for hunting, tracking, messengers, guarding, pulling, and so much more!! Boxer puppies are best known for being amazing family dogs, super great personalities and very affectionate. They love to cuddle and play and can be gentle, and be protective companions for the whole family. Photo Gallery. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.
The best way to find a Shepadoodle puppy for sale near you is to start with a simple Google search. Keep an open mind—you might discover a different dog breed that you fall in love with! What is a Shepadoodle mixed with? A Shepadoodle is a Poodle German Shepherd mix! What is the Shepadoodle personality like? Shepadoodles are extremely confident, energetic, alert, intelligent and loyal to their humans. Because their mix includes German Shepherd, this is not a good dog for a first-time dog owner. Are Shepadoodles good family dogs? Shepadoodles can be good family dogs if the adults in the family are experienced dog owners, and the children are respectful. Shepadoodles like all dogs should never be left alone or unsupervised with young children. Are Shepadoodles calm? Doodles in general are known for being high energy thanks to their Poodle parentage, but Shepadoodles are especially energetic due to the addition of German Shepherd. German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs, and they like to be busy both physically and mentally. Because Shepadoodles are very smart, they can easily become bored and are prone to destructive behavior without proper exercise and enrichment. Do Shepadoodles bark a lot? Compared to other large breeds, Shepadoodles are heavy barkers. How much does a Shepadoodle cost? Are there specific Shepadoodle breeders? There are breeders who specialize in German Shepherd Poodle mixes, but there is no set breed standard to help you parse which breeders are the best. To determine whether a Shepadoodle breeder is legit, be sure that they allow you to: 1. Tour their home or breeding facility in person 3. Read reviews and research local resources Where can you find Shepadoodle puppies for adoption? Keep an eye on their website and you might spot a German Shepherd Poodle mix. Is the Shepadoodle hypoallergenic? No dogs are truly hypoallergenic. Poodles are low-shedding dogs but German Shepherds are not. Shepadoodles may or may not be low-shedding, and will require regular and extensive grooming. Shepadoodles are typically 22—28 inches in height and weigh anywhere from 50—90 pounds. What is the best food for your dog? The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. Shepdoodle Description The Shepadoodle is not a purebred dog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is almost 11 months old. His dad was a German Shepherd and his mom was a Standard Poodle. He weighs about 76 pounds. Bailey is a kind and loving dog. He loves other dogs and kids. He is very shy in meeting new people but once he decides he likes the person they become almost like his friends as my family calls it. Everyone loves meeting him! He at weeks-old was super quick to learn sit, shake and down. House training was a breeze with him. All and all I would say he is an amazing dog who is vocal and is to smart for his own good! Bailey is a big goofball I laugh at him everyday! He loves all people and other dogs. Very obedient, he excels at any type of training. We get his grooming done every 3 weeks. Kyser has been a joy to have in our family, even when he is having a "Kyser bratty moment" everyone still loves his goofy personality and sweet temperament. His owners call him.We've had her for just over a month now and couldn't be happier with her; she fit right into our family of two kids and two other dogs. The variance of weights may be attributed to the contrasting sizes of its parent breeds. Their height may range from 22 to 24 inches. The German Shepherd Poodles have a medium-length coat. It may inherit either the curly type coat of the Poodle parent breed or the wavy type coat of the German Shepherd. The coat colors can be a mixture of gray, black, cream, tan, and sable. The Poodle German Shepherd mix features the energy and courage of the German Shepherd breed in a subtler way. You would appreciate its loving nature and energy as you play together. The German Shepherd crossed with Poodle dogs is intelligent. This trait enables faster training and easier acquisition of skills and commands. These dogs can become service dogs if trained appropriately. This crossbreed tends to be a great family dog. It needs to be around people most of the time. If left unattended, it may develop separation anxiety and other negative psychologic disposition. It is crucial to be selective in choosing where you would get the dog. A responsible breeder must be knowledgeable about the breed and the optimal conditions where he grows the dog. Aside from thorough research of canine resources and breeders, it is optimal to visit the home of the breeder or the kennel of the venue. You can also inspect how the parent breed is living. You must observe the cleanliness, odor, and other factors for the living conditions of your future family member. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Another important variable in buying the crossbreed is good communication with the breeder. The professional breeder can help you if you encounter some problems. These sources have inconsistencies and unreliability. If you are doubtful of breeders, you could check out a few non-profit rescue centers for particular dog breeds. The German Shepherd Poodles may shed lightly to moderately, based on the dominant genes between their parent breeds. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. It is worth giving some time instead of becoming frustrated when the dog gets ill. It also aids in removing loose hair. You may opt to use of a slicker for untangling mats or knots in the fur. The slicker brush is capable of penetrating the thick layers of the double coat and enable a wonderful grooming session. The coat of the German Shepherd Poodles needs two to four times of brushing per week. Its active lifestyle contributes to becoming more unkempt faster than other less energetic breeds. Daily brushing is necessary during the seasons of undercoat shedding. I advise that you groom the dog on a flat surface or clean table. It is better to do the activity in a tranquil and peaceful environment to reduce the chances of irritability. It is essential that you apply gentle touches and as minimal pressure as possible. Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs are mainly odor-free and pristine. Their bathing schedule maybe once every two to three months. Human shampoo is prohibited. You should only use a shampoo formula that is hypoallergenic and neutral pH. In grooming the Poodle mixed with German Shepherd dogs, you must also pay attention to the small parts such as the teeth, nails, eyes, nose, paws, and ears. You should look thoroughly for signs of eye, nose, or ear infections. If you are unsure of clipping the nails, I advise that you set an appointment with a local groomer. The nails are important parts of the dog, and they easily chip off by accident. The procedure for brushing the teeth of the German Shepherd Poodles is the same for brushing your own teeth. You will need some extra time to allow for familiarity to settle in. You must conduct the activity in a gradual manner. Its health status and risk factors depend on genetic inheritance and environmental factors. The parent breeds Poodle and German Shepherd have a variety of differences in health predilections and benefits. Below is a list of the usual health problems observed in the combination of a Poodle and a German Shepherd: Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition occurs often in heavy dogs. It is caused by the displacement of the thighbone and hip joint. Perianal Fistula: This illness occurs mainly in the parent breed German Shepherd. This happens when the skin surrounding the anus drains and communicates with an internal cavity. The wounds on the anus may cause foul smelling discharge and infections. Tick and flea infestations: This condition is mostly caused by poor grooming habits. This is also a reminder of how crucial grooming can be. Osteoarthritis: This degenerative disorder is a result of aging. It leads to difficulty and pain when utilizing the affected joint. In German Shepherd crossbreeds, the most affected part is the spine. Hemophilia: This is a blood disorder that manifests as prolonged wound closure and healing and excessive bleeding. It is incurable but manageable. It is important to notice this early on the life of the dog. One of the primary prevention methods you can do is having consistent schedules with the veterinarian. These visits will allow you to track the course of health problems. These visits can also help reassure you if you notice some suspicious signs that need to be addressed. A minimum of an annual checkup is recommended for dogs with no warning signs. Poodle Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements Achieving the best health status for your dog is dependent greatly on the nutrition that you provide. The quality of the dog food is crucial in the overall diet plan and the difference between worst dry dog food and best dry dog food is huge! The amount will vary from one dog to another, heavily based on its weight, level of activity, size, and age. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Poodle mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 4 cups of high-quality kibbles. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. The size of the pooch should dictate the choice between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food. When it comes to age, appropriate recipes for whelps, like best puppy food brands , will help your furry pal thrive. Once they enter their golden years, the best senior dry dog food will help to keep their brittle bones stronger! Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is crucial in the growth of strong bones, teeth, eyes, and joints. It has a vital role in the immune system as well. Phosphorus is needed for the proper development of joint and bones. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It contains deboned and rich chicken with peas, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and apples. It has a savory flavor that your dog will truly love. It helps in the joint and hip function due to the chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. Dog For Dog Food : This recipe is rich in amino acids for strong and lean muscles. It has high-quality protein and a hefty amount of carbohydrates to sustain the energy level of the dogs. It contains essential vitamins and minerals as well. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Natural Balance L. It has a mild and selected mixture of protein and carbohydrates to help in digesting the food more easily. The carbohydrates in this formulation may be garbanzo beans, brown rice, potatoes, and peas. It also features the right amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny and healthy coat. You should consult with a veterinarian if you have more inquiries about the nutritional needs of the dog and if you want to have a detailed diet plan. It is better to monitor the food intake and food reaction of your dog to assess the nutritional status. Your pooch may otherwise suffer from a nutritional imbalance, which can be fixed by giving them Nutra Thrive dog food supplement or any similar product. Naturally, talking to the vet is essential before resorting to food supplements so make sure you make an appointment prior to buying them. They need to have an adequate amount of physical activity of at least one hour. To capture the attention of your dog, you will need an adequate combination of mental and physical stimulation for this mixed breed. The dogs will enjoy jogging, playing fetch, and hiking. One activity that you can include in the exercise period is a chewing activity. It can rebound when compressed, allowing a more dynamic playtime for the dog. You can fill the tire walls with treats. On some days, you would choose to stay at home and allow your dog to play inside the house. You would need to have a playpen with adequate space. It has a coating finish for preventing rust build-up. It can be assembled more easily. You can also use this with non-climbing small animals. Poodle Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Poodle dogs has a boundless potential to become therapy and service dogs, particularly in the military. You will need proper training for effective behavior and skill acquisition. They can be very adept to agility training. The training sessions could be stressful for the dogs, so it is crucial that you are there for them to boost their morale. Here are some tips on training the German Shepherd Poodles: Positive rewards-based system: This system is one of the most effective among the techniques. Dogs tend to learn better in a gentle and supportive atmosphere, as humans do. Positive words and gestures will help reinforce learning and avoid discomfort and other negative emotions. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Limit the duration of the training sessions: Misbehaviors often result from long periods of training. If you do this technique, your dog can focus better on the training periods. Take advantage of its young age: Puppies learn the fastest among the age range of dogs. You need to be consistent and reasonable when training puppies. A good training period can boost the relationship between the owner and the dog. There are available experienced dog trainers that you may contact if training proves to be extremely challenging. These family-friendly dogs enjoy the company of the little ones. It is important to set an example for children in how to treat the dog with respect and love. German Shepherd mixed with Poodle pups may crave attention. You should set aside some time to attend to their needs, because this may contribute to the development of separation anxiety. You can subject the dog for early socialization. This process will help in achieving better adjustment and more loving family dynamic. It will help the dog distinguish between good and bad stimuli and emotions. It can also make them feel at ease with the new environment, especially when you acquire them from another home. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to your family. They would bring excitement to the household, and they help cultivate the spirit of closeness. Life Span Did You Know? These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and loving. They bond closely with their families, are protective of them, and are affectionate with them. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Shepadoodle, but they are recognized by other dog registries. Shepadoodles make great family dogs. They are playful and energetic, and they get along well with children and other dogs. Their high prey drive can be a challenge with smaller pets in the household. They do well with pets that are part of the family unit and they were raised with, but will need extra socialization and training in other cases. Because they are naturally protective, they are initially wary of strangers. If they have been properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced, but it may take a little bit of time before they are comfortable. They also tend to bark to alert you, which can become a nuisance if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Shepadoodles are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they require so much daily exercise and mental stimulation, they do not tend to do well in apartments. They are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond closely with their families, are protective, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. The Shepadoodle is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and responds well to training. They are lifelong learners that love learning new things. Generally, they are easy to train, but they do require a confident, respectful, and firm leader that can provide structured, consistent training. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners or owners that do not have experience training a large dog. Because of this, puppy training classes or a professional dog trainer are recommended. A Shepadoodle coat will either be non-shedding like the Poodle or low-shedding if they take a little bit more after their GSD parent. Either way, they will need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats and professional grooming every weeks. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care along with cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and extra activity are usually enough for them. A fully-grown Shepadoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Some Shepadoodles have weighed in at over pounds, so you will want to meet the parents to get a better idea of what size to expect once your Shepadoodle is done growing. Shepadoodles were developed in the s by the United States Army. The goal was to create a highly intelligent service dog that did not shed much. Featured Shepadoodle Article. Either way, there are three breeds in this mix: The Poodle The Golden Retriever The German Shepherd Dog Most people are aware that German Shepherds are herding dogs, and that Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting companions, to retrieve shot game gently to hand. But many are not aware that the Poodle has similar origins and were also once trained to retrieve too. Doodles are usually a first generation cross between a purebred Poodle, and a different purebred dog breed. This is especially true when one of the parents of your puppy is also a mix. Both golden retrievers and German Shepherds have long thick tails that are carried lower than their back, but when these breeds are mixed with other breeds, a somewhat curlier or partly raised tail is often the result. Coat color can vary too, and will depend to some extent on the color of the Poodle grandparent, but a golden coat with darker areas of fur on the back and head, are quite likely. In addition to the lack of curl, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd dogs are both breeds that shed quite heavily. So you are going to need a robust vacuum cleaner and a regular grooming schedule! Even though their puppy coat is still manageable, the habit of standing still to be groomed is easier to learn at an early ages. Poodles can be more aloof and wary of strangers, but Goldendoodles are unlikely to have strong guarding tendencies. German Shepherds, on the other hand often have very strong guarding instincts. This may be reflected in the temperament of a Goldendoodle mixed with German Shepherd. What all these breeds have in common is a powerful loyalty to their families and a deep intelligence. This makes them very responsive to training. German Doodle Training Training your Doodle puppy starts from the day you bring your puppy home. Modern dog training is great fun and we teach puppies through play. Early puppy games will teach your puppy self restraint, focus and attention. While intelligent and trainable, these are high energy dogs. German Doodle Puppies Another common route to owning a Goldendoodle and German Shepherd mix dog is to purchase a puppy from a friend or acquaintance that has had litter. There are pros and cons to doing this. German Shepherd Poodle mix puppies that are first crosses may be from a deliberate mating or the litter might be an accident. If the litter was an accident then there are unlikely to have been any health tests carried out on the parents.
Srinagar 37, - 68, Note: We do not sell any breeds of dog and this blog is solely to promote the breed awareness and tips with people. What influences the German Shepherd price in India? German Shepherds are popular pets for several reasons. A German Shepherd performs many tasks. It can be a guard dog, a family dog, a friend, or a protection dog. The German Shepherd Dog is popular for protection and companionship. Remember that German Shepherds struggle in the summer heat due to their double coats, like many other working dogs. Furthermore, German Shepherds are among the most lethal canines. While they are not as dangerous as a Rottweiler or Pitbull, these dogs need to be handled by experts. This dog is not for people who have never owned a dog before. Taking care of a rare dog like a GSD is expensive. These dogs need daily vigorous exercise, such as a long walk or jog. The majority of these canines are huge fans of catch and Frisbee. These dogs may be gently worn down and given direction via regular group walks and 15—20 minutes of fetching. You must be willing to engage in regular physical activity, such as throwing a Frisbee, chasing a ball, teaching your dog obedience commands, or taking him to a dog park. Because of their high energy levels, this dog needs regular exercise or may turn destructive if left bored or confined. German Shepherds are some of the smartest dogs in the world. They are known for their quick intelligence, which makes them excellent dogs for watchdog duty and detection. Additionally, they have strong working instincts, which make them great companions. German Shepherds are also known for their great sense of smell which can be used to find food or lost persons. Common Health Problems in German Shepherds A healthy diet is important for any pet, but German shepherds in India have a unique set of needs that must be taken into account. The climate in India is hot and humid, which can cause health problems for dogs and humans alike. Dehydration, heat stroke, and malnutrition are all common issues in this environment. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a problem with the hip joint that can cause discomfort and restricted motion. It can also lead to arthritis. German Shepherds with hip dysplasia are at an increased risk for developing hip arthritis, which can be difficult to treat. Elbow Dysplasia German Shepherds are prone to elbow dysplasia, a common condition that can damage the joint. If left untreated, elbow dysplasia can lead to permanent arthritis. Surgery is usually the only way to stop the progression of the disease. Degenerative Myelopathy German Shepherds may suffer from degenerative myelopathy, a condition that can cause the dog to experience difficulty finding new blood and becoming mobile. Many factors can contribute to this condition, including age, breed, exercise habits, lifestyle changes, and environmental exposures. Bloat Bloat is a condition in which the stomach becomes full of too much food. This can lead to problems such as Hospice Dogs eating more than they should and German Shepherds being overweight and having health problems down the line. To prevent bloat, owners should keep their German Shepherds on a low-fat diet and ensure they are getting enough exercise. The condition is usually caused by age, injury, or genetics. It can cause pain and stiffness in the hip, shoulder, and other joints. In addition, it can lead to deformity in the hips and knees. Proper nutrition can help prevent these problems and improve overall health. In addition to providing the dog with the right food, keeping them warm and dry during winter, avoiding loud noises and other dangers while walking around at night, and having enough exercise are all important factors in keeping a dog healthy. Double-coated, cold-resistant canines like German Shepherds are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke in the summer. You can assist your dog by running cool water over its stomach and flanks, but alcohol is more effective. Since alcohol evaporates more rapidly than water, it may be used to chill things down more quickly. Vitamin E Oil Antioxidants like vitamin E can protect your dog from free radicals. Vitamin A is needed for proper cell function and fat metabolism, and it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Eye and muscular atrophy, as well as fertility issues, have been linked to nutritional deficiencies. You may find these capsules for oral use at your local pharmacy. But it can be put on dry, itchy skin to make it feel better. Oatmeal For very dry skin and red, itchy patches, oats may be used as a topical therapy that helps soothe the skin. Avenanthramides and phenols, both found in oatmeal, are compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. The oatmeal powder may be used as a drying agent on the afflicted region by being ground into a fine powder and then mixed with water to form a paste. Epsom Salt Epsom salts are often used for aching muscles and joints, but they also have medicinal uses for wounds. Because of their anti-inflammatory qualities, they are useful as a topical treatment for soaking and cleansing abscesses. To smooth wound healing, they break open and drain abscesses. When the five minutes are over, give it a good rinse and repeat if required. There must be a complete absence of tomato sauce. Always keep fresh water available for your pets. If you live in a warm climate, you should also keep your GSD away from poultry throughout the summer. Chicken causes a rise in hair loss and, in some, skin allergies. Adult canines should be fed first thing in the morning and again before bed. Give them some chilled yogurt to eat to keep them hydrated and aid with their digestion. Your German Shepherd will welcome a cold, moist towel or bed to sleep on. During the hot summer months in India, GSDs shed. When you notice your dog is shedding, try not to freak out. Eventually, it will fill up again. Because of the heat, GSDs often sleep most of their summer days. A stroll in the evening should do the trick. Do not soak your dog in the tub for too long. During the hot summer months, many people in India may be tempted to give their GSDs an excessively long bath. Your hair and skin health will suffer if you take too many showers. The following is a list of the Indian home remedies for German Shepherds that we have found to be effective in treating our pets: Coconut Oil: One of the finest oils available is coconut oil. You may also rub coconut oil onto their skin to ease the itching. Try rubbing some Aleo Vera right into your hair for itchy scalp relief and improved skin health. Yogurt Yogurt may help dogs recover from stomach upset and replenish lost fluids on hot summer days. Please remember that this how remedies are based on research. If your dog suffers any other symptoms, please visit the doctor. Can a German Shepherd survive in India? Yes, A German Shepherd can survive in India and is one of the most popular dog breeds here. They are gentle, friendly, and easy to care for. This means they need lots of food and exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Their diet should consist of various foods, including hay, fresh vegetables, and a small number of pellets. Many factors influence the health of a dog, such as their diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, and a limited amount of processed foods. A balanced diet includes fresh, quality foods high in proteins and healthy fats. The following are some tips for feeding a German shepherd puppy in India: Feed them a high-quality, all-natural diet that is designed specifically for dogs. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, grains, and dairy products. Avoid processed foods and ingredients that are low in nutrients or protein. Make sure to provide plenty of water and hay both during the day and at night, so your pup can access essential nutrients and hydration options. Grooming a German shepherd dog is one of the most important aspects of their care. A good groomer will know how to provide a sleek, healthy coat that will make your pet look its best. There are many different ways to groom a German shepherd dog, so it is important to find the right one for your specific pup. First, be sure to give your pet a good coat of fur shampoo and conditioner. This will help keep their coat shiny and clean and protect it from dirt, dust, and other elements. Second, make sure to keep their nails trimmed evenly and well-groomed. This will help discourage any potential fleas or ticks from contacting them. Finally, be sure to provide adequate food and water selection for your furry friend. This will ensure that they are always healthy and happy! Here are some tips for doing so: Bathe them at least once a week using a mild soap solution. Use enough soap to cover their entire body but not too much so that it becomes staining or matted. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when bathing your German Shepherd; they may become allergic to these substances. Instead, use mild detergents and rinses only if necessary. If the weather is hot or the water is cold, they should be bathed in both conditions simultaneously to avoid discomfort or heatstroke. This is so that your pup remains healthy and happy. Here are a few tips on how to bathe your puppy: Start with a warm bathtub or pot of water heated to the correct temperature. Do not use harsh chemicals or detergents, as these could cause skin irritation or skin damage. Rinse off completely after each treatment with cool water. Improving or preserving the breed should always be the first priority when breeding dogs. Anyone who produces GSDs for profit without considering the breed as a whole has our full opposition. As a result of commercial breeding practices, GSDs in India are of worse quality than they formerly were. The beauty of the GSD breed is something that should be shared. They assess your actions and love towards the dog. A reputable breeder of the German Shepherd Dogs will have extensive knowledge of the breed as a whole. They should easily answer your queries concerning the breed. Any reputable breeder will be able to provide you with references that can attest to the high quality of their dogs. In most cases, a successful breeder will also have other means of support. They have GSDs mostly out of affection for the breed rather than for financial gain. The breeder does not engage in haggling. They usually charge a set fee and promise high-quality canine companions. They are friendly and obedient and make great family dogs. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and strong work ethic. A German Shepherd is a versatile breed that can be used in many different ways. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and energy. Some of the best ways to train a German Shepherd is by following these tips: Start by teaching them basic obedience commands. These include sit, stay, come, and down. Once they know these commands, you can start training more advanced obedience skills. Use positive reinforcement when they complete tasks correctly. This may include treats or verbal praise. Be patient with your German Shepherds as they grow older. They will learn and grow faster than other breeds do when it comes to new skills and behaviors. There are so many different dog breeds available in India that it can be hard to find the perfect fit for your pet. GSDs are becoming more popular in India as they are known for being easy to take care of and having a lot of personalities. If you are looking for a good quality GSD dog in India, you should consider consulting with a breeder. Many reputable GSD dog breeders in India will be happy to help you find the perfect pup for your needs. They make excellent family pets and are fun to play with, cuddle, or train. GSDs are also very loyal, making them perfect for families who want a pet cute, loyal pet. Guidelines For Choosing the Right Breeder When choosing a German shepherd, there are a few things to keep in mind: First and foremost, you want a dog that is obedient and good with other dogs. Find a breeder with experience with this type of dog and ensure the breeder is reputable and honest. Finally, get references from other people who have bought from the dog breeder. Choosing The Right Puppy When choosing the right dog for your family, you should keep a few things in mind. First and foremost is whether or not you have enough space to keep all of your furry friends together. If so, consider getting a smaller dog like a German Shepherd. Some breeds are more independent than others and may require more exercise or working outside than others. GSDs make great pets for the family. Additionally, some breeds are better with children or other animals than others. Quality, location, and breeder may all affect the final cost. The going rate for a German shepherd of show caliber is around Rs. They are known for their devotion to their owners and love for playing with children. They make great family pets and can be trained to do many tasks, including guarding, retrieving, and working on farms. When young, this breed of dog is known to be somewhat rowdy. If not properly socialized, they become overprotective of their family and territory. They can develop behavioral issues like barking too much, being hyperactive, or even becoming aggressive if not bred correctly. Yes, German Shepherds can survive in India. They are known for being friendly and obedient, and the locals will likely accept them. There are several good reasons why German Shepherds are so popular in India: They are easy to train, have a lot of personalities, and make great family pets. The cost of owning a German shepherd in India can vary depending on the region, but typically it is around Rs. There are many places where you can buy German Shepherds. Pet stores, dog obedience schools, and animal shelters are some of the most popular places to buy German Shepherds. You should know a few things before getting a German Shepherd in India. First, the average lifespan of a German Shepherd in India is years. Second, they are not typically used as working dogs and should be considered pet dogs. Finally, they are not Shedders and should be kept clean and free of hair. Can German Shepherds Live in Apartments? Yes, German Shepherds can live in apartments. They are known for being independent and active dogs, so they will be happy living in their own space. There are a few things to consider before making a move, however. First, be sure to get a dog that is well-behaved and fit for living in an apartment. Second, ensure the apartment you choose has plenty of space for both the dog and you. Finally, be sure to provide ample food and water for your pet and ensure a safe place for him to stay. Are German Shepherds hypoallergic? There is no scientific consensus on whether German Shepherds are hypoallergic, but most experts believe this dog breed is not particularly sensitive to allergens. They blow their coats twice a year, and German Shepherds are notorious shedders. Some dogs may be more sensitive to allergens than others, so it is important to check with your veterinarian if your German Shepherd has any symptoms of an allergy. Which German Shepherd is best in India? There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best German Shepherd for India will vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. Are German Shepherds friendly with Kids? Yes, German Shepherds are very friendly with kids. They are known to be very loyal and protective dogs, so they will likely be happy to help with any activities the children enjoy. Conclusion German Shepherds are known for being one of the most behaviorally active dogs in the world. We hope this blog has helped you learn about your pet. German Shepherd is so adorable and irresistible; caring about them is as simple as that! Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Their muscular and athletic build is capable of intimidating anybody. If you have a German Shepherd at home, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are safe. They are extremely alert dogs that would always be on the lookout for unwanted trespassers and scare the burglars away. Great Exercising Buddies If you are looking for some motivation to get up and work out every day, getting a German Shepherd would certainly help you build a great exercise routine. Being high-energy dogs, German Shepherds require their daily dose of exercise. Moreover, they love indulging in physical activities that allow them to utilize their stamina. Whether you take them for a walk, jog, or a run, German Shepherds would always make excellent exercising buddies. All-Weather Dogs Thanks to their double coats, German Shepherds are considered to be all-weather dogs. They can survive well in all kinds of weather without facing any major issues. However, in a city like Bangalore, it is important to take a little extra care of your German Shepherd when the weather gets a bit too hot and humid. Once they get comfortable with you, they become a part of your family and would do anything for you. Their love and loyalty towards their owners are unconditional. During times of danger, a German Shepherd would not think twice before putting their life at risk to save their owner. However, the degree of loyalty would depend on the manner in which you raise them. If you shower them with love since they are puppies, German Shepherds would reciprocate the same by growing into highly loyal dogs. High Intelligence German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. This makes it easy to train them. Being fast and curious learners, they tend to retain the tricks taught to them and learn new skills faster. However, before you train your pet, always make sure that you use a positive and reward-based approach. This would provide them with an incentive to learn without getting aggravated. It is also advisable to train a German Shepherd while they are still young to get the best results. If you need any more information about German Shepherds or want to get your queries answered about the same, we will provide you with all relevant information and assistance that would answer all your questions. Before you bring the pet home, make sure you are able to take at least a couple of hours out every day for their exercise. If you keep them inactive for a longer period of time, they would get irritable, aggressive, and obese. As their food intake is high, they need to burn the extra calories by indulging in physical activities every day. Health Problems It is always important to be well-versed with the potential health issues your German Shepherd puppy may encounter before bringing them home. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues faced by the breed. German Shepherds are also susceptible to the genetic condition of epilepsy. When they end up eating a lot of the wrong items, it may result in unwanted bloating, making it difficult for your German Shepherd to breathe. Reach out to us and we will help you add a cute little member to your family! Lets Connect on We will also provide you following breeds. Adopt German shepherd dogs and puppies from petsworld. German shepherds are so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed just about every job known to dogs. From his striking size to his straight ears and dark eyes, this breed of dogs has achieved a legendary status as an ideal canine. Owing to their remarkable intelligence, these dogs can perform plethora of works, such as leading the blind, detecting illicit drugs, bringing down fleeing criminals and serving in the armed forces. These loyal, energetic, and devoted canines have become quite popular among pet lovers all over the world. Further, they have excelled in almost every canine sport, including obedience, agility, tracking, rally, and of course herding. All these notable features of these dogs have increased their demand. You should always buy German shepherd from the certified pet breeders and not from pet shops or puppy mills. Always see the health certificate of their parents to minimize chances of any genetic disorder. German shepherd dog breed information General Information:.
Umbilical cord training Throughout the rest of this guide I will be referring to each of these 4 methods and when you should or could be using them. Once used to using the paper or the pads, you slowly cut the area covered until they reliably use just a couple of sheets and never miss. You then slowly move the paper toward the outside where another set is placed and you begin to encourage your puppy to go outside only, before completely removing the papers inside. At this point they will have made the transition. A top tip when paper training is when you clean away soiled paper, you should hold one piece back and place it as a middle layer of the new papers. Puppy pads have a scent that attracts a puppy, paper does not. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 3. This is confusing and will make the learning process take longer. Best suited to: Either people who are going to have an indoor bathroom spot long-term, or people who will not use a crate for training yet cannot commit to constantly supervising their puppy when inside the home. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, definitely a 5. But it does result in more mistakes from your puppy until later in life. Equipment needed: Nothing but stacks of old newspapers! A very cost-effective method. Description: The method takes advantage of the fact dogs have a natural instinct not to soil the area where they eat and sleep. Key to this is making the crate just large enough to stand in, turn around easily and lay down stretched out but no bigger. The rest of the time you watch them and regularly take them outside to potty to teach them good habits. Best suited to: Everybody! This is because you will have to crate train your puppy before you can use a crate for house training which does take time and effort. Click here for my free and detailed guide to crate training your puppy. Equipment needed: A suitable crate. I have a guide to help you select the right size and type that you can read by clicking here. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I tentatively give it a 3. It could actually score higher or lower depending on how committed you are and how successful at supervising your puppy you are. Best suited to: People who are against any kind of confinement and can stay at home to watch their puppy all day every day. Mostly people who work from home and the retired. But this method also forms a part of every house training plan, whether you use other methods alongside or not. This is because when a puppy is free inside a home, they MUST be closely supervised to prevent any mistakes. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 2. It scores low as it requires a lot of input from you as the owner. It is quite draining never being able to take your eye of your puppy. Equipment needed: None. Not a crate, newspapers, puppy pads or anything. The cheapest of all the methods…unless you put a price on your time. But it is highly effective. Description: This technique calls for you to tether your puppy to you by leash and have them follow you wherever you go when inside your home. You will notice and be able to intervene and correct every possible mistake, taking them outside every time they need to relieve themselves. Used correctly, the opportunity for your puppy to make mistakes is completely removed so every single time they need to visit their bathroom spot is a training opportunity you will take advantage of and no mistake goes uncorrected. Best suited to: People who spend all their time at home with their puppy and would also enjoy literally being tied to their pup all day. Further Info: for a detailed discussion of this technique, the benefits, downside, and many more tips, please see my article: Umbilical Cord House Training: What is It? How Does It Work? A Mix Of 3 Methods I use and recommend a mixture of crate training, constant supervision and paper training. I use constant supervision extensively because when a puppy is outside of the crate you have to watch them diligently to avoid puppy mistakes. Admittedly this is somewhat going against my advice because I always recommend to avoid paper training if possible. It encourages or allows your puppy to toilet inside the home, before then training them not to do so. This is confusing to your puppy and harmful to our house training efforts. But even though I recommend against it, using paper training ever so occasionally as a fall back plan works well for me. Most dogs love being outside and will use any excuse to get out there and stay there. You do this by using a cue word and walking them on leash to their potty spot, not allowing them to do anything else and if they do not potty, taking them back inside and trying again in a few minutes. Because a full bladder or bowel is uncomfortable, dogs are happy to relieve themselves, but some may try to hold it if they think they can get to stay outside and sniff around a while. If people use different words, your dog will get confused. This will slowly teach them the command. And this is fine for the first couple of weeks while they have no bladder control and will perform their business very quickly. And some dogs even learn to actively hold their bladder just so they can stay outside to explore for longer. Before you can do this you need to first get your puppy used to wearing a collar and leash. Have You Got Everything Prepared? A Check-list Before You Start Like everything in life, house training runs smoother if you have everything ready before you start, hopefully before you even bring your puppy home. Have you: Decided on and marked out a suitable bathroom spot? Chosen and purchased a suitable high-quality nutritious food? Figured out the times of day you will feed your puppy? Got a collar and leash? Put in place a leash training plan? Bought a suitable crate and set it up in a suitable place? Bought bedding for the crate? Bought chew toys to occupy your puppy in the crate? Decided on the commands you will use if any? Purchased either baby gates, a pet barrier or an exercise pen for longer term confinement? Sourced stacks of newspapers or puppy pads to use in the long-term confinement area? Bought some small but highly tasty training treats to use as a reward? Bought specialized pet stain removing and odor neutralizing cleaning products? Bought a UV light to find hidden spots of urine that must be removed to prevent repeat accidents? Sat and discussed with every member of your household your finalized plans so everybody has the same info? Successful House Training Is All About Schedules And Routine Dogs thrive when living to schedules and routine, doing best when they have set times for eating, going to toilet, exercise, training and play. But because the passage of food through their digestive system stays roughly the same, if you feed your puppy at the same times every day they will need to defecate at roughly the same times every day. This results in fewer mistakes, more opportunities to praise your puppy for going in the right place and so speeds up their learning. Depending on their age a puppy will need to poop 3 to 6 times a day, and wee many more times than that. Can these times be predicted? Mostly they can. When a puppy needs to potty depends on when they last ate, drank and their recent activities. Mostly they need to go: First thing in the morning The instant they wake up from a nap at any time of the day Just before going to bed Within a few minutes of eating or drinking Immediately after a play session Immediately after any excitement But a puppy also needs to go many times per day regardless of recent activities, so you should also take your puppy to their bathroom spot on a consistent schedule such as the following: At 8 weeks old — every 30 mins. At 10 weeks old — every 45 mins. At 12 weeks old — every 1 to 1. At 16 weeks old — every 2 hours. At 20 weeks old — every 3 hours. Some will need to wee within 2 minutes of drinking, others after 20 minutes. Some will need a bathroom break within 2 minutes of waking, others 15 minutes later. You have to determine your puppies own natural tendencies and create a schedule to suit. To achieve this, you need to follow this 5 step process: Feed them to a strict schedule. Decide on exercise, play and training times. Develop a schedule including feeding, exercise, play, training and all scheduled potty times. Use the information gathered in your diary to learn from any mistakes and adjust your schedule for the following week. The more you can stick to schedules and routines, the smoother and faster the process will be. But you can stray from the path when necessary and still find success, it will just take a little longer. You should feed your puppy 3 times a day when 12 to 26 weeks old. From 26 weeks old and onwards, feed your puppy just two times a day For 2 meals a day you need to space them out 8 to 12 hours apart. What works for me is shortly after I get up at and when we have our evening meal between PM and PM. Availability Of Water: You should make sure fresh water is always available but because drinking too much or too little can be a sign of health problems, you do need to monitor their water intake. Physical activity often leads to a puppy needing to potty very soon after. So to encourage predictable potty times for your puppy, you want to schedule their exercise and play. Deciding when to exercise, train and play with your puppy is entirely up to you. You should fit it around your lifestyle and commitments, but try to make it the same times each day if you can. Enter all the following details into a single column in an excel spreadsheet, or write them down as a day schedule with a pen and paper: When you wake and add an instant bathroom break before you do ANYTHING for yourself! Enter the times you will play with, train and exercise your puppy. Enter a scheduled visit to the bathroom spot after each of the activities listed in points 1 to 3. Add scheduled bathroom visits after any length of time longer than your puppy should be expected to hold it according to their age. Write in scheduled sleeps for your puppy, place them in the crate or confinement area. After writing down this schedule, tick off each task as you go through the day with your puppy. This way you will always know what needs to be done and when, and there will be no confusion about whether someone else in the house fed, exercised or took the puppy to the loo. I discuss this further in step 5 below. You should be able to pick up on any patterns and adjust your own behavior to avoid mistakes in future. Was puppy left alone and peed in the living room while you made breakfast? Puppy should never be left alone unsupervised, learn from this mistake. Or maybe puppy peed in the crate after an hour? Learn from this mistake. Well done for watching them closely enough. So increase the frequency. Therefore you should stretch out the time between visits by 10 to 15 minutes for the following day. This is how you find out. And Now House Training is So Much Easier By writing out the schedule as in step 3, you should never forget to feed, train or take your puppy to potty. And by using the schedule as a diary as in step 5, you get feedback on how you and your puppy are performing, and are armed with the necessary info to make changes to your schedule over time. You, your puppy and their needs all stay in sync and house training becomes that much easier. Just make a spreadsheet in excel and print it out, or simply buy some lined paper. Keep it somewhere you can always see and know where it is, alongside a pen or pencil and write entries in it as you watch your puppy throughout the day. After this, continuing with a diary every day is the best advice, although keeping one for 3 consecutive days each week will be sufficient for you to pick up on any changes as they mature. Once your puppy is 5 to 6 months old, they will have sufficient bladder control and experience to make a schedule and diary unnecessary. Just make sure they get access to the outside at least once every 3 hours and all will be fine. Extending The Time Between Toilet Breaks I discussed earlier how a puppy will need regular visits to their bathroom spot, something like every 30 minutes at 8 weeks old, every 45 minutes at 10 weeks old and so on. But every puppy is different and their progress in having longer time between needed toilet breaks will vary too. You do this because as a puppy grows, the size of their bowel and bladder increases, so they will be able to hold more for longer and you want to take advantage of this. This is also teaching them necessary bladder and bowel control. Use your cue word before you take them: By using your chosen cue word every time before you take them to potty, your puppy will learn what the trip is about and what they must do. This eventually leads to faster results as they know what is expected of them. Lead your puppy to the bathroom spot on leash: This gives you the ability to keep your puppy at the bathroom spot and prevent them wandering off, getting distracted and forgetting what they are there for. Make sure you stay with them at their bathroom spot: If you have them on leash, then of course you will be. When they start to go, say your chosen cue word in a soft warm voice. Mix up the reward between play, time off leash and a food reward to keep them guessing, but keep the food rewards to a minimum as what goes in must come out and random feeding promotes random elimination times! Many people pop out, stand for 1 minute and then come back in. Some people recommend to stay out there for 10, 15, 20 minutes, whatever it takes until they go, then praise profusely when they do. I recommend you give them 3 to 5 minutes, saying your cue word every 30 seconds or so but otherwise standing silently still just holding their leash so they cannot wander off. Take them back to their bathroom spot in 10 minutes or so. If using a crate for house training: Pop them back in the crate and leave them for 10 minutes. Then take them back to their bathroom spot. Take them to their bathroom spot after 10 minutes. If not, take them away from their bathroom spot and watch them for 10 minutes before returning them to their bathroom spot. And if crate training, do not leave them in the crate too long else they may be forced to soil in there. Prevent this at all costs. Rinse and repeat the visits to and fro like this until they do potty, then follow the next sections advice. What You Should Do Between Scheduled Bathroom Breaks Between scheduled bathroom visits you should do two things: Allow some supervised free time in your home, and use your chosen house training method. By free time I mean time outside of their crate, or off leash, or out of their confinement area. Time free to roam, explore and live life. When 10 weeks old they may need to toilet every 30 minutes, so they only get 5 to 10 minutes free time. When 12 weeks old, they may need to toilet every hour so they can get 35 to 40 minutes free time. You allow this free time because you are of course working toward a time when they will always be free and trusted unsupervised. To get there they need the experience, to get used to being free in your home and begin seeing it as a place they need to keep clean. They also need social interaction and life experiences. But what are the signs a puppy is about to potty? Heading toward, barking at or scratching the door to the outside. The minute you see any of these signs you should take your puppy to their bathroom spot immediately. There may well be some false alarms, but better safe than sorry. Carefully watch them and you should soon notice what body language means a wee or a poop is imminent. There will be recognizable signs. We do this because the time is fast approaching when mistakes are most likely to be made. If using constant supervision: Carry on as you are. Then at their scheduled potty time, attach a leash and lead them to their bathroom spot. If using a crate for house training: Encourage your puppy into their crate and close the door, leaving them there until their scheduled potty time and then release them, instantly attaching a leash and leading them to their bathroom spot. If using umbilical cord training: Attach a leash and tether your puppy to you, ready to react if they make moves to eliminate. Take them to their bathroom spot at the scheduled time. If paper training: Take your puppy to their confinement area where their papered bathroom spot is and supervise them, ready to intervene if they make moves to potty away from the paper. Not good when you need to be there to encourage them for doing it in the right place. If they do, you can pick them up and carry them, or take them by the collar and gently lead them to their bathroom spot, then encourage them to finish where they should. But to me this seems foolish. Instead of a little pile or puddle, you then have a long line of wee or poop from where you caught them all the way to the bathroom spot that you then have to deep clean instead. Then think how they were able to make such a mistake and tweak your plans so it cannot happen again. But any corrections or punishment now will be futile. House Training For Full Time Workers This advice applies not just to full-time workers , but also if you must occasionally leave your puppy home alone for a few hours. Most importantly, follow all the advice in this guide so far for the times that you are home. Supervise them, correct any mistakes, set feeding and elimination schedules and everything else I have advised. First of all, if like me you use a crate, you simply cannot leave your puppy in the crate for many hours. This is very unfair on your puppy and it will destroy the crates power as a house training tool if they lose the instinct to keep it clean. Secondly, please do your best to enlist the help of a family member, friend, neighbor or hire a dog walker to periodically pop in to visit your puppy, take them to their bathroom spot, give them some social interaction and so on. But I also freely admit to using paper training myself occasionally, for the unavoidable times I have to leave my puppy home alone for a few hours. If you have to leave your puppy home alone for any reason, usually because you work, then paper training in your absence is the only thing you can do. You then have two options available to you: Buy and use an exercise pen, or confine your puppy to a single, puppy-proofed room. As they get used to pottying on paper, reduce the area covered one sheet at a time until just a small area remains covered. Once you know your puppy can hold their bladder for longer than they have to be left alone, remove the paper altogether. By 16 to 20 weeks, they should be able to last the 3 or 4 hours max they will be left alone and somebody comes to exercise them and allow a bathroom break. Between 8 and 12 weeks when weeing seems spontaneous , my puppy spends a fair bit of time in there and I paper train them to use puppy pads. Our kitchen and dining room was separated by an arch where a door used to be, with tiled flooring, making it ideal. I used a baby gate across the arch between the kitchen and dining room, and initially covered the dining area with paper, over time reducing it to just two sheets with the puppy pad holder on top. The dining area is completely empty, with no furniture, nothing in there. Skirting boards, the corners of furniture items, anything within reach is a potential target for teeth and claws. My girlfriend works from home, we crate trained and we had no problem finding house sitters in an evening if we needed one, so we all but had things covered. But this is something you need to be mindful of. Whatever the reason, there just WILL be times you cannot supervise your puppy. The essence of house training is to prevent mistakes and praise your puppy heavily when they potty in the right place. If you cannot watch your puppy, the chances of them making a mistake go through the roof. So even if you choose to use a constant supervision method exclusively, you will still need to confine your puppy sometimes to a paper covered area just in case. I mean literally none at all. One minute they are trotting along, the next they are leaking. No warning signs for you, not even any warning signs for them. I recommend setting up an exercise pen with the entire area papered, or do as I do and confine them to a room with the entire area papered. Use this time to paper train them, to get them used to weeing on paper and gradually reduce the area because you will use this method if you ever have to leave them home alone during the next 4 or 5 months. They will sniff, circle and so on as I mentioned before. At this point you can now move on to using your chosen house training method. Start encouraging them to potty in the right place from the minute you get them home. So the good news is, even at 8 weeks they will be able to last 4 or so hours and you will only need to wake once during the night. Also, make sure to take them to their bathroom spot right before you go to bed so they can empty themselves. Then set an alarm for 4 hours after their bed time when you must get up and take them to their bathroom spot. No excuses, you simply must do this. If you find your puppy has soiled in this time, you should set the alarm for half an hour earlier the next night 3. After a few days of not having a night-time accident, set your alarm for 15 minutes later and increase the time by 15 minutes for each successful night they do not have an accident. If you find they make a mistake one night before you wake, set the alarm back half an hour, make sure they stay dry a few days and then increase 15 minutes nightly again. And by using this schedule, you strike a good balance between a couple of inevitable accidents while stretching out the time at a good pace to lasting a full night. If they soil their crate more than once in any given week, you may have to progress slower add 15 minutes every 2 or 3 days , or perhaps sleep them in a papered exercise pen or their confinement room. Maintaining their instinct to keep the crate clean is of utmost importance. What To Do At The Bathroom Spot At Night When you take them out at night, say your chosen cue word, take them straight to their bathroom spot, praise them gently when they finish their business but do not reward them with anything else. The last thing you want is to teach your puppy that during the night is a time for play or food treats! This will come back to haunt you in a big way and result in noisy sleepless nights. You want your puppy to learn that night-time is for sleeping and for nothing else. Do nothing else. Some will be able to last the whole night without a potty break at 10 weeks rarely , and some may not be able to at 15 weeks also rarely. But certainly by 16 weeks old your puppy will be able to last a 7 hour night without needing to potty if you do not feed them for 3 hours or provide water for 2 hours before bed time and allow them to empty themselves right before you lay down for the night. No Progress? If you are feeding, exercising, training and playing with your puppy to a schedule, and when you look at your diary there seems to be no pattern to the times they need to potty, you should seek the advice of your vet. Common ailments such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection and health issues affecting internal organs and the genitalia can lead to a dog needing to potty much more frequently, often leading to eliminating in the house. Again, seek the advice of your family vet. You cannot successfully house train a puppy who is ill because their bodily functions will be too unpredictable. But 6 to 7 months is the ball park figure to aim for. A single mistake in the home can cause a major setback. A puppy may not make a mistake for 2 weeks, then you give them too much freedom, they make a mistake and all of a sudden they are regularly trying to potty in the home again. Also, some puppies just seem to forget everything for a few days now and then while growing up, even after being perfect for a couple of weeks. Just stick to your plan and they WILL eventually get it. Conclusion With house training, the fewer mistakes you allow your puppy to make and the more they are rewarded for doing the right thing, the quicker they will learn and the faster you will find success. Because of this, the more effort you put in and the more time you spend with your puppy at the beginning — supervising to correct mistakes and taking them to their bathroom spot many times each day — the better. But there are many other things you can do to help yourself and your puppy to find success. This guide has provided you with all the theory, strategies, tips and tricks you will ever need to successfully house train your puppy as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the fewest mistakes along the way. Please see the entire series linked to below:. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. Learn to spot the signs Never punish your Lab after an accident Use potty pads as a temporary indoor alternative Recognize excitement urination Be aware of submissive urination Allow more freedom as your puppy improves The ultimate aim of housebreaking your puppy is to prevent accidents. Control His Environment When potty training your puppy, the first thing to do is to control his environment. Use a long leash and attach your pup to your waist, even when inside the house. This allows you to look out for warning signs. Your pup will sleep in the crate, whereas the playpen provides extra space. Make sure to choose a pen with a door so that you can attach it to the crate, such as the Midwest Homes for Pets Folding Exercise Pen from Amazon. I also recommend the Midwest Homes for Pets icrate. Introduce the Crate Slowly introduce the crate when crate training your Lab over the first few days. When you let your pup out of his crate, immediately take him outside. When he is away from his own room, make sure you closely supervise him by keeping him attached to you on a long leash. Allow Frequent Potty Breaks Give your dog lots of opportunities to go outside. Create a Puppy Potty Schedule Dogs thrive off routines, including mealtimes, exercise, and potty training! You can set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to take your dog outside to his toilet area. Your pup will need to go first thing in the morning, after a meal or drinking, when he wakes from a nap, after playtimes, and before bedtime. Look for clues such as sniffing the floor or carpet, circling, restlessness, becoming overexcited, whining, or making towards the door. This includes whether you catch him in the act or if it happened a while ago. Moreso, the latter, as your dog will have no idea what he is being punished for! This is because dogs have a terrible short-term memory and will forget an event in two minutes. Instead, take him straight outside and reward him with a treat and lots of praise if he finishes off his business. Use Potty Pads as a Temporary Indoor Alternative Potty pads can be handy in extended periods of bad weather or if you live in a high-rise apartment and it takes longer to get outside. They can also be useful when traveling. This is when your Labrador gets so excited he will pee a small amount. It may happen when a family member or friend visits. To prevent this, allow your dog to eliminate before a visitor arrives and ensure visitors make their entrance low-key with no fuss, even ignoring the pup for a few minutes. Dogs will usually grow out of excitement pee by 18 months of age. Be Aware of Submissive Urination This is also common, but your puppy will outgrow it. It occurs when your Labrador wants to show submissive status to a person or another animal. He may squat and urinate during specific situations. To prevent it, avoid yelling and physical punishment, appear less intimidating when approaching, kneel down, and stroke under his chin instead of the top of his head. At first, keep his sleeping area small and then gradually increase the size slowly and methodically. Remove the divider in the crate or make the playpen area larger if you arent using a crate. You can use a crate to your advantage as it helps your pup develop quicker bowel and bladder control. To potty train a Lab puppy with a crate, use the crate as a tool. When the door is closed, your Lab will let you know he needs to eliminate by whining or scratching. He will learn self-control quicker. Crates are great when you cannot fully supervise your puppy and are an ideal way to control his environment. However, you still need to keep a close eye on him and spot the signs when he needs to go. Make it smaller using a divider. He will be less likely to eliminate in a smaller sleeping area. Check out my recommendations for the Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens , including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Just be aware that it will probably take a little longer. Use dog gates to section off an area of the house. When away from his confinement, tether your pup to you with a long leash and establish a strict potty break schedule. If you choose dog gates, there are many styles you can choose to match your decor and configure how you like. This area should contain training pads or newspapers. Potty Training Puppies Between Months Old Most puppies are around eight weeks old when they leave their mother and littermates, but occasionally your pup may be a little older when you first bring him home. You may wonder how to potty train an older puppy and whether you should do anything different. Generally speaking, you should follow the same principles as training an 8-week-old Lab. However, a more mature puppy should be able to grasp housebreaking quicker. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly.
So Many Easy Ways to Give! Amazon doesn't have an app. Use their website on your phone. It's just as easily or use the app to fill your cart, but don't check out. Check out using the SmileAmazon website. Your items are still there. It's easy! Every purchase helps our Labs. You shop, Amazon gives! We were there but now we need your help. Will you skip Starbucks for a week or dinner out? Valley Glen, CA Thank you for giving these dogs a voice. IndiLab was there for Tillman. Will you be too? We didn't let that happen. Multiple surgeries, time to heal between, foster willing to take a petrified medical case, stress impeding healing, and special needs adopters to take him home. See our breakdown below his photos.They don't need it, the dogs do. Petal was used to breed puppies for profit. When she prolapsed she wasn't wanted anymore. IndiLab was there for Petal. Petal spend her entire life in a cage on dirt surrounded by plywood. She never had love, played on grass, went in a house, slept in a dog bed, or was pet She was isolated and depressed. When she prolapsed her owner took her to be killed. By the grace of God, Petal found compassion in the very person hired to euthanize her. We were contacted and we rushed to take her in. Petal has been spayed and her first surgery to fix her prolapse completed. But this is what rescue is all about for our breed. We will do whatever is necesarry to give this beautiful, darling, and sweet love a chance she never had. As sad as it is, the day we found her was her luckiest day because her new life began. Petal will be seeing a new specialist as we continue to attempt to shrink her prolapse in preparation for yet another surgery. Meanwhile she is being lovingly cared for by the most special foster mom who is keeping her immaculate and keeping her prolapse sterile, covered, and moisened with a special veterinary application. This poor female Lab was dumped at in Inland shelter to die covered in mange and filth. They would not even do a skin scrape or treat her at all. She was slated for euthanasia instead of doing anything to ease her suffering. IndiLab was there for Sunday. Sunday is a beautiful girl with the sweetest disposition. She requires bloodwork, a skin scrape, a skin analysis, a thyroid test, a urinalysis, antibiotics, skin treatments, hollistic treatment and finally she will need her spay, vaccines, and microchip once she is well enought. We will boast her immune system in tandem with her medical treatment. She will be given regular medicated baths along with her other treatments to ease her red and swollen skin and itchyness. They would not even make her a rescue only dog!!!! Anything helps. Skip a coffee or movie or dinner. Or give more and be her sponsor. Our adoption donations only cover so much of the cost of medical for our dogs. Only donations can do that. Will you help? Ribbons had her entropion surgery at Agoura Animal Hospital with Dr. She is pain free for the first time since she has been born. Ribbons: 9-year-old senior Labrador with Entropion eyes Ribbons needs our urgent help! After 9 years, this sweet confused senior Labrador was dumped at a high kill Socal shelter to die when Indi Lab Rescue discovered her laying on a cold concrete floor of her kennel. Her family didn't want her anymore. Not only was she no longer wanted, Ribbons has suffered her entire life since birth with an entropion eye causing severe infection and pain and no one caring enough to ease her suffering. At 9 years of age, this Labrador angel deserves a chance to be pain free and treasured. Won't you help us to help Ribbons? Indi Lab Rescue is seeking donations to assist us in correction of her entropion eye. Your gift will mean the world to this sweet girl. Ribbons is fostered in Santa Barbara and will be available for adoption to a loving home once she has healed. When you donate to help our orphaned retrievers, you help save lives! Adoption fees never cover the cost of rescuing a dog. We can only do our good work with help from you. We supply the the foster homes, the driving, the housebreaking, the nuturning, and all the work. You can help too by contributing to help us with medical expenses, pull fees and other costs! Any little bit helps! Your donation is tax deductible and means so much! Even though we are growing and strong we remind our adopting families that we are a Non Profit - Grassroots - Volunteer run Organization. We adopt to patient, kind and respectful families who understand we are Volunteers. Matching families with appropriate dogs is our priority and we do not operate by first come first adopt. We rescue for need not for breed and search out those who without our help have no chance of getting adopted from shelters. This year alone over dogs in our care will get needed surgery, life-saving treatment, or other major medical care. We take in hundreds of pregnant moms who will be able to deliver their puppies in the safety of a home and loving arms. All our dogs and puppies are spayed or neutered prior to being adopted. We cannot save them all but we will save all we can with the help of the generous support of people like YOU! Let's get started by completing our online adoption application. Step 1 -Click the "Adoption Application" link on the right sidebar and tell us about you and your family. Once we receive your application, you will receive a confirmation email followed by an information email. Within the next days an Adoption Coach will reach out to you via phone, text or email. Be sure to get back to us so we can keep your application rolling! The Adoption Coach will review what you are looking for in your new Dog or Puppy to make sure we are aligned. Our goal is to guide you about what to expect when you adopt. We provide you information about the dog or puppy you are interested in adopting. Our goal is to prepare you for dog ownership. Step 2-You are approved to adopt! Through this next step we will work together guiding you toward meeting the dogs that meet your most import requirements. Please understand that sometimes a dog just might not be right for you. Step 3 - You have many options to meeting the dogs of Labs and More Rescue. We have fun weekly Saturday option events, check out our website for details. At our Adoption Events you can meet many dogs at one time. We also do meets at Foster Homes where you can see the dog in a home setting. You can also meet puppies by appointment in foster homes. If you would like we can also do initial meets by Facetime! So many ways to find your new Dog with Labs and More! I We only adopt to nice, kind, dog loving people.You have met your new best friend and you are ready to adopt. If the foster family and the dog also agree then we will move forward with the adoption! Our goal is to not operate by first-come, first-served but to do what is best for you and the dog. Step 4-Signing the paperwork and making the adoption donation is the beginning of your journey with your new Dog. Your adoption donation is used to pay for the costs of rescuing and providing needed medical care and support for the dog you are adopting. Unfortunately this donation does not come close to covering all these costs. Please understand you are not buying a dog from us you are making a donation to continue this life-saving work. We can guarantee that YOU will incur additional medical costs and care for your newly adopted dog down the road, regardless of being a rescued dog or not. It costs much more than the adoption donation to save one dog so any future care is the responsibility of the adopting family. Once you sign the adoption agreement and make the donation.Have fun getting new stuff for your new dog! You will receive documentation post adoption regarding the care that was provided for your newly adopted dog while with Labs and More Rescue. Promising to care and provide for your dog is the gift you can give to our Volunteers and Fosters who provided a safe place while looking for YOU! Thank you for Rescuing a dog that without YOU would be left behind. For more information go to labsandmore.
In the near future, they intend to expand their uncommon color breeding program to include panda Pugs. Blue Ridge puppies have a four-week return policy and a one-year genetic health guarantee. Puppies also get two wormings and their first puppy immunizations. These pug puppies come with documentation. These puppies are not placed in their new homes until they are eight weeks old. They do not register these pups, but you will be given photos of the parents or the parents will be there to meet you. Visitors are invited to come tour this facility. Visit the Blue Ridge Pugs website to learn more about their breeding parent Pugs which are absolutely adorable and view a gallery of happy adoptees. Tips for Bringing a Pug Puppy Home from a Breeder Breeders seldom provide pups to purchasers when they meet for the first time. In most cases, your breeder will give over the puppy to you within 12 weeks or fewer. You must prepare yourself and your household for the arrival of a new family member during this period. Consider what your pug might require at home. One of the first things you should do is consider what your pug will require at home and get these items before it comes. The following are some of the items your pug will require: Sleep and train in a crate Dog meal of high quality Walking and identification with a leash and harness In case you require medical advice, prepare a contact information for a veterinarian. Toys for your pug to enjoy during his free time Baby gates are available as an option to safeguard your child from falling down the stairs. Because pugs have a hard time breathing, a harness rather than a collar is the ideal option. Popular or well-known breeders would most likely command greater prices. Of course, the type of pug you desire will always be a factor. Vet appointments, check-ups, food, toys, beddings, and other essentials for your dog are all expenditures to consider. Final Words… Finding the ideal Pug breed will never be a chore; with just the proper amount of attractiveness from your future Pug, finding it in no time is as simple as clicking a button. Many Pugs both young and old are in desperate need of a loving home, and adopting one may be a wonderful way to rescue a life. We are overjoyed that you have picked us to assist you in finding your ideal puppy. As a result, we are certain that we were able to assist you in locating the best pug breeders in Georgia. You may contact them via phone, website, or social media if you want to discover more about them. We wish you luck in your hunt for the ideal pug for you and your family. Read more if you need more details about raising pugs. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Email: pugbarn hotmail. They strive to breed and sell in a responsible way and always have the best interests of their dogs and customers at heart. Their goal has always been to provide the highest quality Pug puppies. The family continuously searches for the finest representations of each breed that they offer and strive towards the betterment of each breed. Father and daughter take careful measures to ensure that their Pugs get the best quality care. Breeding pairs are chosen so as to produce the finest quality puppies. A local veterinarian is always on hand to make sure each dog receives the best care. As such, all dogs come with state-required inoculations, heartworm and flea treatments, first shots, and deworming. A lot of research has gone into this breeding program and Simply Southern has now perfected some designed cross breeds as well. They base their business on honesty, integrity, and ethical practices. The safety and wellbeing of the animals always come first. The kennel is keen to offer comprehensive support to new owners and welcome inquiries. Their goal is to send puppies to wonderful, loving homes. All pups are loved from day one and enjoy the freedom to play with the family in their living room. Potty training starts at three weeks to make the transition into their forever homes as smooth as possible. MPABT pups are dewormed and vet checked at six weeks of age when they get a complete medical exam. Fancy a visit? No problem. The family welcomes visitors by arrangement. They even have plans to add a puppy room to their home for visitors. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Welcome to the Georgia state page on TrustedPuppies. Situated in the southeastern region of the United States, Georgia is renowned for its warm climate, picturesque landscapes, and an abundance of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Pug breeders and puppies for sale in the area, ensuring you find the perfect companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Georgia breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Delve into the lively dog-friendly scene in Georgia, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and exciting dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Atlanta Kennel Club Dog Show and the Savannah Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Pug canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With approximately 2. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Pug breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Georgia. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Pug puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Pug puppy on TrustedPuppies. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? Pugs are one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. Their small size, docile nature, and low energy levels allow them to thrive in all kinds of small homes. However, you must remember that Pugs gain weight quickly and need some form of exercise to stay healthy. Will I only meet local breeders? The breeders we work will happily arrange safe and secure travel for your new puppy -- you just need to pick them up at a major airport near you. How do you screen Pug breeders in Atlanta? Our screening process was created to prevent puppy mills and backyard breeders from participating in our network. All breeders and businesses who wish to join us are evaluated by our team, who takes a close look at their experiences, practices, and facilities to ensure that they can uphold the standards started in our Breeder Pledge. How much am I expected to spend for a Pug puppy? For instance, a rare brindle Pug for sale Atlanta will fetch a higher price than other Pugs for sale Atlanta. Why is searching through Uptown Puppies different from finding a dog online? Our goal is to make it easy for people who are looking for Atlanta Pugs for sale find reputable breeders who raise their dogs with love and care. Why are puppy mills so terrible? This results in litters that run a high risk of inheriting debilitating health conditions. People who buy from mills often regret their decision after spending thousands at the vet or after their beloved dog dies tragically young. Are there any mixed Pug puppies available in my city? Pug mixes are just as adorable -- if not more! On top of the list is the Puggle, a cross between a Pug and a Beagle. We can also help you find rare Pug puppies in Atlanta. What kind of dog is a Pug? Pugs are a toy breed that first came into existence in China. Pugs are characterized by its small but stocky built, wrinkled flat faces, and the soft rolls on its neck. They are gentle, amiable, and affectionate dogs. What are some of the health issues common to Pugs? Pugs often reach the age of years. They are prone to specific health issues like Pug Dog Encephalitis, hip dysplasia, and obesity. However, these are not huge concerns especially if your dog came from a reputable breeder. Proper breeding greatly reduces the likelihood of these issues developing in Pugs. Are Pugs low-shedding? Pugs may have a short coat but they do shed! Brushing also keeps shedding under control.
Crate training will have many benefits for your bulldog, including protecting him from household hazards and reducing his separation anxiety. It should be either 24 x 30 inches 61 x 76 cm or 24 x 36 inches 61 x 91 cm for a French bulldog, and either 42 x 30 inches x 76 cm or 42 x 36 inches x 91 cm for an American bulldog. This will allow you to increase the crate space as your puppy grows into an adult. The crate should be a place of safety and comfort for your bulldog. Place his favorite blanket and toys in the crate. You can also place a quilt or sheet over the crate to make it feel like a cozy den. A bowl would preferable, since he wouldn't be able to pull it out of the crate very easily. Leave the door open during the early stages of crate training so he can explore the crate at his leisure. Once your bulldog is comfortable entering the crate on his own, work on closing its door behind him. Start with closing the door for only a few seconds and then letting him out. If he starts whining or crying, wait until he calms down before opening the door. When he can handle a few seconds, close the door, leave the room, and return after random lengths of time e. Remember that puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, so you should not leave your puppy bulldog in the crate for long time periods. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source When you are home, spend time with your bulldog while he is in the crate. Bulldogs are friendly and sociable dogs; interacting with your bulldog will keep him from getting lonely. Always remember that the crate is a place of safety and comfort, not punishment. Your bulldog should always have a positive association with the crate. Easy Bulldog Training Step-by-Step Guide Bulldog training may seem daunting when you first get that adorable puppy, that is why this guide will break down the process in simple and easy to follow steps. The secret to a well-behaved bulldog is to start with training as early as you adopt him. Early training helps the puppy better develop his brain and habits potty training, leash training, socialization and more! Bulldogs as pets are a great choice because they are a happy and relaxed breed. This was a cruel sport that was, fortunately, banned almost years ago. The breed retains its strength but has become a calm and amusing breed. I have personally worked with many bulldogs and non of them were stubborn at all. The stubbornness of a dog comes from not understanding its owner. The training methods outlined below will help you communicate with your bulldog successfully! As you train, keep an eye for some common British bulldog health problems like respiratory problems, overheating and skin allergies. Bulldog training can be fun and easy! Bulldog Puppy Socialization Socialization is the single most important exercise you need to do with your puppy and you have only a few months to work on it. It involves showing your puppy the world he will be living in and making positive associations with the things, animals and people in it. Every single new event, person, animal, object or sound your puppy encounters should be followed by a treat. This will make every association positive and you puppy will learn no to be fearful of new things. Learn more about socialization exercises for your bulldog puppy dog. Bulldog Potty Training Probably the second most important task is to teach your bulldog puppy to potty in one place or outside. Puppies are very smart and can learn simple things very easily. Potty training requires patience and perseverance. The main idea is to create a schedule or habit for your puppy to follow. A bulldog puppy can hold his bladder 1 hour for every month of life tops! If he has accidents, simply clean them up with an enzymatic cleaner and move on, do not punish your bulldog. Learn more about potty training schedules and techniques to teach your bulldog to potty outside in as little as one week! Teaching your bulldog puppy to moderate his biting Puppies are curious creatures and they like to explore the world with their mouth! This means that your puppy may want to bite your hands, shoes, pants, couch, table legs and even walls! There are two important things to teach your puppy about mouthing: To bite gently without hurting you , To chew only his own toys. Crate training your bulldog puppy can also help prevent home destruction and teach your puppy that the only things available for biting are his own dog toys. They are smart dogs that can learn as much as any other dog breed. Follow these steps to teach your bulldog the basics of obedience training. Positive Bulldog Training Positive bulldog training is about rewarding your dog for doing something right and ignoring your dog when he does something wrong. Positive training also involves actively teaching your pooch the things you would like him to do instead of expecting him to know on his own. There are two training methods that are very useful to teach your furry friend obedience: luring and capturing. That is why punishing or rewarding a dog for something he did in the past does not work. To help with timing, dog trainers use a marker word or a clicker. A marker word is used to mark the moment the animal did something correct and it is followed by a treat. The use of the word helps you have better timing, which in turn helps your bulldog understand what you are rewarding for faster. To teach your pooch the meaning of a marker word, all you need to do is say it and follow with the delivery of a treat. Good boy! Practice repetitions, 2 to 3 times a day and you will notice that your pooch will start responding when he hears that magic word! Bulldog training STEP 2: Teaching your bulldog its name One of the most important things to teach your bulldog is its name. This is always neglected, you name your bulldog, then assume he will understand that is they way you call him. Unfortunately, this is not true and recognizing its name is one of the most important things a dog should know. If your puppy doesn't look at you when you call him, how is he going to do what you ask? Teaching a dog its name is super easy, here are the steps: Say your bulldog's name As soon as he looks at you, say your marker word or click! Immediately afterwards, give him a treat! Repeat many times and in different places and situations. Bulldog training STEP 3: Teaching your bulldog basic obedience commands Now comes the fun part, training your bulldog to respond to basic commands. Home » Puppy Training for the first 8 weeks home Puppy Training for the first 8 weeks home Training for puppy for your first 8 weeks home Olde English bulldogs are affectionate, friendly, courageous and intelligent. However, there is one trait that bulldogs also tend to exhibit — bullheadedness. They can be incredibly stubborn, which makes training them somewhat difficult. Purchase a crate. Some people think a crate represents incarceration, but a responsible dog owner knows that a comfy crate is a haven for his or her bulldog. If there is a lot of activity in your home, your bulldog will appreciate having a place to get away from it all. Because dogs of all breeds dislike soiling the areas they sleep in, a crate can be an invaluable tool when it comes to house-training. Buy a crate the just fits the puppy as he grows. If the crate is too big the puppy will soil an area at the opposite end of the crate from his sleeping spot. Crate Olde English bulldog puppies when you must leave them on their own. No dog should be left in a crate indefinitely. Remember this is a tool, not a prison. Bulldogs are smart and, again, stubborn. Schedule meal times to prevent accidents. English bulldogs love food and will eat until they get sick if not carefully watched. Fill a bowl with high-quality puppy food using the feeding chart on the puppy food bag to measure the correct amount by weight I recommend Canida and allow the puppies to eat for 10 minutes twice daily. If there is any food left in the bowl, save it for the next feeding. Take your English bulldog puppies outside for plenty of potty breaks. English bulldogs have small bladders and should go out every hour initially, working up to every few hours. Generally speaking, a pup should be able to hold it for one hour longer than its age in months. Take your English bulldog baby outside after naps and meals, as well, to prevent accidents in the house. Praise each puppy heartily after it has gone potty and offer a small treat as a reward. Bathe puppies at least biweekly using a mild antibacterial antifungal shampoo to cut down on dirt and grime in their skin folds, and dry thoroughly, including spaces in between wrinkles. Wrinkle cleaning is recommended twice a week for Olde English Bulldog puppies. Teach your puppies to walk calmly on a leash. English bulldog puppies can be stubborn, but a leash will help guide the puppies and keep them under control. Let the puppies drag the leashes around to get used to the feeling of something behind them. Once they stop paying attention to the leash, pick it up and follow the puppy. Walk backwards a few steps, tempting the puppy with the treat. Train each puppy in basic obedience commands once it is acclimated to the leash. When you interact with your puppy, you want to: Use a firm — but not angry — tone of voice. Reward with praise, toys or treats. Be consistent. Inconsistent training is poor training. Expect accidents and mistakes at first. Your puppy is like a toddler just learning how to walk. Most vet clinics and pet supply stores offer puppy training classes for the whole family. I strongly encourage all new puppy owners to attend. Its great socialization and gets the whole family on board with the training. About Us As the premier breeder of Olde English Bulldogges in the Southeast, we love providing families and individuals of all ages with healthy, happy puppies from this amazing breed. Contact Us How to house train a English bulldog puppy the right way The easiest way to go about house training your new bulldog puppy is by utilizing a crate. Dogs are and always have been den and pack animals, they naturally and instinctively prefer the shelter of a den. Therefore most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crate, which is why it is such an invaluable tool for housebreaking. The first thing to understand, though, is the need for repetition and consistency. Begin by purchasing the appropriate size crate. Think den not condo! It should be small with just enough room for your bulldog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It is not an exercise pen. The use of too large a crate will encourage your bulldog puppy to use a small portion of it for a bed and the rest of it as a place to potty. We use the Midwest Life Stages crates. Leave the crate door open and allow your bulldog puppy to come and go as he pleases. Keep his favorite treats handy that you only use for the crate. It gives the puppy a nice reason to go in and creates a positive experience. At mealtimes, feed your bulldog in the crate with the door closed. At night, just before bedtime take your bulldog puppy out to potty. Put your puppy in his crate and shut the door. For the first 3 nights set your alarm for 3 hours. Set him down and wait. When he goes potty, praise him and put him back in his crate. Set your alarm for 3 more hours and repeat. After three days, if it has been successful and there have been no accidents, move to 4-hour intervals. After three more nights, you have hopefully taught your puppy that you will be there to take him outside when he has to go. If there have been no accidents you can then start going to bed and waiting until your puppy wakes you up to potty. It is important to respond and take him out immediately if he wakes during the night. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, immediately take your puppy out. By house time, I mean freedom to move about but always in the same room as you so that you can keep a constant eye on him. We use baby gates to block off access to other rooms. During the day repeat the above process and continue to take the puppy out every hour. If he does not do his business put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. NEVER let a bulldog puppy in training out of your site. Use the crate as you would a playpen for a human child. Even if you leave the room for a minute, either take the puppy with you or put him in the crate. If you turn your back for 60 seconds and your puppy has an accident, then you messed up and made a mistake and have missed the opportunity to make a correction and teach the puppy. Do not rub his nose in it and do not use any physical correction! When he goes outside give him lots of praise. Use an odor neutralizer. When an accident occurs it is important to completely remove the odor, otherwise your puppy will gravitate back to the area to relieve himself again. You can buy the neutralizers from most any pet store. Do not use household cleaners, most contain ammonia which will attract him back to the same spot. A Few Tips to Help You Succeed Puppies will need to go potty first thing in the morning, after every meal, as soon as they wake up from naps and just before bedtime. A few hours before bedtime take up his water, this will help buy you a litter more time between potty breaks at night. If you see him smelling a particular spot or circling around, pick him up and take him outside. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals. Puppies may not initially like the crate. Some will cry, whine, bark and drive you crazy the first couple of days. Doing so will teach your puppy that if he barks or whines long enough he will get rewarded and this will only encourage the behavior. Training an English bulldog puppy takes time, consistency and patience. Dogs function best with structure, routine, and clear expectations. Share this post. Image used with permission by copyright holder How long does it take to potty train an English bulldog? Training an English bulldog to obey any command takes time and effort. Just like some human children learn new skills quickly, some dogs pick up new commands with ease. On the flip side, some dogs — like some children — require a bit more time before they master a new ability. A housebroken puppy makes for a clean, happy home When your bulldog puppy reaches the 12 to 16 week mark , you can begin potty training in earnest. It takes approximately four to six months to completely potty train a bulldog puppy, though the process may last a shorter — or longer — duration depending on your dog. Simple training sessions, such as teaching your fur baby not to chew on your shoes or engage in aggressive play, can begin around the 12 to week mark. Image used with permission by copyright holder How do I discipline my English bulldog puppy? Disciplining your puppy can be difficult. What they do know is that their pet parent is frightening them , which can actually lead them to misbehave more often than they already do. So, how should you discipline your puppy? If that fails, redirect his attention using a noise device like a shake can. Some puppies become anxious in response to loud noises. If your dog is one of them, discontinue your use of the shake can and switch to an alternative method, such as distracting your pup from chewing on your shoes with a pet-safe chew toy. Image used with permission by copyright holder Training any dog requires consistency, time, and effort. Even notoriously stubborn breeds like English bulldogs respond to firm rules, a strict schedule, and being rewarded with lots of praise and affection. Bulldogs are more likely to be deaf than other breeds, so you may need to teach him using hand signals. Editors' Recommendations.
life with labradors puppies - You know your German Shepherd is one of the smartest breeds. You know they can listen to you when they want, but… Sometimes they become distracted or just downright ignore you. But, there are many reasons why. The first thing you need to remember is you need to be able to communicate effectively with your dog. This is the number one way to practice proper listening skills and obedience. Your dog will often learn to simply tune you out if you persist in poor communication skills. Maybe you call their name over and over… And you keep calling their name and expect them to come. Instead, call their name and try luring them with a tasty treat, toy, or even by slapping your leg. Or, go to them and get their attention with the toy or treat. German Shepherds are adept at reading body language and are more prone to listen when you have a reward at hand. This is where using positive reinforcement comes in! Using Positive Reinforcement Play, praise, and food treats are all positive rewards. Positive reinforcement teaches your dog that good behavior, such as listening to you and paying attention, get them good things. Like a squeaky toy you play with them or even a tasty bit of chicken. These types of punishment cause your dog stress and will prevent you from training them effectively. If your training becomes so stressful you want to hurt your dog, step away from your training and call a dog trainer in to help you. Teaching your GSD to listen to you can begin at any age — from a rambunctious puppy to an aging senior. German shepherds are intelligent dogs and are willing to work with the right motivation and rewards. Learn What Motivates Your German Shepherd to Pay Attention In order to have the most effective communication with your dog, begin by finding out what motivates your dog. But it can also be another thing they find rewarding, like a favorite toy such as a ball or tug rope. Most importantly, make sure these rewards are high in value to them. This means your dog would practically sell his soul to get them! Only use them for training your dog to listen. The same goes for the treats. Make these treats so special that your dog knows you mean business when you get them out for your training. What are good rewards for a German Shepherd? Always keep a stash of motivational rewards on hand for your training to motivate your dog to listen to you and pay attention. Your dog is sure to love one of these healthy, highly scented training treats for German Shepherds. Or even praise through your words and pets. And always be sure to account for the extra calories your dog eats during training so you can reduce their regular meals a bit. Capture Their Attention Another dog training technique to get their attention is using the capture method to train your German Shepherd to listen. Use these techniques to get a German Shepherd to pay attention to you. STEP 1 Keep your special reward treat in your pocket or a treat pouch so they are quick to offer. Now, watch what your dog is doing around the house on its normal day. STEP 2 This method is all about catching your dog at the exact moment when their focus is on you. STEP 3 When they turn to look at you, use a verbal command when you see the behavior to mark it. .STEP 4 Reward right away after the verbal command when they are looking at you. This teaches them to look back to you whenever the cue word is used. STEP 5 Catching when your dog looks at you requires ninja-like reflexes, as they look quickly and you must time your cue word to their looking at you. Quickly mark the behavior with your verbal command and immediately reward them. Over time, your dog should respond to the cue word to look at you and listen. Train Them to Focus on You Training your German Shepherd to focus on you takes a bit of patience, but pays off in the end. Follow these steps to train them to focus on you. STEP 1 Pick a special, high-value treat and start in a quiet area of your home. STEP 2 Hold the treat where your German shepherd can see it in your hand, but out of reach of your dog. They will probably only look at your eyes for a split second at first, so be prepared to say your command cue exactly as they look at your eyes. STEP 5 Reward your dog with the treat as soon as they look at you. STEP 6 Repeat this scenario a few times a day, always with their super special treat in hand. Work up to your German Shepherd looking into your eyes in increasing times, such as 2-seconds, then 3-seconds, and so on in order for them to earn their reward. This approach is from a renowned animal behaviorist, Kathy Sdao , explained in her book Plenty in Life is Free. STEP 1 Gather 50 very small pieces of training treat at the beginning of each morning. Make sure they are healthy and broken into very tiny pieces since you have so many and keep them in your pocket or a treat bag. STEP 2 Watch for times during the day when your dog is behaving appropriately. This is the core of the program. STEP 5 Continue to look for good behaviors you want your dog to repeat throughout the day. Work through the 50 tiny treats. And, even if they do you might prefer to use a toy instead of a food motivator occasionally to keep training interesting and fun for both you and your dog. STEP 1 Pick a toy that is only used for this special training game so they focus on your cues more easily. Some toys that your dog may love are toys that squeak, crinkle, make noises of other kinds, or smells interesting. STEP 2 Now, act energetically by jumping up and down, making unique noises, or slapping your hand against your leg. STEP 3 As your dog looks to you, begin to run away. German Shepherds have a high prey drive and love to chase. So, running in the opposite direction convinces your GSD to chase after you, especially if you have their favorite toy in your hand. STEP 4 Now, reward your dog with their special toy when they catch up to you. Toss their toy for them and enjoy a bit of playtime with them. Keep the energy upbeat and positive. The playtime with the toy is the reward instead of a food treat and encourages your dog to stay near you. STEP 5 Continue to play the catch-reward-play game throughout the day. Your German Shepherd will begin to form the habit of paying attention to you when you are consistent in your training and in your rewards. Use these techniques to get your German Shepherd to listen to you in different situations and places. STEP 1 When working on new commands begin indoors in a quiet, distraction-free area — like a bedroom. Try a kitchen or living area when the TV is on. STEP 3 Now add in more distractions. Have your family or friends around while you ask your dog to perform the command. For example, move back to the quiet bedroom if the TV on in the living room distracts them. STEP 5 Once your German Shepherd has mastered listening to you indoors, begin training in your backyard or front yard Make sure your dog is on a long line for safety and easy recall. Whether you have a puppy or an adult, you can train your German Shepherd to listen to you with the right steps. With highly intelligent dogs like the German Sheperd, remember they can sometimes become bored or turn their attention to something else entirely as they lose interest in you. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you How to get your German Shepherd to listen to you There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to start paying attention to you that I will mention below. Exercise The first thing that you can do is to give it lots of exercise and attention. An easy way to give your German Shepherd lots of exercise is to teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to get your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time frame. Training If you want your German Shepherd to listen to you then it will be necessary for you to give it lots of training. One training exercise that you will need to do is to teach it to stay while being distracted. To do this you will first need to teach it to sit. Repeat that process each time increasing the duration that you require it to keep its focus on you. Start by just showing it the toy and then gradually make it harder for it to lose focus by rolling and waving the toy around. By exercising it you will be able to make it less hyperactive and more responsive to you. Related questions Why does my German Shepherd not listen to me outside? To deal with this you should train it in a variety of situations. Watch the above video to see how. Why does my German Shepherd not listen to me on walks? If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement, also known as rewards-based training, implies giving a reward to increase the frequency of the response. Rewards can be: Treats. Choose healthy treats, pieces of kibble, or tiny pieces of meat. Physical attention. You can pet behind the ears or give a hug. Verbal praise. Give your GSD his favorite toy that you save for rewards. Rewarding your German Shepherd for good behavior is an underrated tool in your dog-training arsenal. It is simple yet incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, it is also often ignored. If you scold him, he might feel content for having received your attention. This speaks to the importance of patience; the more patient you are, the more your German Shepherd values positive attention. When you bestow it upon him during his calmer episodes, he starts recreating the setting. You will notice him sitting in the same place where you patted him or held a similar position. It might be tempting to pet him then, but you have to be patient, or you will confuse the dog. Wait until he mimics the actual calmness you want to reward, then use reinforcement by giving him attention, affection, and treats. Increase Socialization If you have previously delayed socializing your German Shepherd, the chances are that the lack of socialization is a key contributor to his disobedience. You should socialize a German Shepherd at 8 weeks old, which is usually when you bring your puppy home. Your breeder would have already begun early socialization from 3 weeks, so you should now continue the process of exposing your pup to a range of sights, smells, sounds, and interactions with people and other dogs. No matter whether your doggo is a pup or an adult, increasing socialization will set your German Shepherd on the right path to becoming a confident, friendly and obedient dog. I have a great article on how to socialize a German Shepherd from pup to adult. This details easy ways to go about this and includes how to socialize an older dog or even an aggressive German Shepherd. When your German Shepherd has pent-up energy, he might not be in the state to receive commands. By sufficiently draining this excess energy safely and productively, you can make your German Shepherd more receptive and less stubborn. In this state, you can reinforce restraint-centric anchors. That said, you must not wait until the dog is in his most agitated state before you take him out, as that would associate acting up with freedom, and he will almost always act out to be taken for walks or playtimes. Instead, prevent it in the first place. If you have a young pup and need some ideas, you can check out this article, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and adults need at least hours of daily exercise. In addition to essential exercise for your German Shepherds to stay obedient, he also needs to be mentally stimulated, which brings me to the next solution. Provide Varied Mentally Stimulating and Fun Games We have to remember the original purpose of the German Shepherd, which was to herd and protect livestock. Although rarely used in this capacity nowadays, the genetic working trait remains with the breed. They need a job to do and thrive off pleasing their owner, which is why they are used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs today. Every evening around 8 pm, my German Shepherd will sit in front of me and give me the stare! I love this toy, and dogs enjoy finding the treats in the puzzle toy, which keeps them busy for ages. This best-seller gets a crazy amount of good reviews and is widely recommended by almost 60, dog lovers, so it must have something about it. Increase Training Sessions Similar to socialization, if you have previously delayed training your German Shepherd or if training is incomplete, the chances are that the lack of training is a pivotal contributor to his disobedience. Not only does your German Shepherd need to learn that he should listen to you, but he must also find out what listening to you entails. While the best time to start training your GSD is at 8 weeks old , the next best time is now. This will keep your dog continually focused and interested. Your German Shepherd must also learn his position. This entails going back to training in a distraction-free setting. He might not intend to ignore you deliberately, so this is where you need to get him to focus his attention on you. Manage the environment when progressing outside. Start off with not too many distractions. Use high level treats when outside. Check out this excellent video on how to train a German Shepherd with distractions. This gorgeous pup is only 5 months old and is learning to focus on the trainer in a controlled outside environment. Chewing has several functions, including providing pain relief for teething pups, keeping teeth clean and jaws strong in older dogs, and relieving boredom. Dogs just enjoy chewing. But what if the chewing becomes destructive? Providing your dog with a chewing outlet, such as various interesting chew toys, will stop many German Shepherd behavior problems. The happier your doggo is, the less stubborn he will be when it comes to obeying you. Choose something like the KONG variety of chew toys. Follow a Training and Feeding Schedule Having a schedule provides structure and discipline and teaches your pup that you are the leader. Your German Shepherd will soon pick things up and catch up. You should also stick to a feeding schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit, and providing meals at expected times means listening and obeying you when you call them to eat. German Shepherds are prone to sensitive stomachs, and many are not food motivated, unlike the Labrador. Having a feeding schedule also prevents your German Shepherd from becoming a fussy eater. It might be that he wants that extra treat or wants to climb on the couch. So now the tide is turned. Instead of your dog ignoring you, you now ignore your dog. Never bow down pardon the pun to any form of demanding behavior, especially demand barking. This will only teach your best friend that he gets what he wants when he barks for something. Instead, ignore the demand barking, and at the precise moment he becomes quiet, quickly reward him with a treat. That way, he will soon learn that when he stops barking at you, nice things will happen. The trick here is in the timing. Use Brief and Effective Time-Outs When training a stubborn German Shepherd, one of the most crucial steps is teaching your dog to accept time-outs. Rewarding your doggo with treats is easy; it is in discipline or punishment where most people mess up. You need to teach your German Shepherd to follow your commands — or ground himself. So, what do I mean by a time-out? A time-out is a type of negative punishment in which we deprive the dog of what they enjoy, in this case, social engagement. Use an area of the house, a room with a dog gate, or an exercise pen for young pups. Time-outs should be around 60 seconds for young puppies to minutes for older dogs. Use the time-out at the moment of the stubborn behavior, not after. But not only does regular brushing help to control and reduce shedding , but it also helps to increase bonding between you and your pet. Most dogs enjoy being the center of attention. Brushing is relaxing and beneficial to the skin and hair. Your German Shepherd will also learn that it is acceptable to handle his body and feet, and you will develop trust with your canine buddy as a result. This has the everlasting effect of reducing his stubbornness when you need to clip his nails or he needs to be handled by the vet. Go here to find out the best grooming tools for German Shepherds and the ones I use. This will give you peace of mind that he will respond to you positively and help curb any bad habits. Often, inexperienced owners just need to be taught what to do. Attending obedience classes solves this knowledge gap and creates an opportunity to increase socialization, so you kill two birds with one stone. You can also enlist the help of a professional trainer as they will be experienced in training stubborn dogs and improving obedience. Key Takeaways German Shepherds are socially intelligent dogs. However, with delayed or insufficient training and a lack of guidance, they can become asocial and disobedient. Fortunately, with enough patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement training alongside increased exercise time and stimulation, any German Shepherd can be brought back into the socially acceptable circle of obedient dogs. Related Posts You May Like:.
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life with labradors puppies - 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. German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides. Feeding your German Shepherd with low-quality dog food will cause malnutrition and lead to overeating and health issues like poor skin, gastrointestinal issues, and osteoarthritis. That said, not all protein and fats are created equal. And so, do also consider the sources of such nutrients. Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age. That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. For evening meals, it would be best if you feed your German Shepherd a few hours before bedtime. Mealtime Length Finally, as much as possible, set about a maximum mealtime length of 15 minutes. That amount of time would be sufficient enough for your German Shepherd to eat its fill and will help prevent your dog from becoming a picky eater. However, to get your puppy used to eating dry food, you would want to introduce dry food starting at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. To do so, soften up dry food by mixing it with milk replacer, and offer it to your puppy 3 to 4 times a day. As your puppy gets used to eating the food, gradually decrease the amount of milk replacer until the puppy eventually adapts to eating solid food. Your puppy should get used to eating dry and solid food by around 8 weeks of age. For a large breed like the German Shepherd, you should start transitioning into adult food starting at around 12 to 24 months old. Make sure to do this switch slowly over a one to two week period by mixing and gradually increasing the adult food with the puppy food to avoid or minimize gastric upset. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion. Therefore, to keep your senior German Shepherd in shape, you must consider a low-calorie, high-fiber, and moderate protein and fat diet. Usually, you can keep on feeding your senior dog with a decreased amount of its adult food or with specially formulated food for older dogs. But, considering older dogs may already have medical conditions that need to be addressed, your best bet would be to consult with a veterinarian to come up with the ideal diet for your senior German Shepherd. As a general guideline, do not provide your dog with supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. Water Aside from providing your German Shepherd with food, also always remember to give it enough water to hydrate. If possible, provide your German Shepherd free access to clean and fresh drinking water to prevent dehydration. And as always, if you find yourself needing help, you can always consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. 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.