medium labradoodle puppies virginia

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. When his previous owner recently died, this delightful 8 year young Puggle boy was relinquished to our shelter in order to find him a forever loving home. This cutie is a happy, social dog who will never fail to bring a smile to your face! He loves to cuddle with you, and really enjoys going for walks with his curly tail wagging! He does well with other dogs, but does not care for the company of cats or young children. DIAGO is looking forward to the red carpet treatment at your house. He is quiet, charming, and a true soft soul. Do not let this prince of a guy get away! We Thank You for your interest in the animals in our shelter, and hope you will visit with us very soon! Our shelter is happy to work with responsible rescues! We are conveniently located just 45 minutes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We will gladly provide you with easy directions to our facility upon request. September 14, , pm Small right facing arrow Search for a French Bulldog puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable French Bulldog puppies and adults French Bulldog in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

We live next door to beautiful woodland which our dogs love to romp around in. I breed authentic Australian Labradoodles and these magnificent dogs have become my passion. I am very lucky to have an understanding family who are happy to tolerate the occasional disruption that occurs with a litter of puppies. Australian Labradoodles are calm well behaved dogs that are easy to live with, which is a huge bonus as we are all now completely hooked on the breed! It is no surprise to us that the Australian Labradoodle is now recognised as one of the top ten favourite family dogs around the world. My goal is to produce puppies from the best breeding dogs. Doodle Hall dogs have been carefully selected for their beauty and temperament. Some of my dogs come from breeders who are amongst the best breeders in U. A and Canada. Doodle Hall dogs have all come from many generations of dogs that have been health tested to the the highest standards available to breeders. My breeding lines go all the way back to the original breeders in Australia namely Rutland Manor and Tegan Park. They are consistent in temperament, looks and have more allergy-friendly non shedding coats. You can see in our Gallery that all our dogs and puppies have the magnificent thick fleece coat and conformation that the Australian Labradoodle is renowned for. I do not breed many puppies but I am very proud of those I do produce. Our dogs are primarily our pets and are happy sound dogs that produce the same qualities in their puppies. Our dogs live with us in our home or in loving family homes with our friends. They all live as adored family members. This is where they reach their full potential as companion dogs, which is what Australian Labradoodles were bred for. They are extremely loyal and affectionate and are devoted to their owners. I believe that Australian Labradodles are not suited to a kennel environment. Our dogs and puppies are never exposed to a kennel environment. Doodle Hall puppies receive the ultimate care and plenty of cuddles from just a few days old. They benefit hugely from constant interaction and the best socialisation possible. I breed beautiful well adjusted puppies that mature into wonderful trainable dogs which make them perfect family pets. They possess a combination of calm intelligence, affection and playfulness. They will be as athletic as you want them to be whilst at the same time they also provide great companionship. Their intuitive nature makes them ideal companions for families with young children of all ages and abilities. They are simply the perfect companion! Our puppies are sold with pet contracts. We do not early spay or neuter, E. After much independent research and discussions with numerous vets, we believe that puppies need their hormones to grow, both physiologically and psychologically. We do not feel that E. Until quality research has been undertaken that proves that no harm is done, we will not carry out this procedure. We do support the spaying and neutering of dogs at a more mature age as this does have some proven health benefits. It is a stipulation within our legally binding Companion Pet Puppy Contract that all pet puppies are spayed or neutered by the age of ten months and proof of the procedure carried out is provided to Doodle Hall before the puppy reaches 12 months of age. As you can see much time, research and investment has been put into producing our high quality puppies and all the necessary health tests have been performed on our dogs prior to breeding. We feed our dogs a very high quality food called Gentle which assures that at Doodle Hall you can be confident that you are adopting a healthy happy puppy. All puppies are microchipped and sold under legally binding Companion Pet Contracts as pets only unless breeding rights have been purchased. To help them settle in their new homes puppies come with a blanket, comprehensive puppy care instructions, advice on crate training and simple grooming instructions. We hope that you enjoy browsing our site where you will find many pictures of our beautiful dogs and their offspring. Please phone me anytime if you want to talk dogs. My family did not anticipate having to search for a puppy; we unexpectedly lost our 16 year old Cockapoo in March. Pam, especially, made this process seamless. She answered emails within a few hours and answered ALL questions thoroughly unlike other breeders. She kept us updated when the puppies arrived and as they grew up. The amount of time and love that Green Mountain gives to each litter is incredible. The love and caring that Alex and Pam put into the raising of their pups is extraordinary! I highly recommend them and their doodles! Bentley is the best puppy I have ever met! Healthy and perfect size for our family. Pam does it right,returns emails and phone calls the same day. Goes out of her way to accommodate her forever home pet owners. Thank you for Copper! They are so loved and well cared for and it shows! As a new puppy owner you are also set up for success with all the information and support you are given. We are so happy with out new addition to our family! I would highly recommend Green Mountain Australian Labradoodles! A spiritual breeder with a big heart. Our puppies are born with love, and our support is forever. We bring these beautiful souls into the world, and their forever happiness is the most important thing of all. We pride ourselves on communication, support and friendship. Firstly let me introduce myself, My name is Michelle, and we are a small breeder with strong ethics and a big heart. My dogs really are my life. They are my companions, best friends and family. As you will discover with the breed, they are my entertainment too. Pippa, her daughter Florence and her grandaughter Merebelle live here with me and Winnie. Along with the heartwarming joy we feel when we meet their new families and see how they truly change lives. Read a handful of our reviews, and you will understand how special our Australian Labradoodles are and how passionate we are about supporting our families. Benson was my world. He was a fantastic companion who filled every day with love and laughter. Benson is the reason we breed these beautiful dogs. I wanted to share what I found in Benson with others. I built this website myself with the aim of giving you a window into the world of the Australian Labradoodle. It was imperative that our website was written from the heart rather than built by a business. All of our breeding dogs are much-loved pets who have their very own forever families. And we couldn't have it any other way. We never sell retired breeding dogs. When our dogs retire, they stay with their forever families. Our Guardian program works brilliantly. Why not pop onto our Guardian Page to find out more? We consider our pup's families our friends and are always at the end of a call or text to offer help and guidance. We create private pages for our litters, enabling their families to follow their pup's progress from birth to collection. These pages create great memories too. Imagine looking back in ten years time, seeing their first steps. We use these pages to upload photos and videos and share advice and links to help their families prepare for their arrival. In addition, we have an Essex-based Australian Labradoodle walking group where you can arrange your own group walks. Our pup's health and temperament are of the utmost importance to us. The health of the puppies starts with the health of both parents. All of our breeding dogs go through physical and DNA health screening. All of their health and breed authentication certificates are available to view on choosing day. There is no rush when you are here. Rather than tryig to see everyone in one day, we invite our families to spend time with the puppies over a week. I love sharing my knowledge about the breed, so please do not hesitate to call. The love and devotion the Australian labradoodle has for their human friends is simply amazing; indeed the Australian Labradoodle was bred to not only to be a companion but a trained therapy assistant dog. Through diligent breeding practices, keeping temperament the top priority, the breed have developed to become extremely smart, intuitive, loving, fun dogs. Australian Labradoodles have wonderful sense of humours. They live to make people smile. Australian Labradoodles love everyone and every thing. .They live their lives assuming and insisting that everyone and everything loves them back. They really do bring so much joy. Please take a moment to read through our reviews on the website and Facebook page. Our Australian Labradoodles really do change lives. Australian Labradoodles also make excellent performance and agility dogs. Therefore if you're looking to keep busy, be very easy to train and enjoy learning new things, the sky is the limit. Their unique connection to their human companions makes them yearn to be near their people and eager to please them. Take a look at the video below of our lovely Yogi, who is a therapy dog. He loves to visit all the people who need a little Yogi love. Our aim here at Churchills Australian Labradoodles is to breed healthy, happy puppies who are perfect family pets and assistance dogs, as well as one on one companions. You will see from our photo galleries that all our dogs have lovely soft fleece coats and great looks that the Australian Labradoodles are known for.

May 1 Jan 29, Coconut oil has been rapidly growing in popularity. Fed regularly to pets, coconut oil can have many health benefits -for their skin, digestive and immune systems; metabolic function; and even their bone and brain health! There are many healthful benefits to adding coconut oil to your Doodles's diet. The unrefined type has a taste that most dogs immediately love. As with any added fat to a diet, you will want to start slowly so your dog can properly absorb and process the oil and avoid diarrhea. Applied topically to the skin, coconut oil promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites, and stings. Coconut oil prevents and treats yeast infections, including candida. Its antiviral agents also help dogs recover quickly from kennel cough. Coconut oil reduces — and sometimes eliminates — doggy breath. Which makes sense, as dogs love the taste of coconut oil, and that makes the chore less arduous for brusher and brushee. Coconut oil helps prevent diabetes by regulating and balancing insulin. It also promotes normal thyroid function, and helps prevent infection and heart disease. Helping to reduce weight and increase energy, coconut oil also promotes mobility in dogs with arthritis and other joint issues. Let us know if you have given coconut oil to your Labradoodle of Long Island! On the other hand, some owners take a while to pick the perfect name. This important decision can prove to be difficult, because they want to make sure that it is the perfect name and that it fits their puppy well. The following are a few ideas for naming your Australian Labradoodle. Celebrity Names: Many people have favorite celebrities and role models that have affected their lives in some way or another. Favorite Food: Everybody loves food and has a personal connection to your favorites. This one might be a little out of left field but could be a cute fit for your new best friend. A name like Biscuit, Peaches, or T-Bone could be the perfect name for your furry pet. You still like the name but have nowhere to use it. Or maybe you have a grandparent or uncle who you look up to or who just happens to have a name you enjoy. Try it out on your Labradoodle puppy and see if it fits their look and personality. Names Based on Looks: There are many names that can be matched to your Labradoodle puppy based purely on their physical coloring or characteristics. Names such as Snowball, Charcoal, and Caramel describe the color of the puppy bearing them. Also, depending on where their coloring is or if it creates certain patterns, you may want to name them accordingly. For instance, a name like Bandit may suit a Larabadoodle with dark fur around their eyes. If they have random patches of color on their coat, a name like Patches may work nicely. Your Background: Names can blossom from a variety of places. For example, you can choose an important place or moment in your past. You could name your new pet the name of a town that you once lived, or even something that stands out to you from your culture or religion. For more helpful tips concerning your Labradoodle, visit the Texas Australian Labradoodles blog. All dogs need daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. Some owners may have acres of open space, while others live in close quarters in city apartments. No matter the environment, it is healthy for your dog to receive their daily dose of cardio. This will keep your labradoodle in good spirits and disease-free. Do all dogs need the same amount of exercise? The amount of physical activity a dog requires varies depending on its size, breed, energy level, and the environment in which it lives. Texas Australian Labradoodles recommends the average Labradoodle puppy should be taken out for a minimum of two quality walks every day. To minimize the development of unhealthy joints, it is best to keep exercise periods short and allow adequate rest periods between the exercise. Let your puppy decide when he is ready to resume the play. Implement a Daily Routine When setting up a daily routine, puppy owners must remember that young puppies require a lot of sleep, sometimes even up to hours a day. They need sleep to grow. It is not uncommon to have the puppy be playful for a few minutes and then be ready for a nap. Be observant and get to know your puppy as overstimulated puppies may exhibit disinterest in food and other troubling symptoms. As your puppy grows, the time spent napping will start to decrease and you can start adding incremental periods of time filled with play and interactive games. It is far easier to accomplish tasks and form productive habits if it is instilled in our routine. Swimming is another fun way for your labradoodle puppy to burn off energy. Remember, that swimming is far more strenuous than walking and should be done for a shorter period of time. Not only does physical exercise help your Labradoodle stay physically fit, but it also is beneficial for them mentally. A puppy that is bored and continually locked inside can become restless and exhibit attention-seeking tendencies. For more information about how to raise a healthy and happy Australian Labradoodle, visit our Texas Australian Labradoodles blog. We feel that grooming goes much easier when puppies are familiar with various grooming activities before their adult coat comes in at about months of age. Texas Australian Labradoodles breeders start introducing your puppy to vibrating toys, clippers and toothbrushes early on to make your job easier as an Australian Labradoodle parent. We offer individualized instruction at our Open House and again when you are picking up your puppy to ensure that you are as comfortable with these tasks as possible. Familiarity with grooming activities will also make your puppy more comfortable when the time comes for their first trim as they will understand that they are safe and the expectations. In addition to the basics of bathing, trimming nails, teeth brushing, and brushing their coat, a summer haircut two to three times a year allows you to inspect their skin and helps keep your Labradoodle coat look fantastic and feel their best. Australian Labradoodles can have one of two coat types: wool and fleece coat. Each requires different trimming techniques. With some practice, it is possible to do the trimming yourself but this requires patience from you and your Australian labradoodle. The expert will focus on the clipping of hair around the muzzle, tail, paws, ear, groin area, back, and other areas that you probably would have overlooked if you did it yourself. Although this may sound intimidating, taking a few strands at a time should make the procedure uncomfortable but not painful. Apart from their seasonal haircut, your multigenerational Australian Labradoodle will require weekly maintenance including tooth brushing, nail clipping, wiping the ear clean with damp gauze, and brushing. They will also help your puppy avoid ear infections and skin problems down the road. Start in one area, such as at the back of the head or the feet. Brush the coat well, Once that section is done, move to the next section over. Isolate an area in a line and brush through that. Continue brushing section by section, stopping to work out tangles. Step 4: Use your scissors, if needed You can use scissors to cut out stubborn areas carefully not to cut the skin. Cutting out small areas should not be visible and will make your dog more comfortable during the grooming process. Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles, like other types of doodles, need a regular brushing and grooming routine. However, this does not have to be a chore. This extra attention will make your pet happy and will work in your favor by increasing his comfort level with grooming tasks. For more helpful tips and tricks to taking care of your Labradoodle puppy, visit the Texas Australian Labradoodles blog. Due to their genetic makeup, their coat color may change once the adult coat comes up. The most common Labradoodle coat shades are chocolate, caramel, red, cream, and parti. Coat Shades of the Labradoodle Chocolate: Born in a black shade, these Labradoodles turn a chocolate brown color when they grow up. The nose pigment is a rose shade with amber or brown eyes. Sometimes, the color of their skin may also be blue. Cafe: Born a chocolate brown color, these Labradoodle coats lightens over time. Nose pigment is a rose or chocolate color with a tint of hazel. The eyes are generally a brown shade. Parchment: Born a milky chocolate color and turning a smoky cream color when grown up. The nose pigment color is rose or brown. Caramel: Slightly darker than a cream Labradoodle, close to the color of caramel candy. These pups have rose colored nose pigment with a hint of honey along with hazel or amber eyes. Apricot: Born with a lighter color coat, similar to the caramel colored Labradoodle, that darkens over time. Their nose pigment color is typically black. Apricot Cream: With apricot colored ears, these Labradoodles have a lightly shaded coat. The color is usually warm cream with black nose pigment. Red: The rarest color of Labradoodle coat shades, these pups have a black nose pigment. They are also the hardest to breed. Cream: When born, these Labradoodles are slightly darker. Later they turn to a warm cream color. The nose pigment is black or rose colored. Raven Black: Born in a black coat, these Labradoodles have black nose pigment with shiny eyes. Sometimes their coat color can turn more of a silvery color over time. Light Blue: These Labradoodles are like black. When these pups mature, their fur color lightens and turns to a light blue or grey color. Parti Color: Often known as Parti Labradoodles, these pups have large swatches of white color. Red, black, or chocolate spots on a white coat are the most common. Phantom: These pups have secondary color markings near their eyes, chest, and chin. The Phantom Labradoodle has a combination of two colors, ideally black with a gold phantom. Many of the snacks that claim they are healthy are not. Additives and preservatives can be found in almost all dog and puppy snacks available. Texas Australian Labradoodles have tried hundreds of commercially available snacks and treats. Some of the snacks our dogs had refused to eat, and others did not look or smell naturally. Our journey took us to SugarBay Creations and we found that we shared their frustration of providing wholesome, healthy and natural products for our four-legged babies. What makes SugarBay Creations different? Lets start with their motto. Simple ingredients for healthy and happy pups. We found that our dogs and puppies loved their snacks and training treats and that they contain no preservatives or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. We find that these two categories are sufficient for any Australian Labradoodles owner. Training Treats: Oatmeal Liver Bites is a bite sized snack that is perfect for training. These little morsels are packed with natural flavors and elicits great motivation even from stubborn pets. These training treats do not contain unnecessary growth hormones, antibiotics, or vaccines. This wholesome snack contains only three simple ingredients, including liver, organic oats and a touch of organically grown pitted green olives, these provide the optimum nutritional value to your pets. Snack Treats: Tuna Wafers are great and nutritious. These snack treats are made with organic oats and eggs from free range chickens. This treat is made from Non GMO wild caught Albacore Tuna packed in water with no added salt, which provides a healthy, protein packed choice with all the taste and none of the smell of regular canned tuna. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bones offer not only great taste but also many health benefits that pumpkin offer. These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bones are simply made of just that! Organically grown pumpkins, all-natural peanut butter with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, free range eggs, organic coconut oil, and organic oats. Texas Australian Labradoodles have personally met and spoken with the devoted Weimaraner owner and creator of SugarBay Creations. She informed me that she was very frustrated with the expensive treats she was buying for her dogs only to have them refuse to eat them a couple of weeks after they were opened. Also, she was done spending money on snacks that smelled of chemicals after opening a sealed bag. She therefore was forced to look to other sources for natural snacks that contained no preservatives and no artificial flavorings. After a long journey researching health-benefits of common ingredients for pets, she created these training tidbits and snacks that are highly desired by all kinds of pets. In that case, you may consider getting a multigenerational Australian Labradoodle. You might have heard that Australian Labradoodles are allergy-free, but you may not be really sure what that means. Not All Labradoodles are Created Equal Different generations and types of labradoodles have varying coat types. This can contribute to whether or not the dog is hypoallergenic. First, Second, and Third Generation Labradoodles: If your family is looking for a hypoallergenic doodle, it requires both parents and grandparents to have a non-shedding coat. This is possible in third and fourth generation labradoodles with selective breeding practices. Australian Labradoodles: If you family is looking for a non-shedding, hypoallergenic labradoodle, an Australian Labradoodle is your safest choice. Specifically, look for one with a fleece or wool coat whose parents and grandparents are non-shedding. Due to our exceptional quality and breeding pedigrees, families around the nation looking for hypoallergenic labradoodles choose puppies from Texas Australian Labradoodle breeders. Reach out today to learn more or take a look at our precious puppies.

Hip and elbow dysplasia Allergies Make sure to mention to your vet that your dog is crossed with a Greyhound. This breed is especially sensitive to anesthesia which increases the chance of death when these dogs are put under. Therefore, your vet needs to be informed of this in case your pup needs surgery or other procedures. With mixed breeds, it can be tricky to find the right dog food. Due to this, it is a good idea to speak to your vet about recommendations. Always select a high-quality dog food that only uses quality protein, fat, and carbohydrates sources. This should be avoided, which means that you need to put your puppy on a high-quality, low-calorie diet. Once again, speak to your vet before choosing a dog food. This breed can have a higher chance of obesity, which can trigger other health conditions and put undue stress on the joints. You should also have set meal times and avoid leaving food out for your dog. Your German Shepherd Greyhound may end up being quite tall. In this case, look for raised feeding bowls. It will be more comfortable for your pup to eat this way. These dogs do need a lot of exercises daily. Aim to give your dog around an hour of physical exercise a day. Failure to do so can result in boredom which can result in destructive behavior. Be careful with your puppy as they grow. If they have a rapid growth spurt, their bones and joints will be at an increased risk of injury and damage. This is why it is best to only let your puppy play on soft surfaces like grass. Stay away from surfaces such as concrete. To ensure that they get all their energy out, try to split their exercise time into two or more sessions. Having access to a backyard can also be a great way for them to work out their excess energy. Bear in mind that this pup may have a higher prey drive. You will need to keep a tight grip on your leash when you go on walks. Anything from a squirrel to a cat can trigger this drive, causing your pooch to run after them. These pups can still shed quite a bit. It is quite easy to keep them well-groomed, though. Brushing them a few times a week can help to prevent shedding. If your dog has a coat that is more similar to German Shepherds, there may be more grooming involved. Try to brush your dog around three times a week and use an undercoat rake if they have thicker fur. Some dogs may blow their coats a few times a year — the shedding will increase exponentially at this point. To overcome this, start brushing your dog every day during this period. A few times a year is enough to keep them clean. Always use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo to keep their skin and fur in good condition. The best climate for German Shepherd Greyhounds will depend on their coat. Those with thick, double coats may hold up in the cold a little better. For those with thinner coats, though, warmer climates are best. These pups may begin to shiver when the temperature drops and may require sweaters and warm clothing. See also The German Shepherd Labrador Mix: Sheprador Despite their size, these dogs do quite well in apartments as long as they get plenty of exercises. Taking them out several times a day can make it easier to adapt to the smaller space. This mixed breed is highly trainable. They are intelligent and can learn a wide variety of commands and activities. It is important to approach their training the right way. To begin with, start from the moment your dog comes home. It is easier to train your puppy and get rid of bad habits when they are younger. It should be noted that some Shephounds can be a bit stubborn, standing their ground during training. While it is important to remain firm, avoid being harsh with your dog or punishing them. If you recall, they are quite sensitive and will react poorly to punishment. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and reward good behavior. These dogs will be especially open to praise, cuddles, and treats. With tricky cases, it may help to enroll your dog in puppy classes or to hire a trainer for the job. You will need to find a breeder who specializes in this mixed breed in particular. Always choose a highly reputable breeder. A good breeder will make an effort to research the health of both parent breeds and often go back several generations. This reduces the likelihood of genetic disorders trickling down to your pup. It may not always be easy to find these designer dogs in shelters. You may want to specifically search in shelters that rescue German Shepherds or Greyhounds. This particular mix may crop up here. These pups can be as tall as 28 inches and weigh as 95lbs. They are often classified as a large breed. These dogs have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years. This is what you need to know about the German Shepherd Greyhound. Now you can determine if this pup is a good fit for your family. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. They also get along well with cats and other pets, especially if they have been socialized well from a young age. Owners of Shephounds know that they are not aggressive or hyper pooches. Instead, they are always easygoing and friendly. And they always enjoy making friends with new people. The dogs are also friendly to strangers. When they meet unfamiliar people, their first reaction is one of curiosity rather than protection. They are the kind that would meet your guests and find a safe place to stay while you chat with your guests. It is one of the best designer dogs since he is not an unruly or an off-character dog. Although Shephounds may seem a bit reserved at first, they normally get along with other dogs within a short period of time. As such, the German Greyhound is a friendly dog that makes a great family pet. When it comes to barking, both Greyhounds and German Shepherds tend to be very vocal and can howl or bark frequently. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Training A German Shepherd Greyhound Mix The Greyhound Shepherd is trainable if you are ready to dedicate at least 30 minutes each day in training your puppy. They are not particularly easy to train, but they are also not so challenging. They are generally somewhere in between. GSDs are intelligent and easy to train. Greyhounds, on the other hand, tend to be stubborn and can be difficult to train. Therefore, you should start housetraining your Shephound as soon as you bring them home. You should actually dedicate some time to housetrain them each day. Training your German Greyhound early will help prevent behavioral issues from developing in your pup. With patience and consistency, you can successfully train your Greyhound Mixed with German Shepherd. But if you are not confident enough, you can always seek professional advice and training. A good dog trainer can successfully train your dog so you end up with a well-behaved family pet. Exercise Needs It is difficult to know how much each German Greyhound will require. Generally, the German Shepherd requires more exercise than the Greyhound. A German Shepherd needs one to two hours of daily exercise while a Greyhound will do fine with a minute walk each day. Your German Greyhound will most likely be somewhere in the middle. However, both parent breeds require more exercise than smaller dogs. Be sure to provide your Greyhound Shepherd with enough room to play and run around. Also, take your pooch on a walk once or twice each day for at least 30 minutes. Since the German Shepherd parent is intelligent, you also want to provide your Greyhound Shepherd with interactive dog toys to help keep him occupied and mentally stimulated. In order to know the grooming needs of German Shepherd Greyhound mixes, we need to study the grooming requirements of each parent breed. A German Shepherd should be brushed after every one or two days. Since their coat has a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat, they shed all-year-round and they also blow their coat twice per year. A simple rundown with a piece of cloth at least once a week should be enough for these pups. Both Greyhounds and German Shepherds need a bath at least once a month. Apart from brushing and bathing, you should trim their nails from time to time to prevent them from splitting. Also, check and clean their ears regularly for dirt or wax buildup to prevent infections. Regular tooth brushing is also essential for your Greyhound German Shepherd Mix. This breed comes in a variety of colors, and while these dogs always look like a mixture of a Greyhound and a German Shepherd, you never know which look will be dominant. As is the case with their parents, this is a medium to large-sized dog , with a greater chance of being large. While Greyhounds normally have a shorter coat of hair, you will notice that the coat on this breed will more resemble the medium-length coarseness of the Shepherd. Because of this, your Greyhound German requires more hygienic maintenance than a Greyhound. Regular brushing and bathing is recommended with this breed. Like both parent breeds, this is an active dog that is athletically built. When you decide to take this pet into your life, you are also deciding to play that much more! When playing, this breed loves to get rowdy! They may seem disinterested in people at first, but once you have their trust, you have a play partner for life. Greyhound parents have a long history. While many people associate greyhounds with the racetrack, those who study history know them from the distant past. The earliest signs of Greyhounds come from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics; the earliest ones are purported to be as old as 8, years. Greyhounds are visible with famous Egyptian figures such as Cleopatra and King Tutankhamen. In fact, the Greyhound was so highly revered they were seen as gods that the only death more important in a family was that of a son, and to kill a Greyhound meant being sentenced to death. Esteemed Grecians who visited Egypt were able to bring a few dogs back to Greece. The Greyhound became a worldly dog during the Roman Empire, when the Romans, who brought their Greyhounds everywhere, took them to Britain and Ireland. Eventually, from Europe, they made their way to America. No one is sure about the origin of the name. German Shepherd genetics make them super versatile. After 7, years of the Greyhound, the German Shepherd was born. One look at the name, and you can take a pretty good guess at where most people think it originated. They first appeared in after decades of Europeans attempting to standardize breeds. Their name is quite literal: Bred by shepherds in Germany, these dogs were meant to make life easier for the German farmer. These dogs were bred to be all the things that we think of German Shepherds now: smart, strong, and loyal, with a great sense of smell. While early breeders had success, results still varied from one location to the next, most notably in appearance. In , the Phylax Society was formed to help the standardization process, but in-fighting over whether the dog should be cute or hard working led to the demise of this group after only three years of operation. Fortunately, this inspired many to attempt to breed their own version of the Shepherd. This leads us to , when an ex-member of the Phylax Society, Max Von Stephanitz, attended a dog show and had a similar reaction that we all do when we see a dog, which was the need to go give it a hug. In his case, it ended up being a historic moment, as the dog he laid his eyes on was a Shepherd named Hektor, whom he immediately purchased. The rest, as they bark, is history. Well, not quite — there was a bump in the road for the name of the dog in the s and 40s. They changed the name of the breed to the Alsatian Wolf Dog, which was then adopted by other Kennel Clubs around the world. In the 70s, the breed was once again officially recognized as the German Shepherd While the German Shepherd is a wonderful family dog, it is still primarily used as a working dog by police forces, military, and other groups. Mixing the purebred parents has its benefits. This lovely hybrid has the perfect combination of ideal dog traits. They are built to be loyal, caring, affectionate, and cuddly. When you want to spend the day in bed, they will be the first to snuggle in next to you. The Shepherd Hound loves to cuddle and can be every bit as lazy as the laziest fluff balls on the planet. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, each breed wil offer a friendly and sweet companion to any other fur babies you have in your home. GSD-Greyhound mix puppies can inherit either of the two coat types and so their appearance will greatly depend on which parent they take after. Apart from length and texture, the coat color could also be one of a great number of possibilities. Given all these possibilities, German Shepherd-Greyhound crosses tend to look vastly different from one another. Typically, all they need is a weekly rubdown using a hound glove or a damp cloth. In contrast, those that take their coats after their German Shepherd side have double coats that shed steadily throughout the year and then more heavily twice a year. GSDs need to be brushed at least once a week, but more frequently during the shedding season. As for the rest of their grooming requirements, a Greyhound-German Shepherd mix will need regular bathing and frequent tooth brushing. Strength Even though Greyhounds are not particularly known for its strength, its offspring with a GSD will undoubtedly be a strong dog. This is not just because of its size but also because it can take its strength after its German Shepherd parent. Additionally, its size alone can make it capable of developing great strength. GSD-Greyhound crosses are expected to run somewhere between those speeds. Exercise Requirement Because German Shepherds are incredibly energetic and Greyhounds even more so, you should be ready to give the Greyhound GSD mix plenty of opportunities to exercise. Ideally, they would get at least an hour of physical exercise per day apart from having access to ample space where they can run and play independently. Apart from physical exercise, the GSD-Greyhound cross needs opportunities to use their mental faculties so that they stay on their best behavior. They need toys and activities that stimulate their brains. Generally, this need can be met through regular training exercises. Nevertheless, what they lack in intelligence, they make up for in their eagerness to please their humans. The trainability of a Greyhound German Shepherd mix will depend on which parent they take after. Although the intellect of GSD-Greyhound mixes can vary greatly, you can at least expect them to be easily housetrained and learn basic obedience with ease. Temperament German Shepherd-Greyhound crosses are confident and courageous dogs. With proper training and socialization, they can be excellent family dogs. However, because of the prey drive they might inherit from their Greyhound parent, they might need extra training and supervision if they need to share a home with smaller animals. Additionally, Greyhound-GSDs are generally even-tempered and they are known to be gentle with their family members. Health German Shepherd-Greyhound mixes are generally healthy, although they are susceptible to life-threatening bloat. Owners of this crossbreed should talk to a vet about how to avoid this condition. Additionally, hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions that the German Shepherd-Greyhound cross can inherit from their GSD parent. From the Greyhound side, the most serious health concern is a genetic condition called Greyhound Polyneuropathy. This is a progressive neurological disorder that severely affects their muscles. Lifespan A Greyhound-German Shepherd mix can be expected to live between 10 and 14 years. Like all other dogs, they can live beyond the life expectancy of their parents when they are given a balanced, high-quality diet. Ample exercise, proper hygiene, and regular vet examinations will further enable them to lead long and happy lives. By enrolling in this program, dogs that are not eligible for purebred registration and are disqualified from conformation events can participate in many other AKC events. These include canine sports like Agility , Flyball , and Diving Dogs. The GSD Greyhound mix is not very common. So, professional breeders do not have enough financial incentive to propagate this cross. Final Thoughts A Greyhound German Shepherd mix is undeniably a beautiful dog with a noble quality and a pleasing personality. Nevertheless, it is a large dog with boundless energy. Here are nine health problems common to a German Shepherd Mix Greyhound: 1. Cherry eye Unlike us humans, our dogs have 3 instead of 2 eyelids and under that third eyelid is the nictitans gland. Though this condition does not require an emergency trip to the vet, if not addressed, a prolapsed nictitans gland reduces tear production and dry eyes. Severe cases can cause blindness. Epilepsy This is a neurological problem wherein the exact cause is hard to identify. There is no cure, instead, medications and a change to a vet-prescribed diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures. Skin infections Skin problems arising from ticks , fleas, food, or a sudden change in temperature may cause some dogs to suffer from skin allergies. The symptoms are itching, reddening of the skin, or hair loss. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition that results from a hip deformity. Blame it on genetics, big dogs such as a German Shepherd is susceptible to this condition. One of the causes is playing around after eating a large amount of food. This requires an emergency trip to the vet. If not, a dog can die from a bloated stomach. Canine degenerative myelopathy Canine degenerative myelopathy is a disease that is caused by the breaking down of white matter in the spinal cord. This results in weakness and eventually paralysis. It commonly affects older dogs. The first few symptoms are wobbling and pain while getting up. Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma in dogs is a very painful bone tumor in dogs. It is more commonly found among larger dog breeds rather than small dog breeds. Elbow dysplasia This disease is also a developmental abnormality where the three bones in the elbow joint fail to fit together. This is more common among larger dog breeds. Cataract Aside from age, canine cataracts can also be caused by an eye lens disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiency. German Shepherd Greyhound Mix lifespan If you provide your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix with proper nutrition, exercise, and regular trips to the vet for wellness exams, you can enjoy their company and companionship for an average of 9 to 14 years. You may also want to attend dog shows because in almost all cases, dog handlers can introduce you to other German Shepherd Mix breeders. Keep in mind that when you are dealing with German Shepherd Greyhound Mix breeders, always expect the breeder to show you the mother with her puppies. You should also expect the breeders to give you an insurance document. This way, in case the puppy gets sick within a certain timeframe, you will get a puppy replacement or the breeder will be the one to shoulder the treatment expenses. Generally speaking, male puppies are more active, playful, and territorial. Plus, male dogs tend to urine mark more often than female dogs. On the one hand, a female Greyhound German Shepherd Mix puppy will begin to go into heat by around 6 months of age. This equates to more work because of bloodstains around the house. Regardless of your choice, your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix puppy should have received two vaccinations, been dewormed, and microchipped before you bring him or her home. There may be crossbred puppies that are sold at a more affordable price range. German Shepherd Greyhound Mix puppies for sale As mentioned earlier, it is not easy to look for Greyhound Shepherd puppies. Instead, we will provide you with a list of trusted breeders of German Shepherds and Greyhounds. These breeders may offer you referrals to those who crossbreed these two purebred dogs. Greyhound Friends for Life greyhoundfriendsforlife. They were able to find a loving home for a 5-month-old Greyhound Shepherd puppy. You can get in touch with them and find out if they still have Greyhound mixed-dog breeds up for adoption. Lancaster Puppies lancasterpuppies. We do not guarantee you that there is a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix but you can check their website from time to time. KraftwerkK9 kraftwerkk9. Having been in the business for a long period, they might give you referrals to where you can find rare Greyhound Shepherd puppies for sale. They have a list of available mixed dogs for adoption. To adopt, fill out the adoption form and in three days, an adoption counselor will get in touch with you. You can also visit the Petfinder petfinder. Greyhound Pets, Inc greyhoundpetsinc. If your application is approved, a staff member will schedule a home visit to check if you are qualified to adopt a dog. Contact them and see if they have available German Shepherd Greyhound Mix up for adoption. As we have established, this crossbreed is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Greyhound. They are both large breeds of dog, so as you would expect, the result of this cross-breeding is also a big dog. These terms are used interchangeably to describe this crossbreed. As these dogs are a mix, no two puppies will be the same. This is because it is impossible to know what personality traits and characteristics will be taken from each breed, making every dog different. Despite this, there are a few things that you can expect from this crossbreed. The main one being its size. You can generally determine the size that a litter of puppies will grow to by looking at the parents. As both German Shepherds and Greyhounds are large breed dogs, you can rest assured that the puppies will also be large. You can also expect them to be muscular, affectionate, and loyal. Is this the right mixed breed for You? Before you welcome any dog into your home, you need to decide if this is the right breed for you. Here are some of the key things that you need to consider before making that decision: Time One of the most important things that you need to consider before buying a Shephound, or any dog for that matter, is if you have the time to dedicate to this dog. Dogs are hard work, and they require a lot of time and effort if you want them to be well-behaved and loyal. This is especially important with Shephounds as both the Greyhound and German Shepherd breeds can be nervous at times. A lot of this is down to the fact that both breeds have been treated badly historically. A lot of Greyhounds are traumatized from a history of being forced to race against their will, and because of this, it can take a lot of time for these dogs to adjust to being family pets. Likewise, a lot of German Shepherds have lived their lives as working dogs, so it can take a little while for them to adjust to being pets too. You should bear this in mind when buying a Shephound. Space Another major thing that you need to consider before bringing a Shephound into your home is whether, or not, you have the space for a dog of this size. While they may be small when they are puppies, these puppies quickly grow into large dogs, so it is very important that you have enough space in your home for them. Nothing can prepare you for quite how big these dogs are, and as they grow in your home, they can quickly shrink your house. But, these dogs are large and heavy, so they take up a lot of space. If you only have a small house, or you have a large but busy house, then you might want to consider if you have the physical space to give to this dog before bringing one home. Professional Training Finally, you need to consider your provisions for giving this breed professional dog training. Both Greyhounds and German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, so they will require training. Both Greyhounds and German Shepherds often have a very high prey drive , and this can make them very difficult to control when you are out walking them. This can be very difficult to do, which is why you should ensure that you have access to a professional trainer to help you. But, as both Greyhounds and German Shepherds are breeds that have existed for centuries, there are lots of facts that we know about these dogs. Without a doubt, German Shepherds are one of the most striking dog breeds in the world. With just a single look, you can easily identify one of these breeds by their classic black and tan markings, wonderful gait, and simply breathtaking look. They are famous for being one of the most loyal dog breeds to exist and are also well-known for being fiercely protective of their owner and their pack. These dogs absolutely adore being outdoors, and this is one of the main reasons why they make such wonderful herding dogs. This is, after all, where their name comes from. Instead, they are better known for being used as working dogs in the military, police , and even as support dogs for people who are blind or living with other disabilities. The main reason why these dogs are so commonly used as working dogs is that they are so easy to train. German Shepherds are undoubtedly one of the most intelligent breeds on the planet. Anyone who has ever owned a German Shepherd will tell you that this breed can learn a trick after only one or two goes, they simply are that smart. They are affectionate, loyal, and kind. They really do make the perfect companion, and you know that you are never alone as long as you have a German Shepherd by your side. These dogs are energetic and healthy, and absolutely wonderful with children and other pets. This is why they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of similarities between these two breeds, and this is why this crossbreed works so well. Just like German Shepherds, Greyhounds are also a large breed of dog. In terms of height, they are very similar, but Greyhounds are a lot thinner than German Shepherds. As Greyhounds were bred to run, they are extremely skinny, to the point where you can often see their ribs. While German Shepherd dogs are bred to be a lot bulkier. Yes, Greyhounds do look very slim, but this is because they carry absolutely zero body fat. Just by looking at a Greyhound, you can see how muscular they are, and this is partly aided by the fact that they have a very short coat. Greyhounds are most famous for being fast. These dogs have been racing dogs, and unfortunately, this practice still goes on today. Due to the shape of their body, Greyhounds are able to reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, which is why they have been used in racing. But traditionally, Greyhounds were bred as hunting dogs with the ability to hunt foxes, rabbits, and even deer. They are unbelievably calm, and will spend a lot of their time sleeping. Just like German Shepherds, Greyhounds are incredibly loving, and there is nothing that this breed likes more than cuddling up to their owner and giving them lots of wet kisses. While they will be loving to all members of their pack, Greyhounds tend to choose one member to be their person, and if that person is you then you are truly blessed. They are incredibly smart, and as long as they are trained, then these dogs will not become aggressive. This is why they make such wonderful pets. Key Characteristics of the German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Shephound We have looked at these breeds independently, but it is time that we look at them together. Every Shephound is different as it is a crossbreed, however, there are some key characteristics that you can expect. One is the fact that your puppy is going to have a lot of growing to do. Both German Shepherds and Greyhounds are breeds that transform a lot during the first 6 months of their life. So, this makes it difficult to tell what their coat is going to look like when they grow up. It is also partly because these two breeds have very different coats. German Shepherds have incredibly thick fur, with multiple different layers, while Greyhounds have very thin coats which help make them more aerodynamic. Due to this, it is impossible to tell exactly what your Shephounds coat is going to be. If your Shephound is a mixture of a short coat German Shepherd and a Greyhound, then you can expect the fur to be mid-way between the two. However, if your Shephound is part long-hair German Shepherd, then there is no knowing just how thick their coat will be. Gentle Something that you can almost guarantee from a Shephound is that they are going to be gentle. Both German Shepherds and Greyhounds are docile breeds, and they are well-known for being gentle around their owners. So, this is something that you can expect from a Shephound. But, these dogs will have moments of madness. While these dogs will be calm and gentle most of the time, there will be periods where they will be hyper. When this happens, it is important to remember that Shephounds are big dogs, and they are incredibly strong. Loyal But there is one thing which you can definitely guarantee from a Shephound, and it is their undying loyalty. So, whether you are looking for a Shephound as a guard dog or a companion, you can always trust your Shephound to be by your side. However, if you are looking for a dog to use as a guard dog, then a Shephound might not be the best choice. You would be much better off choosing a pedigree German Shepherd. But if you want a dog that has your back until the end, then a Shephound is absolutely perfect. All dogs suffer from health conditions, and the majority of breeds will have genetic predispositions to certain issues. Joint Problems The most prevalent potential health condition that your Shephound might suffer from is joint problems. In particular, hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where there is a deformity in the hip or the elbow, which can lead to limited mobility and arthritis as your dog ages. This is a common health issue for both German Shepherds and Greyhounds, which is why this is the condition that your dog is most likely to suffer from. In fact, this is a condition that most large dogs, and even large cats, suffer with. This condition is a degenerative disease, so the earlier that you pick up on it, the better. That way, you can treat it early and prevent your Shephound from suffering too greatly with this condition. Skin Conditions Another part of the body that both Greyhounds and German Shepherds often suffer with is their skin. Both breeds are genetically predisposed to skin conditions, so there is a fair chance that your Shephound could suffer from this too. In particular, German Shepherds are prone to allergies, which can lead to a lot of scratching and discomfort. Cherry Eye Something else that these breeds are often prone to suffering with is cherry eye. This condition displays itself as a red lump on the third eyelid. This red lump is actually an enlarged and swollen gland that has become infected due to allergies. All dogs are at risk of experiencing this, and it is a very common condition. So, just be prepared that you might have to go to your vet to get conditions like this treated if you get a German Shepherd Greyhound mix. Epilepsy The final condition that your Shephound might be prone to is epilepsy. This is a condition that a lot of Greyhounds develop, so there is a small chance that your Shephound may also suffer from this. Epilepsy affects dogs similarly to how it affects humans, so if your Greyhound Shepherd develops this condition, then they may experience seizures. Dogs can experience seizures with lots of different causes behind it. Some dogs will fit if they become too hot, or dehydrated. But, these seizures could be caused by a health condition such as epilepsy or diabetes. So, you should be prepared that this condition could also develop in your Shephound. If your German Shepherd Greyhound mix does begin to experience seizures, then you should seek veterinary advice immediately. German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Temperament One of the biggest influences on whether you will choose a dog breed, or not, is temperament. Everybody wants their dog to have a good temperament, and for their dog to be loving. This is why a lot of people purchase dogs based on the temperament of that breed. So what is the Shephound temperament like? As we have said, Greyhound Shepherds are incredibly loving dogs, and above all else, they are loyal. Fiercely loyal, in fact. Generally, these dogs have a calm temperament, and they are usually very gentle. Especially when they are around children and small animals. But, for the most part, these dogs are lovely. Walk them regularly, and train them well when they are young, and you will have a fiercely loyal companion for the rest of their life. Ability to Train Speaking of training, you may also be wondering how easy it is to train a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix. Well, as you might expect, it is usually very easy to train a Shephound. These dogs are incredibly intelligent, and because of this, they can often pick up tricks incredibly quickly. A lot of people are surprised at how quickly Shephounds can learn commands, and people are also often surprised at how early in their lives these dogs will begin learning. From as early as 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd Greyhound mix will begin listening to their owner and learning commands. So start early with training, and you will have a very well-behaved dog. Nutritional Requirements Shephounds are very large dogs, so they do have some nutritional requirements. You should avoid feeding them grains as this can lead to GDV a bloating condition , instead you should feed them lots of protein. Make sure their diet is well-balanced with protein, vitamins, minerals, and also high in calories. Exercise Requirements The amount of exercise that your German Shepherd Greyhound mix needs will differ depending on your specific dog. Greyhounds only need around 30 minutes of exercise a day, whereas German Shepherds can need up to 2 h ours. Find a happy medium and go with the amount of exercise that suits your dog. Cost These dogs are expensive. Shephounds are also very rare, so you should expect to spend anywhere in this region for a healthy German Shepherd Greyhound mix. Summary In short, this has been a complete guide to one of the most loving and loyal dog crossbreeds on the planet, the German Shepherd Greyhound mix. So, if you are considering this breed, read this guide before you buy.

Golden Retrievers are social and affectionate dogs, so when they howl, that is their way of communicating their loneliness and gaining your attention. Other Reasons why your Golden Retriever is howling include — them being bored, in pain, responding to a high pitch noise, responding to a siren, or it may simply be part of their ancestry. Golden Retrievers have earing that surpasses ours significantly, so they can pick up on these sounds more than us and are more sensitive to such sounds. Since Golden Retrievers have such a strong sense of duty, they will howl in response to the siren, which they perceive as another dog howling, to alarm you of the potential encroaching danger. This can be done by exposing them to sirens more often and desensitizing them to it. In this way, you can teach your dog to differentiate between a dog howling and a siren and effectively alter their reaction towards sirens. Loneliness As you may know, Golden Retrievers are an affectionate and social breed who do not particularly enjoy being away from their owners or being in the company of someone whom they are not comfortable with for too long. When your Golden Retriever has been away from you for too long, they will begin to howl. They howl as a way to communicate their loneliness, with the hope that you will hear them and return to them. Just like wolves howl when they are separated from their pack and hope that their pack will hear them and find their way back to them or respond to them, Golden Retrievers do the same. If you have been unusually busy and you hear your Golden Retriever howl, it is likely that they miss you and would like to spend some time with you. You can identify that your Golden Retriever is howling because they are lonely by seeing whether their howling is accompanied by pacing, sense of distress, and destructive behavior. Golden Retrievers typically associate high-pitched noises with other dogs howling. However, in most cases, when they hear a high pitch noise, they will howl in an attempt to warn you of potential dangers. Howling Because Of Pain When Golden Retrievers are in pain because of an illness or injury, they communicate their pain by howling. This is similar to us, humans, crying when we are in pain. You can usually identify whether your Golden Retriever is howling because of pain by taking note of how they are howling. If their howl sounds different from what it usually sounds like, then there is something wrong with your Golden Retriever. You should take your Golden Retriever to the veterinarian so that they can be treated and relieved of their pain as soon as possible. To Catch Your Attention When your Golden Retriever wants to catch your attention or try to persuade you to give them what they want, they will howl at you. This can be pretty adorable when they are puppies because they are like children wanting your attention. However, as your Golden Retriever gets older, this behavior may not be as cute. Your Golden Retriever may grow into the habit of howling at you and getting exactly what they want. In this case, you should simply pretend not to hear your Golden Retriever. This is a much better way of teaching them a lesson without harsh punishments. Harsh punishments are still a form of attention, so ignoring your Golden Retriever would be more effective. You can have a look at these amazing training books for your Golden Retriever. Boredom Golden Retrievers are naturally active and curious. They need something to quench their curiosity and keep them busy otherwise;, they will find other ways to occupy themselves. One of the ways in which Golden Retrievers pass the time when they are bored is by howling. Your Golden Retriever will howl to get your attention and notify you that they are bored and need something to do. The best way to deal with this is by ensuring that your Golden Retriever gets ample exercise every day. Walks are fantastic for Golden Retrievers because they get their daily exercise, and they can see new places and quench their thirst for adventure. Ancestry Back in the day, Golden Retrievers were generally used as hunting dogs by hunters. Golden Retrievers were exceptional retrievers who would catch and return the prey to their hunters without any hassle. As we already know, wolves howl when they need to find their pack. Since Golden Retrievers were used as hunting dogs, they would howl to find their way back to their hunters or vice versa. This is a trait that Golden Retrievers inherited from their ancestors and have in common with wolves. You should generally not worry about your Golden Retriever howling, especially when a trigger is present, such as a siren or a loud noise. In other cases, your Golden Retriever is lonely, so you need to spend more time with them, or they may simply want your attention. This is not something to worry about, but it is a negative trait that needs to be adjusted. If they only howl when they are injured, then it is an issue that can be fixed by taking them to the veterinarian for treatment. If your Golden Retriever is howling in response to sirens and high-pitch noises, then you should teach your Golden Retriever a different way to respond to those sounds. This is especially important if the sounds are frequent and there is no way to stop them. You can desensitize your Golden Retriever to these sounds by exposing them to those sounds and teaching them to become less sensitive and reactive to those sounds. However, it would help to do this systematically by starting with shorter and less alarming versions of the sounds. As your Golden Retriever adjusts to those volumes and intensities, you should gradually increase the volume and intensity. If you simply introduce them to a loud and alarming version of those sounds, you may cause your Golden Retriever to enter a state of distress. However, if this has already become an issue for you, you should teach your Golden Retriever that they will not get what they want by howling. You should completely ignore them when they start howling for attention. When they behave well, you should reward them. This may seem relatively simple, but it teaches your Golden Retriever that they will need to behave well to get treats and attention from you. They will become reluctant to howl because that will not get them anything. When your Golden Retriever howls, barks, or even growls while they are asleep , it is because they have a dream. In their dream, they may be encountering something that would make them howl if they were awake. Your Golden Retriever puppy could be howling because they are ill or injured. Shortly after adopting your Golden Retriever Puppy, they may be howling because they are not yet accustomed to their new home. Other reasons why they could be howling is because they are bored or simply responding to the sound of sirens. Your Golden Retriever associates the high-pitch sound emitted by sirens with the sound of other dogs howling. When dogs howl, it triggers other dogs to howl so that they can warn their owners of the potential danger. Your dog could also be lonely or responding to the sound of sirens from emergency vehicles. Conclusion If your Golden Retriever howls, it is often nothing to worry about. The best way to understand why your Golden Retriever is howling is by considering their environment and their demeanor as they are howling. If there are loud sounds, then those are the triggers. If your Golden Retriever seems to be uncomfortable and in distress, then they are most probably in pain, and this is when you are warranted to worry about your Golden Retriever howling. Recommended Reads:. A dogs do not have too many sounds in their vocabulary. They just know a simple bark, grown, a potential lovable howl, a growl and whine. Nature has set some straight and original functions for all these voices but Golden retrievers and all dogs in general tend to use the voice in more than one manner. Depending on the conditions and circumstances, your Golden retriever dog can use any of these voices to express his emotions and feelings. Young Golden Retriever dog whining might just be trying to communicate with their mother. As the pup whines, it ensures proper care and attention from his mother as the sound is virtually irresistible to the mother, like the crying of human infants. When young, the Golden Retriever puppies whine unintentionally when hungry or feeling cold. Whenever a golden retriever dog or puppy whines, the mother visits him and finds out what he needs. The pup then slowly learns to whine whenever he has a purpose or requires more attention. If however the Golden Retriever dog or puppies has been adopted by a human family, he might not be able to find his mother to care and caress him. He now whines when he feels bored or is full of sorrow. He hopes for the love of their mother, but she never turns up. The owners may decide to leave the pup unattended or may come to him to make sure that he is alright and take necessary actions. If the pup has an uncaring owner, he will automatically know that whining is not a good strategy to get a solution for their problems and this might lead them to change their behavior completely. If you mistreat your pup in the same manner, you might never be able to develop a good bond with your dog. Reasons of a golden retriever dog whining. Whining for gaining attention — some owners pay attention to the golden retriever dog whining every time. So, When the dog or puppy whines they may immediately start paying attention every time. By carrying out this action, the Golden retriever dog may start whining just for gaining the owner's attention. If you wish to break this habit of your dog, stop paying attention to his whining. If you feel uncomfortable doing it and you do not want to do it this way, you can use a stimulus to show him that your attention has been withdrawn. Whining when anxious — Some dogs are unhappy when left alone. They do not like and it when the owner is not around and as a result, they start whining. This whining can be a signal for separation anxiety syndrome. The golden retriever dog whining may also occur and be seen at times when the dog's owner is sleeping to be able to reunite with him. Whining when in pain — When the dog is recovering from some surgery, distress or trauma, he can resort to whining. This is an automatic response of the dog's body and can also take place in a semi-conscious animal. Excitement Whining — some dogs become excited for an event or something like a walk and therefore whine. Whining through Learning — A positive response given to your Golden retriever dog when they whine may teach them to do it too often. This might look like your golden retriever whining for seeing the owner's attention, but is more artificial.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. That is why it is especially important that you spend some time upfront preparing for this journey. But if you are serious about hunting and want an exceptional retriever to become your hunting partner for the next years, I recommend you put a little more effort into it. If you are not sure where to start, this post will show you how to find and pick a hunting puppy from a litter. Finding the perfect pup Finding the perfect hunting dog puppy starts way before you find yourself staring into the eyes of a precious little retriever puppy. In fact, I would recommend you stay away from puppies until you have located an acceptable litter. When we purchase puppies for clients, we start our search on the computer. We buy all our puppies based on the litter, on the genetic and proven performance of the mom and dad. If you find a great litter, you have already stacked the odds so much in your favor that any puppy from that litter is probably going to serve you well. What should I look for in a gundog puppy? Start by researching litters. You want to find a litter that is worth your time, money and energy. You want to stack the odds in your favor, and you do that by finding a great litter of puppies. Remember, you should not focus on one individual puppy at this point. Instead, dig deep into possible litters that would meet your criteria for a great hunting dog. You will need to determine your own list of criteria, but here are a few things we look for when purchasing a puppy. Focus on proven performance The first thing we look for is a pedigree that shows proven performance. This can be seen by titles on the pedigree. Here is a listing of retriever titles that would signify the parents have titled in Hunt Tests or Field Trials and proven their ability as a working dog. Some of the titles you do not want to see on a pedigree, if you are looking for a hunting dog are CCH or other show dog titles. Show dogs are breed for looks, not for hunting or competition ability. These dogs generally are not going to be great hunting dogs. Also, it is true that a dog does not have to compete in tests to be a great hunting dog. I would want some confirmation to back up any claims. Mom and dad are most important Often you will see a pedigree where the mom or dad do not have any performance titles, but the grandparents or great grandparents do. As you go back further, those numbers dwindle quickly. So, if possible, you want mom and dad to be proven. Want to learn more about how to read a pedigree? Watch for our future post. If looks are important to you, you will need to decide what is more important, how the dog looks or how the dog hunts or competes. You may be able to find a puppy that looks just like you want and that puppy may also turn out to be an incredible hunter, but realize that looks and hunting ability do not always go together. For instance, if you like the large, blocky looks of a British bred lab, but want to hunt upland birds, these two things may not be compatible. The dog may simply not have the endurance needed to do hours of hunting necessary for upland hunting. You should consider your wants and needs before committing to a litter of puppies. Where to look for the litters If you are looking for a hunting retriever puppy, you will want to focus your research. You are not looking for a litter of Labradors that happened by accident. Instead focus your search to sites like retrievertraining. These will not be cheap puppies. But if you spend the money on the front end, by purchasing a great pup from a litter of proven parents, you will rarely find yourself with a dog that will not hunt. Again, you should be trying to stack the odds in your favor. Find a reputable breeder Once you find some litters that have proven parents, then turn your research to the breeder. Not all breeders are equal. Trust me! Some do a wonderful job with the puppies, have clean, hygiene spaces for the dogs and socialize the pups from day one. It may not seem important. I mean, the puppies are only with the breeder for weeks, so what difference does it make? In our experience, a lot. Clean puppy beds and areas help teach your puppy to be clean. And socialization is key! Learn more about socialization in this post. What does the breeder do to socialize the pups? Pups start learning about the world on day one. They need to be exposed to noises and new situations daily. This can go a long way toward teaching the pup to handle new situations, something particularly important in hunting dogs. Take some time to learn about the breeders. Ask them why they breed, what are their goals for their puppies and what they do to prepare the puppies for their new homes. We talk about this more in How to find a good Labrador puppy. Has there been any genetic issues that could be passed down to the puppies? Ask lots of questions. Find out as much as you can about the parents. What tests have been done to ensure the parents are healthy? Have their hips, eyes and elbows been checked? Most reputable breeders offer a 24 — month health guarantee on the puppy. This is important to protect you in case there is a genetic condition that becomes clear during that time. How do you pick a puppy from a hunting litter? Once you have found a litter that meets all your criteria and seems to be a good match for your needs, then and only then do you put a deposit down on a puppy. As you can tell, picking the right litter is the most important part of this entire process. Once you have done that, you have stacked the odds in your favor of getting a great pup. Even if you have last pick, you are still miles ahead of people that buy a puppy on a whim or put no research into it. Never go look at a litter of puppies that do not meet your criteria discussed above. Puppies are too cute, and it is hard to resist not bringing one home. So never put yourself in that position. Picking the perfect puppy for you Once you have the litter locked in and your deposit sent, you simply must wait until the pups are old enough to come home. At around weeks, you will go to the breeder and view the puppies to make your pick, if you have that option. Some breeders will send you videos of the litter each week so you can see the puppies grow and learn. This is a nice service that helps keep you connected to the litter and your puppy. What should I look for when picking a puppy from a litter? If you have a pick from one or more puppies, here are some things you can do to help you decide which puppy will be the best one for you. Take some time to observe the puppies in the litter. Watch for how active or sleepy the pups are. This may not mean much. Keep in mind that you do not know if the puppy that is sleeping was very active a few minutes ago. Is one easily spooked or seem shy? Is one bold and curious? Do any of them seem to prefer people to the other pups or vice versa? We personally look for a puppy that likes people and is bold and curious. We generally do not want pups that are easily spooked or are only interested in playing with the other puppies. But that is just our preference. We also look at size. We prefer a middle of the road size, not the largest and not the smallest. We also want a pup that will give us good eye contact. If the breeder you chose is doing a good job, your pups will already be started on the path to being well-socialized. This is important and the next few weeks with you will be even more important. Learn more in this post. Ask your breeder for help picking If you are having problems deciding, consider asking the breeder to help you pick. Most breeders have a good sense of the puppies and which ones will make a good hunting or competition dogs. Final thoughts on How to pick a hunting dog from a litter While it might seem daunting to pick a puppy from a litter, if you have done research and found a litter with a proven mom and dad, there is little to fear. By the time you go pick your puppy, you have already made all the hard decisions and stacked the odds in your favor. So, just relax. Watch the puppies and pick one that you feel good about. Learn what to do next in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to pick a hunting puppy from a litter? No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.

As a Labradoodle breeder, we take great care to ensure our puppies receive quality nutrition and are born in a healthy and happy environment. When you take home one of our puppies, you'll have a best friend forever. Why Choose Labradoodles? Labradoodles offer the best qualities of Labradors and poodles. They are: Hypoallergenic: Thanks to the poodle's non-shedding coat, Labradoodles are a great option for individuals and families who have are sensitive to dog hair or who don't want to worry about endless amounts of hair on the furniture and carpet. Smart: Both poodles and labs are smart breeds, so naturally combining them creates a smart, easy-to-train dog. You'll be able to train them to respond to commands, learn certain behaviors, and avoid negative habits. Friendly: Not only do Labradoodles have a friendly and caring temperament, but we also do our part to give them ample socialization when they're young to ensure they will be an excellent addition to your home. You can enjoy all the unique qualities of a Labradoodle in your own home. Why Choose Us? We do our best to ensure your Labradoodle puppy is cared for before you take them home. We provide quality nutrition and necessary shots to keep your future friend healthy and growing strong. Plus, on our property, all our puppies have ample room to explore and run around, which gives them plenty of exercise. Our puppies also receive countless hours of socialization with other puppies as well as with us to ensure they are as friendly as possible. Look t hrough our available Labradoodle puppies today to find your forever friend. Hello and Thank you for visiting Brookside! We breed puppies for Excellence, with Wonderful Temperaments and Superior Health being our top priorities! All our puppies are born and expertly raised inside our home. We are a small family in home breeder of Australian Labradoodles in Sacramento California. We have a passion for our puppies! Our Australian Labradoodle puppies are from parents that have been tested to the highest level for superior temperament, health and structure. We are very proud of our allergy-friendly, non-shedding Labradoodle puppies that make wonderful family companions! We strive for and specialize in puppies with Therapy Quality Temperaments. Our Mama dogs come to our home to deliver and raise their puppies until the weaning process is appropriately completed. Your puppy will come with a 2 year health warranty, pedigree, Veterinarian exam, shot record and will be micro-chipped. In addition, we provide a lifetime of support for all our Brookside Labradoodle puppy Families. Labradoodle puppies for sale in California and Nation Wide. We are proud of each and every one of our Health tested Labradoodles! We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Sacramento California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We breed, show and sell Australian Labradoodles , Goldendoodles and Poodles. Valencia Poodles specializes in breeding healthy, beautiful, happy and smart puppies. At Valencia Poodles , we work with a small group of breeders that home raise their puppies to produce puppies that are well socialized, that are bred for temperament, and conform to the breed standard. We specialize in Australian Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and Poodles. We offer a one year health guarantee. We are devoted to our puppies and we treat each and every one as if they were going to be ours for life. Because of our dedication to our babies, you can be confident that you will go home with a beautiful puppy that is right for you. Valencia Poodles has been breeding and loving Australian Labradoodle puppies since .As a top-rated Labradoodle breeder, the Labradoodle dogs live in our home or with a guardian and are part of our family. Australian Labradoodles are funny, intelligent, loving, playful, eager to learn, and fun. They love people and are good with children of all ages. Our Labradoodles are available to people who love to have new puppies. Contact us today to learn more about our wonderful Australian Labradoodles. Standing around 15 and 19 inches tall and around 25 to 30 pounds, they are a perfect size for any size family. You will find their temperament to be gentle, loyal and very sociable. We consider them to great family dogs since they are not known as an aggressive breed. They are natural quick learners and relatively easy to train. Most owners are extremely happy with their Australian Labradoodles since they are known to be on to low shedders. Past Australian Labradoodles Litter Submit Application About Australian Labradoodles Australian Labradoodles naturally have the traits that make them the perfect breed for a high-quality, loving family companion. Our Labradoodles are as smart as poodles, and are able to learn and remember many words and they have fantastic looking coats that are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Sacramento CA? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Sacramento CA. Australian Labradoodles are different from American Labradoodles because they have six parent breeds instead of two. How can I find a Labradoodle for sale in Sacramento at Uptown? Then get ready because you could be meeting your adorable new puppy very soon! If I search for Labradoodle puppies in Sacramento now, will I find any? The Sacramento Labradoodle breeders and companies in our network have a lot of litters to choose from. Do the Labradoodle breeders in Sacramento here provide puppies in good health? All the Labradoodle breeders Sacramento here ensure that you know what you are getting with your new puppy. Does a Labradoodle need more than one walk a day? A walk of about half an hour or so is normally fine, and these dogs do not have huge exercise requirements like some other breeds. If that sounds like what you want, start looking for Labradoodle puppies Sacramento and find your new dog today! Why should I use Uptown to find Labradoodle puppies for sale in Sacramento? What is the best food to give my Labradoodle? You may need to try a few different types of dog food when you get your Labradoodle until you find one that he or she likes. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the food you give to your dog should be healthy and nutritious. Ask your vet about dog food and find out if they have a recommendation. Do purebred dogs differ much from mixed breed dogs? Yes, purebred dogs are bred to meet very specific standards and have a documented pedigree. Mixed-breed dogs, on the other hand, have more than one parent breed. Neither is better or worse than the other, and it all depends on what you want. If you want to find a Labradoodle for sale Sacramento, start here today! Do Sacramento Labradoodles for sale shed at all? This is true of Australian Labradoodles rather than American Labradoodles. They have been bred over a number of decades for this trait, and it makes them particularly suitable for people with allergies. Can I get a Labradoodle if I live in a small apartment? There is no problem with getting a Labradoodle if you live in a small home, and they are happy wherever they are near their owners. They have perfect personalities for apartments.

Temperament and Personality These dogs are attention seekers, loving to be close to their family members, also following them wherever they go, a trait well-inherited from both their parents. Being easy-going, they mingle well with children of all ages, loving to play with them, though adults should supervise because of their small size of these dogs. They are also excellent with canine and noncanine pets, but owing to their short stature, they should not be left alone with big dogs. Having a great sense of humor, the fun-loving Frugs are natural charmers, always desiring to entertain and please their owners in every way they can. The French Bulldog Pug mixes cannot thrive well in too warm or very close temperature. Inheriting the curiosity of their parents, particularly the Pug, they are curious about all that is going on around them. They get along well with strangers, though the guard dog instinct inherent in their genes could be triggered if not given proper training. Care Exercise These moderately active dogs would do fine when taken for a leisurely walk on a regular basis. However, they cannot stand excessive exercise. The Frenchie Pug puppies are more active than the older dogs that have a calm disposition loving to relax in apartments. However, engage them in some activity of the other as they get dejected on being left alone. Grooming Owing to their short coats, these dogs need very less grooming. However, brush them once a week to remove the dead hairs from their coat. Bathe your pet when he gets dirty, or to get rid of the hassle of bathing, you can wipe his body with a wet cloth. Make sure to keep the wrinkles on their face dry to prevent infection of any kind. Check their ears and do not let excessive wax accumulate. Their nails are also to be kept clean to ensure proper hygiene. Health Problems Though they are healthy, they might suffer from some of the common ailments of their parents. Patellar luxation, cataract, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, allergies, breathing difficulties, and entropion are a few of them Training Obedience: As it tends to get stubborn and willful, just like its parents, giving it obedience training since its puppy days is essential. Watchdog training: As it is intelligent and courageous similar to the French bulldog, you can train him to be a good watchdog. Acquaint him with different people and experiences so that he can differentiate normal circumstances from suspicious ones. Tricks: As it always desires to amuse and charm its owners, you can take this opportunity and teach it skills like walking backward. After he has performed the trick, give him lots of praises and pats or even a treat. Feeding The Frenchie Pug will need about one and a half to two cups of dry dog food every day. Overfeeding them might make them obese. These pups are irresistible, especially at a young age, but before you head to the breeder, you should know what to expect from your Frenchie Pug puppy. First and most importantly, know that Frenchie Pug puppies are not easy to train. This breed can be stubborn and a bit strong-willed, so be prepared to dedicate some time to teaching them the basics. This includes commands like sit, stay, and come, but it also includes housebreaking. These things often take more time with Frenchie Pugs than they do with other breeds, so you must have patience and be consistent with training. You should also know that since Frenchie Pugs inherit traits from both French Bulldogs and Pugs, their appearance can vary quite a bit based on which parent they resemble more. Frenchie Pugs Come From Royal Ancestors You know that Frenchie Pugs are the offspring of a French Bulldog and a Pug, but what you may not know is that their Pug ancestors were believed to be the preferred companion dog of Chinese royalty. Unlike most mixed breeds that can inherit personality traits and behavioral tendencies from one or both parent breeds and ultimately vary quite a bit, the Frenchie Pug comes from two pretty similar parent breeds. What this means for you is that you can rest assured that the dog you welcome into your family will be loving, affectionate, playful, energetic, and needy. Knowing what to expect in terms of the temperament of your dog is very important to some people, so this is definitely a positive feature of this crossbreed. Frenchie Pugs Are Good for Apartment Living Finding a dog that is suitable to live with you in an apartment can be challenging for many reasons, but one of the biggest is barking. If you do live in an apartment where noise is a big issue, the Frenchie Pug may be perfect for you. This breed is generally very quiet and barks very rarely. If your routine will leave your Frenchie Pug at home alone for long stretches, this may not be the best type of dog for you. The more human interaction and attention your Frenchie Pug gets, the happier they will be. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, while some breeds are simply good for families and children, Frenchie Pugs thrive in a family environment. Socialization early on will aid in cultivating this kind of calm and accepting personality, but your Frenchie Pug will likely have these traits naturally. Like all breeds, Frenchie Pugs should be eating a high-protein diet that includes healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. No specific diet restrictions exist with this breed, so any high-quality commercial dog food will do. It should be noted that high-quality food is key, as low-tier dog foods that contain fillers can lead to health problems for any breed. This is particularly important for dogs like the Frenchie Pug who is genetically predisposed to medical issues already. Many small dogs are prone to overeating and obesity, and the Frenchie Pug is no exception. One minute walk each day or a few minute walks on a daily basis will be perfect for this breed and will help minimize weight gain. To put it simply, Frenchie Pugs are pretty lazy dogs, and as long as they get their recommended walking time in each day, they will happily lie on the couch with you or sit with you while you work or watch TV. Routine walking will keep your puppy in tip-top shape. However, these dogs are also strong-willed and can offer up some serious difficulty for inexperienced dog owners. Like we mentioned earlier, the French Bulldog Pug mix normally takes a bit longer to get housebroken, so expect to put in some additional effort to get your pup to this point. This will make your job and your life a whole lot easier. Shedding is, however, one downside to this breed, as Frenchie Pugs do tend to shed quite a bit. While you may not have to brush your pup too often, you should be prepared to vacuum regularly. Since Frenchie Pugs inherit some of their physical traits from their wrinkly Pug parent breed, your dog may have skin folds that require regular cleaning to prevent infection. This largely depends on how much of that adorable wrinkliness your Frenchie Pug exhibits; physical traits can vary on an individual level. Lastly, regular grooming practices like teeth and ear cleaning every other week or so will go a long way in preventing tooth and gum issues as well as ear infections. French Bulldogs and Pugs are not known for their heartiness, and their common ailments can be seen in this breed as well. Regular vet visits are essential for the French Bulldog Pug Mix, and your pup may require more testing and medical screening than other breeds. This can lead to higher-than-normal vet bills, so be aware of this and the below common conditions found in this breed. Minor Conditions Eyelid issues like entropion and ectropion Patellar Luxation. Frug Description The Frenchie Pug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Pug. 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. Their mother is a brindle French Bulldog and their father is a fawn Pug. He enjoys play dates with his best friend Ginger who is a Corgi. They play for hours chasing playing tug of war and wrestling. Banx is a cuddler, and loves being by my side. What a gift, a true blessing. He was the best birthday present for me. He also thinks he is a guard dog, but warms up very quickly to the guests; he will even sneak a kiss in if he can. He loves to go rollerblading and running like a wild man with other dogs in the park, but his favorite things to do are eat and sleep. When he passes out, he snores very loudly, and there's no waking him up. She is very devoted, and hasn't got a drop of aggression in her. Very balanced dog. Very clever too. Robber the second-generation white and black Frenchie Pug puppy at 4 months old See more examples of the Frenchie Pug. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article.

References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Panosteitis is an inflammatory disease that generally affects the long bones of young, large breed dogs, especially GSDs. Primarily it affects fatty bone marrow and has subsequent effects on the surrounding bone Shell .It can occur in any bone that contains a significant volume of marrow but, as marrow is largely found in the diaphysis shafts of the long bones, these are the most commonly affected sites. Long bones are the bones of the limbs. They are essentially supporting columns that have to carry the weight of the animal. These epiphyses have an outer layer of compact bone and spongy bone in their centre. Between the epiphyses and the diaphysis in young animals are the growth, or epiphyseal, plates which are the zones in which bone lengthening occurs. The diaphysis the shaft of the bone has, in cross section, an outer thin fibrous layer of tissue called the periosteum and, inside this, a wide layer of compact bone which provides the strength. In the centre of the shaft is the bone marrow cavity that contains the soft, blood cell producing, haemopoietic bone marrow and yellow fatty bone marrow. Bone is a dynamic, living tissue that can slowly respond to the forces exerted on it by remodelling, strengthening and repairing itself. To do this it has cells called osteoblasts which produce bone and osteoclasts which dissolve it. In animals affected with panosteitis, the fat cells of the yellow marrow degenerate, inflammation occurs and this tissue is replaced with fibrous tissue, which in turn is calcified and turned into spongy bone tissue, as osteoblasts, osteoclasts and fibroblasts fibrous tissue-producing cells are activated Shell , Brooks .Ultimately, as the disease process subsides, this new bone is removed as part of the normal bone remodelling processes and the fatty marrow regenerates. The causes of panosteitis are unknown Shell , Brooks .Various possible causes have been proposed as listed below. The theory is that high protein levels lead to oedema fluid collection and retention within the tissues of the medullary cavity. As the bone is rigid this extra volume of fluid causes compression of blood vessels and to inadequate blood supply to the tissues of the bone, leading to inflammation ischaemia Schawalder et al a, b, Shell .Because some breeds of dogs including GSDs and Bassett hounds are predisposed to the disease, the implication is that there may be a genetic cause to the condition Brooks .Stress is often thought to play a role Shell .Generally affecting juvenile dogs, the disease is usually self-limiting and spontaneously regresses once sexual maturity is reached between months of age, but some individuals may be still affected in middle-age Bohning et al , Berry .Males are affected more frequently than females Trostel et al , Shell .Affected dogs may be lethargic, show a loss of appetite and have a raised temperature. These signs often last from a few days to a few weeks, disappear and then reoccur i. Handling the limb may elicit a pain response. Reoccurrences of the signs may coincide with periods of stress Shell .Until spontaneous regression of the condition occurs, pain-relieving medicating is often needed and reduction of stress and activity levels are also recommended Shell .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact During bouts of panosteitis, affected GSDs exhibit signs of significant limb pain. They react to having the affected bones touched. Affected dogs also often feel ill due to fever. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact The disease usually starts at between five and 18 months of age and is often recurrent. It regresses in most individuals once they reach sexual maturity at between months, but some GSDs are affected until they are seven years of age Bohning et al , Berry .Individual bouts may last for weeks to months at a time Shell .Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The GSD is the breed most commonly affected with panosteitis. Return to top 5. Diagnosis Panosteitis may be suspected in a juvenile GSD showing lameness. However other orthopaedic conditions also commonly occur in young GSDs so confirmation of the diagnosis needs to be made using radiography x-rays Shell , Berry .The radiographic appearance of the tissues of the bone changes during the course of the condition and such radiographic changes lag behind the clinical signs by about days so it is possible for an affected dog to have initial lameness without being able to detect corresponding radiographic changes Shell .This can make diagnosis difficult. Blood tests may show an eosinophilia higher than normal concentrations of a particular white blood cell type Shell .Return to top 6. There is no genetic test for the disease. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? It is not known if unaffected carriers of the gene s exist - animals that do not have the disease themselves but are able to pass on the gene s that cause the disease to their offspring - and, as far as we know, there is no information about the heritability of panosteitis in GSDs. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem As far as we are aware, there are no breeding schemes aimed at reducing the incidence of panosteitis. With the current state of knowledge it is difficult to give good advice. Generally it seems sensible not to breed from individuals that have been affected by the disease or which have more than a very few affected relatives including siblings and siblings of parents Bell .Prospective dog owners may wish to avoid acquiring dogs of breeds in which there is a high prevalence of the disease in order to help avoid perpetuating the problem unless they are able to ascertain that the disease does not occur or is very rare in the particular lineage of the dog they are interested in acquiring. Return to top 9. If you notice your puppy is limping, it could be because of a: Bone break or fracture Muscle strain, pull or tear A slipped disc A torn or damaged ligament A cut or laceration on a paw or base of the leg Any of the above injuries or body damage could be caused by rough play, falling or landing awkwardly, poor genetic, or just general day to day activity. Higher energy puppies or puppies that engage in a lot of physical activity could be more at risk. With something particularly painful like a broken bone or deep laceration, the limping could have an immediate onset. You have to remember with puppies that they are still developing physically and growing. Particularly in large dogs, if they grow too quickly, they may develop injuries more frequently. A side effect of arthritis can be lameness in a leg — which can cause limping. Arthritis in dogs can occur over time with natural wear and tear, as a result of injuries, or as a result of a disease like hip dysplasia for example. This is why you should always check the official OFA hip and elbow certification of your puppy and their parents before you buy — and get a guarantee on the health of the pup against latent defects developing. With hip and elbow dysplasia, a malformation in the joint leads to deterioration of the cartilage according to assisianimalhealth. There are also other infectious diseases, and cruciate ligament disease, neuromuscular disease, and cancers which can cause limping. The best person to let you know which legs on your GSD are affected by a cause of limping is your vet. As in with humans, a dog might have a chronic disease like arthritis for example. The joints may deteriorate and the dog might develop a limp, but the leg may simply become lame with little or no pain. More German Shepherd Limping Resources 1. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon. Additionally, TheDailyShep. Information provided is for informational purposes only — it is not a substitute for professional or qualified advice. By consuming this information, you accept that TheDailyShep. You should always consult your own veterinarian, animal expert, or health care professional and follow their advice before making decisions on all matters. Enjoy your reading, and thank you for being here ','. It occurs when your dog cannot walk normally due to pain or weakness. Your dog may walk slowly or awkwardly, and he will generally favor one leg over the other. There are two types of limping that your German Shepherd may experience. Some forms occur gradually over time, whereas sudden lameness happens instantly, usually after an injury. Some cases are minor and can be managed at home, while others will necessitate the assistance of a medical professional. Too much of a good thing such as fetch, frisbee, intense running, or rough play with other dogs can leave your German Shepherd sore and hobbling with a muscle strain. Most dogs, though, will recover quickly after a few days of rest. Wounds on the footpads. Look out for your GSD incessantly licking his paw. Burns caused by hot sidewalks or frostbite can also cause your dog to limp. In extreme weather, hot or cold, get your GSD some booties or paw protectors. A thorn or stone stuck in the pads. Again carefully check the pads for a thorn or small stone that may have lodged between the paw pads. Remember to keep the fur around the pads and toes trim to enable you to examine the paws easier, especially as some dogs find this area quite sensitive. Toenail injuries. Examine your German Shepherd for ingrowing or overgrown toenails , as these can cause discomfort and pain if they dig into the skin. My GSD once had a dewclaw injury that required surgical removal, so make sure you also keep these trim. An insect sting or animal bite. Stings and bites can cause limping. Your GSD may raise his paw if stung by a wasp or bee. Bites from other animals can result in injury and infection. Fracture or dislocation. If the limping began suddenly, a fractured leg or a dislocated bone should be suspected. A shattered bone will prevent your dog from bearing any weight. A sprain occurs when a ligament or tendon is strained or torn. Something as simple as leaping off the couch and landing awkwardly can cause it. Your German Shepherd will be reluctant to put any weight on his leg or paw. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in German Shepherds that causes hip and elbow joints to become loose and shift out of position. Sadly, .This persistent, painful condition is more common in older and larger canines. As a result of cartilage deterioration, it causes joint inflammation. Lameness, stiffness, or trouble getting up are all symptoms. Cruciate ligament injury or disease. This occurs when one or both of the cruciate ligaments that hold the knee together are damaged. Limping is the most common symptom of a cruciate injury, and it can be caused by turning awkwardly, jumping, or twisting. It can happen all of a sudden or gradually. Luxating patella dislocated knee. It is common in smaller breeds, but German Shepherds are one of the larger breeds prone to developing luxating patellas. Your dog may be in pain and reluctant to bear weight on the affected limb. An infection of the leg or paw can cause your dog to hobble. He may lick and chew the site and may need a course of antibiotics. Also, to prevent further inflammation, your GSD may be advised to wear the dreaded cone of shame Elizabethan collar. Lyme disease. This bacterial infection spread by ticks can result in intermittent lameness. Degenerative Myelopathy. This genetic condition affects the spinal cord, leading to eventual paralysis of the back end in older dogs. Weakness, lameness in the rear legs, and incontinence are all symptoms. Panosteitis Wandering Lameness or Growing Pains. Panosteitis is a condition affecting the long bones of the legs due to severe inflammation. It can affect growing large breed pups, aged months, including the GSD. It caused a shifting lameness from one bone to another and can occur over several weeks or months. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy HOD. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy is a bone disease occurring in quick-growing large dogs, usually between the 3 and 5 months stage. The German Shepherd is one of the breeds prone. Signs will be a slight limp and pain in the affected bone. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD. OCD is a disease of the cartilage whereby inflammation causes it to separate from the bone. The shoulder is the most usually affected area; however, the elbow, hip, and knee can also be impacted. It occurs when large puppies develop too quickly. Symptoms include limping, lameness, and pain. German Shepherds are predisposed to OCD; however, the offending gene has not been identified. Hind limb weakness, paralysis, or urinary incontinence are symptoms of this spinal disease. It is caused by intervertebral disk degeneration and protrusion, which compresses the spinal cord. Dog breeds having a short, stout appearance are most commonly affected. Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis. A degenerative condition of the lower spine resembling sciatica or a slipped disc in humans. The subsequent narrowing can cause nerve compression resulting in lameness. It occurs in medium-large breeds of middle to old age. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and working dogs are susceptible to Lumbosacral Stenosis. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis. This is an immune system condition that results in inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. Your German Shepherd will be reluctant to walk or will limp on one or more legs due to the pain. Diabetic neuropathy. If diabetes is uncontrolled, excessive glucose can cause gradual weakness or paralysis due to nerve damage. However, this condition is rare in canines. Congenital limb deformities. Abnormally developed limbs can cause your dog to limp. These are pretty rare, and a study of congenital deformities of the limbs highlighted that little is known about the causes. Osteosarcoma bone cancer. Bone tumors can grow quickly, causing limping and pain, especially in the legs. Large and giant breeds are more prone to it. Limping can range from mild to severe. However, she is doing really well with exercise modification techniques along with anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication. My vet recommended these, they get good reviews online, and they seem to be working for her. She sleeps on the Big Barker , which is the only dog bed clinically proven to reduce pain and joint stiffness. You can check out my comprehensive review here. For more severe cases such as broken bones, orthopedic surgery may be required. How to Treat a Limping German Shepherd at Home Knowing how to treat your limping German Shepherd at home by giving first aid is fundamental to help minimize any further injury or pain. Firstly, pinpoint the affected leg, evaluate its seriousness and whether your dog needs medical assistance. So, how do you treat a limping GSD at home? To treat a limping German Shepherd at home, gently examine your dog, starting at the paw. Check the pads and between the toes, and slowly work your way up, looking for cuts or foreign bodies. Gently maneuver the joints for stiffness, but do not examine if your GSD is in severe pain. Remove any foreign bodies between the toes. Clean the wound with anti-bacterial soap. Finally, apply antibiotic ointment. For cut or torn pads and broken nails. If you cannot stop the bleeding in minutes, take your pet to the vet. Apply a bandage and change daily. For burned paw pads. If the pad becomes discolored or if the tissue underneath becomes exposed, contact your veterinarian. Apply antibiotic ointment to the burned pad, bandage, and change the dressing daily. For abscesses. Apply warm compresses to the affected area or soak in a warm Epsom salts bath. If the abscess bursts, take your doggo to the vet to get the wound cleaned and some antibiotics. For swelling due to a sprain or bruising. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15 minutes twice a day. Place your GSD in the bath, and swirl the water around his leg, or spray with a gentle hose for 15 minutes twice daily. Flowing water reduces swelling, improves circulation, and helps with healing. Confine lame dogs and restrict their activity. Your German Shepherd will have a far better chance of recovery if you provide first aid when appropriate and seek prompt veterinary care if needed. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. This is because German Shepherds are intentionally bred to have a steeper angulation to the hind legs. The AKC breed standards for the breed, require German Shepherds to have as close to a degree bend as possible in their hind legs. Unfortunately, this steep angle in the back leg makes German Shepherds more susceptible to back pain and hind leg problems. After years of wear and tear, this makes them prone to serious leg problems as they age. For instance, studies have shown that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop dysplasia as compared to Labradors, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. A brief overview of these medical conditions: Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy DM is a neurological disease that makes German Shepherds slowly lose control of their hind legs. In the end, the dog may lose control of the urinary and bowel functions, and paralysis is a serious possibility. DM typically occurs in older dogs of about eight years or older, although it may also occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. However, there are ways to reduce the suffering of your GSD because the condition progresses gradually. Therefore, treatment options for DM are geared towards ensuring a better quality of life rather than curing it. Most dogs with degenerative myelopathy will lose the function of their hind legs within six months to two years of diagnosis. Although there is no cure, regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality of life for dogs with DM. As a result, the ball of the hip joint causes pain as it glides roughly against the socket. Signs of hip dysplasia include a wobbly gait, lameness, limping, a decreased range of motion, and pain while walking. The most common causes of hip dysplasia include genetics, leg trauma, and environmental factors. In extreme cases of hip dysplasia, the dog may lose the function of their back legs and require a wheelchair. Arthritis may also occur due to the pressure exerted on the hip joint by hip dysplasia. Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent. Signs of arthritis in German Shepherds include lethargy, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, reluctance to run, jump, or go up a flight of stairs, and stiffness in the hind legs. Prevention of osteoarthritis through proper dieting, exercising, and joint supplements helps to reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Once osteoarthritis begins, the treatment is geared towards pain reduction, reducing inflammation, and improving the quality of life. Since osteoarthritis is difficult to detect in symptoms until the affected joints are badly affected, it is crucial to keep up with regular wellness visits with your vet. The best way to prevent these diseases is through genetic testing and following good breeding standards. This is possible by checking with your breeder for the hip score regarding hip dysplasia and proper parent matching to avoid degenerative myelopathy. Diet It works wonders for humans, and it will work for your best friend too. Since this breed is already a large-sized breed and the effects of breeding may be unpredictable, maintaining an optimal weight and observing a healthy, balanced diet is a wise precautionary measure. Some of the important dietary options to provide include ample proteins, vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You should also ensure that the dog food you buy for your German Shepherd is well-suited, with enough calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Your vet may also prescribe bone and joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and collagen if they are required. An obese or overweight will experience increased mobility challenges. Second, regular exercise, especially walking and swimming, is important. Lastly, consult your vet on supplements or medications that may slow down the progression of DM. In any case, for these medical conditions , keep an eye out for changes in movement and contact your vet if there are any concerns. Some common symptoms that your German Shepherd may show include a wobbly walk, slipping on the floor, sitting crooked, hips giving way, swelling, lesser muscle mass in the back legs, and having a shorter stride on the hind legs. Remember that most dogs will not express pain or discomfort at first, so it is up to you to spot the symptoms if they do appear — This is especially important for degenerative conditions because when it comes to treatment, the earlier, the better! Regular exercise Regular exercising does two important things for your German Shepherd. One, it strengthens the hind and front leg muscles, and two, it helps you spot changes in the performance of the hind legs. This is the sit-to-stand routine. In this routine, you start with your dog sitting in front of you. Then, you move back a bit and call the dog to you. When he follows, give a treat to keep his interest and, once again, sit him down. Repeat as many times as needed. Taking your dog on daily walks up and down a hill especially or having swimming sessions will also strengthen the leg muscles and help in managing the weight. Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for dogs dealing with mobility issues. Canine massage relieves fatigue and tension in the hind leg muscles and helps to spot any unrelated pain that may be a sign of something to watch out for. How to massage your dog: Compress the muscle against the bone with your flat hand using both your palms and fingers. Glide your hand along his spine, following the lay of the fur. Apply semi-circular strokes on the muscular areas of the back legs. Using a support harness Sometimes, it is crucial to moderate the pressure that your shepherd applies to the back legs when he moves about. This is where the support harness comes in. A harness helps to remove some of the stress that the dog may be feeling when taking walks, for instance, until the muscles of the back legs are strong enough to take it. The use of the harness reduces the pressure placed on the bad back legs and makes it easier for your dog to walk. Keep them at a healthy weight and ensure they get plenty of exercise. Even if your GSD is battling a degenerative illness affecting his mobility, you can explore treatment and supportive methods that will enable a good quality of life. German shepherds are known as a very resilient and strong breed. Your dog will match and appreciate any effort you put into ensuring his good quality of life. Related Articles:. Many different factors could be causing your German Shepherd to limp, and knowing is half the battle. See below for a list of the most common reasons why your German Shepherd could be limping. Below is a list of things that cause lameness, which is a persistent limp caused by a non-trivial injury. Trauma to Leg Any sort of leg trauma could be causing your German Shepherd to limp. This includes things like broken bones, torn ligaments, dislocations, and other injuries. Just like in humans, these limit the leg function and are quite painful, so it is pretty obvious why they would make your German Shepherd limp a bit. You can only really be certain this is the case after a trip to the vet, but if you saw your dog get hurt, you might have a pretty idea that this is the case. Either way, it should be followed up by advice and treatment from a qualified vet. Hip or Elbow Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are extremely common conditions in dogs. This causes pain and lameness, resulting in a limp. Being a genetic condition, this can start from a relatively young age and is often an explanation for lameness in younger dogs. Unfortunately, there is often no cure for this. Sometimes, surgery or lifelong medication can be helpful, though. Arthritis Older dogs, just like older humans, can often experience arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints from years of stress. It usually affects the shoulders, knees, and hips. If your older dog is limping, you should probably consider this to be the most likely cause of that lameness. There are medications and nutritional supplements that can help with arthritis symptoms. Consult your vet to see your best course of action to make your dog a bit more comfortable with this condition. Congenital Abnormalities Sometimes, a limp or lameness can be the result of a congenital abnormality. These can often be skeletal or muscular abnormalities, which would explain limping. Hip and elbow dysplasia are often considered congenital abnormalities and are the most common type. Bone Cancer Unfortunately, as with all living things, cancer is a possibility with dogs as well. Although rarer than the other things above it on this list, bone cancer is a possibility when it comes to why your German Shepherd is experiencing lameness in one or more of its legs. Common Causes of Limping in Dogs Although there are some serious diseases and conditions that might be the reason your dog is experiencing lameness, you may also be able to attribute it to some fairly trivial, common things. Read on for a short list of common things that might be causing your German Shepherd to keep weight off of one of its feet. Wounds On The Footpads One of the most common reasons that a dog may be limping is that it has some kind of wound in its footpad. This can be the result of many things. Pulled Muscle Oftentimes, very active dogs can over-exert themselves and pull a muscle. This could cause the dog to develop a temporary limp as the area where the muscle was pulled becomes tender and painful to use. If your German Shepherd was bitten by a spider or stung by a wasp or hornet on its footpad, ankle, or anywhere near its paws, it may try to avoid walking on that as it would cause pain. Broken or Damaged Claw A broken or damaged claw could be quite painful to walk on for a dog, especially such a large one. Wait 15 minutes When you notice your dog is limping, the first thing you should do is wait and watch. A lot of limps are extremely trivial injuries like a paw that got stepped on or legs that may have been banged into something. Injuries like this will usually wear off for a bit. Wait and watch your dog for about 15 minutes. Do not coax it into walking or try to bring it for a walk, as too much movement could injure it further if it were to be something serious. Simply see if your dog gets up and walks around. Once it does, see if the limp persists for more than 15 minutes. Many minor limps will simply resolve themselves with time. These include bug bites and stings, paw pad wounds, damaged or cracked claws, and similar injuries that you can see physically. With many of these minor injuries, you can treat them yourself at home. Perhaps call your vet for tips on how and when to treat these injuries, but no major action is needed. When in doubt, bring your dog to the vet, or at least give them a call. This is the best and most accurate way to diagnose your dog, as your vet has the know-how and access to tools that can pin down exactly what is bothering your German Shepherd and causing its lameness. Check For Swelling If your dog is trying to avoid putting weight on one of its legs, it might be smart to check for swelling in that leg. That is a sign that you should go to the vet. This will be very helpful information for your vet should you decide to bring your dog in. There are a number of at-home remedies that can solve some of the less serious issues that are causing your German Shepherd to limp. Rest For many causes of limping, such as pulled muscles and open wounds, rest is the most important thing. If your dog is limping, try to scale back playtime and exercise to allow it time to heal. You should only really be going on walks to allow your dog to use the bathroom and allow your Shepherd to spend the rest of its time resting up its injured leg or paw. Make sure to use clean tools and wash your hands before and after to protect your dog from infection and cover any would well. Keep your yard clean of bees, spiders, other biting insects, thorny bushes, loose sticks, and other injury-causing materials. Keep your dog active and healthy to avoid injury that might come from weak bones or muscles. This can lead to joints and bones experiencing damage that causes swelling. In order to avoid or treat this kind of damage, you should make sure your dog is having its weight managed. Try to stick to a healthier diet with fewer carbs, red meat, and more lean proteins and vegetables. Make sure your German Shepherd is getting plenty of exercise between walking and playing daily. This is an athletic, active breed and should be treated as such! Your vet will be able to diagnose and treat any limp your dog is experiencing far better than you can. It may seem like a short, simple answer, but it is the best available in most cases. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! A: No. A limp is a sign that something is wrong. It may become normal as the dog ages if it develops arthritis or a similar condition. However, a limp is always a sign of some wound or condition. A: In many cases, a dog can get used to the cause of the limp and still run around if it feels it needs to during playtime or on a walk. Recap So, there are many reasons that your German Shepherd could be limping. Treat it at home if you can, but at least give your vet a call and get some advice. Related Posts:.