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Goodendoodle Potty Training Conclusions When to Start Puppy Training It is best to start potty training your new Goldendoodle puppy at 12 weeks old, though some dogs need a few more weeks to develop adequate bladder control. Keep in mind that the older the dog is past 12 weeks, the more difficult it can be. It can take several weeks to successfully potty train a Goldendoodle puppy, depending on various factors. Goldendoodles have a reputation for being very obedient dogs, but some of them are more wilful than others. Be prepared to spend at least four months of potty training your puppy. This requires a decent amount of patience, but it is well worth the effort. These tips can make doing this a lot easier and help speed up the process. Photo Deposit Photos Stick to a Feeding Schedule You must adhere to a strict schedule for feeding your puppy and giving it water. Make sure that you let them go outside to do their business minutes after they finish eating and drinking. You should always make sure that water is available to them throughout each day. Having to let your puppy out to pee repeatedly can be annoying, but they must stay hydrated. Keep them close by You also want to keep your puppy nearby while potting training them. They are more likely to go outside to do this when you always have an eye on them. When you need to be in another part of the house away from your dog, you should keep them in a crate. This will provide them with a sense of security while you somewhere else. You can use baby gates to keep your dog where you want them in the house. An image of a light or Golden Cavapoo. Puppies that are two to six months need to be taken out to do their business about every two hours. Once they reach eight months old, they can go up to six hours without having an accident. This means that there should be someone home throughout each day to let them out when necessary. Otherwise, you are going to come back home to a pretty big mess. Ensure that everyone in the household is on the same page so that there are no schedule conflicts that would leave your puppy unsupervised. It would help if you were consistent with this. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement plays a significant role in potty training any puppy. It would help if you also gave them lots of verbal praise. This is especially crucial when you are just starting with them in the first few weeks. It would help if you never punish your dog for going to the bathroom inside of the house. The most you should do is to make a loud noise if you catch them in the act. Properly Clean their Messes When your puppy has an accident in the house and they will , make sure that you quickly clean it up. Make sure that you use an enzymatic pet cleaner solution. This will discourage your dog from doing its business in the same spot again. It would help if you also tried to keep them away from the area of the house where they had their accident for at least a few months. Choose a Certain Area in Your Yard One of the best tips for potty training your puppy is to mark off a specific space in your yard for your dog to do its business. Each time you let them out, you should lead them to this spot until they go. This will keep things nice and simple for your dog, which increases the chances of them learning quickly. Goldendoodles have zest for life and are super family friendly. Ways to Make Potty Training Fun There are specific ways that you can make potty training fun for your puppy. This can make the entire process a lot easier and less stressful for both of you. Once your dog has finished doing its business in the right spot, you might want to start playing with them. This way, they will begin to associate going to the bathroom outside with having fun. It could be a fetch game, a tug of war , or something else that your Goldendoodle puppy enjoys. This is a form of positive reinforcement that can be extremely effective when training them. You can even try playing some fun music on your phone when taking your dog outside. Many dogs become fond of certain types of music. This is yet another right way to create a positive association with doing their business where they are supposed to. They might have a particular spot they want you to take your dog when it needs to pee or poop. If your adorable canine companion has an accident, it will be reasonably easy to clean up. This will help you get them properly trained faster. Avoid taking them into public buildings until they have gone at least two or three weeks with no accidents in the house. Can Goldendoodles swim? Do they like pools and beaches? How to tell if Your Puppy Has to go Outside It is vital that you can recognize the signs that your puppy needs to do its business. Once they can control their bladder, they will essentially tell you when they need to go. Some dogs will bark or even walk in circles when they need to pee or poop. Whining and circling is fairly common when a dog with a full bladder is trapped in a crate. They might also scratch at the door on the crate as a way of getting your attention. Goodendoodle Potty Training Conclusions Potty training, even the most obedient Goldendoodle puppy, can be quite an arduous process. You will, therefore, need to be prepared for what is ahead. This will require a lot of patience on your part. Keep in mind that timing is a critical aspect of this type of training. You need to maintain a consistent routine when it comes to feeding your puppy and letting them outside. If you are not consistent in your efforts, you will have a tough time. Make sure to take them out to do their business in the morning, after they eat, nap, or play. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They usually have a gentle character, are affectionate and cheerful. This is a popular breed that can make an ideal family pet. Before getting any dog, however, most people take a lot into consideration. If you plan to get a Goldendoodle puppy for the first time you might ask yourself how to house train it efficiently. When it comes to potty training, this process can be time-consuming and frustrating. All new owners of a Goldendoodle have to realize that understanding your puppy is the first step of training. How effective your potty training will be will depend on factors such as living conditions, age, and size. In general, training young puppies requires positive reinforcement for good behavior, consistency, and patience which is all true when training Goldendoodle family members. Despite the difficulties, this is still something that you will be able to accomplish with your pet in time. Below, we have outlined a step-by-step guide to potty training a Goldendoodle puppy. This guide will help you become confident and ready for the task ahead. While potty training a puppy is never truly easy, there are many, many steps that can each take away a little bit of the difficulty. Even with all the tips and tricks in the world, you will still have a considerable amount of work and time to get your Goldendoodle fully housebroken. In the end, how well both you and the new puppy do will boil down to patience and consistency on your end. If you are ready to undergo this task, below is a complete list of steps to potty training your new Doodle. Go outside immediately after for a potty break. Step 2: Restrict your puppy to one or two rooms, preferably where you or the family are. You must not let the puppy learn that sneaking off to another room is the alternative to controlling elimination. Step 4: You must take the puppy out a LOT in the beginning. Step 6: Reward your puppy after the deed, either with treats or joyful praise. In the early stages, be sure to overdo it. Ignore the neighbors…what do they know? Step 7: Until the puppy learns to hold it, do not expect signals to go outside. That will come later. Most puppies will not be able to hold their bowels or bladder until they are around four months old. They have long memories regarding scary incidents. Those are the simple basics. Every puppy or dog is different in learning to understand what is expected of them. Below are some details on these steps. Monitoring his or her food and drink consumption will help you get a better idea of when to take them out. The frequency puppies need to relieve themselves depends largely on their feeding routine. Potty training and feeding schedule should work well together. Of course, you likely do not want to restrict your puppy from drinking when they need to. Beyond the feeding schedule, you will also need to monitor this throughout the day so that you know if they will need to pee again shortly. Make sure to take your Goldendoodle puppy outside shortly after drinking water. Post-meals, it is best to take your Goldendoodle outside within minutes. You may be able to make it 30 minutes, or even an hour once he or she is older. In the early days, it is better safe than sorry as they may need to go almost immediately after eating. Constant Monitoring Keep your puppy where you can see him or her at all times while potty training. Doing this, you can catch early signs that your puppy needs to go potty in order to prevent accidents. Signs that they need to relieve themselves include sniffing, scratching, and circling. Once they begin to get older, they may also learn that the door is where they need to go. This can happen before they are truly trained, so do not be fooled into allowing them alone. Pro Tip: If you need to move about, keep them with you on a leash. Keeping your Goldendoodle on a leash, even in the house, can help you to learn their signs and prevent them from having more accidents or learning to hide their need to go from you. Crate Train for Unsupervised Times When you can not watch your puppy or you need to leave your home it is necessary to use a crate. The crate should not be too large so the puppy will not use one area for sleeping and another as a bathroom. Crate training is one of the most efficient techniques to potty train your puppy. This can also help your puppy get used to eliminating his or her waste every time he or she gets out of the crate. Take Them Outside Frequently As annoying as it is to interrupt your cleaning, relaxing, tv show, or dinner — taking your puppy outside as often as every 30 mins and no more than 1 hour apart at the beginning will help minimize accidents in the house. This is not a forever thing, but something to do at the beginning to establish in their minds that they will have the opportunity as often as they need to go. Even if no signs are shown of needing to relieve themselves, take them out and allow them a few minutes to do their business. This is a potty training technique that works well with Goldendoodle puppies. This breed of dog is smaller in size, so they have a smaller bladder and higher metabolism. It is likely they will need to eliminate waste more frequently. Taking them outside often and offering rewards when they respect the potty routine is a great way to train Goldendoodle puppies. Use a Single Command Choosing a specific word command can be helpful, especially down the road. Much like teaching your pet his or her name, the puppy will start to recognize the command and learn what to do. To avoid any confusion, use that word command only when you train them to go potty. Repeat your unique command word in an upbeat voice tone each time your puppy is in the act to go potty. You will notice after a few weeks of training that when you say the command your pet will start pre-elimination behavior such as circling and sniffing and then relieve shortly afterward. Praise and reward your puppy for its accomplishments. Teaching him or her to eliminate on command will help you avoid spending too much time waiting for your pet to get the job done. Positive Reinforcement The best way to train a puppy to do anything is with positive reinforcement. Lucky for you, almost every puppy is food-motivated. Even if they are not motivated by food rewards or you are avoiding treats too often , positive emotional reinforcement can be just as strong. Any time your puppy defecates or urinates where they are supposed to, praise them. Act like they just showed up after being missing for weeks. If you are using treats for positive reinforcement, give these to them after they finish doing their business. This will help them associate going to the bathroom outside with treats, petting, love, and happiness. Expect Some Accidents Any untrained puppy left on their own is likely to make a mistake. For that reason, a very important part of potty training is close supervision. Unless your Goldendoodle puppy has been successful in his or her potty routine for at least four consecutive weeks ideally more , you cannot consider the training to be completed. This period is even longer for older dogs. Be ready for accidents to happen, and know that you will have to respond with patience and understanding if you want to continue to make headway on this task. Take note of what happens, and readjust your training to meet the needs of your furry friend. Introductions While being prepared for the problems is the first step, introducing your pet to their new environment is the first physical step in potty training him or her. Your Goldendoodle puppy is just learning his or her new family, new home, and role. At this stage, it is important to clearly establish your expectations and keep consistent with them. Puppies have short attention spans and are easily distracted, so make sure you keep them focused. Do not let your new puppy explore and roam on their own. Only show them those areas in your home where they are allowed to be, and keep it to a small number of rooms until they are trained. Research the special needs and traits of your dog breed. Be aware of any particular behavior that you need to look out for. Try to understand how your Goldendoodle puppy communicates and pay attention to the clues he or she gives. Most Goldendoodle puppies trained to hold waste will also learn to signal you when they feel the need to relieve themselves. They could do something as obvious as going to the door and sitting or whining, or they may just try to find a place that you cannot see them. Either way, learning what your puppy does will be vital in teaching them where it is okay to go potty and where it is not. Interrupt Accidents That Are In-Progress One of the best ways to teach them they cannot go potty inside is to interrupt them during an accident. You do not want to scare your pet, just startle him or her to make them know you disapprove of their behavior. Then lead the puppy quickly outdoors. If necessary, quickly carry your puppy outside if they do not want to follow. Even if they have finished the accident as you catch them, this will still instill in them that you disapprove of their actions and want them to go outside. It may be time to stop interrupting and start ignoring them. The dog likely learned that by urinating inside, they get your attention. They are likely doing this if they feel ignored by you. For a while, ignore when they go in front of you and clean it up after they leave, this will keep from reinforcing bad habits. Create a Consistent Potty Spot A great way to breed consistency is to choose a particular spot outdoors for potty training. Every time your puppy needs to go take him or her at the designated area. You should pick a spot that is easy to clean up and is not visited by other dogs. Keep your puppy on a leash when you take him or her outdoors, so you can easily lead to a specific location. You have to direct your puppy to a specific spot every time he or she feels the need to go potty. Sticking to just one potty spot is an effective way to succeed with the training process. Dogs are territorial animals and you can make this work in your favor and improve their potty training. As puppies, if they are to smell other dogs or animals around, they will be nervous to go in that area. Establish Routines Establish a potty routine and be consistent with it. Consistency is important in potty training. Many of these instances of routine have been mentioned, but there are also others. It is important that each facet of this training can be incorporated into a routine. Use the same door when taking your pet outside. Always take the puppy to the same potty spot and use the same word command. Take the puppy out after every meal and first thing in the morning. Also, take the puppy outside anytime you take him or her out of the crate or anytime you come home. Let your puppy out after napping, drinking water, playing, and before bedtime. A new pet in your home will be unsure about their bathroom limits. Directing him or her at the proper time to the proper place is essential in forming good habits. Other Tips to Note When Potty Training a Goldendoodle Puppy Never Punish them After-the-Fact While it can be helpful to stop them when you catch them in the act, you should never punish your puppy after he or she has passed. As frustrated as you may get by stepping in a wet spot or seeing a present they left you, do not take this anger out on them. Dogs are not able to tell what they are being punished for. Doing this will only cause them to fear you most of the time, and will not break the bad habit. Direct Your Puppy Away from Problem Areas Fecal and urine odor should be removed in order to keep your Goldendoodle puppy from returning to home areas where he or she made a mess. Use a good commercial product specifically designed for cleaning up doggy odors. If possible, do not allow your puppy to enter for several months into a room where he or she has had frequent potty accidents, or try to block off the area with other furniture. If you notice your dog peeing on a certain rug, perhaps roll the rug up after cleaning and keep hidden for a few days. Avoiding Nervous Wetting If your Goldendoodle puppy urinates and squats when he or she greets you, they may have an issue called submissive urination. Puppies that tend to urinate during greetings are super sensitive. You should never scold such a puppy when they act this way since scolding or punishment inevitably aggravates the problem. They will associate the scolding with the greeting rather than the nervous wetting behavior. If you are quiet and calm, most puppies will eventually grow out of this unwanted behavior. Another approach that can help to alleviate this issue is to ask your pet calmly to sit for a treat when someone greets him or her. Paper or Pee Pad Training This potty training technique works well if the weather conditions are too bad for your puppy to venture outside or if you are busy with your work and need to always be away from your house. This training method consists of positioning a puppy pad at an ideal place indoors. By using the paper pad your Goldendoodle puppy will learn to relieve itself in the proper spot when he or she cannot be taken outside. This will help you to maintain a clean home by providing easy removal and clean up as well. Many new owners of a Goldendoodle do not know how long a puppy should be expected to hold his or her bladder. This depends on factors including how long the puppy has been in your house, his or her age, and your training consistency. Puppies have small bladders and, of course, you cannot expect them to be able to hold it for long. For example, if your puppy is two months old, it should be able to hold it for two hours. When he or she is six months old, your puppy should be able to hold it for six hours. At night, most puppies can hold it for 1. By four weeks of age, they are just starting to try to do their business by themselves. By five weeks of age, you can start training them by providing a tray or a papered area, but you cannot expect much consistency yet. When they are around 10 to 12 weeks long, puppies start to be able to hold it longer, and you can have a bit more consistency with their potty training. However, your Goldendoodle puppy will need potty training until he or she is six months old. So, you can expect to take around five months to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy if beginning around five weeks of age. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? When considering purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy, you might wonder if they are easy to potty train. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Being intelligent dogs, Goldendoodles are usually easy to train. Their intelligence combined with their desire to please makes it simple for them to understand your basic commands and quickly grasp what you expect from them. However, even within a breed, every dog is different. Each puppy will have a different learning curve. Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to the family can bring you great joy. Here is a list of essential preparations: Water and food bowls You need to prepare adequate water and food bowls before bringing your Goldendoodle puppy home. The dishes you use should be easy to clean, resistant to breaking, and not too big for your puppy. It is recommended to only put the food bowl out during feeding times. This will help with house training and avoiding overeating. However, a fresh bowl of water should always be available for your puppy and should not be restricted for house training purposes. Quality food specially designed for puppies It is important to provide good quality puppy food in order to help your puppy to grow strong and healthy. You can find many high-quality varieties of puppy food on the market. It is recommended to choose a brand that does not have corn as its first ingredient and is high in protein. Puppies need high nutritional values in their food, especially during the early puppy months and years. In case you plan to make a change, it is a good idea to feed your puppy the same food from the beginning so that he or she is used to it and only switch over gradually to another brand. Leash, collar, and ID tag You will need a leash for walking and a properly fitting collar or harness for your Goldendoodle pet. Place an ID tag on the collar and make sure you provide your contact information. Keep the tag updated with your latest address and phone number. Crate A crate will help with behavioral training and housebreaking your puppy. Make sure you choose a crate comfortable for the puppy size. However, do not provide too much space at first. The crate will be less effective as a helping tool for your puppy training if it is too large. Toys Your Goldendoodle puppy will need a variety of toys to snuggle with, chase around, and chew on. Make sure to replace the toys regularly so that your puppy does not get bored. The toys to chew on are particularly important so your puppy will stay away from your sofa cushions, table legs, and shoes. Potty training items You will need paper pellets and a litter pan to use for potty training your Goldendoodle puppy. You may also choose to purchase a pee pad for their crate area so that they can relieve themselves in case you are unable to bring them outdoors. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. The effectiveness of the training depends on the age of the puppy, its size, and living conditions. You have to use certain tips like positive reinforcement to train them. With patience and proper training, your Goldendoodle puppy will become potty trained in no time. In this guide, we are going to outline a step-by-step guide to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. Along with that, we are going to share some tips and answer some common questions to make the process easy for you as well as for your beloved puppy. However, our guide will help make this complicated process lot easier and more fun. About Goldendoodle Puppies A Goldendoodle puppy is a crossbreed of two popular dogs, i. They are also known as designer dogs or hybrid dogs. These puppies are usually more friendly and social than their Poodle parent. Goldendoodles are intelligent and playful. They make great family pets and get along with other pets. They are great with children. However, they do not make good watchdogs or guard dogs, though. Their high level of socialization means they need to be around their owners most times. The physical and mental energy of a Goldendoodle is great, and they need a high level of activity. These pups need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A Goldendoodle is a fun, loyal companion who will need a lot of exercise. They are active and love to explore, so they need ample time to play. These dogs have been bred to be energetic and friendly and will love to be with you and your family. The best thing about these puppies is that they are easy to train. You can easily teach tricks and commands to them. This quality of Goldendoodles will come in handy when you are potty training them. Because of their intelligence and easy-to-train quality, they will learn fairly quickly than other dogs. It is also necessary to clean up the mess after a puppy has relieved itself. A Goldendoodle puppy can be stubborn, so you must be patient and persistent. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that you can take to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy. You need to remember that this training process takes time. It will also help you learn more about this wonderful breed. When teaching your puppy to use the toilet, the first thing is to praise him or her. Your pup will show pre-elimination behavior when asked to go outside. As long as it happens quickly, praise and reward your puppy. To ensure success with potty training, you should establish a consistent schedule. The routine should include meals, bathroom breaks, playtime, and bedtime. The training process requires constant and consistent supervision. Depending on the age of your Goldendoodle, it might take up to four weeks of consistent training to get it right. Start by taking your Goldendoodle out immediately after it wakes up in the morning. When your puppy eats , it stimulates the digestive process and will most likely eliminate within an hour. Steps to Potty Train A Goldendoodle Puppy Regardless of the age, a Goldendoodle puppy is a great addition to any home and will be a wonderful companion for a long time to come. However, proper potty training is crucial for a rewarding relationship between you and your puppy. This is because their metabolism is higher, and they need to eliminate waste more frequently. However, the sooner you start potty training your Goldendoodle, the better. To make the training process easier for you, we have curated a perfect and easy-to-follow step-by-step potty training guide. It will help you to train them easily in a short span of time. Here are the steps you need to follow when training them. However, remember that patience is the key! Step 1: Stick to A Feeding Schedule When it comes to potty training a Goldendoodle puppy, the first thing you need to do is stick to a feeding schedule. Give food and water to your puppy on a schedule. So by monitoring their consumption, you will get a better idea about when they take them out. The feeding routine affects the frequency of excretion. The best thing you can do is prepare a meal schedule to match their potty training timetable. The meal and potty schedule should go hand in hand. Make sure you feed them at the proper time. You should also monitor their water drinking schedule. Once your puppy drinks water or eats food, take them out so that they can relieve themselves. For example, take your pup out for a walk immediately after a meal and within 10 to 20 minutes. This way, they can learn from an early age to go outside for potty. It will also condition them to prevent creating a mess inside the house. Step 2: Monitor and Keep Them Close Another thing you need to do is constantly monitor where the puppy goes. You need to keep them within your eyesight and prevent them from wandering to other places. Make sure you restrict them to fewer places in the house. Someone from your family should always be present near the pup to keep an eye on their behavior. It is one of the best ways to prevent them from eliminating inside the house. When you monitor them and keep them close, you will be able to notice the telltale signs that they are about to potty. Some signs include scratching, sniffing, and circling. When you notice these signs, stop them and take them out for potty. It will prevent them from going inside the house. If you are constantly moving in the house, use a leash to keep them in one place. These puppies are very clever and can easily learn where the door is. So it is better to monitor them. Step 3: Crate Train Them When you are not home to monitor or supervise your pup, it is best to leave them in the crate. Crate training is best for unsupervised times. A crate is a safe place for puppies, and they will be reluctant to create a mess inside. Make sure the crate is perfect for their size. Crate training will help them to go outside for potty once you open the gate. It should be their safe place. Unlike many other breeds, Goldendoodles can be trained to go inside the crate without any assistance. You should also crate train for unsupervised times when you leave your pup home alone. It can be annoying, but it will be very helpful in the long run as they will learn fairly quickly to go out for elimination. To minimize accidents, you need to take them out after 1 hour. This potty training trick works well with puppies. This breed of dogs is small, and they have a small bladder. They need to eliminate frequently, so you need to take them out a lot. As they will grow older, they will learn how to hold their bladder and go on their own to relieve themselves. Step 5: Give Your Puppy Commands Apart from taking them out, you need to teach them to control words. Associate these words with their elimination routine so that they can follow your order and go out. When your puppy is going, use these commands or control words to make them go out for potty. Make sure you use only one or two unique commands which they can associate with going potty to avoid any confusion. Being intelligent, your little pup will soon learn to follow your verbal command. Step 6: Positive Reinforcement After you train your Goldendoodle pup to follow verbal commands, reward them for following instructions. You can either use praise words or treats as positive reinforcement. This is the best way to potty train your puppy. Puppies feel motivated when you praise them or give them food. Praise and treats make puppies happy, and Goldendoodles respond well to this. If you give your pup treats or praise after eliminating, they will be more likely to go outside for the business. Make sure you use positive reinforcements immediately after they go outside for potty. In the beginning, you have to do this constantly for them to get used to it. They will probably go inside the house during the first few days. Until they are four months old, you can expect some accidents even when they are in training. Potty training is a time-consuming process, so you need to be patient. Make sure you keep up with the training and develop a routine. As the days will pass, the puppy will stop going inside the house. You can expect fewer accidents as they grow old. Instead of scolding them, you need to make them understand that it is not right to go inside the house. These puppies are intelligent and sensitive. If you make a fuss and scold them, they will get confused. They have a sharp memory and will not forget when you punish them. Just remember that your Goldendoodle puppy is still in the puppy stage, so expect accidents and frequent cleaning until they learn how to relieve themselves. Punishing them will ruin all your hard work to build a strong relationship with them. How to Potty Train a Goldendoodle Puppy? When you adopt or buy a new Goldendoodle puppy, they will not be potty trained. It is your responsibility to train them. While there is a detailed step-by-step guide for training them, here are some core steps to help you with potty training. Along with the step-by-step guide, you need to follow these additional steps. These five steps will help you to introduce your puppy to potty training and develop a routine for them. Here are the steps. Step 1: Introduction The first step in potty training is the introduction. When you bring a Goldendoodle pup to your home, introduce them to the new surroundings. It is the first physical step you need to follow. As the puppy is small, they are just learning to adjust to the new environment. You need to clearly establish what you want from them. Only introduce them to the area where they are allowed and where you can monitor them. This will help you to avoid accidents in different parts of the house. Step 2: Understand Their Behavior After introducing them to the new surroundings, you need to start paying attention to their behavior. You need to learn how the puppy is trying to communicate with you. You need to notice their behavior to know when they need to go for potty. Pay attention to the signals they are giving. They will give you a signal by whining or scratching the door to go outside. Once you notice this behavior, take them out so that they can relieve themselves. It is the best way to potty train a pup. Step 3: Interrupt Accidents When you notice that the pup is about to go inside the house, interrupt the accidents. You need to give them commands to stop. Once you stop them in the middle of going potty, immediately take them outside and then give the command to go again. Step 4: Create a Common Potty Spot One of the best ways to instill the habit of going potty outside is by creating a common potty spot. Create a designated area for potty training. Make sure the spot is easy to clean. Now, whenever you take the dog for potty training, go to that spot. This way, they can smell the area and associate it with going to the potty. It will help them to easily go for potty. Dogs are territorial, so it will help you to easily train them to avoid any mess in the house. Make sure you stick to one spot so your puppy can recognize it. Step 5: Establish Routines This is the last and final step you need to follow. Establish a daily potty routine with your puppy. Take them out at the same time and follow the same steps. This will condition the puppy and help them develop a potty routine. Take them out in the morning when you wake up. You also need to take them after meals and when you bring them out of the crate. When you come home from work, take them out again. You need to take them out after naps and during evening time as well. Make sure you stick with the same routine to develop the habit in your Goldendoodle puppy. Tips to Potty Train A Goldendoodle Puppy Apart from following the steps, you can use some additional tips to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. It will help you to train them with ease without any problems. Morning Walks: The best tip to train a Goldendoodle puppy is to take them about in the morning immediately after they wake up. Puppies pee right after they wake up, so you need to take them out at that time. It will help you to avoid any mess. Multiple Potty Breaks: Another thing you can do is give them multiple potty breaks in the beginning. When a Goldendoodle puppy is not fully trained, it can pee or poop anywhere. So, you need to take them out on as many potty breaks as you can. Make sure you reward them after they go outside. Go Out After Meals: You also need to take them out after they eat or drink something. Goldendoodle puppies tend to go after 15 to 20 minutes of eating something. By taking them out after meals, you can train them to go potty outside. Use Commands: You need to use commands to potty train them. Use verbal commands so that they can understand when to go outside. You can teach them to ring the bell when they have to go to the potty. This way, whenever they have to go, they will ring the bell to give you a signal. Rewards: Another thing you can do is use positive reinforcement and reward them when they go outside for potty. It will help them to associate it with good behavior. Paper or Pee Pad: You can use this technique when you cannot take them out due to bad weather. Use a pee pad of paper on which your puppy can pee. This will help you to avoid any mess. Keep Away from Problem Areas: Puppies like to go potty in the same area. So make sure you use good cleaning products to remove the smell from the area. Also, keep them away from soft surfaces. These are problem areas where they are more likely to go potty in the house. Avoid Nervous Wetting: Sensitive Goldendoodle puppies can become nervous when they greet you and will pee in the house. To prevent this, you need to avoid scolding them and behave calmly. Overfeeding: The first thing you need to avoid is overfeeding them. Leaving Them Alone: You should never leave them alone in the house as well as when you take them out. It is best to go with a crate that has enough sleeping space. Punishment and Scolding: You should avowing punishing or scolding your Goldendoodle puppy as it will make them nervous and cause too much stress. Forgetting Schedule: You should avoid forgetting the potty schedule. If you are a forgetful person, make sure you set alarms to take the pup out on the potty break. Waiting for Signals: Avoid waiting for signals from the pup as they are too small to convey that they want to go potty. Instead, you should frequently take them out in the beginning. Irregular Feeding: Another thing you need to avoid is irregular feeding. Make sure you feed them as the schedule as per their daily potty routine. When to start potty training varies for every dog. Regardless of the breed, Goldendoodles are food-motivated, so the earlier you begin the process, the more successful you will be. You should start taking the puppy outside once they are 12 weeks old. It is the ideal age to start potty training. However, some dogs need a bit more time to develop bladder control. Take your puppy outside frequently in the early morning and after playing or napping. This will help your pup develop a habit of going outside when the urge strikes. This will save you both time and frustration in the long run. If you wait for them to mature, the task will become very difficult. So make sure you start training them once they reach 12 weeks of age. Puppies have smaller bladders than fully grown dogs, and this can make them prone to frequent urination. When it comes to bladder capacity, Goldendoodle puppies can hold their bladder as long as their age, in months. A 6-month-old Goldendoodle can hold its bladder for up to six hours, while a 12 week-old puppy will be able to hold it for up to 2 hours. At night, they can hold it 1. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? Most breeders agree that Goldendoodles are easier to train than other breeds. They are highly intelligent and good with people. Their natural instinct to please the owner makes them pretty easy to train. They will be able to easily pick up your commands and follow a schedule for potty training. Compared to other dogs, Goldendoodles are pretty easy to train. However, you might still face some challenges as each and every dog is different from the other. Make sure you are patient and follow the tips to train them. It will take some time to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy, but with patience and consistent care, you will be able to do it. Once they reach the age of 5 weeks, they start to pee on their own. At this time, you can use pee pads to avoid any mess. However, once they reach 12 weeks of age, they will have better bladder control. You can start training at this age until they are six months old. It can take around 4 to 5 months to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. If you start at five weeks, it will take five months for them to learn how to go potty outside. One important step in toilet training a puppy is to understand when they have to go out. Most puppies give signals when they feel the urge to pee or poop. When a pup sniffs or goes near the door, it is a sign that they want to go outside for potty. Some other signs that a puppy needs to potty include sniffing the floor, circling around, or scratching the door. If you see one or more of these signs, take your puppy outside. How to Make Potty Training Fun? Potty training is a complicated and time-consuming process. However, you can do some things to make it fun and easier. The first thing you can do is play with your puppy when you take them outside for potty. Once they are done with eliminating outside, play with them. It works as positive reinforcement and helps them to associate going potty with playing outside. You can play various games like tug-of-war or fetch. It will make the potty training process fun. Apart from that, you can also play music when you take them out. Puppies become fond of a certain type of music. This way, they will happily go out for doing their business. You can use these two tips to make potty training fun for Goldendoodles. Even though these dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and listen to commands, pet owners might find it challenging to train them, especially in the beginning. Keep in mind that it is a time-consuming process and needs patience, consistency, and dedication. If you follow our guide and use the tips, this process will be much easier. If you follow the steps for 4 to 5 months, your Goldendoodle will learn how to control the bladder and go out for potty breaks. Make sure you use positive reinforcement to reward them. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent dogs and they have a great desire to please their humans. Figuring out the best routine for house training your puppy effectively helps ensure a happy life together with your new fur baby. Most dog parents would agree that potty training a puppy is one of the hardest things to teach. It takes weeks if not months of dedication and consistency and is highly dependent on you not letting your guard down. There will be unavoidable accidents in the house, but the more accidents you allow to occur, the longer the process will become. While an old dog can still learn new tricks, it is best to start potty training your Goldendoodle the moment he comes home to you. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes as you never want to be working to change bad habits, but instead, creating good habits from day one. Unfortunately, failing the potty training of a puppy is one of the main reasons why pets end up in shelters. Most puppies need the first six months to master this task. You cannot consider your dog a graduate of the potty training academy until he has been accident-free for at least a month. Even then, accidents can occur if you miss his queue or leave him indoors beyond his limit. The Process of Potty Training Your Goldendoodle Puppy To successfully house-train your puppy, you must arm yourself with patience, a crate with an adjustable partition, some baby gates, and cleaners that remove the smell of urine when accidents occur. Once an area is scented with urine, it attracts the puppy to the same area to do its business again and again. One of the most challenging and time-consuming things to teach your puppy is the art of going potty in the right place — outside. You will need to dedicate the first few weeks to watching him like a hawk and taking him outside at least once an hour when he is enjoying playtime. You will need to close doors to other rooms and baby gates off access to areas where your puppy may be able to get out of your sight. The puppy now thinks this is the appropriate place to potty and he will go there again and again. If you cannot effectively remove access to other rooms, then you can attach a six-foot lead to your puppy and your belt. When arriving home to a crated puppy, always pick him up as soon as you open the crate door and carry him outside to the designated potty area. Allowing him to follow you out after holding it for more than one hour is allowing him to have an accident on the way to the door. Puppies will not go potty while being carried, so use this trick to get him outside after being confined to his crate. Your puppy will eventually choose a way to signal to you that he needs to go outside. These signals will likely be walking or pacing by the door, barking at the door, sitting at the door, or scratching at the door. You can teach your puppy a better option which is called bell training which will always get your attention. Hang a bell on a rope on the doorknob of the door you always use to go outside for a potty break. Make sure it hangs low enough for him to reach it with his nose. This door should be in a room where you spend most of your time with your puppy. He will not easily learn to go find another door to the outside if it is not within sight of where he spends most of his time. Each time you take your puppy out the door, stop and use his nose to make the bell ring. Immediately open the door so he learns that the sound of the bell makes the door open. Usually, within days, the puppy is successfully ringing the bell when he needs to go potty. Keep in mind that he may abuse this newly learned trick by asking out just to play. Get to Know Your Puppy Most puppies will need to eliminate shortly after each meal. Make sure it becomes your normal routine to have a potty break outside after eating. Also, note his mannerisms when it has been more than one hour since his last outing. Until he learns to communicate his needs to you, you may find him walking towards the door, sitting near the door, whining, circling, sniffing, or squatting. Any of these actions require you to immediately pick him up and get him to his designated area. Keep Your Dog on a Consistent Feeding Schedule Food and water consumption are the reason why your puppy needs to eliminate. Adhering to a regular feeding routine ensures that you can monitor their food and water intake. You may wish to offer access to water only at mealtimes and specific times in between meals as this will give a better indication of necessary potty times. An ample drink of water may render a potty break within minutes in a young puppy as his bladder is very small and cannot hold much. Give Commands Choose a single command to indicate that you want your Goldendoodle to do his business. Just make sure to be consistent with the command you use to avoid confusion and to imprint the result you are seeking. Even if the accident still occurs, pick him up and take him outside to his potty place to instill in him that what he did was in the wrong place. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding your dog when he does things right, therefore introducing him to positive stimuli. I do not recommend providing a food reward when a successful potty event occurs outside. When an accident occurs and it will! Prevent your puppy from having access to rooms where he has had multiple previous accidents. Close the door to that room or use a baby gate to avoid access. You are, in effect, closing the bathroom door. The perfect crate has enough space for your puppy to stand, lay down, and move around comfortably. You should use the crate to crate train for unsupervised times. However, you must make sure to teach him not to associate the crate with punishments. It is his castle, his safe place, and he will be spending a lot of time there. It should always have safe chew toys inside so it is a fun place and not a jail cell. If an accident occurs inside the crate, downsize to the previous location of the partition and try again a few days later to allow a slightly larger space. Keep your puppy awake until you plan to go to bed. Take him out for a bedtime potty break, then place him in the crate with a few non-squeaky toys. A Snuggle Puppy is a great option to help him feel secure. Close the door, lay down in bed, and listen to him cry and whine. You can drop your hand down to the gate and allow him to see and smell that you are close by, but do not open the crate for a minimum of three hours. Your puppy will likely fall asleep in a matter of minutes but may wake crying shortly thereafter. Allow your puppy to cry himself asleep again and only take him out for a potty break if three hours have passed since the last outing AND he is waking you. Never wake a sleeping puppy! Each night, the crying should be shorter and the sleeping should be longer. Typically within a week, you will wake one morning realizing that you and your puppy slept all night without a potty break. Sample Schedule for a New Puppy For puppies mos. For those that have family members home during the day, the puppy should spend one three-hour stretch in the crate and have more supervised interaction outside the crate than this schedule shows. Allow min. Confine to a crate when you leave; place safe chew toys in the crate for entertainment. If you will remain home, allow your puppy to have supervised playtime and take them outside every minutes to eliminate. Noon Take pup out if arriving home on lunch break. Confine to crate overnight. This is just a sample schedule to give you an idea of the time involved in housetraining a puppy. When possible, your puppy should not be crated once you are home for the evening. This is when you spend quality time with him and work on basic obedience. Take time off from work to dedicate to potty training your puppy when he first comes home. You are going to lose some sleep while your puppy is settling into his new environment and he is learning to be an only puppy. It may be difficult to maintain a normal work schedule when you are getting up in the middle of the night or having to deal with periods of a crying puppy. However, after a 3 hour period of confinement, a puppy should have a minimum of one hour of play time before being confined again if at all possible. Take your puppy out for potty breaks to the designated area when appropriate and do not play with your puppy during the potty break outing. He may need to go potty a few times in one outing to completely empty his bladder. Have a special spot for your Goldendoodle puppy to potty. Until your puppy has demonstrated bladder control, always pick them up from their crate and carry them outside for potty breaks to avoid accidents. Always bring your puppy back inside immediately after a potty break is completed. Come inside and then go back out to a different area for playtime. Avoid submissive urination. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and may end up squatting when excited. Do not scold your puppy for this action as that will make matters worse. Keep calm when greeting them, avoid eye contact until you get them outside, and know that they will likely outgrow this behavior. In conclusion, potty training a dog requires patience and careful observation. The Goldendoodle temperament allows this breed to respond well to positive reinforcement so use that to your advantage. By Kern Campbell Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, but potty training requires a lot of work on your part to take them outside often enough and help them understand why. Luckily, Goldendoodles tend to be intelligent and eager to please. Those are traits that make Goldendoodles easier to potty train than some other dog breeds. How long does it take to potty train a Goldendoodle? Most Goldendoodles are fully potty trained by the time they reach 6 months old. Tips for Potty Training Your Goldendoodle Potty training a Goldendoodle requires a lot of consistency, hard work, and patience on your part. Here are some tips for potty training your Goldendoodle. Take your puppy out every half an hour to an hour during the day. Take your Goldendoodle outside as soon as they wake up in the morning, after naps, and after eating. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take their food away between meals. This helps them poop at more predictable intervals. Take your puppy outside right before bed and before you leave them alone. Always take your puppy to the same place every time you take them outside. Wait until your puppy is potty trained to let them stay in the backyard alone. Reward your puppy every time they go potty outside. A reward could be a treat, praise, or a walk around the neighborhood. DO clap loudly to distract your Goldendoodle puppy if you catch them in the middle of the act. DO give your puppy plenty of time outside each time you go out. Give your puppy 10 minutes to pee or poop every time you go out. Everything is new and exciting. DO use an enzymatic product to clean up accidents. Enzymatic cleaners are better at removing odor than other products. Your Goldendoodle is very likely to encounter a crate at some point in their life. It may be at the groomer, the vet, boarding, or doggie daycare. Crate training your Goldendoodle as a puppy can prevent them from ripping out their toenails or breaking off teeth, trying to escape from a kennel as an adult. However, it also makes potty training easier. Tips for Crate Training a Goldendoodle Dogs are den animals, and crate training done properly provides a safe place for your Goldendoodle where they can be comfortable and feel protected. A kennel should be more like a bedroom for your dog than a prison cell. Here are some tips for crate training a Goldendoodle: Buy the right crate. A crate should be large enough for your Goldendoodle to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Some large crates come with a divider, which allows you to make it smaller for your puppy and bigger when they grow. Feed your puppy in their crate. You want your puppy to associate the kennel with good things, like food. Your puppy should have a positive association with the crate. Line the bottom of the crate with old towels. Provide special treats in the crate. Take your puppy out of the crate often for potty breaks. At most, your puppy can hold their bladder for one hour per month of their age plus one. That means your 2-month-old puppy that you just brought home needs to go out at least every 3 hours, even at night. Slowly increase the length of time your puppy stays in the crate. However, you should gradually increase how long your puppy spends in the crate every day. Start with just minutes at a time and build up from there rather than throwing them straight into 8 hours alone in the kennel. Be patient. Potty training and crate training can both take up to 6 months or longer before your puppy is finally able to hold their bladder for long periods and be comfortable in the kennel without crying. Obedience Training Your Goldendoodle Luckily, Goldendoodle puppies generally do well with obedience training thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. If the puppy moves, start over again. Reward staying immediately with treats and praise. Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are amazing dogs who are relatively easy to potty train. Also, keep in mind that your puppy has a tiny bladder and that Mini and Toy Goldendoodles may have more difficulty holding their bladder since they have smaller bladders than Standard Goldendoodles. If your puppy has an accident because you waited too long to take them outside, the fault lies with you, not them. Confinement When you first begin potty training your puppy, restrict his access to just a couple of rooms in your home. Once the puppy understands that the only place he can relieve himself is outside, he can be free to roam around your home. Set A Feeding Schedule Eating and drinking determine when your puppy needs to be eliminated, and you can use that to devise a feeding routine to suit your routine. That said, fresh, clean water must always be available for your pet, as puppies can get dangerously dehydrated very quickly. Take Your Puppy Outside Regularly Puppies are creatures of habit, and you can use that when toilet training your pet. The first thing you should do in the morning is to take your puppy outside so that he can go to the toilet. Throughout the day, make time to take your puppy outside every 30 minutes to an hour or so. Also, immediately after your puppy has had a nap or eaten a meal, take him outside for a potty break. Having a routine for going outside can help to avoid common potty training issues and accidents in your home and is crucial until your pup has adequate bladder control to last for longer periods. Lights Out The last thing you need to do at the end of the day before you settle down for the night is to take your puppy outside. That means your puppy will be comfortable and should sleep soundly. So, try to take your puppy to the same place to relieve himself every time so that he understands where his toilet is. So, how many times a day does a Goldendoodle puppy poop? Generally, most dogs need to poop up to five times every day! Puppies and senior dogs that eat lots of small meals throughout the day might need to go more frequently than that. Also, sick dogs with health problems sometimes need to poop more times than that. Reward Your Puppy Once your puppy has done his business, praise him and reward him with a treat. All the time, praise your pet for doing the right thing in the right place. Basically, your puppy craves your love and attention, so he will try to do what he knows will get that for him, i. Yes, in the short term, you can use a training crate for potty training your puppy. The idea is that confining the puppy in the crate enables you to keep an eye on your pet and spot the signs of when he needs to go. Crate training also means that your puppy will learn to hold on until you open the crate and take him outside to his latrine area. Crate Train For Unsupervised Times Here are our top tips on how to use a crate for toilet training your puppy. Make sure that the training crate has enough space for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Puppies can become dehydrated very quickly. Never deny your dog a drink purely to prevent him from needing to pee so often. So, a bowl of water should always be available for your pet. The crate is too big. The puppy needs to be let outside more frequently. The puppy might be too young to have adequate bowel and bladder control. With patience you can eliminate this undesirable behavior and rule out these doggie accidents once your pet gets into a proper potty routine. To potty train your puppy successfully, you need to know how to spot the signs that your pet needs to go, including: Sniffing the ground in one area Turning small circles on one spot Sniffing or scratching by the door Whining or whimpering If your furry friend displays any of these signs, you know that he probably needs to relieve himself. There are a few factors at play here, including the age and size of your dog. For example, a two-month-old puppy can usually hold it for two hours before he needs to go. So, it follows that a puppy of six months of age should be able to wait for six hours. Also, the puppy will begin to associate your displeasure with the greeting, not the urination. Try to remain calm and chilled out when greeting your pet. Most dogs eventually grow out of the behavior. In the meantime, you might find that distracting your dog by offering him a treat helps to stop the problem. There are a few absolute no-nos when potty training your Goldendoodle puppy. Punishment Never punish your canine companion if he gets it wrong and has an accident in the house. Yelling at your puppy will frighten and upset him, potentially making him afraid of you and causing even more problems. If you hassle your puppy or dog, they might not do their business, resulting in an accident in the house later. Caught In The Act! Immediately, take your puppy outside to finish what he was doing, and then make a big fuss of him and give him a treat as a reward. The best thing to do is clean up the mess and move on. However, potty training an adult dog is often easier than teaching a puppy. One reason for that is that adult dogs have a larger bladder and can, therefore, wait for a few hours before needing to eliminate. Even so, you should never force your dog to wait for too long before he can get outside to go. That quality time helps the dog to bond with you and also enables you to get potty training off to a flying start. Establish A Routine Begin by establishing a routine for your Goldendoodle. First thing in the morning, before you feed your pet, let him outside so that he can go to the toilet if he wants to. Take the dog outside again at lunchtime and then again mid-afternoon. Praise Your Dog! That way, your pet will quickly learn to associate going to the bathroom in the correct location with a positive experience. Be Observant Be vigilant for the signs mentioned above that could indicate that your pup needs to go. As soon as you spot something suspicious, take your pet outside to avert an accident. What About Tummy Upsets? Sometimes, adult dogs suffer from digestive upsets, typically gastroenteritis. An upset tummy is quite common in dogs from rescues and shelters that have just arrived in their new home. That often results in diarrhea or loose stools. However, those symptoms can also be indicators of an infection, so always consult your vet immediately. Puppy Pad Training If you live in an apartment or if the weather prevents you from taking your dog outside to relieve himself, you can use puppy pads or special potty boxes that are designed for indoor use. Basically, you choose somewhere suitable for the puppy pad or potty box to live inside your home and teach your dog to relieve himself there, using the same methods described earlier in this guide. How To Clean Up! As previously mentioned, dogs will always use their chosen latrine area when they want to relieve themselves. If your Goldendoodle puppy or dog makes a mess in the house, the smell of urine must be removed thoroughly and quickly to prevent your pet from returning to the area when he needs to go. Cleaning Dog Urine From Carpets And Rugs There are two methods that you can use to clean up dog urine from your carpets and rugs, both of which are very effective.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health.

A normal resting respiratory rate for a puppy can be anywhere between 15 to 40 breaths per minute, while an adult dog will breathe anywhere between 10 to 30 breaths per minute. For example, a brachycephalic dog may breathe differently than those with longer snouts, or a high-energy working breed may breathe quicker than a low-energy breed. Your puppy might also experience rapid breathing also known as tachypnea if they are scared or nervous, such as in a new environment, meeting new dogs, or if they are going on a car ride — these are times of heightened awareness and anticipation. Some puppies may also have irregular breathing or faster breathing when they are sleeping and dreaming. This is also normal and nothing to worry about. For instance, during the REM rapid eye movement stage of sleep, brain waves are faster and more irregular. Is your dog experiencing a loss of appetite? Is your dog open-mouth breathing with nostrils extended? Be a smarter pet parent Sign up for the best pet advice you can get Common medical conditions that can cause your puppy to breathe fast: Upper Respiratory Infections canine infectious respiratory disease, kennel cough Pneumonia. Bronchopneumonia Lungworm In these cases, you may often see puppies breathing very shallow breaths, very fast. You will also see other issues like weakness, fever, and refusing to eat. These are all mostly illnesses that need veterinary treatment. Lung disorders and puppy breathing problems Lung disease is a natural culprit for respiratory distress in puppies. Lung cancer is possible, but luckily this is extremely rare in young dogs but more common in older dogs. Conditions like pulmonary edema fluid in the lungs are usually related to the heart which we discuss next but may also happen because of one of the diseases we discussed above. Seizures may also cause fluid in the lungs and increase the respiratory rate. Other common issues with the lungs are usually related to trauma and injury, such as a rib puncturing the lung or something bruising the lung. But they can have other heart issues, such as Patent ductus arteriosis Aortic stenosis Or ventricular defects, among others. A vet will usually pick up on a heart murmur with these kinds of issues. Most of these are birth defects, and your vet may need to fix some with surgery. Of course, any disease that attacks the function of the heart will affect the airways for the same reason, as the lungs and the heart are closely connected. So if you note persistent coughing, wheezing, and shallow, labored breathing in your puppy, be sure to check out the heart. Breathing issues in newborn puppies One phenomenon that is extremely common in newborn puppies is gasping for air. This is because they often have fluid in their lungs when they are born. This can resolve naturally, but since newborn puppies are extremely vulnerable, it is essential to help remove the fluid from their lungs so that they can breathe easily as quickly as possible. This video will show what to do with a gasping newborn puppy: .Organ and abdominal swelling Another reason for fast breathing in puppies is any kind of swelling or pressure in the abdomen. If a diseased organ begins to swell, it puts pressure on the lungs and creates less space for the dog to inhale properly. There can also be congenital disabilities where the organs in the abdomen can migrate to the thorax and compress the lungs. Likewise, there could be swelling in the abdomen from blockages such as something they are getting stuck in the intestines , a build-up of fluid, or a twisted intestine. Many of these are life-threatening conditions, and swelling in the stomach areas should be taken seriously. Parasites and breathing issues in puppies Parasites are a common reason for swelling in the abdomen. Puppies with distended or swollen tummies often have a worm infestation. Aside from the many health complications related to intestinal parasites, it can cause faster breathing as the swollen tummy puts pressure on the lungs. Poisoning and medications Poisoning is one of our worst nightmares. When a dog has ingested something toxic, they will often begin to breathe very fast, very suddenly. Poisoning can be a variety of toxins, but one common one is allium poisoning garlic or onions , as it attacks the red blood cells. Sometimes medications can cause fast breathing in puppies too. These include any form of cortisone like Prednisone for inflammatory conditions or itching. But be on the lookout for any culprit, such as rat poison or human medications. Anything that affects either the amount of blood the dog has, whether it can travel properly such as if the blood vessels are constricting , or whether they have enough red blood cells can affect whether they have enough oxygen. Puppies can become hypovolemic because they are losing blood internally or externally due to injury. Or they may have a disease or toxin that is attacking their red blood cells. This could be autoimmune problems, parasites, poisons, or a number of other health conditions to check for. Many neurological issues could be to blame, including conditions that cause seizures. Brain injuries like a concussion or bleeding on the brain can also be an issue. So if rapid breathing seems to be a problem for your dog, always have your vet do a full health check to rule out all problems. When puppies enter the rapid eye movement REM phase of sleeping, they breathe faster. You may also hear vocalizations and see twitching while they dream. This is normal. Short-nosed puppies like Bulldogs can also suffer from conditions like sleep apnea that will disturb their breathing. So in some cases, it may be a problem with their airways relaxing so much in sleep that it causes an obstruction. This may need surgery. Unless a puppy is showing other signs of illness or respiratory distress, breathing faster is a normal reaction during REM sleep when they are dreaming. Breathing is more shallow, rapid, and irregular when puppies dream. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, also suffer from sleep apnea. Why is my puppy breathing fast in the car? Puppies usually pant in cars because of excitement or stress over a new environment. They may also have motion sickness or be overheating, so be aware of stress signals like drooling, lip licking, or yawning. You can also see our article on why dogs whine in cars to help with this issue. Final Thoughts A puppy breathing fast and panting is perfectly normal when they are anxious, excited, hot, or exercising. But medical reasons for excessive panting include nausea, organ problems and diseases, asthma, birth defects, and even parasites. If you see your puppy breathing excessively and there are no obvious reasons for it, it may very well be a medical emergency. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? You might also be interested in: Normal Breathing in dogs We hope that you all remember from biology class that breathing in brings oxygen into our lungs, swapping it with carbon dioxide to be expelled. The oxygen goes round the body to our cells, providing them with energy to function, producing more CO2 as a waste product. Without this critical action, we pretty much cease to function… we die! Our bodies are pretty good at knowing what they want. When our bodies are metabolising producing energy fast, such as during exercise, we use up oxygen and produce more carbon dioxide. Increased carbon dioxide leads to a drop in the pH of the blood — it becomes more acidic. So if the chemoreceptors detect low blood pH and O2, and high CO2, they tell the lungs and associated muscles to work faster tachypnoea or breathing fast. This brings oxygen into and CO2 out of our bodies more quickly, restoring balance. Once the levels are normal, the receptors tell the lungs to slow down again. So why is your puppy breathing fast? Probably because its chemoreceptors have detected low O2 and blood pH, and high CO2, and are compensating. Question answered! You probably want a bit more information than that. Normal Causes There are plenty of normal reasons why your puppy might be breathing fast. As mentioned above, the most likely reason is exercise. If a puppy has been running around all afternoon, its body will have a huge demand for oxygen to supply the hard-working cells, and a lot of CO2 to remove. Breathing fast will help correct this quickly. Stress, excitement or fear are all linked to the stress hormone cortisol. Also known as the fight-or-flight hormone, when it activates it increases the heart rate. As the heart is a muscle, it needs oxygen to function. A faster heart leads to tachypnoea as the lungs compensate to bring more O2 to the heart. Has your puppy just had a fright or gotten excited? This might be the cause of the fast breathing rate. Cortisol is also responsible for an increased breathing rate due to pain. If your puppy sadly hurts themself, they may breathe faster. Finally, the lungs have a secondary function of helping to cool the body down by expelling warm air and inhaling cooler air. As dogs only sweat through their feet and noses, the lungs are particularly important in regulating heat. Heat is produced secondarily to exercise or just because of the environment — if your puppy is too hot, it will pant fast to lose some of that heat. Be especially wary of exercising puppies on hot days, as the two heat sources can overwhelm their compensation mechanisms and lead to heatstroke — heatstroke can be fatal , especially in puppies, so always help them cool down if they are panting too hard. A fever due to illness can cause rapid breathing for the same reason. Heart Diseases The heart is closely linked to the lungs. It pumps blood to the lungs, allowing oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged. Most heart diseases in puppies are present from birth — developing heart disease at such a young age is rare. The developing heart undergoes a lot of changes before a puppy is born. These cause the blood to flow in the wrong direction, or the heart to have to work harder against pressure. The result is excessive strain on the heart. We can sometimes hear these defects with a stethoscope as a heart murmur. Only the most serious heart defects cause disease and tachypnoea as a puppy — many will either cause no effects or result in disease later in life. Puppies with heart disease may have soft coughs and be very lethargic. To compensate, the lungs speed up — lung disease often results in very fast but shallow breathing. There are many kinds of lung disease. In puppies, the most common are probably infectious lung diseases. These include kennel cough , bronchopneumonia, viral infections like influenza, and lungworm. These diseases damage the lungs, fill them with infection and reduce the area available for oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged. Secondary infections after inhaling objects such as grass seeds or just a simple blockage are also a common cause of tachypnoea. Generally, puppies with lung infections also have a fever, a cough and are quite poorly, so please speak to your vet if you suspect a lung infection. Sometimes newborn puppies can be born breathing very rapidly as a result of their lungs not functioning properly. When animals are born, the lungs are often immature and full of fluid — they usually clear within a few hours of life but they can sometimes take longer, especially if the puppy was born premature. In these cases, the puppy will often be breathing quite fast. Newborn puppies are very vulnerable, so a puppy like this will need a lot of veterinary care. Finally, the lungs can also be physically damaged, reducing their capacity and resulting in compensatory tachypnoea. Examples include bruising or puncture after an accident, or damage to the ribs or diaphragm that control lung movement. These events are obviously an emergency as there could be other issues going on like internal bleeding. However, not all tachypnoea is directly linked to the heart or lungs. These puppies are often dehydrated, e. Hypovolaemia can also occur due to bleeding. Finally, the red blood cells themselves the cells that carry oxygen can be low anaemia or damaged. There are many causes of red blood cell dysfunction, including chronic disease, parasites, autoimmune diseases, carbon monoxide or onion poisoning. Puppies with these issues are often pale, cold and have blue gums. All of the above are emergencies that need to be seen by a vet ASAP. The abdomen is close to the lungs and the abdominal organs even push up on the diaphragm when animals breathe out to help expel air. But if the organs get too big they can start to compress the lungs too much, they reduce its capacity for oxygen movement and causing tachypnoea. One of the most common reasons for a swollen belly in puppies is worms — puppies should be treated for worms regularly to prevent this. Swollen tummies can also occur due to blockages from swallowed objects or stools, twisted intestines or fluid in the abdomen. There is also a rare congenital disease that allows abdominal organs to enter the thorax where the lungs are, pushing on them — we can correct this with surgery. A puppy with a big swollen belly should always be investigated for these diseases. Finally, remember that control of the breathing rate is related to specific parts of the brain. Brain damage can sometimes result in tachypnoea, as well as other serious neurological issues. There is usually an underlying cause, and in puppies is probably due to an accident. If your puppy has bumped their head, please speak to a vet quickly, especially if they are breathing fast, are collapsed or bleeding, or are an abnormal colour. You should only consider talking to a vet if the puppy is breathing fast for prolonged periods of time, or there are other signs of disease. You might also be interested in:. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases. Non-rapid eye movement NREM. This phase often lasts about 10 minutes. Rapid eye movement REM. Breathing increases during this phase of deep sleep, especially if your pup is dreaming yes, dogs dream. Recommended Videos Your dog will run through these cycles. There may be other reasons, too. How can I find out how fast my pet is breathing? However, vets say some dogs have lower thresholds. Count the breaths. Repeat for 30 seconds. Multiply the number of breaths by 2. Should I call a vet? Several factors can trigger fast breathing during sleep. Exertion Best-case scenario: Your pup is still cooling down from a rousing play session or exercise. If you took your puppy out for a game of fetch or went on a power walk together, they may still be breathing heavily as they nap it off. Heatstroke is dangerous for dogs, just like for humans. Turn down the heat or move your puppy to a cooler space, preferably inside, on a hot day. Make sure they have plenty of water. Food poisoning If your puppy got into something they should not have, like garlic or onions , they might breathe heavily. If it collapses or has too much pressure, your puppy may start breathing more heavily. Other symptoms of this issue include a dry cough. This problem typically occurs in older dogs, but puppies can have issues too. Certain breeds, like chihuahuas, are more susceptible to tracheal collapses. Heart issues Heavy breathing can be a sign of heart disease. If your dog is diagnosed with ticker trouble, the vet may have you monitor their resting breathing rate more often. Simply count each breath, which is considered one inhale and exhale, for 30 or 60 seconds. If counting for 30 seconds, multiply the number of breaths by 2. Generally, anything over 30 to 35 breaths per minute is cause for concern. Puppies may breathe rapidly when sleeping if they have recently played or exercised or are too hot. Fast breathing during rest periods can also be a sign of something more serious, such as food poisoning or heart disease. Make sure to keep your dog out of the heat and ensure they always have plenty of water. Call your vet if you notice fast breathing while sleeping. They can advise you on the next steps and evaluate your pup to determine if treatment is necessary. Editors' Recommendations.

You can also attach the leash to the front and train your Frenchie how to walk properly on a lead from a very young age. With the Health Harness which is already puppy proofed against chewing you don't have to worry about your puppy chewing or ingesting the plastic buckles found commonly in dog harnesses. You can be worry free knowing each of Frenchiestore Health Harness comes with premium materials such as metal buckles. Always look for durable chew toys for your Frenchie, they have very powerful jaws that will go through toys like water. We recommend getting the Vet Pet Box for a new puppy. Every product in the VetPet Box has been hand-selected by veterinarians for quality and safety. All you have to do is specify what breed of dog you have French Bulldog is on small breed category then click "need more customization" there you can choose your pet is a puppy and chewing style we recommend choosing "Powerful Chewer" and thats it! You'll be able to choose what plan you want and you'll be covered for as long as you. French Bulldogs can't rely on a thick coat of fur to keep them warm during the winter. Signs your French Bulldog might be cold: shaking, shivering, seems uncomfortable or anxious. If your French Bulldog is hunched over, or stiff with a tucked tail. If your Frenchie is exhibiting change in behavior and is more vocal. If on a walk your French Bulldog is seeking a place to hide or reluctance to keep walking or tries to turn around to go back home. Frenchie puppies are usually very energetic though they also sleep a lot , so after an exhausting day of expending all that energy, a real dog bed, nice and comfy will be just what your Frenchie needs. To minimize back issues an orthopedic bed would be optimal for your dog's back. Car seat - the first experience your puppy will have is the car ride home. Puppy gates - You will need to section off an areas of your home that could pose a danger for your new Frenchie puppy such as the kitchen. Frenchies are very curious by nature and they get into everything. In order to avoid your Frenchie pup from getting into the kitchen cabinets or the trash it would be helpful to put some boundaries and use baby gates. Not only is it helpful in minimizing dangers it is also beneficial for potty training your Frenchie puppy by not allowing full range of your home. Bathrooms - can be a very dangerous place for a Frenchie puppy. In order to avoid your puppy from going into the bathroom unsupervised you would have to make sure to close your bathroom door every single time. A trick that would be helpful is hanging a sign on your door, wall or above the sink reminding you to close the door when you leave the bathroom. Fireplaces - does your home have a fireplace? Make sure you block it off from your Frenchie pup. Grooming supplies - dog shampoo should be carefully picked for a Frenchie pup as they often have sensitive skin. Nail clipper and facial anti bacterial wipes for your Frenchies' folds and tear stains. Puppy pee pads - if you are planning on house training with dog wee pads you should consider having them ahead of time prior to the puppy coming home. You should find a vet - preferably one that is knowledgeable in the French Bulldog breed and you are comfortable with that lives close by. In case of an emergency you don't want to start looking for a vet and calling everyone, or traveling very far. You need to have your vet already picked and ready to be dedicated to your Frenchie. Pet insurance - Prior to bringing your Frenchie dog home is is a good idea to have pet insurance. In this video we'll cover all the puppy proofing tips, best ways to puppy proof your house or apartment, and tons of puppy safety tips. There are some great puppy hacks in this video too. Raising a puppy shouldn't be stressful, so get the best puppy training tips and grab the puppy checklist so you can be fully prepared for your new puppy's arrival. French Bulldog puppies are known for chewing everything around the house, whatever they find they will chew or try to eat it. If puppy proofing your entire house seems like an insurmountable task, create a dog space. You dedicate an area of your house solely for your Frenchie, preferably one that you and or your family frequent. You can secure this area by using the puppy fence. This not only keeps your puppy in a safe and protected area, it also helps to not overwhelm them. You should go through your home and look for anything that could be hazardous to your new French bulldog puppy. Electrical cords, choking risks, shoes or anything of the sort should be cleared out. You also have to be conscious of any dangling cords that your Frenchie could chew, trip over or worse. As soon as you put all of these in place, you are all set and ready to bring the newest family member home. Bringing home your French Bulldog puppy The most efficient way to raise a well-adjusted, well-mannered French Bulldog is to expose them to everyday scenarios and experiences as soon as possible. The first experience your puppy will have is the car ride home. You should make sure the breeder will not feed your puppy right before the car ride home to avoid stomach upset or vomiting. As mentioned above having your Frenchie puppy secured in a car seat will be the safest option. This is because consistency goes a long way in training a well-behaved all rounded Frenchie dog. Now that you have gotten home, resist the urge to spoil and over indulge your Frenchie. You should start training your puppy early and refrain from excessive scolding, use positive reinforcements, and lots of praises. Potty training your Frenchie puppy takes patience the easiest way is to take your puppy outside every half hour or so and encourage them to go. Bringing them to the same area will help them quickly understand that this is their pee area. Always give them a treat as soon as they pee outside. Continue to do this, and then gradually drop the treats and use only praise. If you are training your French bulldog to go indoors on pee pads, just do the same as mentioned above. How long do French bulldog puppies sleep at night? Frenchie puppies can sleep anywhere from 12 to 18 hours per day, only waking up occasionally for an hour or so every few hours of rest. It is best to develop a nighttime routine. If you wake up your puppy to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you will develop this habit with your puppy. In adulthood your Frenchie might wake you up in the middle of the night and you want to avoid developing this habit if possible. It is best to establish a night time house training routine. Take your Frenchie puppy to the bathroom right before bedtime and immediately upon waking up. Why won't my French bulldog's ears stand up? It is normal for French bulldog puppies to have one or two floppy ears at puppy-hood. In fact, it can take anywhere from ten weeks to five months for them to stand up completely and they usually do after they are done teething. Some French Bulldog puppies' ears stand up prior to their 8 week mark and before they go to their forever home. Taping them is always an option for French Bulldog owners however, not one we recommend or endorse unless it is really necessary and recommended by your Frenchie breeder or specialized in French Bulldog vet. Puppy proof the outside of your home and garage Antifreeze taste sweet to your dog however can be lethal. Remove any rat poison or traps around your home. Fence off areas where there could be toxic plants such as wild mushrooms or any water sources like pools. Frenchies are not good swimmers and most will sink. Make sure your backyard is safe and secure without any way for your Frenchie to get out of the fenced area. If needed fix loose fencing or holes prior to your French Bulldog's arrival. Always watch your Frenchie puppy when going outside since puppies get bored easily. Once they are bored they will get destructive and exhibit bad behaviors such as digging holes throughout your backyard or chew patio furniture etc. Always keep your trash secure, and away from your Frenchie. Frenchies are prone to obesity, watch their weight, give them lots of exercise. Regular check ups with the vet will help them stay healthy. Keep them under supervision at all times, and spend time with them especially in those first few weeks. Congratulations on getting a new family member, you now know how to house proof for a new French bulldog puppy. You have all of the information you need here to ensure your canine journey goes as smoothly as possible. We care about you and your Frenchie. You can also access the pdf here. Some spaces are left empty as they are specific for your baby. This was given 5 days in a row. Microchip: You will need to complete your Frenchie babies series of shots. Typically they will give one to two more DA2PP vaccinations at weeks along with rabies at weeks depending on state regulations. Vets usually give booster shots every year after that. Rabies are given every 1 to 3 years depending on your state requirements. There is also evidence booster shots only need to be given every 3 years. If you wish to follow this schedule, discuss with your veterinarian. Below are the various guidelines. Continue shot series until complete Email vet report to info thefrenchbulldog. If you did not receive AKC papers at pick-up we will mail them to you within 60 days. We suggest feeding your baby 4 times per day to start and giving unlimited amounts. You may want to have the last feeding around pm so your puppy has its last bowel movement before bedtime. As your puppy grows you can adjust this schedule. Begin implementing your method of potty training as soon your Frenchie baby arrives just be patient at first. We recommend crate training. Typically a puppy does not want to dirty his own space. Use dividers to make the space the appropriate size. If you are not watching the puppy, put the puppy in the crate. Give your puppy more space when you can trust him. Reward with positivity and petting when your puppy potties in the correct area. After he eats or drinks, after a nap, or first thing in the morning take him out to potty. Safety We cannot overemphasize the importance of watching your Frenchie puppy at all times. If you are not watching him, place him in his crate or a puppy playpen. Puppies are like curious little toddlers. They put things in their mouth to explore and learn. Unfortunately some of these things can be poisonous such as certain essential oil, certain plants, cleaners, and small items can be choking hazards. When they are little, I use a doggie sling purse which keeps them with me so I can continue to do my chores. Have questions about French Bulldogs? Please contact us. Home » Blog » What to buy before your French Bulldog puppy arrives What to buy before your French Bulldog puppy arrives The weeks before your little baby arrives are not only filled with excitement and imagining how life will be with them, but you also need to prepare your home for the new family member and buy some stuff. Every family is different with a different home, lifestyle, and needs but we list below some of the essentials and some of the extras. Somewhere to sleep — Frenchie bed Your beauty will need comfortable bedding, which can be a dog-bed or couch, a cushion or a crate. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email As your Frenchie baby will grow fast, try to make sure you can buy adjustable items whenever you can. There are crates with dividers which you can gradually move as your pup grows. You can place a soft cushion in the crate, while cushions can also be used as a bed in themselves for a daytime nap for your furry child. You might want to opt for an orthopedic doggie bed, which helps your girl or buy have a great rest after an active day. Once you receive your baby you should continue this same food to prevent any dietary upset, but we recommend to gradually switch to another type of food within a couple of weeks. Our recommendations are Acana or Orijen, please read our article about the best food for a French Bulldog. What you can buy before your pup arrives, though, is a set of bowls: one for food and another one for water. As they grow you will need other toys to train him or her, see more details about this here. Check out our. In order to be prepared when I bring my Frenchie puppy home, what supplies do you suggest I get? We like dishes with large bottoms so they do not tip over easily. We love the stainless steel ones because they will last a life time and cannot be chewed up. We have used the turkey and sweet potato recipe and we are now using the salmon, sweet potato, and pea recipe. After this period of time, assuming all is going well, you can transition over to a high-quality puppy or all-life-stages chow from another respected company if you choose although we recommend that you stay with PawTree for the life of your pet. Of course, it should have the required vitamins and chelated minerals designated as proteinate , and other important nutrients. We have also known of a few Frenchies that were gluten intolerant. If things are still going well, switch over completely to the new brand. We also advise using a fantastic supplement we were introduced to by a breeder friend of ours called NuVet. You can order from the link we provide at a substantial discount from the retail price. We try to include a sample pack in the puppy packet we provide to you. Treats — You can purchase commercially prepared puppy treats from any number of outlets including PawTree from our website, but your puppy will also love small pieces of cheese, hot dog, chicken, or beef just as well as any purchased treats. These should be given in moderation as a reward for doing something well. Also, raw hide should never be given to your Frenchie as a chew toy. They can swallow a chunk of it which will swell in their stomachs and potentially cause serious health risks. An additional plus for the NuVet supplement tablets mentioned above is that your puppy will love them and think they are treats. We were made aware of a new specialty kennel from one of our clients, which we think you should consider, called the Potty Training Puppy Apartment PTPA. This is an improvement on the kennel concept we were using to potty train our pups. If you have the room, we recommend the large size, although the medium size will work if space is an issue. They will not want to soil their sleeping area, but if it is much bigger than necessary they might use the extra space as a bathroom. Pee pads — If you will be using the PTPA, as mentioned above, there are specialty pads made just for the kennel. Otherwise, we recommend the pee pads which can be purchased at Costco. You can find similar pads in pet stores. Toys — It is important to have plenty of chew toys and bones for your puppy. Make sure to stay away from chicken bones or any bones that could splinter or break off and get lodged in their throats. Avoid rawhide, unless it is compressed rawhide which means it is in very small compressed pieces that are digestible. We, and our Frenchies, love the Nylabones — they are made of very durable nylon that will last forever, and our dogs love to chew on them, which is very good for their teeth and gums. One of our favorite toys is braided rope made especially for dogs. Our dogs and puppies have a ball playing tug-a-war and keep-a-way with them. They are very inexpensive they can even be found in most dollar stores and they are extremely durable. The point is to have a nice selection of toys to keep them entertained and out of trouble. Make sure that their toys do not have little parts they could chew off that could get stuck in their throats. Dog shampoo — There are many good dog shampoos on the market and it is really just a matter of personal preference. They can be purchased at any pet store, Walmart, etc. Years ago, when we owned a Yorkie, our vet recommended using baby shampoo because Yorkies tend to frequently get goop around the eyes and the baby shampoo allowed us to clean the area around their eyes without irritating them. We still use baby shampoo with our Frenchies since they have lots of folds on their faces that require regular cleaning. If you do go with a dog shampoo choose a mild formulated shampoo for sensitive skin; your vet may have some good recommendations. In addition to having several good chew toys, which are great for their teeth, you should apply toothpaste to their teeth and gums on a weekly basis. You will notice that it said apply and not brush. Doggie toothpaste has those enzymes. Just put some paste on your finger or a brush and rub it on the teeth and gums. We highly recommend using the kind that has a flat blade on the end of the raking tool versus the kind that has prongs. What we find works best for us is to use a 5 gallon bucket with a lid that is lined with a durable trash bag. The lid keeps foul odors trapped inside. Until our dogs are potty trained, we use old, soft towels and blankets for their bedding, which are very easy to launder. Though it is not a necessity, our dogs love their over-sized pillows and they spend a lot of time sleeping and lounging around on them. We have one that we bought at Petsmart that is 25 inches tall made of durable plastic which is collapsible, fairly light, and easy to set up. If you have a small room in your house such as a laundry room that is puppy proof, you may not need one; however, puppy pens are very practical for many who want to control their precious Frenchie puppy, while at the same time give it some freedom. Because it is is transportable unlike a laundry room , we like to set it up in our main room not on carpet where they can see all that is going on around them and we can see them. We like to keep a soft blanket or towel at one end and their pee pad at the other. Doggie gate same concept as a baby gate — There may initially be areas in your house that you may not want your puppy having free access to roam until completely potty trained. Putting up a doggie gate s will allow your puppy to have a larger area to investigate without getting on carpeted areas or another area you want to make off limits. You can find cute accessories and outfits at pet stores, and there are lots of options on line. Some people do not feel comfortable clipping their dogs nails and will take them to a groomer or vet. However, if you want to save time and money it is a fairly simple task that takes only a few minutes. There are two types of of clippers: a guillotine or a scissor type. The guillotine is the easiest to use. The instructions that come with the clippers will guide you on how to use the instrument. Light claws are easier to cut than dark claws as the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail, called the quick, is easier to see. Cut the toenail to within approximately 2 mm of the quick. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will experience pain, nothing serious, but they might not sit too still the next time you undertake this task. When cutting dark toenails, it is better to cut just a little off at a time. Some people who have dogs with dark toenails cut them once every week or two so that they only have to trim off a little, avoiding any fear of cutting into the quick. Have More Questions? If so, there are a few things you could be doing to prepare yourself and your home for your new French bulldog puppy! Research the French bulldog breed Before bringing home your new Frenchie, you should have a pretty good understanding about the breed itself. As a leading French bulldog breeder in Indiana and surrounding states, our experienced team at Family Puppies understands the French bulldog breed like the back of our hands. This knowledge not only helps us raise our French bulldog puppies for sale, but allows us to ensure their new owners are well-educated and properly prepared to add a new Frenchie to their family. Talk to your breeder about what you can expect with your new French bulldog puppy and be sure to ask them as many questions as you need to: What food have you been feeding them? How much does a French bulldog shed? What essentials should you buy? Do they have any favorite toys? To sort it all out, we suggest making a puppy checklist of things to purchase before bringing your pup home! What to buy for a French bulldog puppy Remember, these are only the essentials to have set up and ready before introducing your pup to their forever home. Most importantly, they need a collar to display their ID tag and a harness to support their body when on walks. Puppy pads House training is a lengthy process with any puppy, so some handy puppy pads are a must. And with their short, single coats making hotter climates a struggle, regular brushing will actually better their circulation and oil production, improving the overall quality of their coat. Puppy-proofing your home For the safety of your new Frenchie and your belongings, we suggest doing a sweep of your home to locate any potential hazards that your puppy may face. This includes hiding away electrical cords, stowing away any valuable personal items for the time being , and putting anything that could be poisonous to your puppy houseplants, cleaning supplies, etc. Find a veterinarian Your breeder may have a few suggestions for vets that they have worked with that already know your puppy, but be sure to secure a vet before bringing your pup home. Make yourself available for your puppy One of the most important things you must do in order to prepare for a French bulldog puppy is freeing up your schedule. These dogs are made for companionship and will definitely need you during their first few days in a new environment without their mother or siblings. We suggest taking a few days off of work to start, and after that, try not to leave them alone for full days, especially with that tiny puppy bladder! Check out the French bulldog puppies for sale through Family Puppies in Indiana. These amazing Frenchies are brought up in a loving and warm environment and we look for the same in the people who purchase them. Give us a call today at to learn more!

Lifespan Sociability The price of this pup will vary widely depending on the breeder as well as the cost of the parents. The litter size can also affect the price. If the breeder runs tests on the puppy to check for genetic health concerns, it can also increase the cost while providing you with a healthier dog. These dogs are clever and watchful. They will fit in with your family if you have kids and you will be most happy. The Boxer parent gets its name for the way it fights. Often swinging its paws like a boxer. The Boxer lineage can be traced back to Assyrian Empire war dogs. The parents of Golden Boxer. They love playing with and entertaining children, and they get along well with other pets. This breed is a little shy around strangers, so they are fantastic guard dogs, but they are not aggressive and quickly make friends. Too much isolation can cause depression or destructive behavior, which can include continuous barking. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It only barks a lot when upset and keeps a close eye on the house while you sleep. Regardless, the Golden Boxer makes friends quickly and likes to engage in play with cats as well as other dogs. It will even play with animals that enter the yard on many occasions. Avoid foods that use meat byproduct or other non-meat as its first ingredient. Following the instructions on the package serve the food in two to four smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. You will need to commit to a minimum of two hours of engaging activity per day, which will require you to walk more than 11 miles per week at a minimum. Positive reinforcement training using rewards for good behavior is the best method to achieve results. Positive reinforcement means to give your pet plenty encouraging cheers and pets along with tasty treats when they complete a task. Another thing to remember when training is not to drag the session out or try too many tricks at once. Either way, it will require daily brushing to help remove shedding hair as well as keep the coat looking nice. The longer double coat may also require frequent trimming and detangling. Its floppy ears will need regular cleaning, and you will need to make sure they stay dry to lessen the chance of an ear infection. Minor Conditions. If you ever wondered what you could expect from a golden retriever boxer mix, the answer is dynamite! The golden boxer is a dog who is full of energy, incredibly loyal, eager to please, rather large, and often boisterous. In the same litter, you can have a pale golden puppy with wavy hair and a brindle puppy with short hair. Read on to find out if the golden boxer is the dog for you… Parentage Of The Golden Boxer As mentioned, predicting the physical characteristics of your golden boxer can be difficult as the parents are two very different-looking dogs. However, learning about the parent breeds is still very helpful because it provides you with an idea of how your golden boxer will behave. The Golden Retriever The golden retriever , as we know it today, originated in Scotland in the mid to late s and early s. There were many retrievers in the UK at the time. Their jobs were to chase down the birds, hares, or rabbits their human companion had shot down and retrieve it bring it back. In addition to their soft mouth, the golden retriever was bred to have a double coat to keep them warm and long legs to help them climb over and through dense brush. The area in which they had to do the retrieving was often marshy, so the dogs were bred to be excellent swimmers as well. For a more detailed look at how the golden retriever came to be, check out our dedicated article on their history. Golden retrievers are dedicated dogs who are highly loyal and easily trainable, which makes them excellent service animals. This means they are reliable dogs if trained and socialized appropriately. It is important to remember the golden retriever is a very high energy dog, which requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They definitely pass this trait on to their offspring. The Boxer The boxer is descended from an ancient lineage of dogs that traces its heritage back to the Assyrian empire in 2, BCE. The boxer, as we know it today, was bred in the late s in Germany. The breeders took the formidable Bullenbeisser and bred it with smaller mastiff dogs to create the boxer. The Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog used to tackle large animals such as bears, wild boar, and bison. Breeding with the smaller mastiffs gave the boxer a slimmer build and more temperate nature. This temperament and build has allowed the boxer to do many jobs over its lifetime such as war dog, police dog, guide dog, protection dog, and athlete. The boxer gets its name from the way the dog plays or defends itself. The Golden Boxer The golden boxer is not a mix you would expect, however they are the best of both of their parents. The golden boxer is a large dog measuring at 22 to 25 inches in height and weighing 60 to 75 pounds on average. There is no guarantee of how your golden boxer will look, especially if it is a first or second generation puppy, because the two parent breeds are so different. Your golden boxer can be a variety of colors, from black or brown to fawn or gold and have a short or long coat. Whereas their appearance may differ significantly, their temperament is pretty predictable. The golden boxer loves being part of the family, they are intelligent and protective, and they are always full of energy. The golden retriever and boxer have fairly similar personalities even though they come in vastly different packages; this means the golden boxer will have a similar personality. Love The golden boxer is a sensitive dog who thrives on affection and attention. They need to be loved on and cuddled every day to avoid feelings of abandonment. Even though they are large dogs, they cannot be locked out of the house and left in a yard their entire lives. Fun The golden boxer has a boisterous nature and loves to bounce around playing games. It is essential their energy is directed into fun and games where you actively play with them. If their energy is not positively directed, they can become very destructive and neurotic. Family The golden boxer loves being around family furry or non-furry , especially if the golden retriever side of their heritage is particularly strong. Golden boxers are an excellent choice if you have children, particularly children who can run around and play with them. Golden boxers will happily engage with other pets too! Make sure they are properly socialized and trained from the time they are a puppy in order to restrain their strength around smaller pets such as cats. Protection Owing to the nature of the golden retriever and the boxer, the golden boxer is very protective of who they feel is its family. Both parent dogs are used as working dogs and guide dogs, which means they have a fierce sense of loyalty. The golden boxer shares this loyalty for family and will guard your home and family fiercely against perceived intruders. Trainability The level of trainability of golden boxers is good to moderate depending on a number of variables. The golden retriever is a dog who is easily trained, while the boxer can be a bit more stubborn and resist training. However, if you are committed and consistent with their training and socialization, then training your golden boxer, no matter how stubborn they are, is possible. An untrained pug is much easier to pick up and put in a separate room than an untrained golden boxer. Large, untrained dogs with protective natures like the golden boxer can also pose a risk to strangers in the home as your dog will become overwhelmed. And if they are undisciplined, then they do not have the safety net of training to prevent snapping at an unwanted hand. Health Concerns Mixed breeds enjoy better health than either of their parent breeds because they have more genetic diversity and any breed-specific issues are diluted by having been bred with another type of dog. This means the golden boxer should enjoy better overall health than either the golden retriever or the boxer. The golden boxer seems like the ideal companion: loyal, loving, healthy, and the perfect cuddler. Golden boxers are full of energy. They need a minimum of two hours of exercise a day. This is a lot to expect from any owner so you need to make sure you are ready to commit a large amount of your energy to your dog. The two hours of exercise is best split up into smaller sessions throughout the day. They are large dogs and need to be physically exercised regularly to maintain their muscles and healthy joints. Daily walks, hikes, or runs that are at least half an hour long are ideal. They can be physically exercised by playing games like fetch, chase, or working through an obstacle course. Going to a dog park is also an excellent idea, provided your golden boxer is trained and has a strong recall command. Mental exercise is essential. Golden boxers are intelligent dogs and become bored fairly easily. Using puzzles and games to tire them out mentally is an excellent way to enhance their exercise needs. Slow feeders , lick mats , snuffle blankets , puzzle toys , and daily training are all excellent ideas to give them adequate mental exercise. As said previously, golden boxers can be stubborn if their boxer heritage is particularly strong. This means it will take you longer than average to train your golden boxer properly. You will need to devote time every day to training. Using a puppy training service is advisable with golden boxers; however, the hard work is done at home as you will need to carry through their training and be consistent to see positive results. However, with proper training, exercise, and discipline, you can reduce the amount of destruction your golden boxer is able to do. Houses with yards and families with children Temperament: Happy, clever, intelligent, protective, alert, watchful, and eager to please. It has increasingly become popular in the last years, with breeders developing more diverse species. The parent breed, the Golden Retriever, was developed in Scotland in the mids by Lord Tweedmouth. This dog was created as a solution for hunters who needed a dog adept at retrieving downed waterfowl. On the other hand, the Boxer originated in Germany back in the s. Bred as a guard dog, this dog was put in an exhibition in in Munich and later arrived in the U. S and Europe in the s. They were used as messenger dogs, attack dogs, and pack carriers during World War 1. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Golden Boxer Puppies A post shared by Russell russellthegb Golden Boxer puppies are cute, cuddly, and full of energy, and this tends to stay the same even as they grow. They are very happy and love to spend time with their families. These dogs are unlikely to be found in rescue shelters and often come from breeders so we recommend you do your homework and ask all of the right questions before you begin to work with any breeder. Apart from paying for your new dog, you need to ensure you factor in other initial costs associated with bringing a puppy home, such as a leash, crate, dog collar, microchip, and medical costs if your dog is not neutered. These expenses are a necessity, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. Your dog will thank you for them all. They are intelligent and clever; therefore, they can learn quickly and love to please their owners. They are affectionate, loyal, and outgoing breeds that also love playing with and entertaining children. Golden Boxers tend to be very shy and reserved around strangers, but this is advantageous because it makes them fantastic watchdogs. However, they are not aggressive to strangers but will alert you about the presence of a new face. Golden Boxers are ideal for an active, fun-loving family. These dog breeds are also very patient and willing. Despite been very polite, this dog can be high-spirited sometimes like the parent breed, the Boxer. As a family dog, too much isolation can lead to depression or destructive behavior such as continuous barking and chewing items in the house. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, they still need early socialization and training to bring out these qualities further. These breeds tend to bond very closely with the family. If you are always at work without a sitter or family member around, this may not be the best dog species for your family. They are great pets to have around children because they like playing with them a lot. They should avoid habits such as tail pulling, rough play, and teasing. They also bark a lot when they are upset but make good guard dogs for the house when the family is sleeping. The Golden Boxer adapts well to sharing space with cats and other dogs. However, when small cats run away due to intimidation, the prey drive might kick in, and your Golden Boxer might chase the cat. When socialized at an early age, this dog breed will co-exist with other dogs peacefully. It makes friends very quickly; therefore, it will engage with other animals or pets that walk stray into your compound. This breed needs lots of attention from the family; therefore, you need to provide all the necessities. Like any other dog breed, you need to know the diet requirements, training and exercise needs, grooming, and any health and medical conditions. You can include quality lean meats such as lamb, beef, and chicken. When planning the feeding schedule, the diet should be according to the size, age, and activity level. These breeds are highly prone to bloating; therefore, they should not be fed all the food at once. The meals should be spread out to 2—3 meals throughout the day together with water. In addition, you should feed the dog an hour or two before an exercise session. When feeding your Golden Boxer, avoid foods that use meat by-products or other non-meat as their first ingredient. Once you buy food from the stores, follow the instructions on the package to ensure that the meals are served correctly. This dog tends to become obese and develop joint issues. Apart from food, the treats should also be kept to a minimum. To avoid this, you should schedule one long daily walk or two hours of engaging activity. Because of their high energy needs, the ideal owner for this dog breed is an active person who can bring the dogs along for a jog, hike, or walks. This dog can adapt well to living in an apartment, but with enough exercise outside. This dog species is perfect if you have a yard. You can plan for activities such as walks in the dog park. These walks in the park are also suitable for his socialization process. It helps bring out the best qualities in your pet and makes things easier for you. Exposure to new people, places, and situations and puppy training classes will encourage your dog and make it comfortable. It will also discourage some aggressive behaviors because the dog is more comfortable. Because of this, it will also listen to commands much faster without requiring a lot of repetition. During the training, you should be firm and confident. Also, use positive reinforcement such as praises to encourage your dog to pick up commands much easier. Incorporate some treats to keep your puppy happy during the training session. You should also avoid shouting or yelling at your dog during training. The sessions should also not be very long. Shorten them to an hour or less each day to help with concentration. Because Golden Boxers are devout people-pleasers, they use these moments to show you how well they respond. In addition, this may also be a perfect time to strengthen the bond between you and the dog. These dogs are moderate shedders; hence will need regular brushing, ideally once a day. Brushing daily is good because it helps to keep the coat tangle-free and keeps loose hair away from your home or car. The breeds with a long double coat require frequent trimming. You can either do this at home or hire a professional groomer. You should bathe your dog only when necessary and ensure that you use dog shampoo to protect the fur coat. This dog breed also has floppy ears; hence, they should always be kept clean to avoid infection. It would be best if you also kept them dry at all times. You can also do this by wiping with a damp cloth or cotton ball. In addition, you should trim the nails and brush the teeth at least three times a week. Breeders always try to improve their health conditions by carrying out selective breeding. However, even with this precaution, some conditions might be passed down to the offspring. Therefore, you should always research the potential medical conditions your pup may be prone to, as well as ask the breeder for medical records before taking your dog home. Minor Conditions. The puppies are called — adorably — Golden Boxer puppies! But before you are overcome with cuteness and rush out to find a litter of Golden Retriever Boxer puppies, it is wise to learn more about what your puppy might be like as an adult dog. In this article, we take a close look at the Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog so you can decide if this is the right companion for you! On one side, purebred dog breeders feel the breed lines should be kept pure. Any cross between two purebred dog breeds basically results in a mixed breed dog , or mutt. Conversely, canine biologists feel cross-breeding two purebred dog breeds together can have benefits to overall canine health. Since it is not possible to predict in advance which traits a puppy may inherit from either parent dog, the best way to try to imagine what your new pup might be like is to learn more about both the Golden Retriever and the Boxer. Origins of the Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is currently the third most popular companion canine in the country. This gorgeous dog is of Scottish descent, with a long and honorable lineage as a working dog. This dog is just so friendly and sociable! Goldens make terrible guard dogs but wonderful best friends. The Golden Retriever, not surprisingly, takes its name from its long, lush golden coat. Origins of the Boxer The Boxer is currently the tenth most popular companion canine in the country. This dog, with its short coat and upturned ears, can easily turn heads. The Boxer is a truly ancient dog breed that can trace its lineage back to the time of the ancient Assyrians 2, BC. However, the modern Boxer arose in the s in Germany and soon migrated to the UK, where it became a favored working and pet dog. The Boxer gets its name from how it fights or boxes with its front paws — just like a prize fighter. What is the Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog like? The ability to predict what a Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog will be like has everything to do with the generation of puppies. The earliest litter, or F1 generation, will vary the most in size, weight, height, temperament, coat and other factors. These puppies are born from a pure cross of a Golden Retriever with a Boxer dog. The next litter, or F1b generation, will be more predictable in all attributes. These puppies are born from a cross between one purebred parent either a Golden Retriever or a Boxer with a Golden Retriever Box mix parent. Subsequent litters, or F2, F3, F4, and so on, will become more uniform over time. With longevity of breeding programs, what was once a hybrid dog breed may even become standardized as a new purebred dog breed! Males tend to be taller and heavier than females. Females tend to be about 15 pounds lighter and 1. From this, you can guesstimate your Golden Retriever Boxer Mix puppy will likely fall within the weight range of 60 to 75 pounds and stand .The Boxer, on the other hand, sheds very little and normally needs only a weekly brushing to keep coat and skin in tip-top condition. From this you can imagine how diverse the possible coat types in a litter of Golden Boxer dog puppies might be! You may find two pups with completely different coat types even within the same litter, especially if the litter is an F1 or F1b generation. Personality and Temperament of a Golden Retriever Boxer mix Even most non-dog-lovers know that Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly. If they were people, they would be the ones planning the happy hours and pool parties. Boxers are bright, loyal, affectionate and loving. They are very patient and have natural protective tendencies that can necessitate extra efforts to socialize them in puppyhood. Both breeds tend to be exuberant and playful while young and can be stubborn at times because they are very smart. But both are natural people-pleasers and will take well to positive training methods. With two such positive, outgoing and people-pleasing parent dogs, you are quite likely to find that your Golden Retriever Boxer mix puppy has a lovely personality and temperament overall! Health Issues of Golden Retriever Boxer Mix dogs Both Golden Retrievers and Boxers, like so many purebred dogs today, can have certain genetic heritable health issues you will want to be aware of. Golden Boxer dog breeders who are serious about breeding healthy puppies will have their breeding stock parent dogs pre-screened and tested for all known breed-specific health conditions to avoid passing any preventable conditions on to the puppies. Commonalities in Health Concerns It is important to know that both Golden Retrievers and Boxers are prone to developing certain types of cancers. The ongoing Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was set up to better understand one of the most pervasive types of cancer in Goldens, hemangiosarcoma, as well as risk factors for other types of cancer and serious health conditions. The average life expectancy for Golden Retrievers is 10 to 12 years. The average life expectancy for Boxers is also 10 to 12 years. Socialization and training needs for Golden Retriever Boxer mix dogs Both Golden Retrievers and Boxers are bright, energetic, sociable and come from a long lineage of working dogs. This makes training both a necessity and, usually, a joy, since you will be working with a dog that really wants to learn, interact and please you! However, it is worth saying that smart dogs like Golden Retrievers and Boxers will only do well when trained using positive reinforcement methods. Is a Golden Retriever Boxer Mix a good family dog? Based on a study of the overall temperament and personality traits of the Golden retriever and the Boxer, respectively, the Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog is quite likely to make a great family dog. This is true even for families with young children. How to Pick Golden Retriever Boxer mix puppies Choosing a Golden Boxer breeder that is reputable, responsible and serious about breeding healthy Boxer Retriever mix puppies will be critical. This is a question that is very personal, of course, but for the right family or individual, a Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog can make a great canine companion! If you already have some experience with a mix dog like this, let us know in the comments!

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you had a veterinarian watching this plump pup play in the grass, they would have a much more sobering outlook. This puppy is suffering from the early stages of Canine Hip Dysplasia. What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? This results in the separation of the joint and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage and bones. What Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia? No one knows for sure why some dogs develop this painful joint condition. However the severity of the illness seems to be linked to both the nature genetic component and the nurture environmental and nutritional elements that the dogs experience as they grow. However, it seems to be less prevalent in puppies with parents passing rigorous hip testing through the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. This is why it is vital to only buy puppies from breeders who have tested the parents for both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , which is the same joint deformity in the elbow socket. For example, if puppies grow too quickly, are lacking specific nutrients or have electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely to get CHD when they get older. Again, this issue is more often seen in larger breeds since they undergo more growth and skeletal changes than smaller breeds. The main two things you want to avoid are rapid weight gain and over supplementing too much calcium into the diet. You will also need to follow the feeding schedule set out by your veterinarian and not feed your puppy too much food. All dogs have a genetic code of how big they will get as adults. Your job, to reduce their risk of hip dysplasia, is to make sure they grow at a steady growth rate over time and not shoot up too quickly by feeding them a balanced diet specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. Environmental Factors Puppies are not usually born with hip dysplasia; it develops as the dog matures. You can take your pup out for a low-impact game of fetch in a park or a swim in a pool. However, doing activities such as forced running, stairs, jumping or agility courses when joints have not fully matured is thought to increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia later in life. The easiest way to tell if you pup has CHD is to do an x-ray of their hips while they are sedated. This allows the veterinarian to see if the joint fits together as it should. However, barring an x-ray diagnosis, there are a few symptoms to look for in more advanced cases. Signs of CHD include: Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out. Exercise intolerance. Swaying gait where the back end moves back and forth in a pronounced fashion. Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs. Bunny hopping , especially up stairs. Difficulty getting up. Back legs or hips are painful when touched. Hind leg lameness, which worsens with exercise. Back legs are more close together when the dog stands than the front legs. In more severe cases, you may see muscle wasting in the back legs and hindquarters. Arthritis may develop as the disease progresses. Your dog may start to show unexplained aggressive behavior as the pain increases. Again, the best way to diagnose CHD is with an x-ray. These test rank the hips as Excellent, Good and Fair. You should not buy a puppy without ensuring the parents have at least a Fair rating, and preferably a Good or Excellent hip score. Obviously, dogs exhibiting these scores should not be bred. Yet, even if both parents have great hips, this is not a guarantee that the puppy will be free from hip issues. Refrain from making your puppy your jogging or jumping partner until they are grown. Even if you do everything right, if your dog carries the genetic predisposition for CHD, you may still encounter it when your pup reaches adulthood. If your dog develops CHD, there are several ways to treat it. The best course of action should be determined with your veterinarian. You can also add in exercises such as swimming and leash walking to keep the muscles toned around the joints. Physical therapy and massages have also been known to help. Some dogs undergo total hip replacement surgery , just like humans, and have good success with this approach. There are other preventative surgeries, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis JPS that vets give puppies with a high likelihood of developing CHD as a preventative measure. Conclusion While CHD is certainly a frustrating diagnosis, there are many treatment options to help your dog live a long, satisfying life. If you take a proactive approach to their treatment, you can still have an energetic, happy companion that will keep you company on walks, swim with you at the beach and lay by your feet when you relax. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. One such health complication is hip or elbow dysplasia. When looking for a new English Labrador puppy, you should look for parentage with extensive testing in this area, as the tests make sure that bad genetics do not get passed on to their offspring. This article will explain all about elbow and hip dysplasia, what testing you should be looking for, and why English Labradors , in particular, should be tested. What is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia? Elbow and Hip Dysplasia are common orthopedic problems seen in English Labradors and other large or giant breed dogs. Both of these conditions are usually inherited but can be due to poor nutrition, being overweight, or inadequate amounts of exercise. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is the abnormal growth development of the cartilage and bone in the elbow. This can lead to the elbow becoming displaced or out of the socket, which can further cause the elbow joint to develop abnormally leading to a life of pain, inflammation, and arthritis in the elbow. This condition is caused by one of three different problems: Fragment medial coronoid process of the elbow bone fragments in the joint Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle unnecessarily thicker cartilage development Ununited anconeal process the anconeal process does not fuse with the ulna Dogs with elbow dysplasia may have no outward signs at all but can be so severe that they are not putting any weight on their leg. There are many treatment options to help decrease the pain and inflammation if your dog does develop elbow dysplasia, but you may not notice for some time. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a painful condition caused by abnormal development of the hip joints. A dog has hip dysplasia when the socket in the pelvis is not deep enough for the ball of the femur to stay in place. Since the hip joint is a ball and socket joint, a shallow hip joint causes the ball to continually come in and out of place, causing looseness and instability. When the femur rubs on the pelvis while moving in the socket of the pelvis, this causes arthritis. This arthritis can be very painful. Dogs with hip dysplasia will have trouble walking around normally. This can put extra stress on their knees and ankles, leading to even more orthopedic problems. While there are treatments to make this less painful, there is nothing that can reverse this condition. Luckily, there are a few other options to make this condition less painful for your pup, like specialized beds and cushions to sleep on. What is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Testing? Elbow and Hip Dysplasia testing can be done on your English Labrador to see if they have the potential for developing either condition. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA , along with your veterinarian, can use radiographs of the hips to help determine if your dog is predisposed for hip dysplasia. English Labradors who do have hip or elbow dysplasia should not be used as a breeding dog, since these genetic diseases that are passed from parents to offspring How is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Testing Done? For a dog to be tested for elbow and hip dysplasia, they will need to see a veterinarian. Not all veterinarians test for this disease though, so call your veterinarian and make sure that they can test your English Labrador for hip and elbow dysplasia. Be aware: your dog will have to be sedated to get the perfect radiographs for submission. Particular views have to be taken of the hips and elbows, and to take these radiographs your dog will need to be perfectly still. Once taken, the radiographs will be sent off to for boarded radiologists to review. It can take a few weeks for the radiologist to review the x-rays and get you the results. Hip Dysplasia Testing Dogs under 2 years of age can only be given a preliminary screen. They cannot get their full certification until they are 2 years old. Once your dog reaches 2 years of age, you can take them to your veterinarian for the full test certification. The hips will be graded as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate, and severe. Those that receive an excellent, good, and fair rating will pass OFA hip certification and receive a certification number. Elbow Dysplasia Testing Elbow dysplasia testing is done similar to hip dysplasia, where 4 different radiographs of the elbows are submitted to a radiologist. Just like with hip dysplasia, dogs cannot get their full certification until after they are 2 years of age. Elbow dysplasia is graded as normal or abnormal, with abnormal being broken down into 3 different grades: Grade 1: Minimal changes Grade 2: a proliferation of 2 to 5mm Grade 3: a severe degenerative joint disease where proliferation is greater than 5mm Only those who have a normal elbow will pass certification and should be used for breeding. Elbow and hip dysplasia testing make sure that the breeding parents do not display characteristics that would predispose them to hip or elbow dysplasia. If the parents have these unwanted traits, your new English Labrador puppy may also have these traits which could lead to hip or elbow dysplasia. When looking for a breeder for your new puppy, make sure to ask about genetic testing to make sure that the puppy you get is going to be healthy and happy. Why do I need to look for English Labrador puppies from parents that have been tested? It is best to find a puppy whose parents have elbow and hip dysplasia certification from OFA. This will help guarantee that your new English Labrador puppy will have good genetics. If you get a puppy from a breeder without elbow and hip dysplasia testing done, there is a possibility that your dog could end up with one of these diseases. These diseases could mean costly veterinary visits and surgeries to make your English Labrador no longer in severe pain. Conclusion When looking for a new English Labrador puppy, make sure that the breed has done everything possible to only breed dogs with the best genetics. If you are looking for an English Lab breeder, we invite you to consider a puppy from Snowy Pines. Our white English Labradors have pure bloodlines, are tested before breeding, and live happy, adventurous lives on our property. Share on. Using both back legs simultaneously when running Reluctance to exercise Trouble laying down or standing up Stumbling when squatting to go to the toilet Difficulty climbing steps Lameness Thigh muscle wastage Dog hip dysplasia symptoms do not normally include crying or whining with pain. Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis Hip dysplasia diagnosis can only be made by a qualified veterinarian. Your vet will physically examine your dog to see signs of hip dysplasia. He or she will ask you to describe the signs you have seen of joint problems, weigh him and assess his over all health. Your veterinarian may take a blood sample to access the extent of inflammation in the joint, and may also ask for a urine sample to assess as well. They will then book your dog in to x-ray their joints. It is possible that the veterinarian will also want to take MRI or CT scans to confirm the extent and exact nature of the diagnosis. Hip dysplasia is not a cut and dried diagnosis. It comes in varying degrees and types, and a lot of factors will influence the treatment course you and your veterinarian choose for him. Hip Dysplasia Treatment Non surgical treatment for hip dysplasia is possible in those cases where the condition is not too severe. Weight loss is advised if your Labrador is on the heavy side, as this will reduce the pressure on the hip joints. In fact one study demonstrated that weight loss alone could improvement the signs of lameness in a dog with hip dysplasia. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can help to manage hip dysplasia symptoms. If you have a local dog friendly swimming pool, then this is a great place to exercise him. Hip Dysplasia Anti-Inflammatories And Pain Killers Pain killers and anti-inflammatories are an essential part of hip dysplasia treatment for some Labradors. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs developed for dogs who have the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which are often seen in chronic or developed hip dysplasia. They reduce swelling and pain in the effected joints. NSAIDs can only be prescribed by your veterinarian, as they need to be given in specific quantities and at certain times. Corticosteroids are another option your vet might consider. Although they are less popular these days due to the prevalence of other options with less side effects and a more specific impact on the dog. Supplements Canine hip dysplasia supplements are available. However their level of effectiveness is up for debate. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have both been used to manage osteoarthritis. And have been shown to have some impact on reducing the symptoms associated with hip dysplasia. Glucosamine is a sugar that assists with the synthesis and maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin works to inhibit damaging enzymes in joints. Together they are believed to help your dog create and repair connective tissue in the damaged joint. Hip Dysplasia Surgery In many cases of hip dysplasia, your veterinarian will move on from non-surgical treatments to consider the options involved regarding surgical procedures. JPS can only be carried out on dogs who are still in a rapid phase of growth, at under 5 months of age. This means it is rarely carried out, as hip dysplasia is not normally evident until the puppy is a few months older. However, if it can be done it is a much less invasive procedure and can improve the extent of arthritis in the future. This allows a part of the bone to be moved into a better position for the joint. The newly constructed weight bearing area is held in place by a plate and screws. These methods can be effective on joints in younger dogs, less than 10 months old, who have not yet suffered arthritis as a result of their condition. And whose hip dysplasia is not too extensive. It is a major surgery and one that is pretty expensive, but it can provide relief to the dog and increased mobility. However, one study suggests that JPS and TPO have similar effects in dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia, but that neither procedure eliminates the symptoms of progression of the disease completely. If the hip dysplasia is extreme then a total hip replacement might be considered. Total Hip Replacement A total hip replacement can be the chosen path for a dog suffering from chronic hip dysplasia. It involves removing the entire joint from your dog. The damaged ball and socket will be removed, and replaced by surgical implants, made of a combination of metal and plastic. This is an extreme surgery, but can have excellent results. Femoral Head And Neck Excision In some dogs it is not possible to carry out a total hip replacement, or very sadly the owner is not able to pay for this extensive surgery. In these cases the veterinarian may consider removing the ball joint in the hip. The benefit of this is that the dog will not suffer from the pain caused by the ball and socket contact. But the down side is that the joint will not work properly afterwards. It is also not advised for larger dogs weighing more than 40 pounds. The dog will require extensive physiotherapy after surgery, and will not return to complete fitness as the joint will always have a limited function. How Much Does Hip Dysplasia Treatment Cost If your dog has been diagnosed with canine hip dysplasia, then you will incur costs from this for the remainder of his life. Non-surgical treatments and pain management can quickly run up large bills. In terms of your veterinarian time, scans, medications and any additional physiotherapy or hydrotherapy you use. Hip dysplasia surgery cost varies depending upon who your vet is and what procedure they decide is best. Hip Dysplasia Causes Hip dysplasia has a variety of potential causes. The main contender is genetic inheritance, although it is not a straight forward or simple matter. A puppy from parents with poor hips is more likely to have poor hips themselves. Causes of hip dysplasia are not limited to the inherited factor either. They have an environmental influence, which means that some dogs who could have suffered from hip dysplasia never show signs. And others with a limited likelihood go on to have extensive problems. Other causes include diet, regularity of feeding, pelvic muscle mass, exercise and weight. Hip Dysplasia Prevention Preventing hip dysplasia in dogs is important. Especially in the breeds that are predisposed to poor joints. Weight Keeping your Labrador at a low and healthy weight will help to reduce the stress put on his joints. A long term study of 40 Labrador Retrievers from puppyhood concluded that it is important to not overfeed puppies, particularly in breeds who are prone to hip dysplasia. The importance of not over feeding Labradors was reflected in another study of Labrador Retrievers. Exercise Some studies suggest that using stairs when young can make a dog who has poor joints more likely to go on to develop hip dysplasia later in life. It was recommended that puppies under 3 months should not be allowed to use stairs in order to combat this risk. There has also been a correlation noted between the flooring a puppy is kept on and the outcome of them developing hip dysplasia. With one study seeing puppies kept on slippery floors being 1. If you have slippery floors, you can help to prevent hip dysplasia by putting rubber matting down on the areas where your puppy will most frequently be walking. Hormones Recent research has also shown that hormones can play a part in proper joint development. When your puppy is growing, the hormones that the ovaries or testes produce are important for their healthy growth in a lot of ways. One study demonstrated that early neutering of male Golden Retriever puppies result in twice as many occurrences of hip dysplasia when compared with those who were left intact. The Importance of Hip Scores Hip scoring is an incredibly valuable way of assessing the likelihood of your puppy developing hip dysplasia. Vets in the USA give a descriptive value to each hip. Ranging from excellent, to good, to fair, to mild, to moderate, to severe. In the United Kingdom a reading of is a perfect hip score. If both puppy parents had hips, then your puppy would be unlikely to suffer from the disease. However, most dogs will have at least some degradation to their joints. The average hip score for an adult Labrador at the last reported study was .How Are They Calculated? This will be written down as a pair, for example .These two values are added together to give their over all hip score. So a hip score of 12 from is fine, but one of 12 from is more concerning as it shows the hips are imbalanced and one is far worse than the other. Hip scoring is all about playing the genetic odds. You should only buy a Labrador puppy who has two hip scored parents, whose scores are both below the breed mean and fairly evenly balanced on each side. Good puppy care to limit your chances. And for these joints to work properly, the ball part, which is the bulbous end at the top of the long thigh bone, must fit neatly into the socket, which is a part of the pelvis. If the hip joint is not perfectly formed, movement is impaired, and use of the joint causes damage to the surface of the bones arthritis making a bad situation even worse. In some cases this can progress rapidly and seriously. Hip dysplasia in dogs causes arthritis, pain, and lameness. It varies in severity depending on the degree of damage in the joint, and to some extent on the individual dog. Some cases can be adequately managed with pain relief and care. But many medium to large dogs will need expensive major surgery to restore normal movement and relieve pain. Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs There are two main factors at work. The other factor is the environment that the dog grows up in, particularly in early life. How fast he grows, and the way his joints are used when he is still developing, can influence the way his joints will turn out. These environmental factors include diet , exercise , and hormones. But for all the dogs in-between, we do know that there may be much that you as a pet owner, can do, to ensure your dog has healthy hips Your opportunities to help There are two main opportunities for you to ensure your puppy is free from hip dysplasia The first opportunity begins before he is born. The second begins when you bring him home. If you have already bought your pup, there is nothing you can do about the first, so just skip down the page and read up on what you can do when you bring your puppy home. There are no exceptions. Breeders can then remove dogs with bad hips from their breeding programmes. It is of course utterly irresponsible to breed from untested dogs, but the tests are expensive, so bad breeders will try and avoid them. And because puppy registrations generate money, the Kennel Club will still register puppies without scores, or with really bad scores! Check those certificates It is vital that you check the health test certificates from both parents of any puppy you consider purchasing. Remember, Kennel Club registration will not protect your puppy from having parents with bad hips. This is completely untrue. And it is thought that there are three main ways that you can help. The first is by avoiding inappropriate exercise, the second is by feeding for an appropriate rate of growth, and the third is a little more controversial as it involves delaying neutering until your dog is mature. Playing in the garden is sufficient for pups under five months old. If you take your puppy out on a leash , a rule of thumb often mentioned is no more than five minutes walking per day, for each month of his age. So that means a maximum of 25 minutes for a 5 month old puppy. This is just a guideline, to help those who are not sure how to exercise a puppy. Avoiding steps and stairs One study has shown that puppies climbing stairs at an early age were more likely to develop hip dysplasia. So it is a sensible precaution to carry your small puppy up and down steps. Diet and growth Everyone wants their puppy to grow big and strong. But optimal growth does not mean rapid growth. It is now thought that slower growth probably allows for healthier hip development. Make sure you keep your puppy slim, with a waist, and you should be fine. You can check out our feeding your puppy article for more information. In fact recent evidence has shown that neutering is implicated in a number of health problems, and hip dysplasia is one of them. A recent study of golden retrievers for example, found that the incidence of hip dysplasia in male dogs neutered early, was double that of male dogs left intact. If you want to neuter your dog, waiting until he is physically mature may reduce the impact of hormone loss on his joint development. You can read more about the pros and cons of neutering in this article: should I have my Labrador castrated? Preferably before you have a gorgeous puppy sitting in your lap and gazing into your eyes! Once you bring your puppy home, give him time to grow and mature naturally. There will be time enough for that later. Spread the word Tell everyone you know about the importance of hip scores. We need to ensure that there is no market for puppies for untested parents. Your decisions now in this respect have the power to help many puppies now and in the future. The frequent misconception is this condition is only prominent in labs or large breed dogs over 50 lbs. Therefore, if we know the symptoms and causes of the condition, we can do everything in our power, as pet owners, to stop it from happening in our pooch. These are just a few signs your lab might be experiencing some Labrador joint issues. This causes the ball and socket to painfully rub each other instead of sliding smoothly. Much like joint issues with humans, this rubbing causes a loss of cartilage, thus resulting in chronic pain and long-term joint disease. Because this disease is so severe, early detection is key to the most successful treatment. The severity differs based on each lab, but overall muscle mass will decrease because of their reduced mobility due to the pain. Exercise will dwindle but the time frame depends on each lab. Look for these symptoms in your lab that signify canine hip dysplasia: Decreased activity Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs Favoring a back leg Trouble standing up to greet you Enlargement of shoulders to compensate for hind leg If you see any of these signs in your lab, be sure to contact a vet immediately. X-rays and a full exam are needed to properly diagnose your four-legged friend and if they need a puppy hip dysplasia treatment. Ever wonder which dog breeds are the most expensive in the world? We got you covered. The leading cause of joint issues is genetics. Hip dysplasia is hereditary in specific dog breeds, particularly with Labrador retrievers , German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards. Unfortunately, simply being one of these breeds increases their chances of contracting the disease tenfold. Diet is the most important aspect other than genetics for joint issues. Lab puppies should be kept at a lean weight during their growing years, instead of being overfed to grow big and strong. Not only can overfeeding lead to pet obesity , it can also cause puppy hip dysplasia. Since this normally occurs during the first year of their lives, the puppy stages are the most critical for their health. Overexercise is another cause of hip dysplasia. This added weight can put extra stress on their bodies, especially their hip joints which is largely connected to the condition. How to Prevent Canine Hip Dysplasia Nutrition A lot of the joint issues begin with poor nutrition, which is extremely important for your little lab. Make sure to feed your pooch specially formulated foods that prevent excessive growth. By using this special food, it allows their joints to develop without putting too much strain on their body to carry their weight, thus maintaining their growth and weight. Without this specialized dog food, large breeds can grow too quickly for their joints to maintain their weight. This exacerbates the condition with too much stress being put on their overweight bodies. Exercise Dog food is important to hip dysplasia prevention, but exercise is just as crucial to the health of your lab. We know that not enough physical activity can cause joint issues, but surprisingly, too much movement can have the same effects. Overworking your doggo can cause the joints to rub too frequently and fast thus creating irritation and loss of cartilage, which causes hip dysplasia. The appropriate amount of exercise is up to your pup, but be sure to find the right line to keep them in peak physical condition. Treatment for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia The type of treatment depends on the discomfort of each lab. While some may require surgery, others can be fixed with simple lifestyle choices. The non-surgical approach involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs that decrease the pain levels for your pooch. Thankfully, alternatives therapies used to treat hip dysplasia are often covered by dog insurance. Vets also commonly recommend weight reduction to take stress off the hips, which can be done through a steady diet. This process is more difficult because exercise must also be limited to keep the weight off the hips. However, if your pup is beyond the pain level of NSAIDs or weight reduction, they might be a candidate for surgery. The pelvic bone is cut and rotated to fall in place with the ball and socket hip joint. The ball of the hip joint is cut off, creating a false joint that increases comfort. It eliminates all discomfort and is the most invasive. While the cost of surgery may be higher than you expected, you can get reimbursed for the vet bills if you purchase a dog insurance policy from Prudent Pet. A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming!

Known Diseases Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Cancer May be common in older dogs. Hip dysplasia HD Hip dysplasia HD is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Elbow dysplasia ED Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds. Eye diseases Often occur with allergies and intolerances. Overweight Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame! Joint damage In some breeds, joint damage can occur later in life, affecting the musculoskeletal system. A Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix can reach a size from large to extra large. They usually weigh between 35 and 45 kg and have a shoulder height of 60 to 70 cm. What does a Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix look like? A Labrador Retriever-Saint Bernard mix can inherit the physical characteristics of both parents, but most resemble a Saint Bernard more than a Labrador Retriever. They have a large, muscular build and a dense coat that is usually black, brown or brindle in color. They have a long tail and drooping ears, and their face may have the characteristic "St. Bernard mask" of black fur around the eyes. What is the temperament of a Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix? A Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix is usually a friendly and good-natured dog. They are loyal and devoted to their family and make excellent companions. They can be protective of their home and family and wary of strangers, but they are not usually aggressive. How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix need? A Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix needs moderate exercise. They should be walked daily and have plenty of opportunity to play and romp. They are not suitable for life in an apartment or a small house without a garden. What are the grooming needs of a Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard mix? A Labrador Retriever and St. Bernard mix has high maintenance needs. Their thick coats need to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangles. They also need to be bathed regularly to keep their coats clean and healthy. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Keep in mind that prices will change from breeder to breeder. Unfortunately, the more qualified and reputable the breeder, the more expensive the puppies. As an alternative, you can always seek a Labernard for adoption. Both parent breeds save people. From the imaginary Lassie to the very real Balto, dogs have saved individuals and entire towns before. But the Labernard is special because both of its parent breeds have saved people. When it comes to rescue dogs, few dogs have as many lives to their name as Saint Bernards. Originally from the Swiss Alps , these dogs were used for many years to rescue people that got trapped in the mountains, often deep in snow. The Saint Bernard breed is credited with around lives saved. Barry, the most famous Saint Bernard, saved 40 lives on his own. However, in reality, he died a much less fantastic death in his bed at a ripe old age. Labrador Retrievers are one of only a handful of breeds that have been known to sniff out cancer. The volatile organic compounds VOCs in cancer have an odor that some of these dogs can detect. There are even many stories of these dogs licking their person repeatedly, only for them to soon discover a cancerous lesion in that area. Their stubborn streak makes them hard to train. Big dogs can be more difficult to train than smaller breeds just because of their large size. Of course, this is going to vary from dog to dog. But if your Labernard is one of the more stubborn ones, you can expect to have a more difficult time training them. To properly train a stubborn Labrador St. Big dogs are incredible pets, but they have a serious drawback — they die much younger than smaller dogs. Unfortunately, it seems that the larger a dog is, the shorter their lifespan. Between two Labernard dogs, the larger one is most likely to die first. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, are a high-energy breed. Some might even go as far as to call them hyperactive. When you combine these breeds, the result is a Labrador St. But the Saint Bernard in their veins still shows through, giving the dog a lazy streak that sees them curling up beside you while you sit. Labrador St. Bernard Mixes are also very affectionate dogs with a deep love for their family. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This allows your dog to receive ample attention, helping to avoid the destructive behaviors that may otherwise pop up. This is even more true if you take care to socialize your dog properly from a young age. The Saint Bernard Lab Mix can be a great family companion. Both the St Bernard and the Labrador Retriever are known for being gentle, patient, friendly and obedient dogs. This means the Labernard is a great choice for families with young children, provided they are supervised. Due to their size and exercise needs, this pup is not a good choice for small spaces or apartment living. They are also not well suited to first time owners. They need an experienced dog owner who is used to handling larger dogs. The Labernard requires plenty of space to move, run and play around. Having his favorite humans around is vital to the well-being of this pup. You need to dedicate time to him and offer him a lot of attention. Bernard Mix Exercise Needs The St Bernard Lab Mix is a very energetic dog that will need plenty of exercise and is a great choice for a family or individual who enjoys various outdoor activities, including jogging, running or hiking. As with other active dog breeds, insufficient exercise can lead to boredom and anxiety, which can ultimately develop into destructive behaviors. Ideally, the owner should have a large, fenced-in backyard where this big guy can enjoy quality playtime to supplement his walks and other fitness activities. Your intelligent Labernard will also need interactive dog toys to help with keeping him occupied and mentally stimulated. St Bernard Lab Mix dogs have a stubborn streak that might make housetraining difficult. Of course, this will vary from one dog to another. They are also difficult to control because they are very strong. Patience is necessary when training these dogs. However, they are still awesome dogs and if properly trained and socialized, they can be a great addition to your family. Make sure to employ a positive approach to their training and use plenty of positive reinforcements, such as treats and praises. Grooming and Shedding Whether the Saint Bernard parent is long-haired or short-haired, his coat requires regular brushing to get rid of dirt and any loose hair. As such, they need daily brushing especially during the shedding season. The St Bernard Lab Mix is a moderate shedder. Therefore, he requires brushing at least three times per week to remove loose hair. Bathing will only be necessary once they get too dirty. However, it is important to clean their coat regularly using quality deodorizing wipes for dogs. Since these dogs have floppy ears, they can accumulate wax or moisture, so you should make it a habit of checking and cleaning their ears regularly to help prevent ear infections. Moreover, all dogs should have their teeth brushed regularly and nails trimmed whenever they get too long. But, even with testing, they cannot always be avoided. St Bernard Lab Mix Lifespan Studies show that mixed breed dogs live, on average, longer than purebred breeds. But, the best way to predict a ballpark figure is still to look at the parent breeds. Fortunately, there are several studies that examine lifespan in purebred dogs. The average lifespan for the Labrador Retriever is around 12 years. However, the larger a dog breed is, the shorter their average lifespan becomes. The St Bernard only reaches an average age of 7. Of course, some will live longer, but some may not even reach 7. A St Bernard and Labrador mix will usually live somewhere between 10 and 12 years. Some individual dogs may exceed this average prediction, but others may have shorter lifespans like their St Bernard parent. Choose a reputable breeder and offer the best daily care possible to extend this potential lifespan. A food designed for large dog breeds is usually best. As a food-motivated dog, this mix can easily become overweight. Excess weight and obesity can contribute to and worsen many health problems. Keeping your mix at a healthy weight is a good way to extend their lifespan. A Labernard dog will usually have a dense, double layered coat that sheds moderately all year round. Most of these dogs have short hair, but some may have short to medium length fur. But, grooming is a great way to keep on top of shedding. So, can be important, particularly in hotter months. This mix will also need an occasional bath, especially if they roll in anything smelly when exercising! Check their ears regularly for waxy buildups and infection. And, keep their nails trimmed to avoid breakages and splits. Grooming should start from a young age, to familiarise your pup with the processes and tools. The St Bernard Labrador mix can be a good family dog in the right home. They will be a large, affectionate, energetic mix. So, they are best suited for homes with lots of space, and families that have lots of time to spend with them. Socialization is vital from a young age, particularly to reduce wariness to strangers and other dogs. This mix is friendly and playful when well socialized. They are also going to be heavy shedding dogs. Training is also vital for the Labernard dog, as dogs as large as this can accidentally hurt people when they jump up or pull on the leash. So, owners must be prepared to dedicate time every day to training. But, the St Bernard Lab mix is not one of the most popular combinations available. So, you may struggle to find breeders near you. Avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills, as these dogs and puppies are often less healthy, less well-cared for, and can experience behavioral problems as they age. Instead, look for a breeder that provides evidence of health testing, and who puts the health and care of their dogs and puppies above all else. The best breeders will ask you plenty of questions, have no problems answering your questions, and will be willing to take the puppy if you need to return it for health reasons, or anything else. The cost of a puppy depends on a lot of different factors. This includes your location, the popularity of the mix, the quality of the parents, the color of the puppies, and so on. Since mixed breed dogs are so popular at the moment, their price may be higher than average due to demand. However, the St Bernard Lab mix is not one of the most popular mixed breed dogs available. But, these prices may vary depending on your location, demand, and the coloring of puppies. More popular colors may cost more. Rescuing a St Bernard Lab Mix An alternative to buying your puppy from a breeder is to check local rescue centers. Many general rescue centers will accept mixed breeds, though they might not always know the exact genetic makeup of each dog they have. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies from a breeder. But, some may even have some basic training. And, a rescue dog can become just as much of a loving companion as a puppy that comes home at 8 weeks old. But, make sure you have plenty of space, time for training and socializing, and patience for shedding fur! And, be aware of the unpredictable nature of mixed breeds. It will all depend on the traits they inherit. Do you have a Labrador St Bernard mix at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Breed Organizations St. Bernard dog and the Labrador Retriever. They look like a mixture of these two dogs but usually lean more towards one parent. Labernard dogs are large. They can weigh at around to pounds and reaches a height of 23 to 27 inches at the shoulders. Their coat is normally short but thick. They are also moderate to heavy shedders and are not hypoallergenic. This hybrid dog is an intelligent breed and can learn commands quickly. However, they do have a stubborn streak and can be a little tough to train. Exercise is essential to keep them physically fit. A Labernard adult dog usually eats four cups of dry dog food daily, split into two or three meals throughout the day. They will also need plenty of clean water to avoid heatstroke. Two of the major health concerns surrounding the St. Bernard Lab mix is gastric torsion or bloat as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Getting them checked regularly is advised. These dogs are also prone to ear infections, so part of their grooming routine is getting their ears checked and cleaned. Getting a Labernard is ideal for those with bigger families. They like having someone to look after them and can act unruly when left alone. These dogs are loyal, sweet, friendly. Here is everything you need to know a St. Bernard Lab mix or a Labernard if you are thinking of getting one. Labrador Saint Bernard Mix Appearance Because they are bred from two large dogs, a Labernard will grow to be around the same size as its parents. That means they will also have a muscular build with strong muscle and bone density. Typically, they acquire the wrinkled forehead of the St. However, litters often differ from one another. Bernard and which one is stronger. However, they will have an appearance that shows off intelligence and gentleness. They also have dark brown eyes and a black nose. Plus they have ears that are set rather high up on their head but hang down on their faces. Size and Weight The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog. However, the St. On an average, a male St. Bernard Lab mix reaches 25 to 27 inches in height and a weight of to pounds. Meanwhile, female dogs reach 23 to 25 inches and weigh anywhere between 98 to pounds. Labernards could sometimes reach the full size of an adult St. Bernard and the sheer size can sometimes be overwhelming. When you get a pup, expect that they will get larger. You must be aware of this so you can start accommodating to their size, energy level, and needs, especially depending on the space in your home. The latter keeps its wild-looking fur in check. But their coat is indeed one of their most distinguishing characteristics. Their fur is also what makes them immune to even the coldest winter night. But you also have to expect that some Labernard dogs look more like Labrador Retrievers. That means apart from the much shorter coat, they will have a thinner coat and will be more prone to cold weather. The best thing to do is to check their coat as pups. It will give you an idea of how much they can handle the heat and cold and if they can handle the climate in your location. The most common fur colors for these dogs are white, fawn, brown, black, and red. History As with many designer dogs, the specific date St. Bernard Lab mix dogs appeared remains a mystery. However, they seem to have emerged during the s and were bred by breeders who are looking for newer generations of search and rescue dogs as well as home companions. Bernard The other half of the Labernard ancestry, St. Bernard dogs, has been around since the s. There are even paintings that recorded they have been around much earlier. These dogs were bred by the monks on the hospice of Saint Bernard. The hospice was built by St. Bernard of Menthon and the St. Bernard dogs aided pilgrims who were traversing through the dangerous pass of the snowy Alps, hoping to reach Rome. The monks would usually travel along the pass with the dogs and will help any unlucky traveler who was trapped by an avalanche and similar dangers. However, there were several cases of extreme winters from to .Fearing that the breed will be lost, the remaining dogs were cross-bred with the Newfoundland in the s. That is why the original St. Today, there are St. Bernard dogs that are used for search and rescue operations. However, most of them are therapy dogs, guide dogs, and well-loved home companions. They have been around since the s and were imported to England during the s. Nonetheless, their exact ancestry remains a mystery. Still, many experts believe it would either be the French St. In the past, the Labradors were assistants to hunters — retrieving downed game for their masters. Their name came from the Earl of Malmesbury in when he wrote a letter and called them his Labrador dogs. They make good swimmers and were also trained to rescue people who were drowning. Apart from being good search and rescue dogs, the Labrador Retrievers have also become a favorite when it comes to becoming security, therapy, and guide dogs. But they are also one of the most popular breeds to become family pets because of their calm and gentle demeanor. That makes training a bit of a roller coaster. While they are smart and can learn any commands and tricks faster than most breeds, they also have a mind of their own. Being extra firm is the key. You need to become the leader instead of the friend. Plus, you also need some patience since it can take a while before you can get their attention and follow you. In addition, they also work and learn best when you praise them. Positive reactions such as praising and rewards have often worked even with the most stubborn dogs. Surely, this will also work with a St. Bernard Lab mix pup. Exercise Depending on which parent it comes after, the level of exercise could vary. If your Labernard is more of a Labrador Retriever, they will require more exercise daily. Maybe a few minutes of walking or jogging and some agility exercises such as playing frisbee. If your dog leans more towards the St. Bernard DNA, then a leisurely walk with them may suffice. Playing with them from time to time also gives them ample exercise. You may also provide them with treat-hiding activities to keep their minds alert. However, your Labernard does not do well with heat — even when they have thinner coats than usual. You might also want to cut down a little on the intense exercise as they can get heat strokes easily. Moreover, mental exercises are also essential for intelligent dogs. You can always do some simple puzzles and obstacle courses for them. Bernard Lab Mix Temperament When it comes to getting a dog, one of the main things you should always consider is their behavior and personality. You need to find the right type that suits for your status. For example, the Labernard is a very well-behaved and gentle dog. They are great for big families and especially for those who have special needs, as they can become amazing service dogs. Apart from their gentle demeanor, St. Bernard Lab mix dogs are pretty patient and friendly. They also work well with other animals and kids. They often look after the tiny ones and protect them however they could. These dogs are alert, but they usually signal their humans for any trouble. In the event the worst has happened, they will spring into action. Most of the time, people may be intimidated by their sheer size, but they are not implicitly aggressive when you first see them. They can cause chaos around the house when left alone for a while. Your Labernard will need at least four cups of dog food a day. Sometimes, they may even need more especially when they are exercising and moving around a lot. You can also observe them so you can come up with a meal plan that suits them. When it comes to food, some dogs will like wet dog food than dry and vice versa. But no matter what they prefer, their diet should have enough nutrients to keep them healthy. Dog food with a high-quality source of animal protein is a good choice. Always choose a dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also essential nutrients to help avoid hip dysplasia. Also, the kibble size should be larger to promote proper chewing. Typically, large dogs gulp down smaller kibbles and this disrupts their digestion. These dogs get hot quickly because of their fur. Avoid health risks by giving them plenty of clean water. The St. Bernard Lab mix has a lifespan of eight to 12 years, depending on their overall health condition. To make them healthy, you need to know which health issues their breed is more prone to. While hybrid mixes tend to be healthier than purebred dogs, they can acquire any illness or disease that their parents had. This is another reason to buy a pup from a reputable breeder. Know which health issues both the St. Bernard The following are common health issues of St. Bernard dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bernard —"These are some pictures of my Labernard Toby, a —lb. He has the temperament of both breeds. The loving loyalty of the St. Bernard and Labrador, the protective qualities of a St. Bernard, all while being the gentle giant they both can be. He is one big teddy bear!! It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Saint Bernard. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Bernard mix with his rope toy "Ben as a 5-month-old puppy in the picture, St. He is 7 months old and weighs 75 pounds in this picture! His mom was a purebred black Lab and his Daddy a purebred St. Samson is a big, goofy, clumsy puppy who is the happiest when he is around people. He's very good at wearing himself out by chewing rawhides , running in the yard or chasing his tail! Because he is still a puppy he loves to chew.Samson is currently being trained, and picks up on his obedience skills very fast, even though he has a short attention span. He's very good at waiting for the "ok" to eat, go out the door or chase a toy, and is even catching on to playing dead! He loves all people and dogs equally, but is very protective over his backyard.One of his favorite things while outside is to find the biggest fallen tree limb and carry it all over. Oh, did I mention he loves water?! He loves hoses, sprinklers, mud holes with water, and putting his dirty paws in his water bowl and "digging" in it after he drinks. Samson loves digging holes, and despite our efforts of teaching him to have only one spot to dig, he still digs many holes! He is very sweet and gentle and loyal, and pretty much lets you do anything with him you want! His mother is a purebred St. Bernard and his father is a purebred black Labrador. But in general, this is an energetic, and affectionate dog that loves to play. He is cuddly, affectionate, and tends to be unaware of his size; he wants nothing but to be on your lap, curling next to you and sharing your side in your activities. At one time this dog may be full of energy, rowdy, and rambunctious followed by periods of lethargy, torpor, and a lazy streak. Most Labernards form close attachments with their owners the one that feeds them. They can get quite destructive and vocal when left alone for extended periods, are not exercised, or are bored. As such, teaching this dog to tolerate being alone for at least one or two hours from an early age will be paramount to your co-existence. A well-socialized and trained dog should be calm around strangers and should not be overly protective, territorial, or aggressive. Many of these crosses, to varying degrees, retain some of their working instincts and are happiest when given a job to do. They need an experienced owner who is used to handling large dogs, is firm but fair, and has time to dedicate to training and exercise. A large, fenced-in backyard is ideal for this dog to get quality playtime. They are not suitable for small spaces or apartment living and are not recommended for first-time owners. As a family dog: The Saint Bernard Lab Mix is a fabulous and devoted family dog as they are loving and affectionate. They are excellent pets for families as they love all members equally and will greet you with a wagging tail and a smiling face when you come home- even if you have been away for a few minutes. Children and Labernards are a lovely and winning combination provided the children are encouraged to handle and play with the dog appropriately. The dog also needs to be gentle and understanding with children. Children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, one especially large as this Lab mix. With other pets Most accept other family pets if introduced early, but due to their high prey drive, some may chase smaller pets such as cats or rabbits. You may have to protect your rabbit, ferret, or gerbil from a rambunctious puppy. Finding a Saint Bernard Labrador If you are interested in getting a Saint Bernard Lab mix, you can use the following channels; Contact reputable Saint Bernard or Labrador breeders and ask for recommendations of possible leads to a crossbreed breeder. Use websites and forums such as Puppyfind. Instagram and other social media pages like this or this one can give recommendations on where to find a knowledgeable breeder or an owner with the occasional litter. Many times, the dogs being bred are simply treasured family pets and the owner breeds the dogs in the hopes of creating another dog just like their pet. Word of Mouth: Asking other dog owners for recommendations from owners such as this one or this one is another way. Local pet stores, veterinarians, dog trainers, and other Labernard owners can offer referrals to reputable breeders. The best way to find a St Bernard Labrador mix is through a reputable breeder who has been involved with the breed for several years and knows the breed well. You can also find a St Bernard Labrador mix from a rescue group or local shelter if you are lucky enough. When buying a puppy, research the breed and choose a reputable breeder. Ask about the health and temperament of the parents, ensure genetic health testing is done, and look for a written health guarantee. Avoid pet stores or puppy mills. Consider the age, sex, color, and coat type of the dog you want. Cost: Before getting a Labrador St Bernard mix, consider the cost involved. It is important to make sure you have the resources to care for a dog, including money for vaccinations, spaying or neutering, emergency vet care, and other supplies such as food, toys, leash, and collar. Selecting a Pup Before buying a St Bernard Lab mix puppy, do your research to increase the chances of finding the puppy for you. See the whole litter so that you can compare your puppy against the others. Observe the puppies interacting with each other, and make sure the litter appears healthy. The dam of the litter should also be shown to give an idea of her temperament and to observe her with the litter. When choosing a puppy, look for a cheerful one with good, solid, sound bone formation, straight and sturdy legs, and a healthy appearance. Check for bright and clear eyes, a moist nose, clean and healthy ears, and elastic skin with no signs of bare patches, rawness, scabs, or skin disease. The puppy should walk freely with no stiffness in the joints. The one who fleas in terror, or who cowers at the extension of your hand may turn out to be a good dog but you are far safer if you choose one who touches his damp nose to your fingers, stretches his neck, and wriggles his body in welcome. Choose the pup that outrightly chooses you. Male Vs Female The choice between a male or female dog is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Male dogs tend to be more aggressive and better suited as guard dogs, while female dogs are usually easier to housebreak, gentler with children, and more responsive to training but go into season twice a year- theirs is a sex problem. Ultimately, both male and female dogs can make great pets and the choice between them is a personal one. St Bernard Lab mix Puppy Essentials Before bringing a puppy home, make sure you are in a suitable environment and have the resources and agreement from everyone in the household to care for a dog. Before leaving the seller, make a daily routine schedule for the puppy and get a list of what they have been eating, continue their diet for a few days before gradually making changes. Check for loose electrical wires, cords dangling from blinds or chewable items on the floor. In the kitchen, put away all knives and utensils, get a tight-fitting lid trash can, and store household cleaners in cupboards with child-proof latches. In the bathroom, store all household cleaners, medicines, vitamins, and personal products in secure cupboards. In the bedroom, securely put away potentially dangerous items, jewelry, and chewable items. In the rest of the house, tape up electrical cords, secure potentially dangerous items, put houseplants out of reach, move breakables, and pick up chewable. In the garage, store gardening supplies, car fluids, and dangerous substances out of reach, clean up spills and put away tools. In the yard, put away gardening tools, and toys, secure cords, and fences, and inspect for toxic plants. Look for wide and low bowls that weighted in the bottom to prevent tipping. Get a 6-foot leash that is easy on your hand but strong. The most common leash material are leather, woven nylon, chain, or cotton rope. Start with a fitting nylon buckle collar, and adjust the size as the dog grows. You will have to replace that collar a couple of times as he grows. Choose a sturdy, easy-to-clean crate that is large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down. Replace toys as needed when they get destroyed. Invest in quality products such as high-quality pet food and a cozy dog bed for large breeds. Welcoming a puppy For your journey home, put the puppy in a sturdy carrier. Alternatively, you can have someone help you hold the pup or use a secure doggie seatbelt. Here are some steps to help with this transition: Put a tag on the collar with your phone number on your puppy right away. You can add his name later once you pick one for him. Make sure you have a safe and comfortable place for the pup to sleep. Let him settle down on his own. Establish clear house rules and discourage the pup from going into restricted areas or climbing on the furniture. When a new puppy arrives, there will likely be a lot of excitement and attention. Avoid chasing after the puppy, and let him approach you or follow you. Handle small pups gently. Wait for a period of silence and then praise the puppy for being quiet. At night, the puppy may whimper, but avoid making a big fuss as this will reinforce the behavior. Indoors, the crate should be introduced gradually, and the dog should not be left in the crate for more than 2 hours. Puppies should be introduced to their outdoor kennels as soon as they arrive. A secure, shaded, and sheltered area with access to fresh water should be provided for dogs kept outdoors. A stone kennel is recommended for outdoor housing to protect the dog from the elements, with a clean, strong surface such as paving slabs for the ground and sturdy, escape-proof fencing. The kennel should be cleaned regularly and the fences should be well-built. Labernard Care Guide On average, the dog lives 11 to 14 years and requires attention and care from its owner to live a long and healthy life. The dog will be happy and bring joy to its owner if it is given love, good food, adequate company, play, and training. It can be done for about 10 minutes a day and should be a pleasant experience for the dog. Grooming helps keep the coat healthy and tangle-free and strengthens the bond between owner and dog. The recommended tools for grooming are a fine-toothed comb, wire brush, rubber grooming pad, and a velvet cloth or chamois leather. Brushing: Brush the dog times a week. Start from the head and work down the body, brushing through the coat to the skin. Pay special attention to under the ears and shoulder to croup, flanks, and under the tail. Use a stiff brush or hound glove for short-haired dogs. Bathing: Bathe the dog no more than once a month using safe shampoo. Apply shampoo and rinse thoroughly, protecting eyes and ears. Dry with towels and a hairdryer, avoiding hot air. Dental Care: Maintain oral hygiene by brushing regularly and using baking soda, salt, and pumice mixture. Chewing bones, toys, and hard biscuits also help. Professional teeth cleaning may be necessary in some cases. Ear Care: Check ears for excess wax and dirt, wiping ear flap with cotton wool and ear cleaner. Avoid probing ear canals and use separate cotton wool for each ear. Eye Care: Clean eyes with cotton wool dampened in cold tea or tear stain remover. Rinse haws under the eyes with warm water. If eyes have discharge, redness, or irritation, call a vet. Paw Care: Trim and round paws regularly. Trim nails every 2 weeks. Gradually trim dark nails. Trim dewclaws or remove if overgrown. Trim hair on paws with scissors. Keep paws clean. Malnourishment can manifest itself as skin issues, coat problems, behavior problems, and immune system problems. The dog should not be fed from the table or with scraps as this can lead to begging. Saint Bernard Labrador crosses can be tall enough to reach countertops and dining tables and have a good appetite, eating almost anything. Feeding a Saint Bernard Labrador mix is not an exact science. Choosing a Diet Choosing a diet for your Saint Bernard Lab mix is an important aspect of maintaining its health. A balanced diet consists of essential ingredients including protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water. Avoid feeding your dog spicy, fried, or sugary foods, as well as bones and scraps from the table. Offer fresh, cool water to your dog multiple times a day, and avoid giving water before or after eating or exercising. A 2—3-month-old puppy should be fed 4 times a day with a mix of kibble and meat-based or raw meat. From months, the portion size can be increased to 3 meals a day with one serving of milk and two portions of meat. When the dog is 18 months you can switch him to an adult diet. Food types Commercial pet food: Convenient, intelligent, and economical way to feed pets with commercially prepared food. Look for high-quality food with recommended levels of protein, carbs, and fats. Avoid foods with by-products and soy products. Choose food with animal protein listed first and other ingredients including digestible carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, preservatives, fiber, and additives. Avoid artificial fillers, colors, and sugars. Homemade diet: A carefully balanced diet with all necessary nutrients can be made but requires research and consultation with a vet. Make sure the diet is complete and contains all the necessary nutrients for the dog. Tripe is a favorite food for the dog, but chopped beef or chicken can be used as an alternative. Proprietary dry food with lamb and rice is a good option. Food storage is important. A fridge and freezer are necessary for canned, semi-moist, and raw foods. Puppies require more food than adult dogs. It is recommended to feed a dog 30 calories per pound of body weight. The amount can be adjusted accordingly using the factors in the table below. Life Stage Energy needs a factor of adult maintenance Growth Birth to half mature weight. If a Saint Bernard Mix takes after their Saint Bernard parent, they grow into a large, friendly, and gentle dog that loves nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants. They tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. As long as they have been well-socialized, they are also open and friendly to meeting strangers. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Saint Bernard Mix. You do still want to talk to the breeder to make sure you are aware of any potential quirks the other parent breed could introduce. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the type of behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue those things once you bring a puppy home. A Saint Bernard is a moderately adaptable dog. They tend to be better suited for larger homes that have enough space for them. They can adapt to apartment living, but their size is an obstacle in smaller spaces. They are a cold-weather breed that can do well in a variety of climates, but not necessarily tropical or hot climates. They also do not like to spend a lot of time alone. If the other parent breed does not introduce any traits that could affect adaptability, then you can expect a Saint Bernard Mix to be moderately adaptable as well. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health of the parents. From the Saint Bernard side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Saint Bernard Mix include eye disease, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. As a large dog breed, they are also at a higher risk of bloat. Knowing how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and what symptoms to look for can make sure you are able to get help if you need it. Although they grow into a giant dog, the Saint Bernard is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent and eager to please. If the other parent breed is also easy to train and a good fit for novice owners, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. There are several benefits of puppy training classes outside of training, so they tend to be a good idea regardless. A Saint Bernard Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. The Saint Bernard coat has two varieties — long and short. No matter which coat type, the care is the same. If a Saint Bernard Mix inherits the Saint Bernard coat, they will shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath are the minimum; daily brushing is recommended during seasonal shedding events. Nail trims once or twice a month keep them from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care with dog-friendly toothpaste helps prevent dental diseases later in life. The Saint Bernard may be a large working dog, but they are not high-energy. They sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough to keep them happy. Because they are happy to spend time with you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed also sits in a moderate range, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. If they are lower or higher energy, then you will need to be prepared for a mix to be somewhere in that potential range. Fully-grown Saint Bernards usually stand inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. A Saint Bernard generally lives for years on average. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Saint Bernard Mix. Featured Saint Bernard Mix Article.

Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Then you're in the right place! Because you can find loads of great German Shepherd pictures, of both puppies and adult dogs, all throughout this website. And the purpose of this page is even more specific. What do I mean? Well, because this page allows you, as a German Shepherd owner, to not only look at other adorable German Shepherd puppy pics, but also the chance to upload your own pictures of your own German Shepherd puppy and the ability to tell us all about your own little furry friend. Come on guys, now is your time to brag a little even about your own German Shepherd puppy. It's okay - we all do it. And we all understand how "our German Shepherd" is the best one on the planet. And now is the perfect time to let us all in on your own special secret. Plus you get the chance to have a whole web page dedicated to nothing but your very own German Shepherd puppy. And what German Shepherd owner wouldn't love that opportunity? So if you have a German Shepherd mix puppy or dog, we would love to hear about them too. Just use this page instead to tell us about your German Shepherd mix puppy or dog. So here's what you need to do next and it's pretty simple : Just fill out the form below, add your own German Shepherd puppy pictures, and click the Submit button when you're through. A new web page all about your German Shepherd puppy for the whole world to see. Be sure and tell your family and friends to come and visit. Plus they can leave comments too! He is 7 months old and weighed 85lbs in this picture. He is a German Shepherd. Crixus is the best dog I have ever had. I can't believe how smart he is. Sadly, she passed away shortly after this photo was taken at the age of 8 years. He is a 3-year-old male German Shepherd. The dog on the right is Elsa. She is also a purebred German Shepherd, but due to her coat type her ears were too heavy and just would not stay up. They love to have their picture taken. To make a long story short, the end result was that he had a very large nearly cantalope size splenic tumor which ruptured ultimatley causing his untimely passing. He was playing and being his usual self at 8 in the morning and not even 12 hours later, he took his last breath. This came from our vet. As soon as Ace began to mope around we called our vet right away. They told us to bring him in right then, which we did and they got right down to business. He weighed his usual 90 pounds and had no hight temperature, but was breathing hard and would not move. Our vet examined him and said he was in a very grave state. His gums and tongue were fading in color so much so that she called the emergency vet and alerted them to our impending arrival. We took him there and they too, were on the ball. They did an ultrasound and it confirmed our vet's suspicions. He passed away before the ultrasound was even complete. These tumors grow very rapidly and 9 times out of 10 they are cancerous. We never had the first clue. Our hearts are broken, and we miss him terribly, but if this at least helps raise awareness, then our Ace's loss was not all in vain. She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches. Her and our older German shepherd male get along wonderfully after just a few days of meeting. She is already quick learn commands. A very bright dog and a very sweet new addition to our family. Max Izzie liter. We have had Germanshepherds for 20 years and have never had a dog train up as quick as Ezekiel has. Excellent nerve and strong personality. Thank you Jeff and Rhonda! She is an amazing girl and is extremely well behaved with our three kids. She interacts with each of the kiddos differently in line with their personalities and is very gentle with the new born. Guest are welcomed with restrained curiosity and she soon receives lavish praises for her behavior from them. She is a very quick learner and excels in her training earning her high praises from her instructors. S Jeff and Rhonda are hands down the most knowledgeable, friendly and caring breeders I have come in contact with in my multi year search for the right puppy. Much love and respect to you! Robert Bruno From the very beginning, Rhonda and Jeff were delightful to correspond with. The day I went to pick out my boy was the happiest, scariest day of my life. From the moment I got him home, though, he proved to be one of the easiest puppies in the world. Chelsea Hi Rhonda! I just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful dog! It was such a good feeling to show other people what an intelligent and gentle breed german shepherds really are and that they are not just aggressive and mean. Thank you so much!! Claire and Brendan I just had to share! Happy Birthday to little Sophie!! We love her SO much! Thanks again. Donovan and Sarah Hey,just wanted to tell you what happened today. With isaiah my two year old boy. And Alea was in the house. She is now about 14 weeks old. And out of no were she started barking and she never barks this was the first time I have heard her bark in the house and the only 2nd time since we got her. And so I went to see why she was barking and let her outside with us come to find out there was a strange dog walking around the back of the fence. So Alea took off and scared the dog off. Isaiah was playing in the back yard and my guard was down but she knew something was wrong after she scared the dog off she looked at Isaiah and kissed him on the face looked back to Make sure the dog was leaving for sure and when she felt safe she came back to the house. It was truly a spacial moment for me to see. I now know that if the family is in any danger that she will be there to protect us. She is so smart. He is showing the signs of being protective, but also very friendly. I had to meet some people in the school parking lot one night in the dark and I walked there with Oscar. When he saw the people his hair stood up, she started barking and ran up to them somewhat aggressively. I called him and told him it was ok… his tail started wagging and he went up to them, smelled them and all was ok. They have beautiful, European style, well tempered German shepherds. They have much experience with owning, raising, and training German Shepherds and provide as much help and advice as desired. They have been so helpful and informative in the raising of my own dog. They become a part of your family, like your dog. I highly recommend talking with them as they could not be kinder, more caring people. Mike and I are so happy and are looking forwad to having a great new dog. RHonda and Jeff are the best and love their dogs very much. The first time I went to their website we knew they were special people. THeir dogs are a part of their family and you can see it in the dogs faces they are loved. We know we have made the right decision in picking them. Our first 2 weeks have been amazing! Nico is so easy to train: commands, crate, house breaking, leash walking… it seemed almost effortless! I take him everywhere. He loves car rides and shopping. People are surprised when I tell them his age as he is so calm, walks great, behaves, and of course he is drop dead gorgeous. He has made our family complete again!! This pup is healthy, happy and an excellent representative of the GSD standard. The process of the purchase was professional and well done. Rhonda is a wealth of knowledge. Love my Chloe. All of the dogs are not only beautiful, but so sweet and loving as well. They have so many high performing dogs and it really made me want to get my dog into these programs Schutzhund, advanced obedience, etc. I was originally set to get a puppy from Max and Salsa in December, but when a male puppy became available, Rhonda was so nice and asked if I was interested in taking him home earlier. He is now a year and a half and the best dog in the world. I highly recommend Schutzhund or Protection Work if your dog if really into it like Brooks. He is a true German Shepherd; he loves to work! He bought his girl from them, told me nothing but great things. I got the number and called and talked to Jeff. I made an appointment to see him and talk. I pulled up and my heart started beating faster after I walked in and saw his dogs. He asked me a bunch of questions and answered mine. After about a hour we had come to a good understanding of what exactly I was looking for in a puppy. Let me tell you, Jeff definitely delivered an excellent dog. She is nothing short or amazing. Exactly everything I wanted I got. Perfect health, beautiful and smart. They produce incredible GSDs. We have a four yr old female, Arya by Untox. She is beyond intelligent, obedient, protective and yet so gentle with children and babies. To top it off, Arya is my seizure dog. I have been training dogs for 14 years for police, fire and rescue. I would not go anywhere else for a Shepard! Jeff and Rhonda have kept in touch with me since day one when Scout was born! To this day they will send me a message and ask how he is doing or call! Scout is trained for detecting drugs and tracking. He loves to work and loves to snuggle with me! I have a rescue boxer who is deaf and Scout is her ears! Scout helps her and will wake her up when needed. Scout has changed my life for the better as well!!! I have a bad back and he will pick things up off the floor for me when asked to! I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for the best dog they could ever have!!!! Thank you Jeff and Rhonda for Scout! He is such a blessing to have! He always will be. There was a hiccup with the purchase of our first male dog due to an issue but with the help of Rhonda we got through it and came out stronger together and we now have our handsome boy Heisenberg. A few years later we wanted to add a female into the mix and we again contacted Jeff and Rhonda. We are beyond pleased with our decision. Our female, Khaleesi, is beautiful and healthy. She is also super smart and very social. There are always two sides to every story. We could tell he cares about giving his puppies a good home. He was very easy to work with and our new puppy is active and healthy! We would definitely recommend Jeff and Rhonda if you are hoping to add a furry member to your family. Khan is my 4th German Shepherd, 2nd puppy, the other 2 are rescued. Roche was excellent from the start, very willing to help and making sure to take care of our needs in a pup as well as the pups needs for his new home. Upon meeting them we could not have been treated better as prospective dog parents for the dogs they are so passionate about. Khan is coming up on 10 weeks old and has been exploring his new world, getting to know his brother, sister and cat friends, and learning many things. We would highly recommend this breeder for not only the quality in their dogs but the over all professionalism and passion for what the do. Thank you Jeff and Rhonda we love our boy. When we found Jeff and Rhonda Roche, we were sold. Our first conversation with Jeff R. When we came to pick up our girl, Rhonda spent a ton of time with us, making sure we were as prepared as possible. Their support did not end there. He, has been by our place a number of times going through obedience basics with us, and calls in frequently to check on Mishia and asks how her lessons are going, always providing additional advice. Mishia has been boarded with Milo for the last two weeks learning basic puppy obedience, and she has come along incredibly far. In the meantime, Jeff L. Thank you again, Jeff and Rhonda. A little about Mishia: At 8 weeks we brought her home. She was basically completely potty trained from day one. She has beautiful coloring and a short coat. Her last visit to the vet at 16 weeks old she was 40 lbs. Because of him, my first gsd, I fell in love with this breed. The day he left us my heart broke and I never thought it would mend. I told myself I would never, ever, get another Shepherd. No other dog could fill my boys shoes. His gentleness, his loyalty, his devotion to Nick…. I was wrong…. So very wrong. The month of March brought Freya into the world and May she was welcomed into our family. She is such a sweet, feisty little girl who has her own special place in my heart. Until we meet again… My beloved boy. When we were ready I contacted Rhonda and she immediately invited us out to their place to meet her and Jeff and the dogs and see how they were taken care of. They took the time to answer all our questions and kept us updated throughout the pregnancy of Forma and how the puppies were doing once they were born. We got our sweet little Asher at 8 weeks and he is the best dog. Highly recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a quality companion! After losing our precious German Shepherd, Molly, on April 30, , we were so very sad and did not want to replace her, but we love German Shepherds and she had been such a sweet girl, and we wanted another one desperately. We found Rhonda and Jeff and were invited to come to their home and meet them and all their beautiful German Shepherds. We felt very comfortable with them and they were so compassionate with us when we told them about our Molly. She told us that whether we decided to get a puppy from them or not, that she would always be there for us to talk to. There are not very many people in this world today that you can count on like that and we feel very fortunate that we have them in our lives. When we decided to get a puppy from Roches, we were so excited, the months that we had to wait seemed like years and when the puppies were born Rhonda kept everyone updated with comments and pictures of the puppies and Mommies from their birth right up until we were able to take them home. He is so handsome, intelligent, has a wonderful temperment and is one of the sweetest boys ever, he gets along well with our other 3 dogs and loves everyone he meets. He absolutely loves to be hugged and kissed as much as he can get! Rhonda and Jeff are not only excellent breeders and produce exceptional puppies, but they give all their puppies the love and attention that they need right from the start which makes them the wonderful family additions that they are. We love our Hans so much and would love someday to have another Roche puppy and we would recommend them to everyone who is looking for a great German Shepherd. After a 4 hour straight drive of nonstop puppy kisses, I knew my little copilot was perfect. She loves kids, small dogs, other big dogs, my parents and grandparents. Leyna was very unlucky and got a pretty bad ear infection while her ears were supposed to be getting strong. Leyna is my best friend and is protective, but only when necessary. Otherwise, she is incredibly well behaved and learns really quickly. Overall, I lucked out finding Jeff and Rhonda and getting the perfect puppy in Leyna. I could not be happier with the situation. I had looked around and after purchasing my first home, I was finally ready to pull the trigger on a full-time companion. Jeff and Rhonda was super helpful and super patient with my long distance and night shift situation. I had an odd schedule and they worked with me so I could see the puppies and pick the one for me. As soon as I called Jeff and Rhonda to find our more about there dogs I was instantly invited into there home. Rhonda is an amazing breeder and great person. She has been there for us ever since we brought Heisenberg home in March. Not to mention they make some good looking dogs :. Heisenberg is 6 months now and he is an Untox and Ekko pup and he is one of the smartest dogs I know. Very easy to train which is good for us since we are first time German Shepherd owners. Jeff and Rhonda will forever be our friends and the only people I will ever buy a dog from. They are extremely knowledgeable about German Shepherds and are willing to do anything for there pups. I will recommend them to anyone who is interested in getting a German Shepherd. My first dog was Ginger and she was a great friend and companion. Since then I have been fortunate to have 3 German Shepherds and they were all very good dogs and I loved them dearly. He loves kids and he loves to play and he is the most intelligent dog that I have ever had in my life of 64 years. Charlie learned how to sit and shake hands in less that 2days, and he was only 4 months old. He loves to eat popcorn with my son Dustin while watching TV. Some of his favorite treats are carrots,icecubes,milk bones,Alpo Snaps,frozen popsicle sticks,peanut butter,peanuts,and his Nu-vet supplements. Of course anything that we are eating at the dining room table. Charlie pup is not just a dog-or a German Shepherd. His favorite toys are his Gator Aid bottles and his gallon milk bottles rattling with pennies. He sleeps at night with his Kong tennis ball,and when he wakes up in the morning the first thing he does after he takes his big stretch is finding his toys. Jeff and Rhonda are absolutely wonderful and have helped us with any questions or concerns since we got Charlie at 9weeks. Jeff and Rhonda Roche are diamonds in the ruff. They have been with us and supported us and helped us with Charlie since the day we brought Charlie home. They make dreams come true. Dustin and I are eternally grateful for having the privlege of being the proud owners of Roche German Shepherd. Your search will end when you contact Jeff and Rhonda Roche, and your new puppy will fill your heart with love.

Berger Blanc Suisse FCI Standard In ancestral myth and legend, the appearance of a pure white animal was seen as an omen of good fortune, a herald of hope and renewal and a sign of guidance to a higher destiny. Sun Star Swiss Shepherds was founded in the light of these magical stories. Not only are White Swiss Shepherds unique and strikingly beautiful, they are also loyal companions and trusted guardians of all you hold dear. They are well-balanced , agile and muscular. With a chiseled head, long and robust muzzle, pointed , well-proportioned ears, lovely almond shaped eyes, bushy tail and snowy white coat, the White Swiss Shepherd has a distinctive look. It has become one of the most versatile working dogs serving mankind due to its high degree of intelligence and sense of loyalty. The White Swiss Shepherd has a gentle and friendly nature which makes them a wonderful family dog. It is an intelligent breed and is cheerful and quick to learn. As a naturally fit and agile dog, the White Swiss Shepherd has a lot of stamina, energy and endurance and can travel long distances. Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White Swiss Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White Swiss Shepherd. How to find White Swiss Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White Swiss Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White Swiss Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We use top imported national, international, and world champion lines in our program. Only dogs who have a history of good health and have passed strict and thorough health evaluations are carefully selected for our breeding dogs. We strive to produce puppies with amazing temperaments, structure, and health. All of our dogs are valued and much loved members of the family. White Swiss Shepherds as a breed are known for their loving temperaments, loyalty, intelligence, health, and ability to preform almost any task. These qualities make them ideal service dogs. It is my goal to produce future pups that have the best aptitude to become service dogs. We work to promote our dogs with other organizations as service dogs particularly for military personnel. Several of our puppies are on their way to serving as therapy dogs as well. Make sure to check out the About Us section! We follow all FCI breeding rules and regulations. We work closely with other established and reputable kennels to continue learning about and bettering our breed and to ensure our successful practices. These are the words that come to mind when we imagine a perfect White Swiss Shepherd Dog. Dogs are our lifestyle: training, sport trials, shows, hiking, playtime, biking - you name it, we do it with our dogs. If we aren't actively doing something with our dogs, you can typically find us researching pedigrees, editing photos.In other words, we are extremely passionate about White Swiss Shepherds, breeding, training, and competing. Our program focuses on temperament first and foremost, with an aim of producing social and stable dogs suitable for show, sport, and companionship. Our belief is that good temperament is the hallmark of a great dog, which is why we focus so heavily on it's importance. We seek dogs with enough drive and enthusiasm to be successful in sport, but we also value the off switch that makes them easy to live with. To us, a WSSD should be an ideal "weekend warrior" dog who enjoys activity but who is content on our days off. We pour our heart and soul into raising the very best puppies. Ready to do so? Here are some important things to know first.