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Videos and Cams Pug rescued from puppy mill had the best life Pug rescued from puppy mill shows signs of serious neglect, but she is adopted and her life changes dramatically for the better. By Christelle L. Del Prete December 4, Piper the pug had been through a lot by the time she was rescued from a puppy mill in .But the best chapter of her life started when she came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Brandy and Piper were together nearly 10 years. When Piper passed away in mid-November, she was believed to be 19 years old. Although she lived a charmed life as a pampered pet after her rescue, she also became an ambassador for pet rescue, adoption, senior pets and rescuing puppy mill dogs. What is a puppy mill? A puppy mill is a dog breeding facility where dogs live in small cages and female dogs are bred as frequently as possible. Dog mills in the U. Puppy mill puppies are also sold on websites and through classified ads. Many people unknowingly buy puppies who have genetic disorders or who may be sick because of poor conditions in puppy mills. Meanwhile, millions of healthy, loving dogs of all ages are available for adoption at shelters and rescue organizations around the country. She was extremely underweight and missing most of her fur. Her skin was irritated and in rough shape. Since she was not well-socialized, she was also quite unsure about people. But all that was about to change. Brandy, a southern Utah resident, was volunteering at Dogtown when Piper along with other rescued puppy mill dogs were brought in. Piper ran up to me and asked me to pick her up. But Piper was so sweet and calm they took right to her. She instantly became part of the family. In the beginning, Brandy carried her around in a baby pouch and let her down when she felt safe. Together, they walked all over town and met as many people and friendly dogs as possible. As Piper gained healthy weight and confidence, she began riding in a stroller and then she began walking on her own, with Brandy picking her up only when she seemed overwhelmed. Brandy and Piper logged countless miles on their daily walks and took some epic road trips. Piper moved from Utah to California to St. Louis with Brandy, and everywhere they went they helped to spread awareness about animal welfare. Piper could change minds and hearts. Because of their special bond, the cat began cuddling on the couch with her and Brandy. She survived cancer and came through major dental surgery with flying colors. Besides some age-related arthritis and eyesight issues, Piper had slowed down but was going strong until recently, when she began having lung and breathing issues. As hard as it was to let her go, their life together was more than Brandy had ever hoped for. Both of our lives have forever been changed through this journey. Save Them All Stay in touch with the animals via email updates, as they get second chances at happy homes. Email Address. What is a Puppy Mill? Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in deplorable conditions to maximize profit. You can either report it to the USDA, your state agency, your local rescue or shelter, or you can contact Bailing Out Benji and they can point you in the right direction! The Humane Society of the United States also has a phone number that you can call to report these concerns to. Just remember to always check out their facilities! Whether you simply share a status on social media about what puppy mills are and how to avoid them could really make a difference! Contact your city council about a local retail ban — There are more than localities nationwide that have passed laws restricting the retail sale of pets. You can even tell the owner why you are choosing not to shop at their store anymore. Use Social Media — Spread the Word. Use the hashtag ShowMeTheMommy on social media to stress the importance of asking to see the parent dogs before purchasing a puppy. Please consider donating to Pug Partners so we can continue to save the lives of puppy mill prisoners from the terrible abuse so many have endured. Thank you! She was one of 26 Pugs rescued on Independence Day in .Toy lived in a wire cage and was bred time and time again, and she did not receive any veterinary care. Toy has skin issues and calloused, webbed feet from standing on wire flooring her entire life, and she has permanent back and hip arthritis. She is now receiving cold laser therapy to help with the pain. She also has a collapsed trachea which was not addressed at the time, and she has severe glaucoma. Even in puppy mills licensed by the U. Department of Agriculture, standards of care are notoriously low. Current federal regulations are so weak, and enforcement is so poor that breeders can keep dogs constantly caged and deny access to regular exercise, socialization and even adequate vet care. The truth is most breeding females do not end up in a loving home once their bodies give out. Their puppies are also prone to a host of lifelong, expensive medical and behavioral problems. Puppy mill operators care more about profits than dogs. All dogs deserve the good life—but as long as the secretive puppy-breeding industry continues to hide the truth, too many dogs will remain victims of its cruelty. Other Ways to Help:. The rescue was conducted by the Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation. Between July and September, Korb and other volunteers with the rescue organization made five separate round trips to eastern Nevada to transport the pugs to Utah. Many of the puppies were infected with parvovirus and required immediate treatment leading to expensive emergency veterinary bills. Her foster situation turned into a forever home. The other foster dog in her care has been adopted and will soon be united with its new family. Thanks to the rescue and the volunteers, these pugs have a new outlook. UAAF finds homes for roughly animals every year. She hopes situations like this will inspire more people to use the rescue and adoption route when searching for a family pet. Those who would like to donate or inquire about adopting an animal can do so here. Copyright Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information. Stop puppy mills Adopt, don't buy! Puppy mills are operated by people who want to make money, and they see mass-producing animals as a way to do it. Animal welfare laws tend to be outdated and poorly enforced, but the good news is that there are things we all can do to help in the fight against puppy mills: Don't buy anything from a pet store that sells live animals. Pet stores are one of the major reasons puppy mills continue to exist. They provide a marketing mechanism for puppy mills, and if these stores felt a backlash and stopped selling animals, it would help force some puppy mills to shut down. If you ever walk into a pet store that sells animals, notify the manager or owner that you do not approve of this practice and you will not do business with them as long as it continues. The more people who stop purchasing animals, the fewer puppy mills will exist. There are good people out there who breed animals for the love of the breed. If you ask the right questions, it's easy to spot a good breeder. If they are only interested in your ability to pay, rather than your ability to provide a good home, do not buy an animal from them. When in doubt, re-read 1 and 2 above! If we can educate the public about the evils of puppy mills, and get more people to adopt rather than buy and to boycott pet stores that sell animals , we can make a real difference in how many animals need the sort of care that we so often see at MAPR. Make a donation today! WhatsApp Three of the pug puppies rescued from the puppy mill. Photo courtesy of UAAF via Facebook A Utah animal rescue organization is flooded with adoption applications after a rescuing 40 pugs from a puppy mill in Nevada. After a volunteer for The Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation expressed concern about an unethical breeding situation in Nevada, the UAAF coordinated with volunteers as well as the breeders to find a resolution that could bring the pugs to safety. The pugs were brought to Utah, where they were placed in foster homes to await adoption. Maryjo Korb from UAAF said the dogs were kept in a dirt enclosure with chain link fences, and several had lice. After the rescue, a few puppies were born but died shortly after from genetic problems caused by inbreeding. Of the six puppies with parvovirus, only one survived. Additionally, prospective dog buyers can look for puppies registered through the American Kennel Club, ask for medical backgrounds and visit the breeders to make sure the dogs are being treated well, Hamilton said.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Poodle owners like you. What should I feed a picky Poodle? What should I not feed my Poodle? Human food! You should also avoid toxic foods for dogs like chocolate, garlic, onions, etc. Do Poodle need a special diet? Small-breed dog food is sometimes recommended by vets, but most small breeds can eat regular dog food without an issue. What is the best homemade food for Poodles? Soft dog foods that require little chewing are the best options for Poodles with no teeth. Should I put my Poodle on a diet plan? Unless your Poodle is overweight, suffering from a specific health condition, or has allergies, they should not be put on a diet. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog requires a new diet, less or more food, or prescription dog food. If your dog needs to lose weight, here are some tips you can try. Sticking with Blue Buffalo, we think that their canned puppy food is a contender for the best dog food for Poodle puppies. What should I look for in a dog food for my Poodle? Look for a dog food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Avoid dog foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Should I choose wet or dry food for my Poodle? Both wet and dry food can be suitable for Poodles. However, dry food may be better for dental health as it can help scrape off plaque and tartar. Can I feed my Poodle a homemade diet? Yes, you can feed your Poodle a homemade diet, here are some vet-approved recipes. While dog food specifically formulated for Poodles may be beneficial, it is not necessary. What is the best dog food for a Poodle with sensitive stomachs? Look for a dog food that is made with easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or lamb. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Can Poodles eat grain-free dog food? Yes, Poodles can eat grain-free dog food, but it is important to make sure that the food still contains essential nutrients and is not lacking in any areas. How much should I feed my Poodle? The amount of food your Poodle needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your Poodle. Should I choose a dog food that is high in fat? No, it is important to choose a dog food that is balanced and does not contain excessive amounts of fat. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. Is it necessary to feed my Poodle a dog food with added supplements? Can I feed my Poodle a vegetarian diet? Poodles require meat-based protein in their diet and typically cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet unless carefully prepared. Here are some vegetarian and vegan recipes and store-bought foods. Should I avoid dog foods that contain by-products? While by-products are often viewed negatively, they can provide essential nutrients for dogs but not when cooked in with kibble. By-products, such as chicken liver are healthy for dogs. Consistency is important for their digestive health. What is the best dog food for a senior Poodle? Look for a dog food that is lower in calories and fat, higher in protein, and contains joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Can I feed my Poodle a raw diet? Yes, a raw diet is a great choice. If you're looking for the best dog food for Poodles, chances are you're a Poodle parent! In that case—hey there. As a veterinarian, Poodle parents often ask me to recommend the best dog food brands for their furballs. Poodles are one of the most diverse dog breeds out there. However, they're also prone to obesity, especially as they grow older. And while there are many factors to Poodle obesity , giving them an improper amount of food definitely tops the bill. According to Dr. As a result, pet obesity has followed the human obesity trend. Unfortunately, pets are getting high-fat, high-calorie treats, human food, toppers, etc. It's essential to find the best dog food for Poodles to fit your dog's nutritional profile and feed them according to their needs. You should first consider your dog's current activity levels, health conditions, age and life stage, and other variables. You sure wouldn't want to feed your dog with foods that aren't beneficial to them, would you? Below, I will take a closer look at the Poodle breed across all sizes. We'll also discuss their general needs and nutritional requirements before we review some of the best dog foods for Poodles. Did you know that the Poodle was once a duck-retrieving dog? It's true! The Poodle has also been around for over a century and was developed in France and Germany. Over the past years, the breed has been molded into the variations we know today. Each type looks identical to the others except for the size. Toy Poodles tend to weigh under 10 pounds, miniatures fall between pounds, and the standard is large at pounds. They all possess a thick, densely curly coat, floppy ears, a long tail, and expressive dark eyes. The Toy Poodle lives the longest, up to 15 years, while the standard's lifespan is about years. Poodles are fun, energetic dogs that love to be around people. They tend to be very good with children and possess a natural athletic ability. Poodles have never forgotten their heritage. Most are great swimmers and expert retrievers. They are a breed to be considered by avid sportsmen as they make excellent, intelligent duck dogs. Nutritional Needs It's this dynamic nature that makes it challenging to feed a Poodle. No matter what size you own, you must find the best dog food for Poodles to meet the breed's nutritional requirements. And above that, your specific dog's needs. But Dr. Shores, should I feed my toy poodle less because she's small? And is puppy food okay? My advice is: Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your Poodle. Your vet is the best place to start. They'll make recommendations based on your Poodle's age, weight, activity level, and any health issues she may have. It will also help if you do your research which is where this article comes into play. I wrote this article based on my and my expert colleagues' recommended dog food brands for Poodles. We will discuss them based on their different life stages and body condition. If this is your purpose in reading this article, I suggest you bookmark this article, start the car, and go to the vet clinic. Continue reading when your vet gives you the advice you need on feeding your Poodle based on her nutritional needs. There are certain factors, even in the best food for poodles, that you must consider before buying one. Here are the important factors to keep you guided: Age The type of poodle dog food you'll buy will depend on her life stage. During the puppy stage and gestation period, too! In this case, you need to buy the best food for poodles that will give them all the vitamins and minerals that a growing puppy or pregnant dog, whichever is the case needs. Breed Size Yes, your poodle dog food will vary depending on your pooch's breed size. Every size of this breed has its respective metabolism. Smaller poodles tend to mature faster, which means they need nutrient-packed poodle dog food. Wet or Dry Feed Most dog owners prefer dry dog food or kibble because it's cost-effective. Nothing wrong with that. However, if your vet recommends having a mixed feed, you might need to combine wet and dry feed for your pooch. Nutrition The golden rule when buying the best food for poodles is to be balanced and complete. This means that the essential nutrients should be present in every serving. Providing a balanced meal for your pooch also means that the nutrients are in the right ratio and suitable for the poodles, depending on their age and breed size. What to Feed a Poodle Puppy Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet can replace a consultation with a vet, including this one. I always recommend this to new owners of puppy Poodles. They've also done the legwork in developing the most digestible food for Poodle puppies. The unique flat, square kibble of Royal Canin makes it easier for their small mouths to pick up and chew. This food should be given to your dog for up to 10 months. Best Puppy Food for Standard Poodle Standard poodles are less likely to have developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia than other breeds. However, they are more at risk than their smaller poodle counterparts. While there is a genetic component to these diseases, significant nutritional risk factors play a part during puppyhood. These risk factors are rapid growth and excess dietary calcium intake. Of course, you don't want your Standard Poodle to develop these. This is why feeding your Poodle enough of the right balance of nutrients is crucial. Below are some of the frequently asked questions by Poodle lovers! What is the recommended amount of food for a Poodle? It depends on how active your Poodle is. A very busy poodle will require more food than a sedentary poodle. For example, puppies need more calories than adult dogs, and elderly dogs need fewer calories than adult dogs. The best way to determine how much food your dog needs is to feed them a diet based on their age, weight, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about how much food to feed your Poodle. Can my Poodle be fed dry dog food kibble instead of wet food? There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that dry food is better for dogs because it helps keep their teeth clean, while others believe that wet food is better because it contains more nutrients. Ultimately, the best diet for your Poodle will depend on his individual needs and preferences. There are pros and cons to both dry dog food kibble and wet dog food. Ultimately, the best food for your Poodle depends on his specific dietary needs and preferences. It can also be easier to portion control because the kibble can be weighed or measured. Wet dog food is usually more nutritious than dry dog food since it contains more fresh ingredients, and it can be a good choice if your Poodle has difficulty chewing or swallowing. Can poodle puppies eat dry dog food? Yes, dry dog food is safe for poodle puppies. As long as the food is specifically meant for puppies, it will provide them with all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop properly. Make sure to choose a food high in protein and low in carbohydrates, as puppies are naturally carnivores and need more protein than adult dogs. The majority of puppies have little trouble chewing dry dog food. However, you can soften the kibble by adding a little water or wetting it if they do. Until then, continue providing whatever diet is appropriate for his age and weight. If my Poodle has difficulty chewing, what should I do? You can do a few things if your Poodle seems to have trouble chewing. One option is to feed your dog softer foods, like canned food or boiled chicken. You can also purchase a special diet for dogs with dental problems. Finally, you can ask your veterinarian about giving your dog prescription toothpaste or chew toys designed to help clean their teeth. Can my Poodle eat grains? Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, but they also contain gluten which can be hard for some dogs to digest. In addition, dogs that are allergic to grains will often have skin problems, digestive issues, and excessive shedding. Can I feed leftovers to my Poodle? Leftovers can make a nutritious meal for your Poodle if they are not too fatty or high in salt. Be sure to avoid giving them any toxic food to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, or onions. You can also give them cooked meat, rice, and vegetables. A balanced diet is essential for keeping your Poodle healthy and happy. Feeding your poodle leftovers can also be unhealthy, as they may not be getting the balanced diet they need. Instead, try to give your Poodle specifically-made dog food tailored to their nutritional needs. This will help keep them healthy and prevent any weight problems from developing. Do I have any options if my Poodle is a fussy eater? You can do a few things to get your Poodle to eat. One is to try different types of food. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in diet to get a dog to start eating again. You can also try mixing wet and dry food or warming up the food slightly before serving it. If your Poodle is particularly fussy, you may have to resort to hand-feeding her small meals several times a day until she starts eating on her own again. What foods are toxic to poodles? Yes, there are a few foods that are toxic to poodles. Chocolate, raisins, garlic, and the artificial sweetener xylitol pose a threat to poodles. Cavities and gum disease are common problems in dogs, and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. In many cases, cavities can be treated with antibiotics or surgery, and gum disease can be treated with a special diet or surgery. Your Poodle may be having trouble chewing because its teeth are not clean. You might also want to try giving your poodle rawhide bones or chew toys to help keep its teeth healthy and clean. What other foods should poodles never eat? Yes, there are other foods that poodles should never eat. Other dangerous foods for poodles include grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions. Why not give my Poodle those treats that look like bacon, hot dogs, and pork chops? Poodles are prone to obesity, and these treats are high in fat and calories. Stick to crunchy treats that are low in fat and calories instead. My dog eats the grass in my yard and other plants. How can I prevent this? However, this has yet to be proven. Is fiber necessary for poodles? Yes, poodles need fiber. A high-fiber diet will help keep their bowels regular and help minimize the risk of constipation. Is a low-fat diet for my Poodle appropriate? Dogs have higher fat, and dietary requirements than humans and do not often suffer from the same obesity-related health issues that humans do. A low-fat diet would be dangerous for your Poodle and could lead to deficiencies in essential fatty acids. Feed your dog a balanced diet appropriate for their breed and age, and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Could I feed my Poodle raw foods? There are pros and cons to a raw foods diet for your Poodle. On the one hand, a raw foods diet can be healthier for your dog because it is more natural and closer to what they eat in the wild. However, on the other hand, it can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare than a traditional kibble diet. If you consider switching your dog to a raw foods diet, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need. A raw foods diet should always include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein sources like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Is frozen raw food a good option for poodles? Yes, I do recommend frozen raw foods for poodles. I recommend all dogs eat a diet of at least some frozen raw food. Frozen raw food is the healthiest type of diet you can feed your dog. It contains all the nutrients and enzymes your dog needs to stay healthy and strong. Plus, feeding your dog frozen raw food can help protect them against many common health problems, including allergies, skin problems, weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. Is it okay to feed eggs to my Poodle? How about eggshells? You can feed eggs to your Poodle, but you should take care not to give them too many eggshells. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, but if your dog eats too many, they could end up with an eggshell calcium overdose. A safe dose for a healthy poodle is about 5 grams of eggshells per day. Poodles, do they need supplements? Yes, Poodles do need supplements, and there are a few are particularly beneficial for joint and bone growth. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most popular supplements for joint health, and they can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for joint health, as they can help reduce stiffness and pain. Vitamin D is another important supplement for Poodles, as it helps to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. What man-made food can Poodles eat? Raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog, as are cooked eggs, salmon, and blueberries. However, be sure to avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything else that might be harmful to your pup. Conclusion — Final Verdict! Now that you know a little more about the best dog food for Poodles, we hope you feel confident in your ability to choose the right food for your pup. We wish you and your pup all the best in finding the perfect diet! Related Links. Sure, there are various flavors and formulas, but it goes much deeper than that. Poodles are relatively healthy when it comes to health conditions that may affect which food you choose. Diseases like diabetes or allergies may influence which product you give your pooch. In these cases, you can get a prescription diet to feed your Poodle. You should only feed your pet the food meant for the species. Breed Size Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They vary in size from 4—70 pounds. However, even within the breed, there are differences in what you should feed your dog. The reason rests with metabolism. Smaller pups mature much faster than large ones. Whereas the Toy Poodle is an adult at 12 months, the Standard Poodle may take up to 16 months to develop fully. That fact affects the food you should give your pooch. Products for small breeds have more calories to support this rapid growth. The ones for large dogs, on the other hand, have less since they mature more slowly. Feeding your Standard Poodle a diet meant for a Toy Poodle may cause him to gain weight and become obese. Many commercial diets will have this information on the label to help you choose the right one. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Updated March 4, This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links. Poodle puppies are lively and rambunctious creatures who are ready for anything. The breed has a long history that dates back several centuries. While many people know them for strutting their stuff at a dog show or performing tricks at a circus, most Poodles end up being a lovable member of the family. Good nutrition is crucial for proper development. In a hurry? The first is their size classification. There are three main Poodle varieties. These include Toy, Mini, and Standard. Toy Poodles are the smallest of the bunch, maxing out at about nine pounds as an adult. Standard Poodles, on the other hand, can get quite large. They can weigh as much as 70 pounds. However, most stay around the neighborhood of 60 pounds. All dogs start out small. They experience a significant growth spurt during the puppy stage. Before you know it, your young dog will be approaching their adult size. You need to have a good idea of how big your dog will get to supply them with the right amount of food. With a protein content of 31 percent, your puppy will receive all the amino acids they need to grow strong muscles. To support their changing digestive system, plenty of probiotics are added as well. Buy on Chewy 2. Most of it comes from deboned chicken and chicken meal. The dry food also has plenty of healthy fat to support their growing coat and brain. Healthy doses of calcium and phosphorous are included. These ingredients support bone growth and may be able to help your puppy avoid joint and skeletal issues in the future. Buy on Chewy 3. Chicken, lamb, and salmon all contribute to the high protein content. Because so many animal meat sources are used, your puppy can get a complex profile of amino acids to support their muscles. The kibble is also chock-full of fruits and vegetables. Ingredients like apples, spinach, and blueberries give your puppy a dose of vitamins. This particular formula is ideal for Standard Poodles. Buy on Chewy 4. It supports ocular health, improves their digestive system, strengthens their immune system, and provides plenty of energy. It does this with high-quality ingredients. Chicken and turkey are the main protein sources. Buy on Chewy 5. Chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal are the most prevalent ingredients in the recipe. They make up the 24 percent protein content. The food also has a number of beneficial nutrients. Buy on Chewy nutritional requirements While the Poodle size classifications are vastly different, their nutritional requirements remain the same. The only thing that will be different is the amount of food you provide. During the first year, your dog is developing muscles, strong bones, and healthy organs. Poodle puppies are quite active. This constant activity eats up a lot of energy. Not only that, but their bodies are changing. On average, Poodle puppies will need about 55 calories per pound of body weight. More active puppies may need upwards of 60 calories. On the other side of the spectrum, lazier pups will need about .You can use this general guideline to figure out how much food your puppy will need at various stages of development. If not, you may have to soften the kibble a bit to get them to eat or start with wet food. Compared to their birth weight, Poodles will be surprisingly large for only being a few months of age. Toy Poodles The average weight of a Toy Poodle at three months is about two and a half pounds. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles typically weigh about five pounds at this age and need approximately calories to stay healthy. Standard Poodles Standard Poodles are well on their weight to reaching adulthood at three months. They should already weight about 20 pounds. This equates to over 1, calories every day. You should continue to monitor their growth and adjust their diets as needed. Toy Poodles Toy Poodles almost double their weight by this age. They typically weigh in at just under five pounds, thus requiring about calories. Miniature Poodles By six months old, most Miniature Poodles tip the scales at about 9 pounds. Standard Poodles At around 35 to 39 pounds, Standard Poodles will do well with just over 2, calories of food. One Year of Age Take out the birthday candles and some dog-friendly cake! This is a great time to look back on your previous weigh-ins to see how much your puppy has changed. Your Poodle should be close to their target adult weight. They will continue to grow a bit longer, especially Standard Poodles. However, the changes will be a bit more difficult to see. Toy Poodles While it may not seem like much growth, Toy Poodles have come a long way since birth. Your tiny canine companion should weigh in at about six pounds and require about calories of food each day. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles have an average weight of about 13 pounds when they are one year old. As a result, you should be feeding them just under calories. Standard Poodles At a year old, your Standard Poodle is probably too big to be a lapdog anymore. Most puppies weigh about 50 pounds. They will need between 2, and 2, calories each day. Young Poodles need to eat many times throughout the day. When their suckling off their mothers, puppies typically free feed. Your dog will have the urge to eat a lot as a result. From there, you need to slowly decrease their meal frequency. When you hit the six-month mark, go down to three meals. At one year old, you should try to work your way down to two meals. Your puppy may not like this very much. If they seem to have a problem with hunger throughout the day, you can continue to feed them three meals for another few months. The time to switch your puppy to adult food will depend on a couple of factors. Some dogs take a bit longer to reach their adult weight than others. They need continued support as they make that last push to adulthood. Switching too early can do more harm than good. This is because they are considered adults at about one year old. The other two classifications continue to grow, albeit slowly, until about a year and a half. Their digestive system is still quite sensitive to changes. You can ease the transition by introducing small amounts of adult food to their puppy formula. Dry food and wet food both have their advantages. Starting off with canned food gives your puppy the opportunity to develop stronger muscles before they move onto something tough. It should be noted that wet food is usually less dense than kibble. To avoid weight gain, you should move onto dry kibble when your puppy is about six months old. Here are some great recipes for young Poodle pups. The food comes in a mash form. It can also be mixed in with dry food for an additional kick of flavor. It comes in a convenient tray for mess-free eating. The recipe is comprised of great ingredients like beef and liver. There are also visible vegetables. Over to You Creating an effective diet plan for a growing Poodle puppy is a lot different than doing so for an adult. They need all the fuel they can get. With a bit of extra knowledge and planning, you can provide your dog with a great diet that helps them grow up to a healthy adult. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese Grapes and raisins Sweets and desserts Avocados Dogs can have dried cranberries as a treat, as these berries are good for digestive and bladder health. However, raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to significant kidney failure. If you fear your dog has eaten raisins or grapes, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dry Food Vs. Wet Food Dogs should rely on dry food as opposed to wet food. However, wet food should be a consistent portion of their diet. Although most dogs would eat only wet food if they could, too much wet food can cause digestive problems and make dogs sick. Dry food offers fibrous content that dogs need for a healthy bowel movement. Wet food offers food rife with vitamins and minerals — alongside an appealing taste for most dogs. However, dry food can help with tooth health and fight gum disease. A healthy combination of dry and wet food can lead to a well-balanced meal and a happy dog. The best possible dog food varieties include those that offer your Poodle only the healthiest and high-quality ingredients available. Although some of these dog food choices may be expensive, they also offer lean proteins like duck and sweet potato, so you know your Poodle is getting only the best from their diet. Although the first ingredient is a chicken by-product, this dog food option is rife with protein, vitamins, and minerals that will help your Poodle feel at the top of its game. The kibbles included in this dog food choice are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and contain vitamins that will assist in healthy coat formation and healthy gums. Not only is this brand recommended by vets around the world, but it also includes a flavor that dogs seem to love and ingredients that pet owners can feel good about. While the cost for this dog food option is a touch high, it offers the security of knowing that your dog will have all the nutrients and vitamins needed to live a long and healthy life. Each variety contains the exclusive Nutrivantage, and no filler or meat bi-product. Chicken meal and rice flavor. No Corn, no wheat, no soy, no meat bi-products. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Alongside lean protein and quality sources of fat, this dog food option also offers tons of vitamins and minerals. Although this dog food choice is expensive, it is also ideal for dogs who are currently training or need a boost in their performance. Contains one 1 30 lb. Blue Buffalo is notorious for making only the best dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. This is rife with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that will help your Poodle thrive. Additionally, this dog food is also enhanced with vitamins and minerals specifically for immune system support. ALL NATURAL: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dog's.However, the calorie content of this food is a little high, which can cause weight gain. Additionally, this dog food brand is more expensive than the average, although it does have everything your Poodle will need to keep them healthy and happy. Larger Poodles may not get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from this dog food option, as it is meant for smaller breeds. This choice may be the least expensive choice for dog food while maintaining high-quality ingredients and food rife with minerals and vitamins. There are no artificial ingredients, and there is plenty of protein in this food option. This brand prides itself on not including any animal by-products or fillers. This product is rife with vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy gums and a full coat. Poodles Require Special Nutrients Poodles need more protein than other dogs because of their lean shape, meaning that Poodles may require a unique brand of dog food that can offer enhanced vitamins, minerals, and protein content. Whether you are looking for the best Poodle dog food available on the market or preparing for adoption, these top seven dog food options stand apart from other dog food options because they offer more essential nutrients for your Poodle. Although some options are expensive, these brands can help your Poodle avoid harsh and destructive ingredients like artificial dyes linked with cancer in animals, fillers, and empty calories. Instead, they boast quality and put healthy dog food ahead of profit. Small Poodles may be less than 40 pounds, meaning they may need even more nutrient-dense food to accommodate their small stature — something these dog food brands are passionate about providing. With the best dog food for Poodles on this list, you can be sure that your Poodle is getting everything they need from its diet. Similar Posts.

Newborn Puppies At birth, puppies are blind, deaf and toothless, unable to regulate body temperature, or even urinate or defecate on their own. Normally, Puppies depend on their mother and littermates for warmth, huddling in cozy piles to conserve body temperature. A puppy that is fat and happy will be seen on it's back "sunbathing". Puppies first experience the sensation of being petted when washed by their mother's stroking tongue. The bitch licks her babies all over to keep them and the nest clean, and also to stimulate them to defecate and urinate. The dam may develop diarrhea, this is often from cleaning up puppy waste. Neonatal Period: Birth to Two Weeks From birth, puppies are able to use their sense of smell and touch, which helps them root about the nest to find their mother's scent-marked breasts. The first milk the mother produces, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity and help protect the babies from disease during these early weeks of life. The dam's discharge is usually gone by 2 weeks, but can last up to 8 weeks. After the birth, the dam's hair always falls out while she is raising a litter. It likely happens to help cool them; this is normal and it can come out in chunks. Sometimes you will not notice much hair at all come out. Some lose it gradually, some suddenly. For the first two weeks of life, puppies sleep nearly 90 percent of the time, spending their awake time nursing. The prolonged sleeping patterns of newborn puppies are there for a purpose; indeed, while those pups heavily snooze, they're actually growing. The pronounced twitching and jerking taking place during sleep is actually part of a deep form of sleep known as ''activated sleep. All their energy is funneled into growing, and birth weight doubles the first week. Newborns aren't able to support their weight, and crawl about with paddling motions of their front legs. The limited locomotion provides the exercise that develops muscles and coordination, and soon the puppies are crawling over and around each other and their mother. Ears and eyes sealed since birth begin to open during this period, ears at about two weeks and eyelids between ten to 16 days. This gives the furry babies a new sense of their world. They learn what their mother and other dogs look and sound like, and begin to expand their own vocabulary from grunts and mews to yelps, whines and barks. Puppies generally stand by day 15 and take their first wobbly walk by day .By age three weeks, puppy development advances from the neonatal period to the transitional period. This is a time of rapid physical and sensory development, during which the puppies go from total dependence on Mom to a bit of independence. They begin to play with their littermates, learn about their environment and canine society, and begin sampling food from Mom's bowl. Puppy teeth begin to erupt until all the baby teeth are in by about five to six weeks of age. Puppies can control their need to potty by this age, and begin moving away from sleeping quarters to eliminate. It is usual for us to remove the whelping pool and give the pups the entire apartment to explore between weeks of age. Socialization Period: Week Four-to-Twelve Following the transitional phase, puppies enter the socialization period at the end of the third week of life; it lasts until about week ten. It is during this socialization period that interaction with others increases. The most critical period--age six to eight weeks--is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as a part of their pack. Beginning at four weeks of age, the bitch's milk production begins to slow down just as the puppies' energy needs increase. As the mother dog slowly weans her babies from nursing, they begin sampling solid food in earnest. The environmental stimulation impacts your puppy's rate of mental development during this time. The puppy brain waves look that of an adult dog by about the 50th day, but he's not yet programmed--that's your job, and the job of his mom and siblings. Weaning typically is complete by weeks of age. Week Eight-to-Twelve Puppies often go through a "fear period" during this time. Instead of meeting new or familiar people and objects with curiosity, they react with fearfulness. Anything that frightens them at this age may have a lasting impact so take care that the baby isn't overstimulated with too many changes or challenges at one time. That doesn't mean your pup will grow up to be a scaredy-cat; it's simply a normal part of development where pups learn to be more cautious. Careful socialization during this period helps counter fear reactions. Puppies may be placed in new homes once they are eating well on their own, using their litter boxes and at least 10 weeks of age. Puppies tend to make transitions from one environment to another more easily at this age, too. Your puppy still has lots of growing to do. He won't be considered an adult until he goes through several more developmental periods and reaches one to two years of age. Briard puppy pen Brought to you by Briard. This liter is very special! She met many of his wonderful offspring and fell in love. The opportunity arose to breed Bazil via frozen semen his owner Cindy Markle had stored. After a roundtrip to Wisconsin, two transcervical inseminations and a cooperative girl later, 4 puppies are expected and she is due to deliver .Both black parents carry the tawny gene, so the puppies could have tawny, black or both colorings. The webcam will chronical their birth and welping journey. Briards are depicted in artwork going back to the eighth century, and described in records from the fourteenth century. They have a rich documented history through the centuries. Thomas Jefferson imported Briards into this country in .One hundred and thirty three years later, the first litter of Briards was registered with the American Kennel Club. The Briard is a herding dog, bred to work. They will assist the shepherd in taking the flock out of the farm yard, safely down the road, and into a field that has been partly harvested. The Briard acts as a living fence, a boundary, left with the flock to keep them in the harvested part of the field, away from the crops they must not touch. When it is time, the Briard gathers his flock, and moves it back to the farmyard. Highly intelligent and need activities to keep stimulated and prevent destructive behavior.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. Subscribe to get news on litters! We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. We moved to Florida in .Throughout my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My Boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. Made in America. All of our puppies are proudly made in America. All the food and everything we use to raise up our puppies is made in America. All products in our kennels are made in America. God bless our troops. Proud to be American citizens. Jesus is Lord! He is featured on our MALE page. To have our boxers be everything they are meant to be we knew we must start with a good foundation. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. AKC Boxer Breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC Boxer puppy. Looking forward to working with you. Enjoy the journey! Files coming soon. A new look for: americanboxerpuppies. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Through my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the boxer. For their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. God bless our troop! Listons Boxers. AKC Boxer breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC boxer puppy. Our web site americanboxerpuppies. They have areas to exercise and play. We have top of the line breeding. Our boxers are related to one of the top boxers in the US. From our home to yours we strive to have you bring home a healthy and well balanced puppy. A Furever Friend Boxers are fun loving, playful and ready for a venture. They love to snuggle and great with children. Email Address. How Much to Sell my Boxer Puppies for? I have a light brindle male boxer that is only CKC registered. How much should I sell their puppies for… what's the usual price? Photo Credit: Katie! Then see what the average adoption fee is for shelters in your area. That is what those puppies are worth. Answer by David Gilbo I paid for my male and for my female without papers. I now am having my own litter and I wouldn't sell them for any less than what I paid just cause I know both the dogs' backgrounds and they are well behaved great temperament and a great bloodline there just like my kids. CKC would register pretty much anything…they register designer dogs so that shows you how much they care. Really with only 1 of your dogs being AKC registered you shouldn't even be breeding them. I would have to check out both parents before I even purchased a boxer. As for papers, papers to me are just papers who cares. If someone really wants a dog they will pay. Just make sure they go to really good homes. Answer by Juan Garcia Honestly, I believe the price of a boxer pup depends on its features. The whole reason behind even creating a breed is to produce dogs with specific features. Buying a pup with a great pedigree is done as an attempt at ensuring the end results features. However, a boxer pup with; a bulldog head, pink inner eyelids, reg. Answer by Summer Yeah, papers are papers. Definitely make sure they go to good homes. All boxers need to be with a family that will make them part of there family. We are also licensed and inspected by the state and USDA. Our Boxers are bred for intelligence, conformation, health, and socialability. There many champions in the ancestry of our Boxers. Trojan is OFA certified for his hips, elbows, heart and, thyroid. Our males are OFA certified against hip displacia. Romeo and Romeo's sire are OFA certified. Zaccur is OFA certified. Harley was OFA certified, which is a sires of many of our females. Romeo's Grand sire was a champion. The older female are OFA certified for their heart and thyroid. The puppies come with a 1 year health guarantee for genetic defects. All are included in the price of your puppy. Puppies are ready to go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. All puppies will have their tails cropped and dew claws removed. They will be current on shots and dewormings. If a deposit is being send in the mail, the puppy is marked as pending sale. When the deposit arrives the puppy is marked an sold. If the payment does not arrive in a week, the puppy will be placed back for sale. Paypal is available for payment. More pictures of the puppies are available on request.

Dogs for Sale in Pensacola. Search for an English Shepherd puppy or dog. Bernard puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Learn more Breed standardView non-standard puppies available. There are often many great Jindos for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. He is extremely smart and has picked up on training like a champ. American King Shepherds is a Rare Breed that is still under development and consist of a blending of different breeds. To see more adoptable Maremma Sheepdogs in Pensacola, Florida, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We are Now Offering Shipping our Puppies to you. English Shepherd puppies and dogs in Pensacola, Florida. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. There are often many great Lakeland Terriers for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. Golden labrador florida, pensacola. German Shepherds for Sale in Pensacola. Search for a Belgian Laekenois puppy or dog. Why buy a German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of German Shepherd Dog puppies in Pensacola who need a home. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Below are our newest added Maremma Sheepdogs available for adoption in Pensacola, Florida. Pensacola German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Pensacola, FL German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Free online listings of cute German Shepherds. Have 6 purebred German shepherd puppies 3 boys and 3 girls. Her name is Junie B and she is about 7 months she has been spayed and she is up to date on her shots she is als. Must see to love mom and dad available to see. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable English Shepherd puppies and adult English Shepherd in Pensacola, Florida. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color Attributes. Pug puppies and dogs in Pensacola, Florida. This is Odin! Up to date on his shots!!! He is so so sweet, loves to cuddle, loves playing with water, and very smart. Bernard in Pensacola, Florida. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Belgian Laekenois puppies and adult Belgian Laekenois in Pensacola, There are often many great Sealyham Terriers for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. German Shepherd puppies for sale. M… more Over 4 weeks ago on Americanlisted. Ruskin House of Shepherds provides basic training classes at no additional charge for you and your new furry friend. To see more adoptable Pugs in Pensacola, Florida, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for German Shepherd Dog puppies in Pensacola, Florida. Maremma Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Up to date on their shots, super adorable, super sweet. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Lakeland Terrier puppies and adult Lakeland Terrier in Pensacola, Florida. Adopt a puppy or dog in Pensacola, FloridaShelters and rescues in Pensacola, FloridaSearch for a puppy or dogLearn more about dog breedsPuppies and dogs in nearby cities Adopt a dog in Pensacola, Florida These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Pensacola, Florida. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Pug puppies in Pensacola, Florida. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. St Bernard Puppies for Sale. Browse these German Shepherd Dog rescues and shelters below. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pensacola, FL from. He is so so sweet, loves to cuddle, loves. This breed is highly intelligent, beautiful and huge! Find German Shepherd puppies for sale German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .Nickname: Litter of 7 on PuppyFinder. Here are a few organizations closest to you:. Contact Us At cell If you are interested in buying one of our puppies, please complete an application for a puppy and email it to us at. Adopt an English Shepherd near you in Pensacola, Florida We don't see any English Shepherds available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. More pensacola for sale "puppies" - craigslist panama city, FL pfn southwest MS hez tallahassee tal tuscaloosa tsc. English Shepherd. Bernard puppies and adult St. Belgian Laekenois Puppies for Sale. He is potty trained and kennel trained. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable St. This is the price you can expect to pay for the German Shepherd breed without breeding rights. Beware German Shepherd signs. 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This comes at no extra cost to you. Separation anxiety is when a dog experiences stress and even panic when left alone, and unfortunately, it can happen with Golden Retrievers. For your dog, all that stress can have a negative effect on their overall wellbeing and health. Separation anxiety is also surrounded by a lot of misinformation and myths, which can lead you astray. This article will rely on the most up-to-date information and science-based facts about separation anxiety to help you understand the issue and help your dog feel better about being home without you. What is Separation Anxiety? Separation anxiety is when a dog becomes distressed when left alone, even for short periods of time. It is a panic disorder and can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Separation anxiety is not just your dog being dramatic or your dog showing how much they love you. If left untreated, separation anxiety can escalate and you might notice more extreme signs as time goes on. What Causes Separation Anxiety? The cause of separation anxiety is not entirely known, though more recent research suggests some dogs may be genetically predisposed to the disorder. It could also be triggered by a traumatic experience when left alone, such as a burglary or a fire. Some dogs can even be triggered by a scary experience unrelated to being home alone, such as being attacked by another dog. Additionally, a big life change could also spark separation anxiety, such as moving to a new home, the loss of another dog in the family, or their owners having a baby. Exposure to frequent, long absences by their owner can also lead to separation anxiety. If a dog was never taught how to be home alone, that could also contribute to separation anxiety. Their genes set them up for separation anxiety, and something like a move or a scary experience triggers it. You may come across information that says separation anxiety is caused by owners who spoil or pamper their dogs too much. There is actually no evidence to suggest that is true. Neither does allowing them on furniture. Or giving them cuddles and attention. You might have tried things like giving your dog a stuffed kong to chew, diffusing essential oils, playing music, or leaving the TV on to keep them company. These kinds of quick fixes almost never work. The reality is that treating separation anxiety is a process, but it is possible for your Golden to learn how to be okay while home alone. Talk to Your Vet or a Veterinary Behaviorist If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, you should first consult your veterinarian. Medication can sometimes help resolve the issue more quickly, as it helps your dog feel less anxious about your absence. A veterinary behaviorist is a vet with additional specialized training to effectively treat behavior issues. You can use this directory to find a veterinary behaviorist local to you. A quick note — an animal or dog behaviorist is not the same as a veterinary behaviorist, as the former cannot prescribe medication. As you work on training, they will be able to be left alone for gradually longer periods of time, but you never want to push them beyond what they can handle, as this will set you back. If you keep leaving your dog alone and they keep being triggered by it, they will never learn how to be home alone. There is a myth out there that if you just keep leaving them alone, eventually they will get over it. Usually, the opposite is true. The more you leave them alone, the more and more panicked they become. Of course, never leaving your dog alone is not a long-term plan. The goal is to get your dog to a point where they can be home alone and feel just fine. Ensuring they are never left alone is just a temporary thing while you teach your dog the skills they need to be home alone successfully. I have to work and run errands. How can I never leave them alone? Golden Retrievers love spending time out in nature, and long walks in nature can be a great stress reliever. Exercise will not cure separation anxiety, but an under-exercised dog with lots of pent-up energy may be even more nervous and stressed out when left alone. Training basic obedience and fun tricks can be a great mental stimulation for Goldens. Make sure they have plenty of safe options for chewing , which is natural stress-relieving for dogs and Goldens especially can be very mouthy. You slowly increase the intensity of the trigger in this case duration so that your dog becomes desensitized to it and is no longer panicked. Full disclosure, this can be a slow process. Often, you need to start with simply being out of view of your dog before you progress to actually leaving the house. You will also need to desensitize your dog to your departure cues, such as grabbing your keys or purse, putting on your shoes, or opening or closing doors. A Certified Dog Behavior Consultant or a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer will create a customized plan for your Golden Retriever and will guide you through the process every step of the way. Leverage Technology for Your Training Since you will be eventually leaving the house during the training process, it can be really helpful to use a camera to keep an eye on your dog. If you leave and then come home, you have no idea what your dog was doing in your absence. Then you can know for certain if they were relaxed or panicked, which will help you adjust your training plan accordingly. How to Prevent Separation Anxiety Maybe you have a Golden Retriever puppy or a newly adopted adult Golden and you want to help prevent separation anxiety. Preventing this issue is actually quite similar to treating the issue: exposure to short absences, gradually increasing the time without the dog ever becoming stressed. Remember that Golden Retrievers really love being with their humans and so this is a learned skill. This online course from trainer Sarah Stremming, called Happy Crating, is an excellent resource for teaching your puppy or dog how to be okay in your absence. The process in the course keeps your Golden Retriever feeling safe and comfortable at every step, so your absence never becomes a trigger for panic. This course is not for dogs that already have separation anxiety, but is great for preventing it for puppies or recently rescued adult dogs. The reality is that crating does not solve separation anxiety, and it might even make it worse. In fact, your dog might hurt themselves in an attempt to escape the crate. Some Golden Retrievers may end up doing best in a crate, and a crate will be part of their separation anxiety resolution plan. So simply putting your pup in a crate is not going to resolve separation anxiety. Usually, it gets worse as time goes on because the dog builds up a bigger history of traumatic experiences with every time you leave. Your Golden Retriever needs help to learn how to be okay in your absence, rather than being thrown in the deep end again and again. The truth is that this might work, but it might not. You should only get a second dog if you truly want one, not because you think it will cure your first dog of their separation anxiety. Because there is a good chance your dog will still be just as distressed by your departures even with a new friend around. Or what if the second dog tragically passes away before your first dog? Is it Separation Anxiety or Something Else? Sometimes a Golden Retriever might show signs of separation anxiety, but in reality, there is a different issue at play. Remember that only a veterinary professional can diagnose separation anxiety, and if you suspect that your dog may have separation anxiety, set up an appointment to talk about it. It can help to set up a device to film your dog while you are away so you can see their behavior while you are away. Here are some other common issues that you can rule out when trying to determine if your dog might have separation anxiety. Medical Issues Some medical issues can create behavior that might seem like separation anxiety. A urinary tract infection or a gastrointestianl issue might cause potty accidents, which is a common thing for dogs who have separation anxiety. Cognitive disorders might also mimic some aspects of separation anxiety. Confinement Distress Sometimes a dog is totally fine with being home alone, but they experience intense anxiety around being confined in a small space, such as a crate. Boredom Some dogs become destructive because they are bored and have energy to burn. Barking can also stem from boredom. Ensuring your dog is well-exercised before you depart, and leaving some durable puzzle toys for them to work on can help. Noise Phobia If your dog has a noise phobia, such as to storms or a smoke alarm, they may exhibit behavior that is very similar to separation anxiety. The only difference is that for a noise phobia, the cause of the panic is sound, and for separation anxiety, the cause is your absence. This is why we love Golden Retreivers so much. So how can you tell if your dog is just a little bummed that you have to leave or if they have full-blown separation anxiety? If your dog shows any of these behaviors, definitely talk with your vet about separation anxiety: Persistent crying, barking, or howling Destructive behavior Trying to escape a crate or house Drooling, shaking or pacing Self-injury But sometimes your dog might just be a little antsy or down that you are away. You might be worried that they have separation anxiety. Puppies do not come with pre-installed crate or home alone skills. They generally do not come naturally to dogs. Puppies are baby animals who are small and vulnerable and being alone is scary. It makes sense that they vocalize when left alone, whether in a crate, behind a gate or in a room. This is a process and every puppy will progress at different speeds. Remember that confinement distress is a separate issue from separation anxiety, and so you may need to work on them separately. Again, this online course called Happy Crating from dog trainer Sarah Stremming is an amazing guide to teach your puppy how to be calm and content while crated and with you out of sight. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers are one of the most wonderful dog breeds, and they make great family pets. These are friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic dogs who love almost everything about life and everyone they meet. They make great companions for children, and they are always happy to enjoy a walk, a hike, or playing fetch with their owners. Sometimes Golden Retrievers can experience separation anxiety. This is not a condition that impacts all Golden Retriever dogs, but it is more common in high-drive dog breeds. When your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, they might escape the backyard, chew up items in your home, or even have accidents in the house while you are away. If you have a dog that is displaying signs of this anxious behavior, you might be really worried about them. Thankfully, there are some key symptoms to look for and some really effective tactics to help you to treat the problem before it gets out of hand. Separation anxiety is one of the most frustrating conditions for owners to deal with. When you do not know how to handle this anxious behavior, your dog can be destructive, experience health issues , and be impossible to leave at home when you need to run errands. Dogs with separation anxiety can also be hard to leave behind when you head out for vacation or work trips. There are some key signs that your dog is experiencing this anxious condition, and you need to be on the lookout for them if you think that your dog might be starting to display separation anxiety. When you are paying attention to the kinds of behaviors that you are seeing, you can more accurately diagnose your dog with this issue and then start working on treatment. Top 7 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Your Golden Retriever Howling, barking, or whining in excess of normal Having accidents in the house Chewing up or destroying things Drooling, panting, and pacing Breaking through doors or scratching at surfaces or the sides of their crate Escaping bedrooms, backyards, or other spaces Pacing obsessively Many dogs that display separation anxiety behaviors will start out being all right part of the time when their owner goes away. Over time, symptoms can escalate and become very overwhelming to deal with. This is one of the most common reasons for people dropping dogs off at the shelter or giving them away to new owners. Often dogs that have separation anxiety can actually be trained to handle being alone gracefully. This is a process that can take some time, but a trainer can help you create a training plan for your pet that will generate big improvements. There are many ways to try and make your dog more comfortable with their time away from you as well, and you could exhaust these ideas before you seek the help of a professional if you want. Caring for a dog with separation anxiety can actually be easier than you might think. Golden retriever separation anxiety symptoms, image source The root of separation anxiety is the DNA of dog social structures. Dogs are pack animals, meaning that they feel safest and happiest when they are not alone. They view their owners as part of their pack, and their DNA drives them to remain with the pack when in doubt. More confident individuals probably worry when their owners are not home, but they are able to refrain from giving in to anxious behavior when left in the house on their own. Dogs that are less confident might feel very frightened when they are left alone and do everything in their power to get back to their pack. This is like a biological imperative, and that is why this behavior can be so hard to treat and prevent. While many people believe that selective breeding should have removed these drive-in domestic dogs, there are pets that still feel very driven to engage in a pack social structure. When you own a dog that lives alone, you are the only social group that they have access to in order to make sense of their world. When you leave, this can lead to disorientation on the part of a dog that clings tightly to this pack mentality for comfort. This is one of the most misunderstood reasons behind separation anxiety, and the confusion about why the behavior is happening can lead to discipline and other management methods that are not effective. Separation anxiety can be common in elderly dogs as well because their memory can be failing. These dogs might not remember, based on prior experience, that their owners leave and come back all the time. This can be a surprise to people who own a dog that has never exhibited this behavior before and is suddenly showing symptoms in old age. There are various ways that you can tackle the problem of separation anxiety. Understanding if there are secondary causes for the behavior can be important as well. For example, separation anxiety that has started due to the death of a companion pet can be a very different problem to treat than puppy separation anxiety. Always remember not to get frustrated with your pet. They cannot help it that they are afraid when you leave them alone. Being frustrated with them will only make them more upset and more likely to display unwanted behavior. Provide Distraction When your dog is young, or they are only mildly anxious when you leave, you can help them to focus on other things by giving them a toy that will keep them busy. This might be a Kong that is filled with peanut butter, or you might want to put on some music or white noise to help them with sound-related worries. Dogs that have something to do when they are home alone will be much less likely to be upset and start getting into things and destroying things. For dogs that chew when they are left alone, you will want to provide access to toys that can hold up to this demand. Offering a toy that will be broken and ripped up right away will not help your dog to entertain itself for the whole time that you are gone. You will also want to be wary of offering up food as a distraction, as it can be easy to make your dog obese this way. You should also steer clear of rawhide chews as they can lead to blocked intestines and choking. If you are not sure about which kind of food-based toy to offer to your dog, ask your vet what they recommend. There are many toys on the market that are safe for chewing, and that will not cause a medical emergency while you are away from home. Consider a Companion Sometimes dogs just need to have a friend who will be home with them when you are not there. Some people find that even adding a cat to the home makes their dog feel less alone and helps with separation anxiety. You might need to consider getting a second dog so that your first dog can be happy and feel safe when you are away. Companion situations are often the most effective when you have a timid dog that is worried about being without its pack in other situations as well. You will need to pick the companion dog carefully, however, so that there are no fights and other issues when you are not around to supervise. An older dog might not be the best solution for this need as they will be more set in their ways. Make sure that you try integrating any new animal with your existing pet before you commit to adding this new pet to your home. You can create just as many new problems trying to solve the separation anxiety issue if you are not careful. Picking the right companion can make a big difference for many pets that suffer from separation anxiety, and this might be the perfect solution for your needs. Visit the Vet Sometimes anxiety in dogs is so severe that it cannot be treated without the help of your vet. When you feel that you have tried everything without success, you can take your dog to the vet for some further help with the problem. There are many mild yet effective medications on the market that your vet can prescribe for your dog that gets separation anxiety. Armed with some help of this nature, you can help train your dog to feel safe when you are not home. You can also pair this kind of help with items like a thunder shirt. This sense of being cradled reminds dogs of the hugging nature of being with their siblings when they are not fully grown. For many dogs, this is a big help when anxiety strikes. Your vet should be able to advise about the best ways to use these tactics to help with anxious behaviors of all kinds. Invest in a Crate While many people think that crates are mean and make dogs feel trapped, the opposite is true in most cases. Many dogs actually really do feel safer in small spaces. This is because dogs den up when they are in the wild so that they can reduce the chance that they will be surprised by a threat while they are resting or eating. While some dogs do not like crates, many dogs will feel much safer in this smaller space when you are gone. You should make sure that the crate is not big enough that your dog can pace and make sure that you pick one that has a top and is fully enclosed. You will also want to consider putting a towel over the front of the crate to keep your dog from worrying about things it can see outside its crate. Dogs might cry a little when you first put them into the crate, but they will quickly calm down and just go to sleep. This is a really good tool for instilling patience, a calm state of mind, and preventing chewing behaviors that can lead to medical emergencies when you are not at home. Training There are some training techniques that can really help your dog to break free of separation anxiety. Most dogs with this condition will start fretting as soon as you pick up your keys or walk toward the front door. To break this part of the cycle, start picking up your keys but then staying home. You can always walk to the door, open it, and then come back inside frequently. Once you have broken your dog out of the learned reaction they were having to the signs that you were leaving, you can work on the bigger issue. At this stage of the game, tell your dog to sit and stay and then go out the front or back door. Close the door and wait for a few moments, then come back inside. Work on this until your dog can be calm while you are out of their sight. You can also do this work in a spare bedroom or other areas of your home that has a door to place them behind. Over time, you can easily increase the timeframe in between when you leave and come back. Dogs learn by repetition, so this is a task that will take an investment of time. Exercise and Attention Sometimes separation anxiety behavior is not actually from anxiousness about you going away. Some dogs show this behavior because they are not getting enough exercise or attention during the times that they are home. High-drive breeds like the Golden Retriever can need more exercise than other dog breeds do. Dogs need mental stimulation, and they need interaction to feel loved, happy, and secure. When they are not getting enough time to play and get tired, and they feel ignored, they might not handle being away from you gracefully. Most dog owners are busy, and it can be hard to give your dog the attention that it needs each day. Even if you only spend about 20 minutes playing with or walking your dog, you will cut down on their pent-up energy and demand for attention. The attachment that this breed feels for their people is one of the most wonderful things about Golden Retrievers, but it can lead to problems when there is not enough time in the day for them. Consider Doggy Day Care For some dogs, being home alone is just never going to be a very satisfactory option. Thankfully, there are really excellent doggy daycare businesses in almost every city. You should be able to find one of these locations to drop your dog off on days that you have to be gone for a long period of time. This is a great environment for your dog to get love, attention, and time with other animals so that they can have fun while you are away. Some of these locations will also offer one-on-one training services with in-house trainers. You can drop your dog off to be socialized and get some energy out, and they can also get some training that you might not have time to take care of yourself. When you cannot resolve the problems that your dog is having with being alone while you are away, a pet sitter or a doggy daycare might be your best option. Discipline is not really going to be effective when you are trying to treat Golden Retriever separation anxiety. Your dog is likely not in a good mental state for learning any kind of new behavior once they have become upset, and they will not understand why you are upset with them. This is not the kind of behavior that can be resolved with a firm word and a timeout. You will need to remember that dogs that are experiencing separation anxiety are actually afraid that they are being abandoned by their pack. Make sure that you try your best to be patient with your dog when they are not behaving in the way that you want them to. Golden Retrievers are very loving, and they tend to take discipline very personally. You might accidentally create more worry behaviors by trying to make your dog mind rather than by addressing the separation anxiety. You can always seek the help of a dog training professional as well if you need it. There are many people who can come to your home and help you and your Golden Retriever with this problem. Leveraging the skill of experts is always a good idea if you have a dog that is acting out when you are gone. There is no reason to assume that you should be a dog training expert just because you own a dog. Sometimes getting some help makes all the difference in tackling separation anxiety issues. Golden Retriever Separation Anxiety Can be Easy to Fix When you have a dog that is struggling with the anxiety of any kind, you have lots of options to help them to have a more enjoyable life and to feel more comfortable. Isolating the reason for the behavior and then taking steps to fix it can make the process of leaving your dog at home alone so much easier. Many dogs can be managed easily, even if they do tend to struggle with this kind of anxiety. Creating a management plan is not as hard as you might think in most cases. Always remember that your dog is not trying to be bad when they display separation anxiety and try to be patient with them. They are sacred in most cases and worried that you would leave and never come back. Being comforting and patient is important when you are retraining this behavior to improve it. For most Golden Retrievers, a few weeks of work on this kind of problem will lead to an easy resolution that will work for the long haul. Close share Copy link Do you have an anxious Golden Retriever? Goldens are one of the most beloved breeds of dog in the world and are friendly, outgoing, and always happy to see their humans. However, many dogs suffer from anxiety , especially Golden Retrievers, and it can be a big problem. In this post, we'll explore what causes anxious dogs and how you can help your furry friend overcome it. Stay tuned! Golden retriever separation anxiety Golden Retrievers are known for their separation anxiety. They whine, howl, bark, or pace back and forth when left alone. They may also destroy furniture or have accidents inside the house. While separation anxiety is definitely a nuisance, it's important to remember that it's a very real condition that can cause a lot of stress for both your dog and yourself. And as dog owners, it's important to be aware of the critical signs of stress in a dog. Stress can lead to emotional, physical, and behavioral problems. If you're dealing with a Golden Retriever with separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help ease their anxiety. First, try to create a calm environment before you leave the house. This means no loud noises or sudden movements. Secondly, make sure you give your dog plenty of exercise before you leave so they'll be tired when you're gone. Finally, leave them with a special toy or treat that they only get when you're not home. With a little patience and effort, separation anxiety doesn't have to be a nightmare for either of you. Keep reading to learn more about your golden retriever's anxiety. Golden Retriever anxiety symptoms Different dogs will show different symptoms of anxiety. If your dog is a Golden Retriever, here are some common anxiety symptoms to look out for: Your dog may startle easily or become agitated for no apparent reason. He or she may pant excessively or pace back and forth. Your dog may refuse to eat or have accidents inside the house. Your dog can become clingy or attached to you and follow you everywhere you go. He may become aggressive or destructive because of separation anxiety Read dog body language and understand if something is upsetting If you notice any of these symptoms in your Golden Retriever, it's important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you identify the cause of your dog's anxiety and develop a treatment plan. With a little help, your dog can overcome his anxiety and live a happy, healthy life. Turns out, there are all sorts of anxieties out there, each with its own unique set of symptoms. So what's the difference between all these anxieties? Well, that's what we're here to explore! Social anxiety Social anxiety is characterized by feelings of nervousness, sweating, and difficulty speaking in social situations. Agoraphobia An intense fear of being in open or public spaces. Dog anxiety Characterized by excessive panting , whining , and shaking when around dogs. Generalized anxiety disorder Characterized by constant worry and stress about everyday activities and events. So there you have it. A quick overview of some of the different types of anxiety out there. Now that you know a little bit more about them, maybe you'll be able to better understand and cope with your own anxiety. Or maybe you'll just be able to sympathize with your dog the next time he starts shaking uncontrollably at the sight of a simple mailbox. Either way, we hope this information was helpful! Wrap Up: Golden Retriever anxiety Overall, if your dog is experiencing anxiety, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or their vet. From there, you can work on management and trying different techniques to see what works best for your pup. And lastly, check out our Calming Chews for Dogs - they might just be the answer for your anxious dog. In addition to their sleep properties they are naturally formulated to relieve anxiety. If your Golden Retriever is displaying signs of anxiety, there are a few things dog owners can do to help. First, try to identify the source of their anxiety. Is it loud noises, being left alone, or something else? Once you know what's causing their anxiety, you can take steps to help them feel more comfortable. For example, if they're anxious about being left alone, you can provide them with a Kong toy filled with treats to keep them occupied. If noise is the issue, try using a sound machine or earplugs to help muffle the noises that are bothering them. You can also talk to your vet about chronic anxiety medication if other methods don't seem to be working. With a little patience and effort, you can help your dog learn to cope with their anxiety and live a happy life. Is anxiety common in golden retrievers? Yes, golden retrievers are prone to anxiety, and it's something that all potential owners should be aware of. While anxiety is common in all dogs, golden retrievers seem to be particularly prone to it. This may be due to their high intelligence or their sensitive nature. Whatever the cause, golden retriever owners must be prepared to deal with their dog's anxiety. Why do golden retrievers get anxiety? Golden retrievers were bred to work closely with humans, and as a result, they form very strong bonds with their owners. This can lead to separation anxiety when they're left alone, which can manifest in excessive barking at night , destructive behavior, and even depression. Even a young golden retriever puppy can experience separation anxiety. If you have a golden retriever, it's important to make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention to help prevent and treat anxiety. How do I know if my Golden Retriever is anxious? Here are a few telltale signs that your golden retriever may be feeling anxious: Panting or heavy breathing. Golden retriever separation anxiety is when quite literally your Golden Retriever panics when they are separated from you, or you leave the home without them. This can manifest in a number of ways. Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common of all the Golden Retriever behavior problems. It is because of their amiable and friendly nature Golden Retrievers come very close to their owners in a very short time. This article describes the tips on handling Golden Retriever Separation anxiety. Golden Retriever Dog Anxiety Symptoms. Golden Retriever separation anxiety is common as this breed will create a close bond with its owner — a fellow hunter that might rely on the Golden Retriever to help retrieve the hunted game that was killed before any other animal go there for it. Normally, an anxious Golden Retriever will bark — maybe for a few minutes, other times for hours. Nowadays, that loyalty and closeness is admired by some, but it does create circumstances of great anxiety. While Golden Retrievers are susceptible to this disorder, it is not a guaranteed problem. Most Golden Retriever separation anxiety, well the more severe forms of it, are brought on by stressful experiences. If you obtained your dog from a shelter or rescue centre, they are likely to be more prone than others to separation anxiety. Barking is the most common outcome, separation anxiety can grow exponentially worse and incur a lot more other symptoms like shaking, whining, destructive tendencies, urination and even damage to themselves as they desperately try to reach you. Normally, this will be prompted by a sound or action that your Golden Retriever will recognize as an indication that you are planning to leave. It could be your keys making a noise, or the action of you doing up the laces of your shoes, or even your morning alarm clock call if their anxiety is bad enough. This bond, which has developed between the pet and the owner, causes the separation anxiety when it is left alone. Separation anxiety is the anguish and agony felt by the pet when it is left unaccompanied. This can rapidly intensify and can take a destructive nature if left unattended. Therefore, to prevent this problem, it is important to understand the needs of your Golden Retriever. Taking the Golden Retriever to a dog training class or course is one of the best things that an owner can do to help your dog overcome the separation anxiety. Because of their social nature, Golden Retrievers need constant companionship and social interaction. They owner has to devote a lot of time and attention to make them feel happy and contented. It is due to this temperament of Golden Retrievers they experience separation anxiety when left alone for a lengthy time period. A Golden Retriever suffering from separation anxiety tries it level best to keep their owner at home. This fear of being isolated from its owner makes the Golden Retrievers even cry. Golden Retriever separation anxiety can be noticed when you are preparing to go out. If your pet get anxious and worked up, you must understand that your Golden Retriever is suffering from separation anxiety. Other symptoms indicative of separation anxiety include defecation in the house, urination in inappropriate places, jumping through windows and crying. The first step in preventing the growth of separation anxiety among the puppies is to fully wean away from their mother, usually this happens after when they are 8 weeks of age. And it is the time to start training the Golden Retriever, independent from his mother. This is the phase that Golden Retrievers usually spend with their breeder. Once you bring the Golden Retriever your home it is your responsibility to train the puppy to prevent separation anxiety. Care should be taken of number of things to prevent your pet from separation anxiety. This includes things like, leaving your Golden Retriever without any fuss, that is, you must not shower extra love and affection when you are preparing to leave. The same should be done when you come back to your home. Dealing with a dog that has severe separation anxiety can be hard. A part of you feels bad for the Golden Retriever dog, but another grows frustrated that you have problems leaving the house without the dog getting upset. For a start your dog anxiety treatment, make sure your give dog a LOT of exercise. Whenever you have to go out for a long period of time, say few hours, engage your Golden Retriever in vigorous exercise prior to leaving. Once you feel the dog is tired provide calm-submissive energy with food and water and let your pet rest. Then, while the Golden Retriever is in quiet resting mode, leave the place. Additionally, to make your departure less noticeable, decrease the interaction with him before leaving. Another method is use a toy or bone and as a distraction when you slip out the door. Such treats will make it easier for him to forget about their separation anxiety and your absence. For most dogs anxiety will not grow if they can separate your act of leaving with that initial instant of panic. Also, try to give your Golden Retriever something occupy them — a puzzle, some chews, a puzzle. These kinds of bribes will usually dispel the issues that cause severe anxiety, but if your dog is just a little upset, this will help keep them busy long enough to get them over you leaving. Another practice to carry out is to get them used to you leaving. Or, one day, just get up and leave without any warning — without shoes or keys or anything. By changing your routine, and ignoring your Golden Retriever before leaving the house, you should be able to separate the routine from their mind with that sense of panic. Another way to ease Golden Retriever separation anxiety is to provide them with a pal. A friend to play with can be great way to take your Golden Retriever out of otherwise seemingly incurable separation anxiety. Entertainment is something that keeps your Golden Retriever away from separation anxiety, no matter in what form it is available. Lastly, make sure you ignore the dog if he starts to whine or whimper. This is hard to do, but the more attention you give them when they get upset, the harder it becomes. You need to disregard it, and do your best to create a distance between your act of leaving and your Golden Retriever. Conclusion: Do you have time for a dog? Luckily, there are many ways to help your dog with this. The first of which is to make sure you have enough time to dedicate to your dog before you get one. Realistically, how much time do you have? Do you work for 8 hours a day and have a long commute? Will you let your dog sleep in the same room as you? If not then you might only be around your dog for hours a day. If that is the case then can you afford to have a dog walker come over and walk your dog or take your dog to doggie daycare? Perhaps the best scenario is to have a job where your dog can come to work with you. Think carefully about the time you have before you get a Golden Retriever or any dog for that matter. Training: The next, step is training. If you decide that you have the time to dedicate to a dog than training can be a good defense. Training and socialization are super important for all dogs. Training your dog that it is okay to be alone is very helpful. It is best to start this training as soon as possible after bringing a new dog home. Place them in a safe place, create or room. Provide them with a stuffed Kong or another treat-filled toy. Walk away for a few minutes. Be sure to reappear when the dog is not whining or barking for you. If you appear when they start to pitch a fit you will reinforce the fit, and could actually cause separation anxiety. Slowly extend the period of time you are out of view. Return immediately for the first few times. It can be helpful to leave the TV or radio on to provide noise and help your dog be able to believe that you are home. Another thing that can help is to leave an article of clothing that smells like you in the area with your dog. This will provide soothing comfort for your pal. A pajama shirt that you wear all night is a good option. Never make a big deal about when you leave, snuggling or feeling bad over your dog before you go. This will give him a perfect cue to know that you are leaving and he should stress. It is also a good idea to not have a huge party when you get home. This will just reinforce that life is so much better with you and how depend he is on you. Think about your daily routine. Perhaps, you get up, take your dog outside, have some coffee, get dressed for the day, walk your dog, and immediately leave for work. Your dog may start to associate returning from the morning walk with you leaving. The anxiety will then start to build as soon as you return from the walk. Simply changing to walking your dog first thing before anything else may be enough to rock the routine. If you end up staying for a half hour or so after the walk instead of leaving immediately he will not associate coming home from the walk with you leaving. Of course, you have to keep the routine changing every so often. Otherwise, he may notice a new cue like you finishing your coffee or something else that will trigger his anxiety. What if my dog already has separation anxiety? Well, first, you can apply the training and routine change information above. There is also medication that you can get from your vet but I wouldn't recommend it. These medications come with a whole host of side-effects including: Increased or decreased appetite. May 29, Jul 2, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. He drools and paces. When you go out the door, you hear frenzied digging at the door frame and barking. You wonder to yourself: why does my golden panic when I leave? Instead, they literally have an anxiety attack. Some have milder symptoms whereas others display much more severe ones. The poor canine literally is afraid that we will never return home again. In order to treat separation anxiety in your dog, professional help from a behaviorist may be necessary. Some dogs are probably showing signs of separation anxiety related to the pandemic. Then, as we suddenly go back to work, some dogs may develop separation anxiety. Unfortunately, many dogs are given up because they have separation anxiety. What Causes Separation Anxiety? There are various theories regarding why a dog develops separation. Something traumatic may have occurred when the dog was alone Workman may have been doing construction nearby and the dog has or develops a noise phobia associated with being alone. A burglary may have taken place in your absence. Or a thunderstorm may have occurred. And the dog associates being left alone with the scary noise and changes in barometric pressure—and the lightning. One of my rescued goldens, Spencer, was fine being left alone. That is, until a violent thunderstorm occurred when I was away working. The storm was so bad that we lost power for days. Even worse, I came home after about five hours to Spencer stressed and drooling. He also had broken a tooth while trying to get out of his crate. He loved his crate before this. A dog may have had too many transfers to various owners or may have been abandoned Some dogs may have been relocated and been stressed by that. This sometimes occurs when an owner gives up a dog to a rescue or shelter. Then, the dog is placed in another home. He may have developed bonds with the people in the home. And he may be used to a certain routine. Then, in his view, his world is suddenly turned upside down. This happened to a dog I adopted. Mikey was a Lhasa apso who was abandoned on the street. I volunteered at the shelter that took him in. In the beginning, before I could work with the issue, Mikey would whine and bark—and even dig at the door—when I left. Luckily, his symptoms of separation anxiety disappeared after I did a lot of working with Mikey on the issue. These dogs have over-bonded to their person. Dogs are creatures of habit. Many adapt well to changes, but others may find any variations from their routine to be very distressing. Our canine friends also form bonds with family members and other animals within the household. Any change may set off some dogs to develop separation anxiety. What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety? There are numerous behavior changes that a dog may exhibit when he has an episode of separation anxiety. Some may be mistaken for other behavioral or medical problems. Usually the items destroyed may be where people enter or exit. Or where a dog may escape. Dogs with separation anxiety may dig or chew around door or window frames in a frantic attempt to escape and reach the departed owner. A lab mix I trained was a rescue who had been transferred to various homes before the owners who hired me got him. He was a very sweet dog. But when his owners left, he went into full-blown panic mode. He even crashed through a window onto a deck to try to reach his owners one time when they left him alone. But he was obviously in a lot of distress. This sweet dog had a severe case of separation anxiety. It took months of working with the family and dog until he could safely be left alone. But it was worth it. The dog may salivate and drool These are stress signals. But it can be one of the signs that he has that distress. But some may express their anxiety by urinating or defecating in the house when alone. Trembling or shaking may be a sign of distress The dog may be overly excited when you return home Most dogs are happy and may jump around, wag their tail, and even squeal when we get home from work or an errand. The dog may show excessive signs of distress when you do your normal routines before departing. Dogs with separation anxiety often watch our departure cues. And they usually become anxious. Most of us have routines before we go out. We may take a shower, brush our teeth, get dressed, put on our coat, and pick up our keys. Meanwhile our dog may pace, salivate, whine, tense up, or show other signs of distress. A dog with severe separation anxiety may attempt to escape He may try to get out of windows or doors to reach you. Some tell-tale signs are scratch or chew marks at the door or window frames or on the door. Sometimes what appears to be separation anxiety is another behavioral or medical problem. So, in determining whether something that your dog does is really separation anxiety, other problems must be ruled out. Young dogs usually have a lot of excess energy to burn. Does your pup have separation anxiety? Go over your routine. If so, it may just be a house training problem. Then, re-house train your pup. Or, if you have house-trained your dog, it may be a physical problem like worms or a urinary tract infection that are causing his house training indiscretions. Then, you look down at your feet and see it: a puddle of urine. Your dog may have just urinated out of the excitement of the moment or may have submissively urinated when you reached to pet him. So determine whether he usually does this in front of you in other settings, not just after your longer departures. Urine marking You find urine on the floor, on the side of your favorite chair or on the leg of the kitchen table. You want to determine whether this is a sign of separation anxiety. Medications Some medications may cause a dog to defecate or urinate more than normal. Environmental triggers A dog may bark, whine, or howl because of something that occurs while left alone, unrelated to separation anxiety. There are many things you can do to help your dog who has separation anxiety. It can be successfully managed though to the point that no manifestations of anxiety occur. Even some vets have a lot of success treating such distress. Some of the following actions may help a dog with separation anxiety: Make sure that your dog has a sufficient amount of exercise before you depart. Generally, young dogs require more exercise than older ones. And dogs from the working, hunting, herding, and terrier breeds usually have high drive and require a lot of exercise. A walk, fetching, or playing with a comparable dog may help meet his needs. Young goldens and labs should have energy to burn. They really need a lot of exercise in order to not engage in destructive, unwanted behaviors. Make sure that your dog has enough obedience training Dogs who have obedience training can still suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may not engage in them, but those with milder cases may. Also, giving a dog some activity toys will help relieve boredom. So you can then rule out problem behaviors like destructive ones or excessive vocalizations. I recommend Extreme Kongs frozen overnight stuffed with pate dog food. Treat-dispensing toys and puzzle toys can also help. Keep departures and greetings uneventful Some experts theorize that making a big fuss when you leave your dog or when you return can cause or exacerbate separation anxiety. My liittle baby pup will be fine. The same is true when you get home. My dogs have learned the routine. When I return, I just give them a quick pet and take them out to potty, matter of factly. Leave an item like a towel with your scent on it Some dogs may be comforted by items with your scent on something. You may put it on his bed. This may help in only milder cases of separation anxiety. Others have various essences that lower stress. As with any such product, first check with your vet before using it. Some have natural herbal components that have calming properties. I actually teach my dogs how to relax on the cue. Desensitize your dog to your departures This is usually best done under the direction of a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist. If you do the behavioral work too quickly, it can even worsen the problem. Departure cues. In one of the behavioral exercises, you may start by using your departure cues—then not leave. You may do them in the order you really do shower, dress, put on coat, pick up keys —and not leave. Eventually, you may do them in various orders—and not leave. You may even do just a few of them—and not leave. You get the idea. Usually dogs with separation anxiety become very stressed when they see these departure cues. So, if done correctly and not too often, a dog may become desensitized to them. Departure times. Once your dog is used to your departure cues, you also need to deal with his reaction to your leaving. Give him the stuffed Extreme Kong , safe chew, or treat dispensing toy. If all these great things happen when you leave, the rationale is that he should eventually see your departure as a great thing—or at least tolerable. You can do this at first in your house. Then, add longer times to your departure before returning. At first, you may add only seconds to being out-of-sight or outside. The goal is to eventually be able to leave for a normal business day. Working with separation anxiety is very challenging. Take your dog to a vet if such intervention is required Some dogs require veterinary drugs to help lessen their separation anxiety. Reconcile and Clomicalm have been approved for such treatment. These are prescription items. Every day, I pretend to leave my new puppy Millie. I got het in July during the pandemic. While you engage in your behavior modification, some experts advise not leaving your dog alone so that they gradually accept your departures. But we always try to set up our dogs to succeed. Arrange for someone to stay with your dog when you go out A family member, friend or pet sitter may help your dog. Many dogs with separation anxiety are fine as long as someone they trust stays with them. It took weeks for him to really progress. During this time, friends helped out by staying with him while I was gone and worked through his issues. At the end of about three weeks, he could successfully be left alone again. However, some are attached to a specific person and exhibit symptoms if that one person is gone. Instead, it may make it much worse. Add to that separation anxiety, and the dog may injure himself trying to escape from it. However, some dogs actually feel safer in their crate even when left alone. Then, the next time you leave, he may feel even more anxious. Conclusion Separation anxiety is a very complex behavioral problem. Even if your canine buddy exhibits some of the symptoms of dogs who have separation anxiety, you still must rule out other behavioral, medical, and environmental reasons to determine whether he has such departure stress. There are various ways to successfully manage dogs with separation anxiety. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation.

Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. King Shepherds are prone to weight gain. Choose a high quality food and stick to a feeding schedule. Make sure your dog gets at least 60 to 90 minutes of walking or hiking per day, which will help keep them fit. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times per week. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with one-inch jumps. King Shepherd Feeding An ideal King Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with moderate energy. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main coat colors are fawn, red, black, brown, and sable. Their coats are usually a combination of two or more colors. They usually have medium-length, normal density coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing three times a week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended only as needed with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. See if a RoboVac is right for you! That double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. A gentle giant, they are patient and sweet with kids. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. King Shepherds are nice to strangers and can get along well with dogs and other household pets, including cats. Early socialization is an important factor for developing a social dog. King Shepherd Rescue Groups Because the King Shepherd is a somewhat rare hybrid dog breed, it may be difficult to find a breed specific rescue. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:. A post shared by Joey Senft jsenftphotography There are varying reports about the exact history of the King Shepherd. According to the International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance , the King Shepherd began as a Shiloh Shepherd and splintered away when a breeder had a different vision for her dogs. The American King Shepherd Club is less specific. They do not mention the Shiloh as part of their breeding program, nor do they specifically mention the Great Pyrenees or Akitas. They report that the King Shepherd was founded by mixing German Shepherds with flock guardians and then breeding them back to Old German Shepherds from Europe. Either way, it seems evident that the origins of the King Shepherd are entwined with the Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd began as a breed by Tina Barber, who had grown frustrated with the health and temperament issues in some German Shepherd lines. The King Shepherd split from the Shiloh Shepherd lines when David Turkheimer and Shelly Watts-Cross developed their own vision for the breed and wanted more of a working dog. So today, both breeds have their own association and breed standard. The King Shepherd is significantly larger than the German Shepherd. It also only has two coat types, straight and rough, or long and silky. On the other hand, the German Shepherd can have plush, double, or long-haired. There is also a difference in temperament. King Shepherds are bred to be stable and reliable dogs, but they may also be more independent and have a stubborn streak. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd is generally a highly trainable dog, provided it comes from good lines. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. What are the Physical Features of the King Shepherd? King Shepherds will worm their way into your heart with their winning ways. They are extremely loving and steadfastly loyal, as we mentioned earlier. King Shepherds are hard workers which comes from their shepherd instinct. They are eager to please and are quick to grasp what you want them to do. Are King Shepherds child-friendly? Do you want your kids to have memorable experiences with a cherished family pet? King Shepherds are playful and exuberant, yet they are still incredibly gentle with kids. They are also loyal and protective of their little buddies. King Shepherds have a playful, social side around other household pets. They are gentle even though they are large. Cats and other dogs are treated kindly by this giant. What more could you ask for as a guardian of the family? This is not an apartment or condo-sized pet. King Shepherds tend to fill even modest house space. So having a big backyard or a nearby park is a must. They will keep you on your toes, as they get bored quickly and thrive on a genuine challenge. If you look forward to coming home after a busy workday and just chilling out, then forget owning a King Shepherd. These dogs love strenuous exercise and movement. Get ready for long fast walks, jogs or bicycle rides where your King Shepherd can run alongside you. This dog possesses boundless energy. They will run about, jump up, leave muddy paw prints and knock things off shelves and tables with their tails. Under-exercised King Shepherds become bored and look for ways to burn off that energy. If they are not kept busy and exercised, their health and your well-ordered home will suffer the consequences. King Shepherds demand a fair amount of grooming. The bonding that takes place during grooming is an excellent experience for both of you. Daily vacuuming of shed and brushed hair and frequent mopping of paw prints is a reality — but worth the effort in my mind. There are some essential things you should know about feeding your King Shepherd. The dog food you buy for him should not contain artificial ingredients so ask your breeder or your vet for a good brand that they recommend or refer to our feeding guide for German Shepherd A typical serving for your adult dog is three or four cups of dry dog food per day. Divide this into at least two meals. Check with your veterinarian during regular check-ups to see if your King Shepherd in a good weight. We know by now that this is a super smart canine, but despite this, initial training will require a lot of patience, consistency, and persistence, as is with any other dog. However, as King Shepherds are so eager to please you, training will be really fun and your new canine companion will get the hang of it pretty quickly. Once trained, your King Shepherd retains the lessons taught. As long as you also remember and implement what you learned in obedience classes, then you are in for years of loyal companionship. Follow the training progress of this five-and-a-half-month-old King Shepherd 11 Need a Watchdog? This is one of the primary reasons dog owners cite for buying a King Shepherd. They are outstanding watchdogs. He can be counted on to bark if an intruder or a stranger tries to enter your home or accosts you. King Shepherds are courageous and formidable in appearance. But it pays to be informed. Because your King Shepherd is a crossbreed, they may have health problems associated with both of his parents. The good news is that hybrids like King Shepherds have what vets call hybrid vigor. This means they can be delightfully hardy and healthy. They may also inherit allergies and eye diseases, degenerative myelopathy, pancreatic problems and thrombopathia. In the market for a King Shepherd puppy? King Shepherd litters are usually between six and ten King Shepherd puppies. Backyard breeders are people with one or two dogs who breed as a sideline. Their dogs may be well treated but not necessarily looked after medically. On the other hand, puppy mill owners have one thing in mind — making money at all costs. They breed as many dogs as fast as they can and often under abysmal conditions. Inbreeding is rampant, and puppies often have genetic disorders. The American Kennel Club has suggestions for puppy shopping Find a knowledgeable breeder. Make sure you like the way he raises his dogs. Meet at least one of the puppy parents. This is a good indicator of appearance, size, and temperament of your future dog. Check to see if the kennel is clean. Does it look and smell nice? The puppies should look clean, well fed, well groomed, healthy and energetic. How does the breeder interact with the puppies? Does he care about his dogs and their future owners? Find out what has been done to protect your puppy from diseases. Ask for proof of health screenings and certificates. Get to know the breeder. He can be an excellent mentor and resource for you in the future. Good breeders care about the future of their puppies and are happy to provide support. If a breeder is rushing puppies out the door to make way for a new litter, you should beware. They need forever homes. Why not check out the All Shepherd Rescue website. Some of these rescue dogs may have abandonment issues. Some may have health problems due to lack of exercise, improper diet, or lack of medical care. You can turn his life around by offering him a forever home. If a King Shepherd is your wish, be patient and let local shelters know what you want. The next cost is making sure your new family member is healthy. You need to do an initial medical exam which is a brilliant investment. You want to prevent health problems down the road, and you want to ensure your puppy is in excellent health. Some breeders and most animal shelters do this as part of the adoption process. Originating in the United States in the s, these dogs were originally bred to create a German shepherd mix that had fewer health issues than a purebred German shepherd. American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross first bred a German shepherd with a shiloh shepherd a hybrid of German shepherds and Alaskan malamutes to elevate the best qualities of the German shepherd. In order to achieve the long-haired look they wanted, the breeders also incorporated long-haired German shepherds from European lineages. These European lines didn't just give king shepherds their distinctive coats, but they also boosted genetic variation. This was essential to reduce the risk of genetic issues that have become common in longstanding lineages because of inbreeding. Because king shepherds are a relatively new breed—and still fairly rare among American families—they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Between their grooming and exercise requirements, king shepherds need lots of time, energy, and attention in order to thrive. Exercise King shepherds are a high-energy breed that needs extensive exercise. Strenuous activity for at least one hour per day is a must. These dogs thrive in active, single-family homes with lots of space to run, walk, explore, and play. Because they're also very intelligent, king shepherds benefit from exercise routines that incorporate mental stimulation. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek are great ways for owners to keep this breed entertained. These dogs also excel in canine sports like agility training. King shepherds can become bored very easily, so it's vital to keep them engaged—and exercised—to prevent them from becoming destructive. Grooming King shepherds have thick, double coats that shed heavily. Brushing your dog several times per week or even daily can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free. It is very important to have a dog vacuum when owning a king shepherd. When it comes to baths, the king shepherd only requires standard bathing every three to four months. Check your dog's ears and clean its teeth regularly to prevent infections. If your king shepherd is especially active, running and walking can help keep their nails worn down, but trimmings should be performed as necessary. Training King shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making training relatively simple for owners that are consistent and engaging. Basic obedience lessons can start in puppyhood between eight and 16 weeks of age, while more involved training should continue through the dog's life. Because king shepherds are so eager to please their family members, they can learn simple commands fairly quickly. Begin socializing your dog when you first bring him or her home to ensure they stay friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals. Pixabay Common Health Problems While king shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they're still prone to certain health issues like most breeds. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for inherited diseases to prevent passing problems on to puppies; however, this breed's genetic variation does offer additional protection against genetic disorders. The following are common conditions that king shepherds may experience: Elbow and Hip Dysplasia : This condition causes a malformation in your dog's joints as they grow, which can lead to pain, instability, or weakness. Dysplasia is especially common in large-breed dogs. Von Willebrand Disease : This genetic disorder affects the blood's ability to clot after injury. Hypothyroidism : Affecting the thyroid, this endocrine disease reduces your dog's metabolic rate, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in the future. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down. Eye issues : Specific to the breed issues include pannus, glaucoma, and corneal dystroph. Allergies : King Shepherds are at risk for skin allergies like canine atopic dermatitis. Bloat : Since this breed has a large gastrointestinal tract, they are at risk for gastric dilatation volvulus GDV , which is a life-threatening condition. Diet and Nutrition Feed your king shepherd a high-quality diet with plenty of protein. This breed typically eats between three and four cups of dry food per day, and it's important to split these portions into several smaller meals to help prevent bloat. Since king shepherds are also prone to joint problems, owners should be especially mindful of their dog's weight. Canine obesity or excessive weight gain can put added stress on your dog's joints. To create a meal plan with the proper nutrients and portions, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet based on your specific dog's age, weight, and activity level. Where to Adopt or Buy a King Shepherd Before adding a king shepherd to your family, ensure that your home, schedule, and lifestyle can accommodate this large, energetic breed. These dogs require considerable grooming and daily strenuous exercise. Since king shepherds are still a new dog breed, they're not as likely to be found in shelters as their German shepherd cousins. Visit your local shelter to meet similar dogs in need of forever homes. If you plan to purchase a king s puppy, it's essential to research responsible breeders that readily provide the litter's family medical history. Your breeder should also allow you to meet the litter's parents and see the conditions in which their dogs are kept. To start your search, check out these breeding clubs dedicated to King Shepherds:. The King shepherd breed has only been around since the s, which is recent compared to the lengthy history of the German shepherd. The pair is also trying to make the dogs larger. While David and Sally began working on the breed in the early s, the breed did not become officially recognized until .The breed became recognized because a King shepherd breeding club was established. King shepherds share many traits with German shepherds. Therefore, most King shepherds have a similar appearance to German shepherds. Still, there are some variations because King shepherds are a mixed breed. While their coats are similar, the biggest difference can be found in the size of the dogs. While German shepherds are large dogs, King shepherds are typically even larger and thicker. King shepherds were specifically bred this way to prevent some of the health issues that German shepherds face. What Size Is a King Shepherd? King shepherds are between 2. When standing on their back legs, King shepherds can be about as tall as the average human female. This makes King shepherds larger on average than German shepherds. King shepherds also have more mass on them. On average, they weigh between 90 and pounds. There is a lot of variation because of the potential mixed breeds used for breeding. King shepherds have medium-length coats. Their coats are soft to touch and pet, and feel snuggly against your body and hands. King shepherds can also have many color tones in their coats reds, browns, grays, and even black but they do shed often. For this reason, you have to maintain their coat to prevent health problems and discomfort. King shepherds are mellow dogs, but they can get excited, especially as a puppy. That said, King shepherds calm down as they grow older and only bark when provoked. Are King Shepherds Affectionate? King shepherds may be big dogs, but they feel like small dogs on the inside. This is why many King shepherds choose to lay on their owners and sleep in the same bed. King shepherds also love to play and get attention from their owners. King shepherds are good with kids for a few reasons. While they can be aggressive at times, King shepherds and toddlers can become best friends for life. King shepherds are social dogs. King shepherds get along with dogs, cats, and even some smaller pets. That said, we recommend introducing the animals at younger ages and giving them time to socialize. With King shepherds, this can take some patience and even training. Are King Shepherds Aggressive? King shepherds are not aggressive dogs. This is because of their calm temperament and low energy level compared to other breeds. When aggressive, though, King shepherds become dangerous because of their size and build. For this reason, we recommend training your King shepherd well and making sure you treat them appropriately just like you should with any dog! Do King Shepherds Bark a Lot? While King shepherds bark frequently during their puppy years, they grow out of this phase quickly. As they get older, King shepherds begin to bark less. Are King Shepherds Intelligent? King shepherds are intelligent dogs. Because of their intelligence, King shepherds are easy to train and be around. Are King Shepherds Easy to Train? King shepherds are easy to train for a few reasons. This helps them cruise through training with ease. We recommend against overloading them with commands, but you should begin training at a young age. King shepherds are also easy to potty train. Are King Shepherds Energetic? That said, they begin to grow mellow as they age. This occurs because of their calm temperament and larger size. Compared to small dogs that love to bark, King shepherds are quiet and lazy. Still, King shepherds love to play and have plenty of energy to use for outdoor activities. In fact, King shepherds are only mellow around the house. This is what makes them great dogs for first-time owners. King shepherds are not good apartment dogs unless you have a large apartment. Because King shepherds are larger and heavier than German shepherds, they need a lot of space and exercise. This makes King shepherds a bad fit for people who live in urban environments. Their size can also make it challenging for landlords to be okay with allowing you to have a pet on the property, especially if the dog frightens other tenants. Are King Shepherds Good Watchdogs? King shepherds are excellent watchdogs. While they are not aggressive towards their owners, unwanted guests can draw barks and growls out of King shepherds. This can alert owners to potential dangers and other issues. King shepherds can also serve as guard dogs if needed. King shepherds are great service dogs. The breed can be used in ways that German shepherds can be used, which makes them flexible. King shepherds can be used for police work, hunting, tracking, emotional support, therapy, and more. These dogs can also help people with disabilities that make it hard to walk or see things. How to Care for a King Shepherd? Caring for a King shepherd is similar to caring for a German shepherd. German shepherds have a mild temperament unless provoked and are easy to train. Therefore, King shepherds are easy to care for as long as you groom them, brush them, play with them, and provide them with the right food. King shepherds need to be groomed. While you can get away with grooming them less often if you brush them, not grooming a King shepherd leads to problems. This is because of their frequent shedding and soft coat. Without grooming, King shepherds become knotty, dirty, and even unhappy. Therefore, we recommend frequent brushing and grooming to keep your furry friend happy. Do King Shepherds Shed? King shepherds shed as much as German shepherds, which is a lot. There are also some seasons where King shepherds will shed more. You should also let guests know that loose hair will be around to prevent allergic reactions. With a King shepherd, having no hair around is almost impossible. What Should a King Shepherd Eat? While fats and carbs are helpful for King shepherds, carbs can make them hungrier throughout the day. In fact, we recommend replacing carbs with fats instead if possible. For the food, we recommend lean meats like chicken and fish alongside fiber-rich veggies. Many food brands are designed specifically for German shepherds and King shepherds. Remember, King shepherds are larger, so they require more food. King shepherds were bred to be resistant to health problems. While the breed is still a work in progress, King shepherds are less likely to suffer from the same ailments that German shepherds face. That said, the breeds do share some of the same health risks. The head is in good proportion to the body and moderately wide between the eyes. The forehead, seen from in front and in profile, is only slightly rounded, with or without a medial furrow which is moderately well defined. The cheeks are not too full, are moderately curved, when viewed from the top should be much in the form of a "V," and are well filled in under the eyes. The thick, firm ears are of medium size, moderately wide at the base, set on high and pointed; they are carried erect and slightly forward puppies up to the age of months, and sometimes older, do not carry their ears completely erect. The eyes are medium size and almond-shaped, set somewhat aslant and not protuberant, as nearly as possible matching the surrounding coat in shades of brown, and from very light to dark are acceptable. The chest is deep and broad. Thickly feathered, the tail reaches at least to the hocks. The tail is carried down and slightly curved; when excited or in movement, the dog raises the tail, which becomes more curved, without however, going beyond the vertical. It must not, moreover, lie on or curl up on the back. Docked tails are inadmissible. The paws are round and short with a well-closed, arched. The pads are very hard. The nails are short and strong, generally dark in color. Dewclaws are usually removed. The King Shepherd comes in a wide range of acceptable colors. These are as follows: sable brownish tan with brown or black markings, or grayish silver with black markings ; black saddle with tan, gold, cream, tan or silver markings. Strong, rich colors and pigments are highly preferred. Small white spots on the chest are acceptable. Pale, washed-out colors are serious faults. The undercoat is invariably little colored, except in black dogs. White, blue or liver-colored dogs or a dog with a nose that is not black are not accepted in the show ring. Puppies change color from birth until they get their final coat. There are two coat varieties: coarse-haired, which is straight and longhaired, which is light and wavy. Temperament The King Shepherd is self-confident with a well-balanced nervous system and should not be shy. Extremely intelligent and easy to train. Faithful and eager to please its owner, this breed makes a fine working dog and sheep-herder. A courageous watch and guard dog showing courage and hardiness in his role of protector, it makes a very nice companion. The King Shepherd is full of strength and vigor. Friendly toward strangers, children and other animals. A docile, obedient breed with an easy gait and plenty of stamina. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs , we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. It does best with at least a large yard. Exercise The King Shepherd love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for this dog is very intelligent and craves a good challenge. It needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Life Expectancy. King Shepherd vs. Many believe the German shepherd dog or GSD is the most majestic of all dog breeds, but his majesty may need to move over — the king shepherd is trying to claim that crown. With a name as regal as its appearance, the king shepherd shares part of its ancestry with the German shepherd. The two dogs look alike and have a lot in common, but they have distinct differences, too. German shepherd — for a head-to-head comparison. Instead, king shepherds are considered hybrid dogs. Because German shepherd and king shepherd breeds were created during different time periods, they were also bred for different reasons. German Shepherds Bred in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz, German shepherds were created from a mixture of the best local herding dogs. Rather than being bred for looks, they were bred for their intelligence and excellence in the field. A few generations of breeding eventually lead to a breed standard for both looks and temperament. Plus, their desire to protect their flock and family made this dog a good choice as a family dog, watchdog, or guard dog. They even made it big in Hollywood where Rin Tin Tin became the most famous dog in America in the s. This breed became and remains one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Their popularity led to high demand for German shepherd puppies, which led to overbreeding and a variety of health issues. King Shepherds King shepherds were first bred in the early s. Shiloh shepherds are a mix of American German shepherds, old European lines of German shepherds, and Alaskan malamutes. King shepherds are still suited for a wide variety of jobs, and they can make good police dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue workers. Because of their malamute genes, they also sometimes work in cart pulling. However, the king shepherd is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association and the American King Shepherd Club , which has set a breed standard for its looks and temperament. German Shepherd: Looks The king shepherd looks like a larger German shepherd the opposite of a Belgian Malinois , which looks like a smaller German shepherd. King shepherds have a wider, more square frame, without the sloping back often seen in purebred GSDs. Both king and German shepherds have dense double coats with a rough, weather resistant top coat and a soft, insulating undercoat that sheds heavily twice a year. Both breeds come in a variety of coat colors, including black, black and tan, sable, and bicolor coats. To care for their coats, both breeds will need to be brushed times a week to remove loose hair and distribute their natural oils throughout their coats. And to keep their coat healthy, both breeds benefit from a daily fish oil supplement. German Shepherd: Personality The German shepherd is a high-energy working dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. King shepherds were bred to be companion dogs as much as working dogs. They move a little slower than GSDs and are gentle giants that make great family pets. When it comes to German shepherds, different breeders specialize in different traits. Some breeders focus on breeding highly motivated working dogs for police and military operations. Others specifically breed companion dogs. Because of their large sizes, both breeds will be easier to manage with early socialization and obedience training. Their high intelligence makes them quick learners that respond well to consistent training. German Shepherd: Health The king shepherd was bred with health in mind — breeders hoped to create a healthier version of the GSD. Mixed breed dogs are less prone to health issues than purebred dogs. However, king shepherds are also larger, and larger dogs tend to have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. Still, in spite of their large size, king shepherds do have longer lifespans years than German shepherds years. So, to an extent, breeders succeeded in their goal. However, because they have such a long line of German shepherd ancestry, King shepherds can still inherit the same genetic health issues that are common in GSDs. These issues include:.

Beating or hitting Labradors when they behave in an undesirable manner will not help them become better trained dogs. Rather, they will become fearful of you, which will ultimately defeat the training process. It is easy to apply human morality and motivation to your Labrador. But the fact of the matter is that your Labrador is not human and 'just is' and 'just does'. For example, eating the sleeve of your best work shirt is not a conscious act on behalf of your dog to upset you. Oftentimes, the shirt was just there and it was chewable. Instead of becoming exasperated with and angry at your Labrador for chewing your shirt, encourage him to chew his play toy and reward him with praise for doing so. Clicker training facilitates the immediate delivery of positive reinforcement. Labradors are highly trainable because they are so food motivated and this makes clicker training ideal for them. The clicker itself is a tiny plastic box held in the palm of your hand. It has a metal tongue that you push to instantly make the sound. The method works by teaching the dog that every time he hears the clicking sound, he gets a treat. Eventually the dog will come to learn that clicks are always followed by treats and this is a very powerful incentive for Labradors. Once your dog makes this connection, you can use the clicker to instantly reward the Labrador for performing the right behavior such as sitting down. Over time, he will learn that sitting down when "on command" gets him rewards. Most dogs are constantly hungry. Labradors in particular are food-oriented and motivated. For example, if your Labrador is gnawing through your settee, encourage him to pick up his play toy and then reward him with a treat and make a great fuss of him. The treats can gradually give way to praise and, over time, your Labrador will learn not to chew on your settee. Cooked kidney is a cheap alternative to buying dog treats and is also very easy to prepare and cut up. Many dogs will even work for their regular dog kibble. Giving treats as a reward for the behavior you wish to encourage should be used only as a starting measure. Treats should soon be replaced with praise as the reward, otherwise the dog may become overweight or even obese. Some trainers recommend having a dog with attention problems have to earn every kibble in his bowl, instead of being fed large meals at one time. For instance, if your Labrador has taken to either launching himself at passers by or other dogs or barking at people and other dogs, then you should try to distract him. You need to temporarily interrupt your Labrador's stream of thought by talking to or commanding him or by an action such as stomping your foot. Prepare ahead of the actual distraction by working on distraction techniques with treats in low distraction settings and at home. Make sure you follow through with praise and treats. As you get more confident where it is quiet, increase the level of difficulty by walking around the block or near a dog park to work on his skills. Work up slowly to added distraction and you will both gain confidence in your Labrador's ability to handle a crowd. A professional dog trainer, such as one from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers APDT , is highly knowledgeable about dogs and can help you learn basic handling skills. Though it is an added expense, having professional assistance is beneficial because it helps you and your energetic dog communicate effectively. You may even consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist. These are veterinarians who have additional training and expertise in animal behavior. They are wonderful dogs. Be fair, consistent, and clear. They'll reward you in turn with love and affection! For weeks before you actually see any blood, there are physiological processes hormonal changes at work which will eventually trigger the heat cycle. So just because her vulva isn't swollen yet, doesn't mean this isn't related to her first heat. In addition, often there is little physical warning for the first heat in terms of vulval swelling - the body isn't prepared for what is about to happen! The 'naughty teenager' stage which people talk about, shouldn't really occur if you've trained the dog and raised the dog well - before this point. You will then have that training and work to fall back on. The 'naughty teenager' stage occurs because people have previously been relying on an immature puppy's sense of insecurity and attachment to the owner - an immature puppy in the wild by themselves, would die. They are therefore dependent on their attachment figures for safety. When the pup grows up, this is no longer the case. Unless training is there to take over from this temporary 'sticking with my people' phase, you can suddenly find you have an unresponsive dog.This doesn't explain the restlessness at night.At 7 months, my dogs would still be crated, so there wouldn't be a chance for them to learn to go wandering around the house at night. Night time is firmly established as a time for sleep that way Click to expand.Thanks for all the info Jo, I'd consider her pretty well trained so hopefully she doesn't take too many steps backwards. Sorry I should have made it more clear, by "at night" I just mean in the evenings. For example when we are sat watching TV she usually naps but lately she's been too restless to settle down. She is still sleeping perfectly throughout the night until morning thank god. They teach them how to play, how to clean themselves, and how to behave. A litter of puppies who recently faced the wrath of their mother has gone viral on TikTok in a video posted by 6. It has been viewed over 1. In the video, six chubby chocolate Labrador retrievers can be seen cowering in the kitchen after being told off by their mother. You're scared of mom right now? Stock image of a litter of chocolate Labrador puppies. Puppies have been filmed cowering in a kitchen after being told off by their mom. Mother dogs have very strong maternal instincts and will give their undivided love and attention to their litter. By roughly their fourth week, the transition from milk to solids takes place, known as weaning , and the mother will begin to slowly distance herself from her pooches, and start disciplining them as they become more adventurous and begin to test boundaries. Most dogs will make it clear when their puppies have pushed it too far, possibly by simply moving away or issuing them with a snarl or growl, or possibly a bark. Exercise Labradors are a breed that is meant to get exercise on a daily basis. If your Labrador has not been getting much exercise it could be why it has been being naughty. This would be more likely if it is naughtier on days where it does not get much exercise. Generally, it is recommended for them to get at least an hour of exercise per day. If your Labrador has not been getting that much exercise, it would help to make sure that it does, provided that it is healthy. Training If you have not given your Labrador much training then it will not know how it is meant to behave and it will behave the way that it feels like behaving. The way that it feels like behaving is unlikely to be the way that you would like it to behave. This is why it is important to give it lots of training. It would help to start by training it to do the basics such as to sit and stay using positive reinforcement training and then to build up from there. Attention The reason why it has been being naughty could be that it has realized that it results in you giving it more attention. This would be more likely if it tends to be naughty when you have not been giving it much attention and if you tend to give it more attention when it does it. Instead, it would help to give it attention throughout the day by playing with it, training it and exercising it. But, it would also help to avoid rewarding it with attention, when it is naughty, unless necessary. Fear The cause could be that something has been causing it to be fearful. This would be more likely if it starts being naughty at specific times where it might be fearful such as when there are fireworks outside. Location If your Labrador listens to you in certain locations but not in others, it could be the case that the location has something to do with it. The different distractions that it has in the new location can be too much for it to remember what you trained it to do before. Your best option here would be to train it again in the new environment as you did in the old environment. Instead, it would help to reward it when it is being well behaved and to avoid giving it rewards when it is naughty. In this case, it would help to give it lots of things to chew on and to train it to learn what is ok to chew and what is not. I have written more about this in this blog post. An issue with its diet The cause could be that there is an issue with its diet. An issue with its diet would be more likely to be the problem if it started being naughty, suddenly, after a change in its diet. It would help to make sure that no one else has been feeding it without you knowing and it would help to talk to your local vet about its diet when you next take it for a checkup. Separation anxiety The cause could also be that it has separation anxiety. This would be more likely to be the reason if it becomes naughty while you are away. In this case, you could try to reduce how anxious it becomes without you by doing something such as: Make it seem like you are about to leave by doing something such as picking up your keys Reward your Labrador for not being anxious and repeat these two steps a few times Make more moves towards actually leaving such as by picking up the keys and putting your hand on the door handle Reward your Labrador for not being anxious and repeat the process a few times Actually open the door and go outside for a few moments then come back and reward your Labrador Repeat the above, each time staying outside for slightly longer You can see more tips on how to do this in the video below: How to get your Labrador to stop being naughty Below are some options you have when getting it to be better behaved. Train it If you have not given your Labrador much training yet it would help to start doing so. By giving it training you should be able to get it to learn to behave the way you want it to and to improve your relationship with it. If your Labrador is being naughty then it will likely be trying to destroy things. You can watch the video below to see how. Exercise As mentioned above, it is important to make sure that your Labrador is able to get daily exercise. It is generally recommended for them to get at least an hour of exercise per day when they are healthy. If your Labrador is getting exercise daily but it is still being naughty, you could try wearing it out more by getting it to do things such as play fetch. Reduce its ability to be naughty You can also take measures to reduce how naughty it is able to be. Crate training Another option would be to give it crate training which is meant to give it an area to go and feel safe when done effectively. You can watch the video below to see how to train it to become comfortable in its crate. Get help If you cannot get your Labrador to start being well behaved, you could get the help of a dog trainer or behaviorist. By doing so you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your dog and to see how to train it effectively. Things to consider Below are some things to consider about your Labrador being naughty. Be patient It would help to be patient when training it since it is unlikely that you will be able to get it to drastically change its behavior with just one training session. But, if you stick with it, you should be able to get much better results over the course of weeks and months. Avoid punishing it It would also help to avoid punishing it since it might not know why it is being punished and it could cause it to become resentful. Instead, it would help to change its behavior with the use of positive reinforcement training. When it first started doing it It would also help to consider what else happened when it first started being naughty since it could be the case that there was an event that caused it to start being naughty. If it started doing it suddenly it would be more likely to be due to things such as a change in its diet, teething, realizing that it gets rewards when it does it or a sudden change in its daily routine. When it misbehaves more It would also help to consider the timing of when it misbehaves since it could be the case that the timing has something to do with it. For example, if it is well behaved after getting exercise, it could be the case that it needs more exercise. In this case, you could try giving it more exercise in the mornings. Aggression Begging The first two problems are more commonly seen when your Labrador is still young. The last two can happen at any age. If you get mad or yell, they may believe that it is your way of showering them with care. So, to correct their behavior without indulging them, you will need to redirect their attention. For example, if your Labrador is chewing on something they should not, calmly stop them. Once they stop, give them a toy that they can play with instead and provide them with a treat afterward. This will help your Labrador understand that they do not need to misbehave to get your attention or to have fun. If you need ideas on what toys you can have your Lab play with, you can refer to our post on the most popular dog toys here. Tip 2: Have a schedule. If your dog does not have a schedule, they are more likely to misbehave because they feel bored or anxious. Labradors like structure and schedule, so it would be best to create one. Try to feed, walk, play with your Lab at the same time each day. You can also implement a routine for normal sleeping times. Since your Labrador will know what to do and when to do it, they will encourage them to misbehave less. Tip 3: Give them obedience training. However, basic obedience training is actually a crucial part of stopping Naughty Labrador behavior. As we mentioned earlier, Labradors like structure. If they know that they have to listen to you, they will recognize it as a structure that they will have to follow. By giving them basic and regular obedience training, it will help you break their destructive habits. Check out this post for a list of tips on how you can teach your dogs to sit and stay. Tip 4: Engage them in physical exercise. A Labrador retriever owner going on a jog with her Lab Labradors have tons of energy. When they do not use that energy, they are more likely to start chewing up your furniture to release it. You need to make sure your Labrador gets enough exercise to be less likely to misbehave. When your Labrador is a puppy, they need five minutes of exercise for every month of age. For example, three-month-old Labs need 15 minutes of exercise, while four-month-old Labradors need 20 minutes. When your Lab becomes an adult, the amount of exercise they will need will depend on their age. Healthy and normal Labradors usually need at least one hour of exercise every day. If your Labrador is relaxed, they probably need 45 minutes. To give your dog some exercise, you can play fun games with them like fetch or tug of war. You can also give them regular walks several times a day. If you want to work out with your Labrador, you can go on a jog or a run together. Tip 5: Prevent possible bad behavior. Preventing bad behavior is just as important as correcting bad behavior. If your dog likes to chew up the pillows, you can put them away while you are not home. You can put a fence around your garden to protect it. Doing small things like this will keep them from creating bad habits. Tip 6: Engage them in mental exercise. Labradors usually get bored because they are smart dogs that need to be mentally stimulated. Just like their other muscles, their brains need exercise, too. You can use some ways to challenge your Labrador, including giving them a puzzle toy or teaching them new tricks. You can also play find-the-toy or hide-and-seek with them! Tip 7: Keep them inside the house. Labrador Retrievers are a social dog breed that wants to be near you and your family. Your Labrador will feel lonely if they spend too much time outside away from people. When your Labrador feels lonely, they will be more likely to dig, howl, bark, or chew to try to catch your attention and cure their boredom. Therefore, you may want to keep them inside the house with you. Tip 8: Reward properly. You might be tempted to give your Labrador a treat to stop them from barking, chewing, etc. However, giving them treats will make your labrador think that their Naughty behavior is acceptable. Instead of giving them treats when they misbehave, you need to learn how to properly reward and discipline them. Drawing a clear line between good and bad will help you teach your dog how to behave well. Only give your dog rewards whenever they listen to you. They will want to continue being good if they think that they will please you and get a reward for their good behavior. Tip 9: Establish dominance. If you let your Labrador do whatever they want whenever they want, they will think that they are the alpha of the pack. You need to establish your dominance to show them that you are the leader. To establish dominance without yelling or harming your Lab, be firm with them to show them that you are in charge. You can also follow the other tips above, e. All in All It is important to correct bad Labrador behavior as early as possible to keep it from getting out of hand. You can also refer to this post if you need other tips on how to discipline a young dog. Teaching your Labrador retriever proper behavior may take time. Still, the love and affection that you will receive, in turn, will be worth it. Post navigation. Changing naughty Labrador behavior Would you like all that to change but not sure where to start? You can also get my free training tips by email. And then find some ways to get you back on track. What is Naughty Labrador Behavior? The chances are your dog has a few naughty behaviors. Most dogs pick up a few bad habits along the way, especially if their owners are inexperienced. The most common problems experienced by people struggling with their Labradors are Pulling on the leash Ignoring the recall, and not listening generally Chewing and destructiveness Rough and boisterous play The last two tend to feature most strongly in the first eighteen months. But the first two can occur in Labradors of any age. So how can we fix these problems? Improving Labrador Behavior We usually need a two pronged approach to fixing naughtiness. Obviously we need to get going on some training. But training takes time. For example, while you are teaching your dog not to barge through the front door without your permission, you could put a baby gate across your hallway to keep him behind it. Or have your dog trail a houseline so that you can pick up the end and control him when necessary. It is also about teaching dogs good default behaviors — ways to behave in common everyday situations. Ways to greet guests for example. So, one way to be good is for a dog to obey your commands or cues as we now call them. Another way to be good is for a dog to know how to behave in certain contexts, without being given any cues at all. Hopping into his basket when the doorbell rings for example, instead of barking and lunging at the door. Both these approaches form an important part of any good dog training program. Well the good news is, that all dogs can be trained, even the naughtiest ones. The bad news is that it will take a little time, a little knowledge and a little effort on your part. Properly structured modern training methods are fun! So essentially, we are going to be talking about training. Why Labrador Training Gets Neglected Some people never get started with training their dog for all manner of reasons. Often because they are just not sure where to start. Maybe you have tried training your Labrador and failed? Perhaps you have a really difficult dog? Or perhaps you are really short of time? For example, a dog that is straying too far on walks can be taught to stay closer to his owner using the About Turn Walk. Sometimes there are so many problems or a single problem is so bad, that the simplest solution is to start from the beginning again. In fact, there is never any harm in starting over. Pretend he knows nothing. Invent new names for some of the skills he needs to learn, and start from scratch using effective training techniques. A great way to get started is with my Foundation Skills course. This helps you gain the skills you need in order to successfully re-train your dog. And it helps your dog learn how to work with you, and focus on you. Have you failed in training before? It can be very difficult to get going with re-training a dog when you have failed in the past. It is really worth remembering that most people fail many times before they succeed. At a whole range of tasks and endeavours. And dog training is no exception. You can change any one of these factors The fact that you failed before is a really bad excuse for not starting. Are you worried you are too soft on your Labrador? If you think you are too soft to control your dog, think again! All you need is a willingness to find out how reinforcement actually works. And to apply the tried and tested methods that work. Modern training is fun for both of you! Is your Labrador a Difficult Dog? The concept of the difficult or naughty dog is a very common one. Believing that the dog is the problem has its advantages. The problem with blaming the dog, is that the problem never gets fixed. Taking Responsibility for your Dog Training The answer to most dog training or behavior problems is to bite the bullet and take full responsibility. This can be a bit daunting, but it is the only way to resolve any problems that you are having with your dog. This is often less challenging than you might think. You are going to be changing his behavior by taking control of its consequences. Short of time? It is amazing what you can achieve in just a few minutes a day. For most of us, the hardest part is just getting started. And modern training is really quick! Can you find ten minutes each morning and each evening to spend with your dog? And ten minutes, morning and evening, five or six times a week, is all you need to get started. If you make a habit out of dog training it will become as natural as cleaning your teeth. So start small, and build up slowly. Begin with just three minutes a day. At the same time, every day. Make a habit of this three minutes, rain or shine and before you know where you are, it will be second nature. Then and only then, start to increase the length of your training sessions. Build up to your ten minutes gradually. Make this the habit you never break. What you need is information In order to effectively change naughty behavior, you also need some basic information. You need to know how dogs learn from the consequences of their actions, and how to control those consequences yourself. You can find a great deal of this training information on this website, and on our training site dogsnet. My book Total Recall explains how to do this when teaching your dog to come to your whistle. The whole book focuses on this one important skill. You can buy Total Recall from Amazon by following this link. What can I do in just three minutes? In a three minute session you can do some clicker training. Keep a bag of little pieces of dog kibble and a clicker handy at all times , and all you need to do is grab them and start. Something simple is best. And simple skills are a useful way of engaging your dog when he is in new or distracting situations. You can train your dog There is only one difference between good dogs and bad dogs. And our intelligent and quick witted Labs thrive on training. Not only does your dog have enormous potential. You do too! You can train your dog. By yourself if necessary. You have all the ability it takes. You just need to give yourself a chance.

Which dog should I get? German Shepherd or Rottweiler? While they may have a ferocious reputation, the Rottweiler makes for a calm and courageous companion when paired with an experienced pet parent who is willing to invest time into training and socializing them. In contrast, the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and not nearly as headstrong as the Rottweiler and this, coupled with how praise-motivated they are makes them easier to train. From size to strength and intelligence to aggression, read on to find out which canine companion is right for you. German Shepherd Image credit: Getty Images Bred as a sheep herding dog, the German Shepherd is an intelligent, brave, confident dog eager to please its owner. Often used as police dogs, this working breed is easy to train as it is a fast learner and is motivated by praise and play. They have lots of energy so they will need more exercise — about two hours a day. They love to play, but are not as goofy as the Rottweiler. The breed comes in black and tan, blue, white and black colour variations. They live for around years, but are generally healthy dogs. Rottweiler Image credit: Getty The Rottweiler was originally used by the Romans to pull carts, herd cattle and guard homes. This breed is a loyal and affectionate protector. Also used as police and service dogs, they love to work, but are more motivated by food than the German Shepherd. The Rottweiler is a good, loveable pup. Their short to medium double coat is generally always black and tan. They live around years and are also quite healthy dogs. Rottweilers have a more square and stocky build, with males measuring around in cm at shoulder height and females around in .Males weigh around lb .Male German Shepherds measure around in cm at shoulder height and females around in cm. Their bodies are longer and more athletic. The Rottweiler probably has a slight advantage when it comes to strength because it has a more muscular, heavier build and they were built for carrying and pulling weight, whereas the German Shepherd is more agile. However both breeds were bred to protect and should not show aggression if trained properly. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Health Given the proper care, both of these breeds tend to be relatively healthy. However, as with all large breeds, they're naturally predisposed to certain health conditions that their smaller brothers and sisters aren't — such as hip dysplasia. The Rottweiler is also more likely to suffer from conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism, while the German Shepherd is prone to bloat and degenerative myelopathy. Check out our guide to five German Shepherd health issues you need to know about for more on this. Both of these breeds will benefit from the best dry dog food or wet food that's been specifically formulated for large breeds. It's important not to overfeed them as they're prone to weight gain if overfed and under-exercised and excess weight will put pressure on their joints. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Intelligence These two breeds are both intelligent. However the German Shepherd is considered the third smartest dog breed after the Border Collie and the Poodle in terms of work intelligence and obedience according to a study by canine psychologist Dr Stanley Coren. The Rottweiler ranked ninth on the list, showing that both breeds are smart but the German Shepherd learns more quickly. However, any dog can become aggressive if not trained properly and this does not necessarily mean that German Shepherds are more aggressive as this breed is more common. Although both breeds have a reputation for being aggressive, this is an unfair stereotype. Why do police use German Shepherds instead of Rottweilers? German Shepherds make great police dogs. Although Rottweilers are also smart and easy to train and have also been used by the force , they are not as athletic and do not have the same endurance. Their strength is also a hindrance in police work as often when apprehending felons, more care and less strength is needed to reduce damage. Whether you choose a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler will very much come down to your personality as well as theirs. They are very similar breeds and both will make loyal, loving protective family dogs. The German Shepherd will be slightly easier to train, but will need more exercise, whereas the Rottweiler will be a goofier companion and will eat more due to its size. Both are healthy dogs with a similar lifespan but look out for common health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia in both breeds and cardiac concerns with the Rottie. For more on these two breeds, check out our guides to 10 surprising Rottweiler facts and six pawsome German Shepherd facts. Today's best deals on wet dog food. They are both working breeds, and a strong work ethic is central to their personalities. They are also both as stubborn as you can imagine. Rottweilers are fairly ancient dogs, and they were kept by the Romans to maintain the herds that would accompany their armies. They had to be ferocious enough to keep cattle in line, while also having enough endurance to keep up with an army on the march. They were primarily created to act as scouts and sentries at army installations. As a result, they had to be focused, dedicated, and ready to follow orders. Their backgrounds mean that these dogs require a firm and competent hand in training. Typically, neither breed is recommended for first-time owners. You should have some experience training and leading dogs before taking on one of these headstrong breeds. Also, early socialization is absolutely critical. Image Credit: cvop, Pixabay Training Styles Both breeds respond well to positive reinforcement, but neither one is likely to tolerate negative discipline techniques like shock collars, physical aggression, or yelling. German Shepherds are big, goofy animals, and as such, they tend to be motivated by play. You can teach a lot of important commands by incorporating them into a game or using playtime as a reward for successfully completing the training. Rotties, on the other hand, love to eat. They tend to be extremely food-motivated, so you may have to hand over some treats if you want him to sit and stay. Be careful about being too generous with the cookies, though, because the breed can be prone to obesity. Both are extremely intelligent, so you have to be consistent with your training practices and rigorous with your commands. German Shepherds tend to follow every command to the letter, so if you misspeak, you could have to redo some training. Rottweilers love to bend the rules, though, so you have to watch them like a hawk and not let them get away with anything. Exercise Requirements Once we told you that these were working dogs, you should have already known that neither one would be satisfied sitting next to you on the couch all day binge-watching Netflix. Both these dogs need a fair amount of vigorous exercise — about an hour a day for Rottweilers, and roughly twice that much for German Shepherds. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, and perhaps more so. They need regular training, and you should consider investing in puzzle toys and other intellectual games. Both breeds also take well to sports like agility training. Bottom line: while neither breed is ideal for a family of couch potatoes, German Shepherds require even more activity than Rotties. Rottweilers are big dogs. Really big. They have broad chests, big heads, and plenty of power packed into their bodies. German Shepherds are longer and leaner. These dogs can also seem bigger than they are due to their massive coats more on that later. As you might expect, given their shapes and sizes, the two breeds have different physicalities as well. For Rottweilers, obesity can be a problem. This leads to heart issues, spinal problems, hip dysplasia, and more. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are extremely likely to suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia. They suffer arthritis at high rates as well, and degenerative disc disease is a concern due to the slope of their backs. Intelligence As noted earlier, these are two of the smartest dog breeds on the planet. According to neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, the author of The Intelligence of Dogs, German Shepherds are the third-smartest breed, while Rottweilers come in at ninth on the list. That means that both breeds will be quick studies in training, and they may pick up lessons you never intended to teach. It also means that you have to always be on your toes, as you might think that you left the peanut butter out of reach, only to find an empty jar when you wake up in the morning. Both dogs can also be accomplished escape artists if left alone in the backyard for too long. While you might assume that smarter is automatically better when it comes to dogs, you should realize that more intelligent dogs usually require more stimulation and more dedicated training. That said, both these animals are guard dogs by nature. However, when given proper socialization and training, both breeds can be extremely friendly and loving to everyone. Image Credit: , Pxhere Compatibility with Other Pets As with friendliness, this more dependent on training and socialization than anything else. At their core, however, neither breed is particularly fond of other animals. The sad truth is that both breeds have been used as fighting dogs in the past. Also, they both have fairly strong prey drives, so it might not be the best idea to bring a cat in the house. In fact, Rottweilers are much more likely to tolerate cats in the house than other dogs. Grooming Requirements Rottweilers are fairly low-maintenance, as they have short coats and only tend to shed seasonally. As a result, you can get away with only brushing a Rottie occasionally. German Shepherds, on the other hand, have extremely dense, long coats, and their fur gets absolutely everywhere. Both should be fine with only a couple baths a year, unless, of course, they find something disgusting to roll in. Frequently Asked Questions Which is better for families with small children? Either the Rottweiler or German Shepherd can be perfect for families with kids — and either breed can be a disaster. Once again, it all comes down to proper training and socialization. You also need to teach your kids how to behave around canines; doing so will protect them from any dogs they come across, not just your own. Which makes for a better therapy dog? Both are commonly used as therapy dogs, as both have the intelligence and discipline to handle any task asked of them. If you see any of these, stop the activity immediately and consult a licensed trainer or behavioralist. Which breed is more expensive to own? Oh, how they can eat. Expect to spend more on dog food if you get a Rottweiler. While these dogs are fantastic and worth every bit of trouble they cause, they do make moving a bit of a hassle. Which breed drools more? If you welcome puppy kisses, though, Rottweilers should be your pick. What should I look for in a puppy? Be sure to actually visit the breeder before buying, and look for any signs that the dogs are abused or neglected. Also, check and see how the breeder interacts with the dogs. Do they seem to love the animals, or are they seen as nuisances? Bring your kids with you so you can see how it responds to children as well. Ask the staff there for their opinions as well most dogs undergo temperament tests in animal shelters. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd — Which to Choose? German Shepherds are slightly less expensive to own , love to play, and take commands very literally. They also require about twice the amount of exercise and exponentially more grooming. Rottweilers, on the other hand, are extremely powerful, food-motivated, and love to test boundaries. Originating during the Roman Empire , they started as herding dogs but quickly grew into guardians due to their natural protective instincts. They were supposedly used during the Middle Ages to guard merchants traveling with lots of money and later recruited as law enforcement animals during World War II. Plenty of Rottweiler owners talk about their pets being goofy, sweet, gentle, and loving. If your Rottweiler begins training and socializing at a young age, they should get along well with children and, often, other pets. However, you might need to watch out for those herding instincts, as they could result in small children or those shaky on their feet being accidentally knocked over. Their characters can range from laidback to highly driven, solemn to silly. Overall, Rottweilers have a tendency towards calmness rather than hyperactivity, and at times, even seem a bit aloof. These pups will likely be at your feet often as they make sure you stay safe. They can be fine left to their own devices, though, unlike other breeds with separation anxiety. As far as potential negatives go, Rottweilers can be territorial, which means they might not want to let strangers into your home without you being welcoming. Finally, they can be quite stubborn at times. Some of the more common ailments in Rottweilers include hip dysplasia , dilated cardiomyopathy , hypothyroidism , and lymphoma. Bathing is only needed as necessary — although if you use a gentle shampoo, you can wash them weekly. Trimming their nails should be a bi-weekly experience. Since they are calmer than other breeds, around an hour of exercise a day should do them well. Image Credit: K L, Pixabay Suitable for: Rottweilers are suitable for those who are not first-time dog owners as they need a lot of training. They are also ideal for families with backyards and those who spend several hours a day outside the home. Finally, these pups are good for those looking for a working dog, whether it be for herding or guarding. German Shepherds make excellent family pets given proper training and socialization. Also a working dog breed, German Shepherds are known for being whip-smart and courageous under fire. It makes sense seeing as how these dogs are high-energy and love having tasks. That high energy and driven nature make them less suitable for those without the time to dedicate to their furry companions, though. They can be more likely to suffer separation anxiety than other breeds, so leaving them alone for long periods may cause trouble. They are highly intelligent and incredibly loyal, making them great as family watchdogs. Their smarts give them the ability to be trained to do almost any job you can imagine minus those requiring the use of thumbs! One thing these dogs hate, however, is being left to their own devices. This can cause separation anxiety which in turn can lead to bad behavior and aggression. These include elbow dysplasia , bloat , degenerative myelopathy , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This activity can come from walks, playing in the backyard, and a variety of doggy toys. How much food they need a day will vary by age. Be careful not to overfeed or give them too many treats since this can cause weight gain that leads to joint issues. German Shepherds will shed much more than Rottweilers, so have your vacuum handy! Brushing twice or thrice a week will be helpful. Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock Suitable for: German Shepherds are suitable for families and those who live in homes with backyards large enough to run and play in. They are also wonderful for people who are highly active and able to spend a couple of hours a day exercising their dog. However, German Shepherds are less suitable for those living in apartments or smaller dwellings with tiny yards and for people who are away from home often. Which Breed is Right For You? Whether the Rottweiler or German Shepherd is right for you comes down to a few factors — where you live and how much space there is, how much time you must dedicate to a pet, and whether you are able to train your pup or send them to a trainer. Other than that, both the Rottweiler and German Shepherd can make for good, loyal pets who are also willing to guard and protect the family if needed. See also:. Both breeds are known for their large size, intelligence, and loyal nature. Rottweilers, with distinctive black and tan coats, are typically pretty enormous and have a more muscular body. On the other hand, German Shepherds are slightly smaller and typically have a black and tan or all-black coat. Both breeds are excellent family pets but require firm, consistent training to prevent aggressive behavior. Overall, these breeds are beloved by many for their courage, loyalty, and protective instincts. Rottweiler vs. While the breeds may be similar, the Rottweiler generally has a bulkier build with more muscle mass, while the German Shepherd has a leaner and more agile frame. Additionally, Rottweilers typically have a short, glossy coat in shades of black and brown, while the German Shepherd has a thick fur coat ranging from black and tan to sable. The differences in their appearance may contribute to their respective roles as working breeds. Ultimately, both breeds are stunning in their own ways and are loved by their families for their unique characteristics. Size Rottweilers are generally larger than German Shepherds, with males weighing up to pounds and standing between inches at the shoulder. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are usually not more than 85 pounds and stand inches tall. Coat Rottweilers have a short, dense coat that is black with tan markings. The fur of a German Shepherd is also double-layered, but it can be either long or short and comes in many different colors, including black, tan, white, and sable. Training Both breeds are highly trainable and make great service dogs, but the training methods used for each breed may differ slightly. Rottweilers may respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as reward-based training. In contrast, German Shepherds may be better suited for corrections or commands when learning new tasks. However, they have different behavioral traits that potential owners should consider. Rottweilers have a protective nature and are known for their defensive instincts. They are wary of strangers and can go wild if they feel any threat. However, German Shepherds are more social and easier to train. They are loyal and obedient, making them the go-to breed for law enforcement and military work. Moreover, below mentioned personality differences will help you further to make a more informed decision. Personality and Temperament When choosing between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd, understanding their unique personalities and temperaments is crucial in making an informed decision. Both breeds are large, loyal, and intelligent, but notable differences exist. Rottweilers tend to be more reserved and calm, while German Shepherds are more outgoing and lively. Additionally, Rottweilers are also known for their unwavering loyalty and protectiveness toward their family. German Shepherds are highly trainable and excel in working roles such as police or military dogs. Due to their size, Rottweilers may require more food and larger beds, which could result in higher monthly costs. On the other hand, German Shepherds may have higher veterinary costs due to potential health issues such as hip dysplasia. Pros and Cons: Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd Choosing between these two dog breeds can be challenging for any canine enthusiast. It is because both breeds have their advantages and drawbacks. Rottweilers are known for their imposing size and defensive nature, making them perfect guard dogs. However, their reputation can also make them intimidating to strangers, and they require plenty of socialization and training. German Shepherds are smart, loyal, and easy to train, making them ideal for families. They also have an incredibly strong sense of smell and are often used as police or service dogs. However, they can be prone to health issues and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Exercise Requirements As two dog breeds with high energy levels, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd have unique exercise requirements to keep them happy and healthy. Rottweilers are known for their powerful build and require daily exercise for at least an hour, with a mix of walks, jogs, and playtime. On the other hand, German Shepherds are bred for herding and require a lot of mental stimulation through activities such as obedience training, agility courses, and interactive playtime. Both breeds benefit significantly from regular exercise, which can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. Grooming Needs Rottweilers have a short double coat, which means they require minimal grooming. Brush your Rottweiler once or twice a week to remove any loose hair or dirt. You should also check for any fleas or ticks when you brush your Rottweiler. On the other hand, German Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, requiring more frequent brushing and grooming. While each breed has specific needs, keeping up with grooming will help your Rottweiler or German Shepherd look their best and ensure they stay healthy and happy for years. Life Expectancy Rottweilers usually live between years on average, while German Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years. However, both breeds can live longer if given the proper care and nutrition. Bear in mind that the rottweiler is significantly larger, and will therefore need a lot more space and food. When it comes to exercise requirements they are both breeds of high energy levels and need lots of daily exercise to stay happy. In addition, the cost of ownership can vary dramatically depending on factors such as specific dietary requirements, health expenses, adequate training, and more. Whether you get a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd, it is essential to carefully consider the pros and cons of either breed before bringing them into your home. But, also remember, that each dog has its own personality and characteristics. Above all, your dogs personality will be shaped after how you raise them. Giving them mountains of love and a few treats will inevitably produce a loving dog. Thank you for reading this article! Keen for another comparison between two dog breeds? Head over to uncover the differences between the Beagle Vs. Many people living in apartments, especially those who live alone, consider getting a dog for companionship. Having a dog definitely lessens the feeling of loneliness and adds comfort and affection to an otherwise solitary space. However, not all dogs are suitable for apartment living. Several factors contribute to whether a specific breed is compatible with a smaller space or bigger houses with fenced yards. Generally, smaller dogs fare better in apartment living. This is simply because they require less space to move around, and smaller breeds require less exercise than their larger counterparts. They are also a bit easier to maintain especially for busy apartment dwellers. However, there are matters that you need to consider carefully before committing to a GSD or a Rottweiler. German Shepherds Can Be Good Apartment Dogs Although not ideal, German Shepherds can definitely thrive in apartment living , thanks to their high adaptability to changing environments. But you should be prepared to meet the following conditions to provide your GSD an good life while living in a relatively small space: Breed-restriction Laws In some states, apartments impose breed-restriction laws on their tenants, which means that there are specific breeds that are not permitted. The idea behind these laws is to prevent dog attacks by potentially dangerous breeds. Unfortunately, GSDs are one of those prohibited breeds. However, some private apartment owners can be negotiated with, but corporate owners are much harder to convince, as they carry much higher liability for any such occurrence. In the case of the latter, their decision must be respected and you are left with the choice of moving to another apartment that accepts GSDs or choosing another breed. Exercise You need to exercise your GSD daily. If your apartment does not have a spacious area where you can exercise your dog, it must at least have a nearby park that you can visit everyday. Remember that exercise is a must for active dogs like German Shepherds! As a rule of thumb, your German Shepherd must have at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise daily. Separation Anxiety You should not leave your GSD alone for long periods of time, as they are prone to separation anxiety. As a rule of thumb, adult GSDs should only be left alone for a maximum of four hours, while puppies should be left alone no longer than three hours. Neighbors Your GSD must be trained to behave well around your neighbors. Keep in mind that many people are very scared of large dogs. Noise GSDs are vocal dogs, and they will bark a lot especially if they are untrained! If your apartment has weak soundproofing or thin walls, this can be very annoying for your neighbors who only want to live peacefully inside their units. Shedding GSDs shed a lot, thanks to their double coats. Consequently, you must prepare yourself to clean your apartment often to get rid of all the hair. Adult Rottweilers Do Better in Apartments Rottweilers can cope living inside apartments, but keep in mind that adult Rotts are more suitable for this type of space than puppies because of their lower energy levels. Rott puppies are very high-energy dogs. Because they are bred as working dogs, they will be very curious and will always look for something to do. All that pent-up energy should be channeled into something useful like exercise. Otherwise, the puppy will become bored and turn to destructive behaviors such as chewing objects or digging. Your Rottweiler puppy will need at least two walks a day and an additional hour of playtime. This is a commitment that you should be aware about, since it can be too much to handle for an owner who is always busy. The need for exercise is exactly why a fenced yard is perfect for high-energy dogs such as GSDs and Rotts. When a Rott puppy becomes an adult, he will naturally become less active, so living in an apartment will not be much of a problem. However, a Rottweiler will still need sufficient daily exercise to prevent weight gain, since Rotts, being naturally heavyset, are very prone to obesity. Frequent Potty Time Because puppies have less control over their bladder, they will need to go to the bathroom very often — usually every 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to establish where the bathroom is for your puppy while he is still young. Ideally, train him to take a pee outside to avoid the difficulty of transitioning him from peeing inside to outside. Socialization Rottweilers are very social dogs; they love being with their owners all the time. Nevertheless, they are not very keen on other dogs, which is why socialization that starts from an early age is very important. Socialization lessens the manifestation of undesirable traits, the most prominent being aggression. As dogs who always like to see where their master is, Rottweilers can do well in a small space where they will not have to follow them around. But if you leave your Rott alone in the apartment for several hours, he may become bored and anxious and act out by destroying things, digging, barking incessantly, whining, or peeing everywhere. As a rule of thumb, do not leave your Rottweiler alone for more than 6 hours a day. And do not do this abruptly. Rather, transition slowly and in increments. If you have to leave him for longer than that, consider getting a dogsitter. Breed Restrictions Unfortunately, Rottweilers are also almost always included in the list of dog breeds that are prohibited in apartments. Always check with the management first to find out if they impose these restrictions or not. Neighbors Keep in mind that many people are fearful of big dogs in general, but more so of Rottweilers because of their popular reputation as aggressive dogs. While your dog may be well-mannered, you cannot always control how your neighbors will react in his presence. Both German Shepherds and RottweilerS are massive dogs, which is why many people often wonder if they are safe to be around children. Regardless, adult supervision is still always necessary. German Shepherds Can Be Wonderful Companions for Your Children If you search the Internet for photos of German Shepherds with children, you will most likely see a bunch of cute photos of kids cuddling these dogs. German Shepherds are natural protectors, having been bred originally as protectors of sheep and human properties. They are extremely loyal to their owners. This makes them an excellent breed to have around children! However, you need to set up your GSD for success first so that a safe, fun, and loving relationship can grow between your children and your dog. Below are some general pointers to remember that will foster a harmonious relationship between your GSD and your child: Socialization The best way to turn your GSD from an overprotective, fearful dog into a welcoming and friendly companion is to expose him to kids as early as possible. Actually, regardless of whether you have kids or not, socialization is a key part of training that is most responsible for a dog that is well-behaved around people other than the owner. If you have a child and you want to ensure that your dog will behave well around him or her, a great deal of consistent socialization is a must. The key is to expose your dog not just to your own kids but to other people — adults and children alike. This teaches your dog proper responses towards strangers, and that not everyone is out to get him. Begin socializing your puppy as soon as you get him home and be consistent about it. This is the only way that the training will be retained in your puppy for long. Training Obedience training and socialization go hand-in-hand. Both need to be introduced to your puppy as early as possible for the best possible behavior outcome. Similarly, a simple command can prevent any untoward incidents from occurring between your dog and your child. Simply put, a well-trained dog is a well-behaved dog. Be sure to read this comprehensive guide all about training your German Shepherd. This is most often true. GSDs are very active dogs, hence their energy must be spent on physical activities to prevent boredom and make them calmer afterwards. Giving them activities to do gives them a sense of accomplishment and channels their energy into appropriate places. In this respect, you will find that your German Shepherd is not too different than you are! Simply speaking, a dog that is well-exercised keeps the high energy at bay, thus preventing excited behavior from harming your child. If your dog is bursting with too much unspent energy, he will be rougher during playtime. He may jump on your child or playfully bite more often, which can lead to serious physical injuries. Unfortunately, many parents overlook this aspect, putting all the blame on the poor dog whenever ugly situations occur. A relationship must be a two-way street. Do not expect your dog to be perfect and always gentle if he is not being treated fairly in the first place! Many dog bites in America are caused by children teasing or being too rough on dogs. Supervision All dogs can be unpredictable. Even the most well-behaved dog on the planet can snap due to a seemingly random trigger. Always supervise their interactions. This is because both breeds are huge, intelligent guard dogs with an inherent desire to protect their owners. Born with a natural self-confidence and a watchful nature, Rottweilers can be excellent protectors of children. They are also goofy and playful, making them entertaining and rewarding pets for your kids. But for Rottweilers and children to hang out together peacefully, the same key principles must be followed: socialization, training, exercise, education, and supervision. The only difference, perhaps, is that Rottweilers need firmer obedience training because they have the tendency to be stubborn , especially the males. They are quite intelligent dogs that can pick up commands easily, but they are at times known to challenge their owners during training. Hence, training should be done early, firmly, and consistently. However, this also means they can become jealous easily when a new member enters the family. Male Rottweilers tend to mature slower than females. Female Rotts tend to be calmer and easier to command and may be more appropriate for your child. On the other hand, it can also be disaster for your kid. A simple excited jump can unintentionally knock down your child. While Rotts are sturdy and blocky, never allow your child to ride on their back as this can still hurt the dog. This is where your supervision matters. Never leave your Rottweiler and your child alone! Include your child in the training of your Rottweiler. Training should NEVER include any physical punishments such as hitting or pinning the dog to the ground. This is cruel and counterproductive and can lead to undesired behavior in your Rottweiler. This information might be useful if you have other dogs or cats in the house or are planning to bring home a new one. German Shepherds Can Coexist with Other Dogs Generally, German Shepherds can live peacefully with other dogs in the house provided that they have been socialized early. Socialization means exposing your GSD to other dogs, animals, people, places, and senses. This helps your dog adjust his behavior towards creatures other than him and teaches him the idea that not everything that moves is a prey. Socialization also reduces anxiety in your GSD, which can sometimes manifest as aggression. It helps your dog stay calm and confident in most situations. The key to a successful socialization that yields the best results is timing and consistency. Patience and consistency are key to making this successful. They view other dogs as threats or enemies. Sometimes, there are other reasons behind the aggression that are not covered by socialization training. These are the following: Your dog has experienced trauma or negative experiences from other dogs in the past. There is a sudden change in lifestyle or the environment, such as moving into another location or welcoming a new member of the family. While GSDs are generally adaptable and flexible, individual dogs can still exhibit different responses. Your dog is not spayed. In this case, the hormones responsible for the aggression are still active. Your dog is ill. For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, be sure to read this informative article: How to Socialize Your German Shepherd German Shepherds and Cats While the thought of a big dog with a high prey drive and a cautious cat together can be hard to imagine, the truth is that German Shepherds and cats can get along nicely most of the time. But it may still depend on the individual personalities of both animals and their past experiences which may shape their present reactions. The most obvious instances are chasing little animals such as squirrels and cats and biting or chewing furniture, or even your hand! Of course, with proper socialization between the two animals, coexistence is definitely possible. The keys to preventing a disastrous first meeting is to start slow , create a safe space for the cat where she can be protected from a potential attack e. Rottweilers and Other Dogs Rottweilers are territorial dogs, and they may have issues particularly with dogs of the same sex. Despite that, coexistence between a Rott and another dog in the household is definitely possible if the Rott has been exposed to other animals while he is young. The most important requirement for setting up a peaceful relationship between a Rott and another dog is your training and supervision. Armed with the knowledge that Rotts can have aggressive tendencies, it is your responsibility as the owner then to make sure that your dog is even-tempered. Muzzling Your Dog: Good or Bad? In fact, in some countries like Singapore , muzzling a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd is required when visiting public areas. Proper muzzling also requires training, so be sure to start at an early age so that your pup becomes accustomed to it. Waiting until your dog is older to muzzle train can be a traumatic experience for them. Always remember to supervise your dog at all times even if he is trained, as he can snap into instinctive protective behavior if he perceives something as a threat. Rottweilers and Cats Rottweilers and cats can live together peacefully inside the same house provided that they have been properly socialized together when they are young. It can be said that Rotts get along even better with cats than with other dogs of the same sex. The same guidelines in proper introductions apply: There must be a safe space for the cat to run to or hide. The dog must be leashed at the first meeting. Introduction must be gradual, starting with scents first and then slowly moving on to face-to-face meetings. All interactions must be supervised. What Are Their Grooming Requirements? German Shepherds and the Rottweiler have essentially the same grooming requirements with a few small differences. We will now highlight these differences below. Keep in mind, however, that German Shepherds will require more brushing because they are heavy shedders, which can be attributed to their thick double coats. A simple slicker brush like the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush can effectively rake the finer undercoat of your dog. Nail trimming: Nails should not be overlooked in grooming dogs, as they can hurt the dog and its owners once they get too long. To trim the nails, you can either use clippers or a nail grinder. Dental care: Like humans, dogs also need their teeth cleaned to keep their breath fresh and to prevent mouth diseases. Ideally, brushing should be daily or at least several times a week using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental chews also help clean the teeth. Ear cleaning. Rottweilers have a flat, medium-length outer coat all over their bodies and an undercoat on the neck and thighs. However, it must still be done weekly to minimize shedding. Unlike GSDs, Rotts are only seasonal shedders , but they may shed moderately throughout the year. Some adult Rotts with dominant personalities may feel uncomfortable with being brushed all the way down the back. Unless your Rottweiler gets dirty very often, bathing every few months is enough. Toothbrushing and nail trimming must be done weekly. Because they are black dogs, they have black nails that are trickier to trim. Here is a straightforward video on how to trim black nails on a large dog: Grooming Pros and Cons.