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All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun.

For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. Purchasing a boxer puppy in North Carolina directly from a breeder can be expensive; however, it is also the best way to ensure that you are getting an animal that has been raised with proper care. Some breeders do not have the right facilities needed to raise healthy dogs and oftentimes these animals may be sickly or lack proper socialization skills due to improper care during development. What Are The Extra Costs? There are very few extra costs associated with owning a Boxer in North Carolina outside of routine vet visits, food, and other supplies that your new pet will need in order to live comfortably. A responsible breeder will typically keep all of their breeding dogs inside of their home and raise them with love and attention. They should also be able to tell you about their history; including any titles that either parent might have earned. A good breeder will give you health guarantees for your new pet as well as plenty of information on how to properly take care of your Boxer throughout its life. Responsible Boxer Breeders will typically not sell puppies to people who plan on leaving them outdoors or alone for long periods of time without supervision because it is important for them to receive plenty of attention while they are young in order for them to grow up healthy and happy. This will give you a chance to learn as much as possible about any sire and dam as well as the environment that they were raised in. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to see their home and how they keep their dogs. This will give you a better idea of what type of environment your puppy is coming from and if the breeder is someone that has invested time into raising healthy puppies. You should be able to tell if someone is being honest with you or not from how they answer your questions and whether or not they seem knowledgeable about the breed itself. A good breeder should be willing and able to help you decide what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and family needs, which can only be done if they know everything about you. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in North Carolina It is a good idea to always ask for references from your breeder or anyone who has purchased a puppy from them in the past. If they have any, you should be able to get in contact with at least one person who can tell you about how their experience was with the breeder and whether or not they were satisfied with the way that everything was handled. If you cannot find any references, then this is something that should raise a red flag and may cause you to reevaluate why there are no people willing and able to speak on their behalf. Not having references does not necessarily mean that someone is a bad breeder; however, it does mean that you should take the time to dig a little deeper. A responsible breeder will usually have plenty of satisfied buyers that are willing to share their information about the transaction with future potential owners because it helps ensure that the people they are selling their puppies to will be good homes. Meeting past customers will also give you an idea of how the breeder interacts with their buyers and if they are willing to allow them to ask questions before, during, and after the sale. A good breeder will not only have a veterinarian that they trust and depend on to take care of their dogs, but they will also be willing and able to share the information about them with you. It is extremely important to find out how often your breeder takes their dogs to see a vet because this can also give you an idea as to just how much attention they pay towards making sure that they stay healthy and happy. If someone cannot afford proper veterinary care then breeding these animals should be A Reputable North Carolina Boxer Breeder Will Ask About Your Living Situation Most breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going into a loving home where each one can thrive and receive all of the attention it deserves. You may find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of questions from your breeder which is perfectly normal. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling your local department of agriculture. Look out for red flags when dealing with an unethical breeder in North Carolina; these may include: Claiming that their lineage is rare or includes show-quality dogs without any proof. Lack of Health Certificates Provided. Constantly being asked to pay a higher price after you have already committed. This may also happen if your breeder tries to do business over the phone and refuses to provide any documentation at first. Refusing to provide their contact information, address, or name. Take the time necessary when looking at boxers in NC that will make sure that their lineage is healthy and well taken care of. If your breeder cannot provide you with any information pertaining to potential health problems then this is not someone you should do business with. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy There are a number of things you will want to consider preparing for before your boxer is set to arrive. First, make sure you stock up on all of the necessary supplies like food and water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, etc. Remember; puppies tend to chew on everything so make sure you keep important documents like remote controls and cell phones out of reach or else they might end up getting destroyed. Puppies also love leather; if given the opportunity they will start chewing away at your furniture corners which will make for a mess to clean up. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Training your boxer to go potty outside will get easier with time; this is one of the most important things you can do when raising your new pup. Remember, patience is key when training any dog; it can be frustrating at times, but you should never hit or otherwise punish your puppy for having an accident. This will only make them more afraid of you and afraid to go near their potty areas in the future. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. Boxers in the News Welcome to PortCity Boxers, where we are passionate about raising the best quality Show Boxers and beloved family pets! During her debut into show life at the Tarheel and Concord Clusters, the week of her second birthday, she beautifully progressed from class seconds, to class firsts, onto achieving Two Reserve Winners Bitch placements under Judge Mr. Hiroshi Kamisato and under Judge Ms. Carolyn I. Gary L. Thankyou Ms. Alexander, Mr. Kamisato and Dr. Sparschu for your recognition and most of all… A huge thankyou to you Vicky East, for the Wonderful Care and Excellent Handling you gave to our girl!! Woohoo, we are so excited and proud of you sweetheart! Thanks for taking time to visit us! Our Boxers are bred for a genetically healthy disposition, intelligence, and companionship. With proper care, you will find your Boxer to be a wonderful friend to your family. We are located in the beautiful town of Wilmington, NC. As a small family oriented breeder, we focus on producing the perfect line family pets and show quality puppies. We believe in quality, not quantity. Each of our dogs were chosen for their bloodlines to ensure great dispositions and healthy pups. We offer a natural alternative for the care and nutrition of our dogs to promote a healthy Boxer. These loving dogs will make a wonderful addition to your family. A Boxer will love you and protect you for life. A Boxer is highly intelligent and can learn anything you're willing to teach. Boxers love children, and the two can help wear each other out. A Boxer will help keep you in shape because of all the exercise he requires. A Boxer is a multi-talented dog that excels in canine activities. When you want to go out, it's difficult to find a more desirable escort than a Boxer. A Boxer's short shiny coat comes in a handsome fawn or brindle, and is easy to care for. A Boxer combines strength and agility with elegance and style. Beneath that serious facade beats the heart of a clown. He was born July 18, .He is up to date on his shots. He is neuter done a year ago. We are re homing him due to relocation. PM me if you are interested. Solid white. About 5 months old. Has screwtail like Dad! Very Sweet Girl! No holds or deposits. Sweet Boy! Please call or text xxx xxx-xxx7 if interested. Ready for a forever home! He absolutely loves attention! Good with children and make sure a great family pet. They are good with children and make a great family pet. Shots are up to date, have been de-wormed. I do not ship, but will meet at the RDU airport if you would like to fly to NC and pick up your puppy. At 8 weeks old they will be ready to go home with you with a puppy kit, health record, tail docked, de-wormed 4 times, first shot, one year health guarantee, and be well socialized. They are from three different litters. I have the parents on site, but one mother died to C-section complications. Please feel free to contact me for any questions, or to meet these little boys. Have a Blessed Day! They are from two different litters. All parents are Valley Bulldogs. Please feel free to contact me for any questions, or to meet these little girls. Call or Text xxx-xxx-xxxx, FB xxxx, or message me here. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Lenoir North Carolina? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Lenoir for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. When going on walks, you'd expect all 60 lbs of him to drag you, but not Shaw! He walks so well on leash because he is so attentive to his human. Even in the play yard, Shaw will enjoy a nice leg stretch and a lap or two around the yard, but then he will come back to check in with whoever took time out of their day to show him love. He will sit by you and soak up all the affection you have to offer. Shaw is a smart boy and will gladly sit for a treat, which he will take ever so gently. He'd LOVE to bond with his forever human over training and treats. Again, that attentive nature of his will quickly capture your heart. The nice thing about Shaw is that he is the best of both worlds. He'd love to take a stroll with you, but he'd love to hang at home with you just as much. He really just wants to be around his people. Shaw has had positive interactions with another dog at the shelter. We suggest doing slow introductions with Shaw because he is learning how to "dog" with other dogs. He is not aggressive, simply unsure! As always, we strongly recommend bringing in your dog for a meet and greet to make sure it is a good match! Home robert babybullboxers. We have always had boxers in our lives and have bred high quality Champion bloodline for 33 years now. We breed out of love for boxers. All our boxers are fully health tested and DNA certified. All our puppies come with a one year health guarantee. We do all we can to provide our boxer owners with a great companion. Always keep things real! We put a lot of time and effort into our boxer puppies, because it is simply the right thing to do. Our breeding program is all about quality. We focus on impressive qualities for potential improvement in our breeding program. Raising boxer puppies is no walk in the park. It takes a lot of hard work, love and care. We believe that a boxer is just as big a part of the family as anyone else. We meet the families and try to form a relationship with our boxer puppy owners for life. We love to receive photos and to hear how our puppies are doing and will always be an available point of contact for all our puppy owners. Contact us for more information or questions. All boxer puppies are raised with other boxers and are well socialized. All boxer puppies come with Champion bloodlines pedigree, tails docked, dewclaws removed, dewormed, first vaccinations, AKC registration and a Vet Health Certificate before they go to their new homes. You will not find a more loyal and loving companion for your family than the boxer. Our puppy application is very easy to fill out and puts you one step closer to the puppy of your dreams.

Posted by Colleen Hart in Behavior Problems , Owning a Pug , Pug Training 3 comments If you had think of your Pugs favorite activities chewing would be somewhere in the top three — not too far from begging for food. We are lucky to have hands and thumbs that let us pick and feel things. For dogs, their mouths work as their hands. Not all chewing is bad. Chewing toys are actually good for your pugs overall health. So what counts as destructive chewing? Here is a list of some of the more common things that dogs like to chew on when their owner is not home. Furniture — Just recently got a new couch? If you know your dog has bad habit of chewing up furniture, then I suggest you block off certain rooms of the house until you correct the behavior. Clothes — By far the most common victims here are shoes. They got some texture and flavor to them which makes them the perfect target for your Pug. Most dogs are not too picky about what they put in their mouths. Be careful where you leave your gadgets. Cables and wires — Cables and wires running through your home is a big no no when you know your dog likes to chew things other than his toys. Tuck them under your carpet, unplug them, move them or hide them somehow. Just like with any behavior problem, your first goal should always be to understand why your dog does the things that he does. This will help you stop and cure the bad behavior. To solve that problem, some dogs decide to find something to do on their own. This can include barking, pacing around, whining and even of course chewing. Teething — Puppies will always look for things to bite their teeth into. Separation anxiety — Some dogs have a fear of being left home alone without the owner even knowing. Unless of course they come home and see half of their things chewed up and destroyed. Comfort — Chewing, barking, pacing around are good ways to release some stress. If your Pug is stressed out he will look for something to do to help him relax. So make sure he always has some chew toys of his own that he can play with. To them, everything looks like a chew toy. Show your Pug his toys are for made chewing The easiest way to show your dog that his toys are for chewing and playing is by playing with them yourself. Get your Pug excited by tossing or rolling the toy around the floor. Tease him with it a little by pushing it towards him and then pulling it away. Keep the mood fun and exciting so that he gets interested in playing with you. The easiest way to do that is to catch him while he is misbehaving. When you see him playing with anything but his toys, follow these three steps: Get his attention — Startling him a little is a guaranteed way to get his full attention. You need to say it loud enough so that he stops whatever it is that he is doing and focuses his full attention on you. Show him his mistake — Take away whatever it was that he was chewing. Correct his behavior — Now get one of his toys and give it to your Pug. Addresses the causes of chewing With some practice your Pug will have a good idea of which things are his chew toys and which are not. This should be enough to stop most destructive chewing, but sometimes there might be other things that will keep the behavior going. You will have to address the underlying issues to complete fix this behavior. Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that: Boredom — Playing with the same few toys over and over can become stale. This is why I suggest you keep a few extra toys hidden and rotate them. That way each toy will feel a little more special to your dog since it might not be there tomorrow. Teething — All puppies go through this stage and it can be a nightmare for your house. More toys can help. I would also suggest you get some edible chew toys. Since they have a bit of flavor to them, your puppy will be more likely to chew them over the not-so-tasty furniture. Separation anxiety — Here chewing is just a symptom of a bigger problem. Comfort — Chewing can be very comforting for dogs. Leave him with a comfortable blankly so that he feels better. This is more common in puppies than older dogs. It will make your life a whole lot easier. Related Articles. Rawhide Chews are treats to entertain your dog and keep them from chewing on your shoes. It is a natural instinct for dogs to chew. They chew when teething, when they are hungry, excited or even when they are anxious. There has been a lot of controversy about rawhide chews in recent years. These treats have been touted as being unsafe for pets due to a number of reasons ranging from choking hazards to chemical ingestion. Are rawhide chews really unsafe for your Pug dog? What are rawhide chews? Contrary to what the name might imply, rawhide chews are not exactly raw. Rawhide is the inner skin of animals like pigs, horses or cattle, thoroughly cleaned with chemicals to prevent decay. They are dried and sometimes spun in circles, these circles are mostly held with adhesives. These hides go through a series of processing stages that effectively renders them processed and not raw. For preservation, once the hide is removed from the carcass, it is given a chemical bath to stop the hide from decaying before processing. Chemicals like ash-lye are then applied to remove hair and fat, after which the hide is spilt into layers. The hide is then washed in bleach to remove any lingering smells or odors. Finally, the manufacturers try to make their hides pretty and inviting so they color and flavor it, which often includes the use of more chemicals. Rawhide chews are not food products. They are made of leather and can take a lot of constant chewing before they start breaking into chunks. But they are not edible. How to make Rawhide The most dangerous pet chew ever created: Rawhide! They provide stimulation for your dog, keep jaws strong, keep teeth clean and even help with fresh breath. However, despite these advantages, rawhide can be very dangerous for your Pug dog. Some of these dangers include the following: Rawhide chews can pose a terrifying risk of choking and blockage. Eventually, the constant chewing and saliva coating will soften these chews and make them easier to break down and swallow. This is very painful for the dog and most of the time, surgery will be needed. If the pieces broken down are too large, it might cause choking that can lead to death. While these treats can be great in distracting your dog, there are alternatives and other options in order to avoid chocking or blockage. Another potential hazard is the amount of chemicals in the hide. These can cause contamination and toxic poisoning depending on how it is manufactured and how sensitive your Pug is. A lot of these rawhide chews are flavored but these flavors might cause diarrhea and vomiting or just allergies in general. This also hinges on how the chews are manufactured and how sensitive your dog is. Questionable additives can also adversely affect the kidneys and liver. Salmonella and E. Human beings can be infected with these illnesses. We do not recommend rawhides chews, however, If you insist on giving your Pug dog rawhides please ensure the following Buy directly from safe sources. Imported hides might have more chemicals to prevent rot; it's advisable to avoid them. Make sure to wash the hides thoroughly with water before giving them to your Puggle. You should also wash your hands after handling the hides to prevent stomach illness and bacteria. Always give the right size of Chews to your dog. Don't give your big dog a small chew, they might attempt to swallow it whole which would be disastrous and vise versa. If your Pug doggy is very territorial about food, you might want to create a safe place for them so they can relax and be less likely to swallow huge chunks. Take the treat away once it's small or soft enough to swallow. Try rotating with other treats and toys. Pug puppies and small dogs need constant watching when hides are given to them. Watch for signs of blockage or choking, or infections. Note any symptoms that are not normal and contact your vet immediately. Safety measures will be more effective if you tailor them to meet your dog's specific needs, behaviors and habits. In fact, some doggy treats are downright dangerous. Be careful with what kinds of treats you give to your dog. Some treats can cause lacerations in the mouth and throat. Other treats can cause intestinal blockage. Courtney Campbell DVM breaks down all the classic treats from dangerous treats, safe treats and treats you may already have in your refrigerator. Cabbage stalk is also a nutritious chew and the best part is that they have low calories. Toys: There are so many safe toys that are perfect for chewing, pick one that works for you. To make them more enticing, try dipping them in chicken broth or smearing peanut butter all over it. But be careful to pick only the right size for your dog. Rice chews: There are several types of chews made from rice that you can get at the store. They are both edible and will keep your dog safe. Raw Bones: Now these can be risky, you just have to watch your dog and watch what type of bones to give. These can splinter and cause choking or internal injury. Sweet potato chews: Cook these properly, dry them out in the oven until they have rough edges and they are safe to give your French Bulldog with supervision. Antlers: These are full of potassium and zinc and they last long even for heavy chewers. Pug dogs will also need monitoring when you give them these chews. Himalayan Chews: These are made of cow and yak milk with a little bit of salt and lime for flavor. These are not so easy to find but they are as tough as bones and even if they eventually get broken down, they are not as dangerous as rawhide. We know you love your Pug dog breed and they need to chew, however, it is essential that you constantly watch while they are gnawing on any of these chews to avoid bacterial and any other issues. Thanks for reading and we hope these tips can help you take better care of your Pug. For more tips on taking care of your Pug, sign up to our Pug Blog. Leave a comment. Pug Dog Biting Biting Vs Nipping It's common to use the word biting, however most puppies nip and there is a big difference. A nip is a quick snapping of the jaws.It is done in reaction to one of several triggers: Fear- Sometimes if a pup is startled he may nip in automated reaction. Play - Young puppies and older Pug pups, if not taught nip as they play. This how newborns interacted with litter-mates. Once at their new home, new rules must be taught that this is not an accepted form of behavior. Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Irritation - If a favorite toy is taken away, if a puppy is too possessive of his "belongings", if a pup has not yet learned his place in the family "pack" and other triggers can cause a young Pug to bite or nip. Before we dive into training for this, let us make note that the above is a nipping problem and not an actual biting issue. Biting is reserved for when a dog aggressively bites, there is a locking of the jaw.There is skin contact and often broken skin. It is a dominant, aggressive action that warrants much different training. The Pug dog is an even tempered, good natured dog breed and very rarely will a Pug actually bite as opposed to nipping. Training for This All dogs find comfort and security in knowing that they are living in a pack. Today's modern dog's pack is his human family. By taking proper care of a Pug , an owner shows him that it is the human who is the leader Alpha. Proper feeding giving the sit command first and training for commands are the 2 main ways that a dog truly understands who is in charge. When a dog of any age is ignored by his leader, this sends a very strong message. Canines do not take this lightly and any action that seemingly lead to the brief social isolation is quickly put into the "do not do" category. This does not mean that an owner should ignore the behavior.What an owner should do, is to immediately take action by purposefully ignoring the puppy to such as extent that he worries that his action damaged his place in the pack.If both owner and dog are sitting down when the bite occurs, the owner should raise. If both were on the floor, the owner should stand or sit on the sofa. The idea is to physically separate from the pup and maintain an authoritative physical position. The next step is to completely ignore the Pug, this means zero talking and no eye contact. It will be a brief banishing in which the puppy is essentially invisible. Everyone in the house should follow this training no matter who was the "victim" of the nipping. And it is important that everyone is on the same page, since it does little good for a biting puppy to be ignored by one of his humans, but able to move on to the next to play and to possibly nip again. This training should last just about 10 minutes, but it should extend even longer if the pup has gone about his own business and is not focused on his owners. One key element the 10 minutes must be a time in which the Pug is very aware that he is no longer receiving attention. Once that time is up, allow interaction, and any time that the Pug nips or bite, immediately begin again. It is important to be very consistent with this.When done each and every time, training can be successful in as little as 2 weeks. Is Teething an Issue? Your Pug may be biting due to teething. While most owners do refer to this as biting, this is actually a gnawing in an attempt to sooth the pain and discomfort that a pup will experience when his teeth are growing in and gums are very sensitive and sore. At this stage in life, a Pug will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. He or she will not care if it is your fingers, your new shoes or electrical cords! There are several ways to help your Pug dog get through this time without damaging your home and belongings. One element that separates this from the above biting issues is that a puppy should be given an option. When chewing on an un-approved object, that object should be taken away and replaced with a chew toy. If the dog seems to be having a really hard time, ice cubes plain or flavored can offer great relief. In addition, toys chilled in the freezer can take the edge off. Always praise good chewing habits while discouraging bad ones. And if the Pug pup nips at hands or feet, immediately follow the training previously explained for biting. In regard to any household items that you absolutely do not need on floor level: remove them or place them high enough so that your dog cannot reach them. Be sure to cover electrical wires with plastic shielding. Allowing a your Pug dog to have an ice cube will be very helpful. Placing dog toys in the freezer for an hour or two, and then offering them will help. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. When you need your Pug to be able to soothe teething and chewing urges, when you want your Pug to have something interesting to keep himself busy or when your Pug has a really hard time being home alone and you need toys that will keep him focused on something other than missing you. One of the biggest mistakes that owners can make when picking out items for their Pug dogs is going for quantity over quality. Buying cheap Pug dog toys like those found in dollar stores may give your dog a lot of options, but none will really meet his needs. Most puppies and dogs will ignore these types of boring toys and those that are left on the floor aren't helping a dog with his chewing and independent-play needs. A dog has very few of his own belongings; Other than water and food dishes and bedding, his or her toy collection is really a dog's only real possessions. And to keep a Pug dog happy, it's important to make sure that those toys are quality ones that fit the needs of the puppy or dog. In this section we will go over the 5 types of Pug dog toys and exactly how these can help. With young puppies, teething toys will: a Soothe sore gums - Gums are very tender during this time and can have some inflammation. So, the last thing you want is for a teething toy to hurt when it's chewed on. The material must be soft enough to give way to pressure b Relieve itching - Along with discomfort, itching can be very intense during the teething phase as adult teeth begin to emerge. This can be so overwhelming that a Pug without proper toys may chew on just about anything. It is usually after a few household items have been destroyed that an owner realizes better toys need to be obtained. Pug dog toys for teething should have various textures and shapes so that a puppy can move it in and around teeth to scratch 'just the right spot'. These types will have a variety of options on each, so that a puppy can find multiple methods of chewing relief without needing to switch toys. With Pugs of all ages, chew toys should be: a Beneficial for cleaning the teeth and making jaws strong - While it is very much recommended to manually clean your Pug's teeth on a regular basis with a quality toothbrush and canine paste as part of at-home dental care , the right toys will indeed also play a role in keeping teeth clean. In addition, chewing on the right consistencies will keep teeth strong. Dogs also need to work their jaws to maintain proper jaw muscles. When the right toys are given to a Pug dog, he can direct his chewing to those, which helps avoid destructive chewing on non-toy items. Recommended Teething Toys: Nylabones are some of the best; these draw pups in with flavor and keep them busy with helpful chewing textures. Recommended Chew Toys: For older Pugs with chewing urges, you're going to want toys that are sized a bit larger and can withstand stronger jaws and teeth. Below are some great options, and the Kong Extreme is for the most aggressive chewers. Note: On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4 items. While we have TV shows to watch, hobbies to get into, and can stay busy working, cleaning the house, and doing other things, dogs have very little to rely on to stay occupied. And when a puppy or dog has too much accumulated time without actually doing anything, he can get super restless. Boredom for dogs is not just an acute problem; it is one that can build up until a dog gets extremely antsy. We recommend bringing your Pug with you to as many places as possible so that he can be exposed to the outside world. It's great for dogs to meet other animals, learn to encounter unknown people when with you, and to be socialized to new situations such as outside markets or even walking through a downtown area with you. However, there will always be times when your Pug is in the house and needs the right toys to keep him busy. What makes a toy the best one for Pug dogs in regard to entertainment and to encourage independent play, is that it will have an element that draws the dog's attention in and will continue to offer something to keep a dog focused. Some great choices for independent play are those that speak; just about every Pug will perk up and be super interested in a toy that calls out to him in a funny voice and continues to do so as he moves it around. These can keep a dog entertained for quite a while. Look for very durable ones that will stand up to tons of play and those that are appropriately sized. Recommended toys: Below you'll see both Babble balls that emit funny phrases and Look Who's Talking stuffed animals that talk are two great choices. If you have a blocker, images will not show. On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. This includes the set up you have for him, leaving on a light, having appropriate background noise… and even window vs non-window views make a difference. Another huge factor will be the toys that your Pug has available to him; as this collection will be his only real form of entertainment. One of the best toys you can ever get your Pug, should he have a hard time being by himself, is one that offers a sense of companionship. And the toy that we recommend for this, the Smart Pet Love Puppy, is fantastic. It emits a comforting heartbeat and, optionally, a soothing warmth. With this companion toy, a dog will feel that he is with another living creature and this can bring about a huge sense of relief. These are also very well made and are a good size for snuggling. If your Pug likes the low-level warmth option, you can obtain heating pack refills. Pugs will often cuddle up to these when wanting to rest and others will simply press their head to it every now and then to receive acknowledgment that they have a 'friend'. Note: If you have a blocker, images below will not show. It's gets an otherwise sedentary dog moving around even in the winter when this is done indoors with a soft toy thrown down a hallway and most Pug dogs really look forward to this one-on-one time when an owner is focused on them. These can be tremendously fun and rewarding for both owner and dog. When you take the time to teach your Pug something new, this can give him a tremendous feeling of accomplishment that can make the dog more self-assured and confident. Recommended toys are below. You'll want the treat dispensing toys to be properly sized and durable. Recommended treat release toys are below. Tips for Toy Cleanliness and Safety 1 Be sure to choose toys that are sized appropriately for your Pug. While they will vary, most puppies need a size small and adults will need a small or medium. Sizing is important; if it is too small it can present a choking hazard and if it is too large it will be too difficult for a Pug to chew it, carry it or otherwise engage with it. Keep in mind that as your dog grows, he will need larger toys. It can be really disheartening for both a dog and an owner when a favorite toy is so worn out that it's not safe anymore, but it can't be replaced since it's either out of stock or no longer manufactured. Pet supply companies are always coming out with new ideas, so if your Pug has a favorite toy, even if it's super durable you may want to get 2 or even 3; keep the extras hidden away and that way, if the original one ever needs replacing, you'll have it right at hand. Not only will these be too generic to really do much or satisfy any needs, many are made with unsafe dyes and have pieces that can break off. Due to small food particles, drool and slobber that makes everything wet and having been on floor surfaces, toys need to be cleaned on a regular basis. It's a good idea to keep the packaging since that is where the cleaning instructions will be placed. Many can be simply cleaned with hot water and dish soap in the kitchen sink. For stuffed animals or those with batteries such as speaking or heartbeat toys be sure to read the directions as many can be washed but must then be air dried. A Pug will keep on playing with a toy until it is a pile of crumpled bits, so it will be up to you to regularly check them for signs of damage and a wearing down that tell you it's time to replace them. Look for any small pieces that may have become loosened and any rips since these can often become much larger when you're not there to supervise. As mentioned above, if you have a second one stashed away, you won't have to worry about hunting down a favorite that is no longer found in stores or online. When you have the right ones, most Pugs do okay with 6 to 8 toys. This usually consists of 5 to 6 chewing toys and 1 or 2 companion toys if the dog has separation anxiety. Many owners find it helpful to have a second collection that is tucked away somewhere and these collections are switched out every so often to make a Pug feel as if he is getting new toys. Do be sure, however, to let a Pug keep favorites since taking those away can cause a lot of stress. Summary The right toys are an essential part of caring for a Pug and keeping him happy; please take the time to choose fun, interesting and helpful ones for your Pug that will meet his needs. With this said, while toys have their place and can help with everything from chewing needs to loneliness, do not depend too much on toys. These cannot be a replacement for quality time spent with your puppy or dog. Pugs thrive on human companionship and simply love being included in things. A Pug would much rather be by your side as you wash your car or go along with you to the hardware store then be inside with a toy. Finding the right balance of time spent doing things together, times of simply relaxing side-by-side and times of your Pug having independent play are crucial to giving a Pug a rewarding, happy life. Did you find this article helpful? Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about; we always look to Member suggestions. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As you stroll to the living room, you notice your Pug lying comfortably while chewing on your favorite furniture piece. Do Pugs Chew Furniture? Every dog is different and some dogs tend to chew furniture when they are bored, hungry and dealing with separation anxiety. Pugs can develop a habit of chewing furniture and so can other dogs. However, this is bad behavior that you want to stop as soon as possible. It can cause multiple problems for you and your pug. Your pug could damage his or her teeth. The chewing could ruin your furniture and cost you money. Your pug might eat part of the furniture and face stomach problems. Because of this, you should stop your pug from chewing on furniture, but you may wonder why they do it in the first place. Why Do They Do It? Remember that every pug is different, so each one will chew on furniture for different reasons. One of the biggest reasons is your Pug puppy is teething. You should pay attention to your pug and see when he or she does the destructive behavior so that you can find the source. These points stick out as common reasons why pugs chew on furniture. Boredom Pugs can easily become bored in a home. If they sit around and do nothing all day, then they may look for ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to them chewing on furniture. Because of this, owners need to do their best to provide fun activities for their pugs to avoid these boring moments. You can spend 30 minutes playing with them in the backyard with their favorite toy or watch a movie on Netflix with them sitting on your lap. If your pug tends to look for trouble in your home, then he or she may need something to help with boredom. Separation Anxiety Some pugs will suffer from separation anxiety. This means that your pug absolutely loves you, but he or she may not know how to handle things when you are gone. Pugs become anxious, fearful, and worried when they have separation anxiety, so they will look for outlets. You should consult with your veterinarian if you believe your dog has separation anxieties. Hunger Believe it or not, some pugs may simply feel hungry and want to eat. Due to this, pugs may resort to biting on furniture as a way to deal with their hunger and distract themselves. Pug puppies love to chew and bite so you need to teach them not to. After you figure out why your pug attacks your furniture, you may wonder how you can stop the behavior. Training You can always try to train your pug to stop chewing on furniture. As he or she follows your commands to stop chewing and stay away from the furniture, reward your pug. As you continue to reward your pug and train him or her, you can discourage destructive habits. Exercise and Distractions If your pug gets bored, then you may need to find ways to keep him or her entertained. Make sure to give your pug daily exercise to release energy. On top of this, you should provide chew toys as distractions so your pug has something to do when bored. These simple tactics can do a lot for your pug if he or she tends to stay inside most of the day. Provide these ways for your pug to play so that he or she can avoid boredom. Bitter Spray Some pugs chew on furniture because they feel hungry. If this is the case, then your pug may look for something that they decide tastes good, and, for some reason, your pug chooses the furniture. If this is the case, try some bitter spray to get your pug away from the furniture. You can find many types of spray that you can put on furniture. Discipline and Obedience Training Puppies tend to chew more than adult dogs but most of them will grow out of this phase. The sooner you start training your pooch, the less likely you are to have these types of issues. Talk With Your Vet If none of these approaches work, then your dog may have an anxiety disorder. You should speak with a vet to see how he or she can help your pug if you think this is the case. Vets can prescribe your dog with medication to help him or her yo calm down. Puppies have a tendency to chew things, but most of them will outgrow this phase. References And Further Reading. If your Pug is teething and chewing through everything, you may spot some blood drops on toys and teeth on the floor. Pug puppies go through teething twice by the time they are 1 year old. Puppies get their 28 temporary teeth when they are 2 to 4 weeks old. These fall out between 8 and 16 weeks, and adult teeth start coming out. Pugs stop teething when they are 6 to 8 months old, after getting their 42 adult teeth. However, that starts to change after the first two weeks. In total, Pug puppies usually have 28 baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, baby teeth, temporary teeth or milk teeth. Pup puppies will start to learn bite inhibition along with their siblings, under the supervision of their mother. Inhibited biting means the puppy developing and learning how to control the strength of his bite, also sometimes referred to as soft mouth. The roots resorb and the new adult teeth will push their way up through the gums. During this stage, you will find rice-sized teeth around your house as your pup starts to shed his temporary teeth. Also, you can find blood spots on his toys. This phase plays a big role in bite inhibition and decreasing mouthiness. By doing this, your Pug will assimilate your behaviour as normal. This will allow you to introduce your pup to a toothbrush and toothpaste next and finally start brushing his teeth. Molars around 4 months old. This process is painful for your pup, so be patient and check the 3 Tips to Stop Pug Chewing and Nipping section below for some tips! When your pug puppy is about six months old, all of his puppy teeth should have fallen out, and his adult teeth should have started growing. By 6 to 8 months old, Pugs stop teething after all of their adult teeth 42 in total are out. Pugs can teeth for 6 months, but they should stop by the time they are 8 months old. The good news is that your Pug has stopped teething. If 28 baby teeth can cause damage, imagine what 42 adult teeth can do! Continue reading for some tips on how to deal with chewing and nipping behaviours. Finally, if you see that your Pug puppy still has puppy teeth at this stage especially around the 8 months mark , check with your veterinarian. That does tend to be somewhat breed dependent. We see it more in small breeds of dogs and brachycephalic breeds. Your puppy will seek to soothe his discomfort by chewing. Here are the most common teething signs that you should be aware of: Fallen baby teeth: One of the most obvious signs that your puppy is teething is finding those little milk teeth on the floor. Blood spots: Little blood drops on toys is also a common sign. More drooling: Teething puppies will drool, so you can expect more saliva than usual. Lots of chewing: Chewing during teething is a way to relieve pain. So, your pup is likely to chew even more. This is when chew toys come in handy. The sooner you teach your Pug, the easier it is to guide your pup not to nip and bite during play and when excited. When he gets older and biting becomes harder, it becomes more difficult to stop it. Plus, it also combats boredom and can relieve mild anxiety or frustration. But for Pug puppies, chewing is a way to relieve pain caused by teething. Basically, they are made with tough but safe rubber that will keep your pup away from chewing anything else! He needs toys with softer rubber or plush toys. From 3 to 8 months: Your puppy will be teething, so avoid hard rubber. To help him cope with the pain and discomfort, have a good variety of chew toys that will keep him distracted from chewing everything else! After 9 months: Once the teething phase is over, your Pug will have a strong enough jaw for harder rubber toys, depending on him being an average or extreme chewer. Also, you can focus his endless energy by playing with balls or tug toys. Use my favourite dog toys guide for toys and game ideas to enjoy with your Pug! You can freeze a stuffed Kong for puppies with some banana, carrots or blueberries. Pug Dental Health The bite set you see in your puppy may change as your pooch matures. Many Pugs are born with a level bite the upper incisors and lower incisors meet edge to edge. This means that Pugs have an underbite: their lower jaw extends out slightly more than their upper jaw. Any sort of misalignment or fitting of the teeth, also known as malocclusion, can affect chewing and lead to issues with jaw discomfort. Brachycephalic dog breeds like Pugs have a normal malocclusion because their lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper. As a result, these dogs will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease. Are Pugs prone to dental issues? Both toy-sized breeds and brachycephalic breeds are prone to dental issues, including tooth decay. If dogs have 42 adult teeth, depending on how big their mouth is, they will have more space to accommodate them. The mouth of a pug is not as big as a Labrador, for instance. So their teeth will be more cramped, even if their teeth size is smaller. When teeth are crammed together, with little room between them, this can make them more prone to the development of plaque. For the same reason, cleaning that plaque off can be more difficult. It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. My recommendation is Petplan pet insurance , who cover a wide range of veterinary treatments for dogs, including dental treatments. Apart from periodontal disease, Pugs can suffer from other dental problems including: Gum disease. July 1, No comments You open the door. You greet your Pug with enthusiastic hugs and kisses. Then you look past them and see the tattered remains of your entire living room. Is this a familiar scene? Do Pugs chew a lot? Pugs can be worse than other dog breeds when it comes to chewing. To them, an expensive pair of shoes is just a fun, oddly-shaped toy, and your screams upon discovery are excited yips for a job well done. The good news is that chewing is a behavioral problem rather than a genetic one. Why is my Pug chewing? Here are a few common causes: Separation Anxiety Pugs are clingy dogs. They thrive on human companionship, and they miss you terribly when you leave the house. Do you often come home to slobber on clothes and blankets that carry your scent? Teething This is one of the rare physical causes of chewing. Poor Discipline Sorry, pet parents! How do I get my Pug to stop chewing? Destructive chewing can be stopped. Here are a few strategies to get your Pug to stop chewing: Say no. Figure out the type of chew toys that they like. Are they fond of any particular shapes, smells, fibers or textures? Do they like soft plushies or thick, knotted ropes? Fill your home with chew toys that are actually attractive to your Pug. Pause playtime whenever they bite or chew. Give them more exercise. Your Pug might just need a little more stimulation in their day to distract them and avoid the need to chew out of boredom. Experiment with aversion sprays and other deterrents. These are sprays that smell or taste bad to dogs. Something to keep in mind about these training methods is that they might not be suitable for every kind of dog and every kind of situation. A teething puppy might respond to different correction than a bored or stressed adult dog. Use these tips and tricks to save your phones, chairs, shoes, remotes, and carpet fibers from your Pug!

Part of the reason is that the French Bulldog has a much bigger personality than this dog's size might indicate. They are like a big dog in a little dog body, making the French Bulldog a perfect fit in small spaces that lack a yard. But when it comes to the brief but vital puppy months, knowing what to expect is critical to your new puppy's adult health and wellbeing. In this article, we take you on a tour of the French Bulldog growth chart from puppyhood to adulthood so you know what to watch for and what to expect as your dog grows up. By the age of one year old, this tiny puppy may weigh nearly 30 pounds! With so much growth in such a short time span, it is critically important to know what to expect during each week of your dog's puppyhood. These dogs don't get very big, but they start out in life very small. This means there is a lot going on during a Frenchie's first critical year of life! Now we will walk you through the French Bulldog growth chart step by step so you understand the major changes your puppy will go through on the way to adulthood. It is also very important for puppy training. This includes potty training as well as obedience training and socialization training. French Bulldog puppies do have a reputation for being stubborn and obstinate — this is just part of their natural breed personality and temperament. But Frenchies also love to please their people. So starting the right type of training at the right time and in the right way can go a long way towards easing any power struggles that may crop up between you and your pup. French Bulldog Puppy Stages of Growth So let's take a look at the major French Bulldog puppy stages of growth from birth through one and a half years of age. NOTE: What you are about to read is a general outline of puppy growth. As Bluegrass Frenchies breeder explains, each puppy may go through each stage a little earlier or later. This doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong. However, when in doubt always consult with your canine veterinarian for specific guidance. First Stage: Birth to Three Weeks When your French Bulldog puppy is whelped , your dog will be blind and deaf and literally unable to stay warm without the mother dog's help. A newborn puppy's only useful senses are touch and taste, which is how they find their mother's nipples to nurse. Around the age of two weeks old, your puppy's eyes will start to open. The ears will open soon after that. Suddenly the world opens up and your puppy starts their sensory exploration of the world around them. Second Stage: Three to Four Weeks Starting around week three, your Frenchie puppy begins to put faces to scents, learns what their tail is for to wag, of course! These early weeks are critical ones in terms of providing the young puppy with a safe and stable, positive environment. This is also one of the most critical early socialization periods for your puppy, when they learn about appropriate socialization with other dogs, including play, bite inhibition, manners, and the start of weaning. Third Stage: Four to Seven Weeks Starting around the age of four weeks old, the Frenchie puppy will begin transitioning to puppy food and away from their mother's milk. It is vitally important that a young puppy be permitted to stay with their mom and siblings for at least the full seven weeks. Many breeders insist on nine weeks before releasing puppies to their new forever homes. Fourth Stage: Eight to 12 Weeks When your puppy enters the eighth week of life, the first "fear factor" period begins. This is a time when fearful or threatening experiences may imprint your puppy for life. At the same time, the Frenchie puppy is starting to get a basic sense of controlling their eliminations and is able to sleep for longer periods of time without "accidents" at night. Fifth Stage: 12 to 16 Weeks This fifth stage of puppyhood is often likened to that of a human toddler — a two-year-old child. This is when all puppies will start to push the boundaries of discipline and manners a little or a lot. This means the fact that French Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn by nature doesn't really factor in here, even though it will later on. Sixth Stage: 16 Weeks to Six Months Start around the age of 16 weeks or four months old, the puppy will lose the baby teeth and begin to get its full set of adult teeth. This process can be especially challenging for brachycephalic short muzzle dog breeds like the French Bulldog. If the baby teeth do not completely fall out as the adult teeth grow in, severe tooth overcrowding and bite problems can happen. Even if your Frenchie does not experience these problems, you can still expect a lot of teething, mouthing, and biting as your dog tries to ease the aches and pains caused by teeth falling out and teeth growing in. You will need to be very patient and do your best to provide your puppy with chew toys and icy treats to relieve their discomfort. Closer to six months old, your puppy will hit puberty with all the hormonal changes this entails. This can bring up additional behavioral problems that might tempt you to schedule an early neutering or spaying procedure. But as the Ethical Frenchie breeder explains, having your puppy fixed too early in life can lead to serious health issues later in life. It can be difficult to wait 18 to 24 months before having your dog neutered or spayed. But this may be the best choice for immune system health that will keep your Frenchie with you for longer. At this stage of life, the puppy has their full set of adult teeth and all its faculties and is keen to explore life and the world with you. French Bulldogs typically look nearly full growth by this stage and yet they are still puppies on the inside. It is important to continue to provide your teenage dog with steady, positive training sessions and firm yet loving corrective discipline as needed. If you want to participate in canine athletics with your dog, now is a great time to get started on that as well. For example, your dog will need to learn how to go potty on the lawn, walk on a leash, respond to common commands, stay quietly in a crate for nap time and evening sleep and behave appropriately when visitors or guests come to your home. As well, because of the short muzzle and wrinkly skin that characterize the French Bulldog, there will be certain health maintenance tasks your dog will need you to do for them so that they stay healthy throughout life. You want your puppy to get used to having their ears, paws, and tail area touched and groomed, and cleaned. You want to be able to reach into and examine your dog's mouth and teeth without any resistance. Starting with gentleness and lots of praise and pats, you can teach your dog that these activities are safe and fun and a great time to bond with you. Your Canine Veterinarian Is Your Best Resource As your French Bulldog puppy grows up, always contact your veterinarian with any questions Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Knowing these stages and characteristics can help you to determine how big your Frenchie will be when they finally reach adulthood. It might also help you to determine their personality and other physical traits. There are seven stages of French bulldog growth. The first stage begins at birth and the seventh stage of growth ends at 18 months. At the end of the seventh stage a French bulldog is done growing. One thing to keep in mind is that their size is determined by the height of the withers and the length from the base of their neck to their buttocks. So while it only will take about a year for your Frenchie to grow to full size, they will still put on some weight and bulk up until they fully mature at about two years old. Frankly, the difference in weight between male and female French bulldogs is nominal. When they are adults the weight differential between male and female Frenchies is only about 3 to 5 pounds, with the males being the bigger of the two. We created a recommended products page that links to every product we personally use for our English bulldog, Ollie, which will also work great for French bulldogs! Females French Bulldogs Female French bulldogs grow at a little less than a pound a week, on average, and at the end of their first 3 months should weigh somewhere between 7. Between 3 and 6 months that growth slows down a bit. The average French bulldog female weighs between .Their growth slows even more between 6 months and their first year of life. By 12 months old your female Frenchie will weigh between .Male French Bulldogs Male Frenchies average a little bit more than a pound of growth per week and thus at the end of their first 3 months should weigh between 8. Between 3 and 6 months, just like females, that growth slows down a bit. The average French bulldog male weighs between .Their growth, just like females, slows even more between 6 months and their first year of life so that by 12 months old your male Frenchie will weigh between .Of course, all of these numbers are just speculative and averages. Some French bulldogs will grow a little faster and end up a little bigger and vice versa. Like their rate of growth the numbers and factors that we will discuss below are subject to change from one French bulldog pup to the next. That includes eyes, nose, ears, paws touch , and tongue taste. Their weight will be about 3 pounds at the end of Stage 1. Stage 2 Stage two is from 3 to 4 weeks and is a time of rapid sensory development. Also, your French bulldog puppy will want to avoid any sudden changes and exposure to strange people or other animals. Their weight will be about 4 pounds at the end of Stage 2. Stage 3 Stage three is a critical time for social development between 4 weeks and 7 weeks. It is during this time that your French bulldog will learn how to socialize with its mother and also learn how to behave well with other dogs. Their weight will be between 5 to 7 pounds at the end of Stage 3. Stage 4 Between eight weeks and three months is when your Frenchy will learn rapidly about everything in its world. They also will become much more independent and form the human bonds that will be significant in their life. Their weight will be about 6 to 9 pounds at the end of Stage 4. Stage 5 During stage five, which is from 3 to 4 months, your French bulldog will become very independent. It is during this time that you must be firm with them so that they develop a well-balanced personality. Their weight will be about 9 to 12 pounds at the end of Stage 5. Stage 6 During stage six is when your Frenchie will begin to demonstrate dominance traits and also start teething. Their weight will be about 14 to 18 pounds at the end of Stage 6. Stage 7 It can be said that your French bulldog will learn something new every day during the 6 to 18 months of stage seven. This is a critical period for their social adjustment as they step into adulthood. Their weight will be between 19 to 30 pounds at the end of Stage 7, depending on whether they are male or female. Several factors influence the height and weight your French bulldog will reach as an adult, including genetics, their growing environment, and the type of food they are fed. The first, as with all dog breeds, are the genetic factors that are given to your French bulldog puppy from its mother and father. For example, French bulldog pups that breastfeed and eat well during their first few weeks of life will usually grow faster and end up being a bit larger. Another factor is what kind of kibble your puppy gets after that are weaned from their mother. Nutritious and well-balanced food will help them grow bigger and faster. Pups that receive low-calorie kibble or nutritionally void kibble will usually grow slower and be smaller. Overfeeding during this time can cause obesity and other health problems. Not really, no. The fact is, French bulldogs are very small dogs, to begin with, and trying to figure out how large they will be as adults using their tiny paws as a guide is difficult at best. One method that you can use is to look at their height and weight between the time that they are 14 and 16 weeks of age and then double that. Yes and no. Unless you were to give your puppy growth hormones, which are unsafe, they will grow to be a specific size and stay that way. You can help them to become more muscular which, technically, will make them a bit bigger. You can also supplement their diet with high-protein foods like eggs and yogurt, which will help build muscle. Also, as we mentioned earlier, the more breastmilk and regular feeding that your French bulldog gets as a puppy, the more likely that they will end up being a bigger adult. You can, however, ensure that they do not become too muscular or become obese. Again, a well-balanced kibble will help them to grow at a normal rate and normal size. Do not overfeed them and make sure that they get regular exercise. If a smaller French bulldog is what you desire, you can always pick one of the smaller puppies from a particular litter. The smaller they are as a puppy, the smaller they will likely be as an adult. Male French bulldogs are typically larger than female French bulldogs. In the first few weeks of their lives, the males will grow faster than the females but, around stage 3, their rate of growth equals out. Closing Thoughts French bulldogs are a wonderful breed and one of the smaller breeds no doubt. Hopefully, this article has given you the information that you seek about how they grow and when. If you have more questions, need advice, or would like to leave a nice comment, please do so in the space provided, and best of luck with your French bulldog! Here are some of my favorite Dog and Bulldog Products Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful for your dog and bulldog questions. These are affiliate links, and I am compensated for referring traffic. But in all honesty, these are the exact product that I use or recommend to everyone. Food For Bulldogs: Royal Canin Bulldog was the dog food our breeder recommended for our bulldog with a bit of canned pumpkin added for each meal to give a bit of extra fiber Poo Bags: For poo bags we use Greener Walker poop bags. We have used them for over a year without having a single leak. Also, these bags are made to be friendlier for the environment. They are good for sensitive skin which bulldogs are known to have. I love this dog bed because it has an outer liner which can be replaced if it gets too beat up. To see all our most up-to-date product recommendations , check out this resource that I made for you! French bulldogs go through several growth and developmental stages as they mature from puppies to adults. Socialization stage weeks : This is when French Bulldog puppies start to become more social and start to learn how to interact with people and other dogs. They become more active and playful. Adult stage years : This is when French Bulldogs are fully mature and have developed their adult personalities. They may become less active as they age but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Understanding the developmental stages of a French Bulldog can help you provide the appropriate care and training for your pup at each stage of their life. By providing proper care and socialization, you can help ensure that your Frenchie grows up to be a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. Most Frenchies are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. So, what is a French Bulldog litter size? On average, French Bulldogs have a 3 puppy litter, higher litter size is unusual due to the size of the dog. During the neonatal, aka newborn, stage: Puppies are blind, deaf, and toothless. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. At the transitional, aka baby, stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, puppies start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your French Bulldog daily. At the ranking, aka teenage, stage: French Bulldogs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. They become more active and playful, and their energy levels increase. This is a good time to start more advanced obedience training and socialization. Usually, French Bulldogs reach adulthood between 9 to 12 months of age. They may also experience a growth spurt during this time. They may become less active and playful than when they were puppies, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Senior French Bulldog Stage The senior stage is not typically included as one of the developmental stages because it is not a stage of growth and development like the other stages. Instead, it is a stage of aging and gradual decline in physical and cognitive abilities. During the senior stage, French Bulldogs may experience age-related health issues, such as arthritis, vision or hearing loss, and cognitive decline. However, with proper care and attention, they can still enjoy a good quality of life well into their senior years. This includes: Regular veterinary check-ups. A healthy and balanced diet. Regular exercise. And accommodations for any age-related issues they may be experiencing. French Bulldog Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect on how fast your French Bulldog grows and how quickly he or she will gain weight. Call Vic Kasser or Email! A French Bulldog is considered a small to medium breed dog depending on the Sire and Dam size and weight. One of the first questions anyone asks when considering purchasing a dog or puppy is how big will it get? This is a very relevant and important question considering your need to ensure your puppy is cared for appropriately in your home. Double Up: Generally, an adult dog will weigh about twice as much as he did when he was 4 months of age; giant breeds will double what they weighed at 5 months. Four Fold: The weight of your puppy at 8 weeks is a quarter of his adult weight. You can also obtain the weight of the sire father and dam mother of purebred puppies. Female puppies will weigh about what their dam weighs. Male puppies will weigh about what their sire weighs. Try Puppyweights. Factors Affecting Growth While much of a French Bulldog's growth is determined by genetic factors, early environmental factors also affect growth. Puppies who nurse frequently in the first weeks of life get better nutrition and are more likely to grow quickly. A healthy diet after your puppy is weaned can also affect her growth rate. Puppies who don't get enough food or who get low-quality food may end up smaller. Overfeeding can cause your dog to become obese. Medical conditions may also affect growth. French Bulldogs who are sick in the first few weeks of life tend to be smaller. Estimating Adult Size You can estimate your puppy's adult size by weighing her at eight weeks. Be sure to get the weight in ounces, since French Bulldogs don't grow very large and a few ounces can make a difference. Double this number and then double it again. For example, if your French Bulldog is 88 ounces at six weeks, double it to get ounces, then double the number again to get ounces. Divide this number by 16 to get your dog's weight in pounds. The ounce puppy will be about 22 pounds as an adult. Growth Rate On average, French Bulldogs tend to grow to their full size height at the withers and length from the base of their neck to their rear-end between the ages of 9 months to a year, and then they tend to "fill in" and bulk-up during their second year, fully maturing by the time they're around 2. During their growth stages, puppies can certainly grow to be heavy, and then they start getting leaner and more toned in their second year, so it's not unusual for a puppy to be heavier when they're under a year, and then drop a couple of pounds in their second year. Small-breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, do not have room in their bodies for large litters, therefore they tend to produce only two to four puppies per pregnancy. Large-breed dogs, such as Great Danes, usually have larger litters, 10 to 12 puppies being common. Breed type also impacts the size of the newborns. Small-breed puppies are typically several inches smaller than large-breed puppies, regardless of the number of dogs in the litter. Small Puppies the Mother's Health Unusually small puppies are not a result of large litters. Instead, their size can usually be traced back to the health and nutrition of the mother dog before and during her pregnancy. Because the unborn puppies share the nutrition she takes in from her food, she needs an ample diet to properly nourish the puppies. Without sufficient food, the puppies will not reach appropriate size and may suffer health problems. According to veterinarian Kathleen Hefner, writing for the American Kennel Club, most puppies who die soon after birth were probably born from malnourished mothers. Litter Size Problems Even though litter size does not impact puppy size, large litters can cause problems for the mother dog and her new babies. If the mother's uterus attempts to carry more puppies than she can physically handle, her life and the puppies lives can be threatened. Also, large litters tend to produce more stillborn puppies and runts. With so many neonatal puppies vying for nutrition, those in the center of the womb often do not get sufficient nourishment, which can cause them to be born small or to die. Great Pyrenees breeder Catherine de la Cruz warns that large litters can trigger earlier-than-expected whelping, which can be a problem for the puppies unprepared human grandparents. Predicting Litter Size While accurately predicting the size of an expectant mom's litter is difficult, some other factors do contribute. Research shows older mother dogs have smaller litters than younger canine moms. Also, dogs who had their first litter at an older age will have smaller litters. The mother's weight can be a factor. Obese female dogs tend to have smaller litters than healthy-weight dogs. However, any pregnant mom can experience a large litter relative to normal within her breed. Dog litter sizes vary from one puppy to more than a dozen newborns. The recorded largest litter had .While litter size can impact many aspects of whelping and raising puppies, it does not actually impact the size of the individual puppies. The parents genes, the puppys breed, and the mother's health and nutrition determine the puppies size at birth. This is just a tool to be used along with observations of mom and dad weight, bone structure, previous puppy mature weights and more! However, we'll still link The file. So it is good to send us a scented item from home even at this early stage if you have already chosen your French bulldog puppy. This is not a good time for strangers to come and visit as negative events can have a serious impact on his personality and development right now. Stage 3: The Overlap Stage Weeks From weeks, your French bulldog puppy begins the most critical social development period of his life. He learns social interaction with his litter mates, learns how to play and learns bite inhibition. Mom will begin weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them basic manners, including accepting her as the leader of the pack. We begin to introduce food to the puppies starting around the 4th week. We transition gradually as Mom weans them. Puppies that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous, more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time with socialization and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom and siblings until at least 7 weeks of age. If we feel that your French bulldog puppy needs more time with mom we will let you know that as some puppies need a little longer for optimum social development. This is the window of opportunity to make sure your Frenchie puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted French bulldog. This is not a good time to engage in harsh discipline note… you never should anyway! You can begin teaching simple commands like come, sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can begin. We offer one-on-one training with your puppy as early as 8 weeks as this is the perfect time to begin. Especially if he will be with us beyond 8 weeks of age. He will continue to learn behaviors and manners that will affect him in later years. He might start biting you. Play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. You may see a decline in his urge to please you. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth him during this period. We wet and freeze tube socks with a knot in them and they love these. Easy to wash too. He may try to assert his new dominance over other family members, especially children. If you turn him loose in a public place and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result. Be realistic in your expectations of your French bulldog at this time. Gradually increase the scope of activities for your French bulldog, as well as the training. Otherwise, extend his activities to include more people and other animals.

For the complete list please see our Listings of Breeders page. A few reasons for the price variance might be: The rarity of the color The bloodline or pedigree of the dog The geographical location The age of the puppy Whether the breeder is a licensed or registered breeder Your best bet is to call each breeder and get a quote. The answer is, unfortunately, no. The good news is that there are many reputable breeders in the state who will ensure that your new puppy comes from healthy stock and has been well socialized. When considering a breeder, be sure to ask plenty of questions about the parents of the puppies and their health histories. Breeders in Vermont typically have high standards when it comes to the care of their puppies. A responsible breeder will always be happy to answer your questions and provide references. They should also have healthy dogs with sound temperaments. Ask your friends and family for referrals. Contact the local rescue organizations to see if they know of any reputable breeders in the area. Ask for references and contact them to get feedback about the breeder. Read online reviews to see what other people have said about the breeder. The most important thing is to never purchase a puppy from a pet store or online. The vast majority of these puppies come from puppy mills, which are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs with temperament issues. A responsible breeder will always be happy to answer your questions and Visit Your Vermont Golden Retriever Breeder in Person One of the best ways to find a responsible golden retriever breeder is to visit their home in person. Most reputable breeders will be happy to show you around their property and introduce you to their dogs. They should also have documentation on the health and temperament of all of their animals. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with contact information for previous buyers. Contact these references and ask them about their experience with the breeder. Were the puppies healthy and temperamentally sound? Was the breeder responsive and helpful? Did they provide any after-sales support? References will also be able to tell you about the good aspects of the breeder. They have a breeder referral program that can connect you with responsible breeders in your area. By doing this, you can get first-hand feedback about the breeder and the puppies they have bred. This will help you determine if the breeder is right for you and your family. If the breeder you are interested in does not allow you to meet past customers, you may want to reconsider working with them. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to let you speak with past customers and get their feedback. This will help ensure that you are making the best decision for your family. When looking for a Golden Retriever breeder, it is important to consider all of your options. By meeting past customers, you can get a good idea of what to expect from the breeder and their puppies. This information can be invaluable when making your decision. A good breeder will be happy to tell you about their veterinarian and why they chose them. The last thing you want is to get a sick puppy from an irresponsible breeder. So be sure to do your research and find a breeder who is reputable and responsible. They have a lot of puppies available at once. The puppies are sick or have health problems. The puppies are very expensive. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who will be happy to help you find the perfect puppy. So do your research and be sure to ask lots of questions. So be sure to ask the breeder if your puppy has any health problems. A good breeder will ensure that their puppies are healthy and free from genetic diseases. So be sure to ask the breeder about their testing procedures. They should be happy to answer all of your questions. Here are a few tips to help get you started: Make sure that all of your electrical cords are covered and out of reach. Remove any breakable objects or those that could be hazardous to your puppy like poisonous plants. Put away your shoes and other belongings that your puppy might chew on. Clear a space for your puppy to sleep, eat and play. He or she will need a place to rest and relax, as well as plenty of space to run around and burn off some energy. Create a routine for feeding your puppy and taking him or her outside to use the bathroom. This will help your puppy get used to their new surroundings and make potty training easier. Be prepared to spend lots of time with your new puppy. Potty Training Your New Golden Retriever Puppy One of the most important things to remember when raising a Golden Retriever puppy is to potty train them as early as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when he or she goes potty in the right spot. If your puppy has an accident indoors, quickly clean it up with a pet-safe cleaner and put him or her outside to use the bathroom. Be consistent with your training and never punish your puppy for making a mistake. Not all breeders are created equal, and not all of them have the best interests of their puppies at heart. The breeder should have healthy dogs with sound temperaments. The breeder should be willing to provide references from past buyers. The breeder should offer a health guarantee on the puppies. Golden Retrievers make great pets for families with children and are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. Thanks for reading! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. This is hobby of passion and labor of our love for the Golden Retriever breed. Our dogs are vital members of our family and live with us in our home, not in kennels. We hope to place our puppies in homes that are interested in occassionally returning for a full Butternut Golden experience. We've built this website for you to get to know us and our Golden Retrievers. We hope you enjoy the photos, videos and informative links. Our life with our dogs keeps us busy and away from technology most of the time. Contacting us can be a challenge. Forwarning: Susan is not good about keeping up with emails. We participate in different venues depending on each dog's needs and talents -- including conformation, tracking, rally, obedience and therapy work. We live on a hill, at the base of Butternut Mountain, in Johnson, Vermont, with our butternut colored Golden Retrievers who love to eat butternut squash. Thus, Butternut Hill seemed to be a fitting name for us. We have been members of the Golden Retriever Club of America since .No breeding plans are currently in the works. Own a Butternut Golden? Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. Please do not copy without written authorization Retrieve ButternutGoldens. It is a small kennel located on 14 acres at the base of Mount Mansfield in Jericho, Vermont. We have successfully bred and shown quality dogs for over 40 years. We have been breeding golden retrievers for soundness of temperament and type for show, obedience and for a family pet always with the aim of producing beauty, brains and dogs with the true golden temperament. All of our dogs used for breeding have the following clearances: Hip and elbow cerification by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA Eyes cleared yearly by a board certified opthalmoslogist Heart cleared by a board certified cardiologist. All of our dogs are members of our family and our dogs are raised in the house and spend a great deal of time inside but also enjoy spending their time on sunny days outside where they can play, getting plenty of exercise chasing each other, taking a dunk in the spring fed mountain brook and rolling in the grass. Our goal is to produce goldens that are wonderful representatives of the breed whether involved in competition or as a family pet. We are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We hope you enjoy visiting our website and will check back to see updates.

You should wash your Golden Retriever once a month on average. You can, however, bathe him as often as every two weeks if your golden gets particularly dirty. Washing your Golden Retriever more frequently than this will strip his coat of natural oils and dry out his skin. After all, knowing how frequently you should be bathing your Golden is critical. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Consider These Location Factors First Goldens are an active breed in nature so you could safely assume they may need to be bathed quite often. Sometimes these outdoor adventures include a spontaneous jump in a body of water that is filled with algae and mud. Having said that, Golden Retrievers do not need a sudsy bath as often as you may think! Depending on their environment, a Golden Retriever might do well getting a bath as little as every two months. There are many factors that we should take into consideration when it comes to bathing our furry friends! Rural vs. Urban Areas Believe it or not, location plays a huge factor in how often you should bathe your Golden Retriever. If you live in a rural area then it is probably safe to assume your dog spends a lot of time outside. The Answer You should plan on giving your Golden Retriever a bath once every month or two. An infrequently bathed dog can fall prey to a skin allergy, parasites, infections or other skin condition. This could mean that we wash our hair everyday or every couple of days. With Golden retrievers though, we see that washing them as frequently as we would ourselves, can cause their fur to appear matted, dull and unhealthy looking. Some people even go so far as to shave their Goldens! This, however, is not recommended! When you shave a Golden Retriever you are exposing their skin and undercoat to the harmful environmental elements around them, including the sun and temperature extremes. It should be noted that combing your dog often is actually more beneficial for your dogs skin and coat than it is to bathe them. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Some owners will have an allergic reaction to pet dander which is why some dogs get baths more often than they really need. In the case of allergies, it may be necessary to wash your dog weekly rather than on a monthly basis to help eliminate dander and allergic reactions from members of your household. Allergies are the only reason to wash your Golden weekly. This will most definitely strip your dog of its natural oils. Plus, shampoo made for humans is too acidic for regular use on a Golden Retrievers hair and skin. When drying your Golden Retriever you can choose to use an old dog towel, but many people choose to use a blow dryer on their dog in order to make sure that all their fur is dry. A double-coated dog, like a Golden Retriever, can stay wet for hours, even after being towel dried so a hair dryer on a low setting can really speed up this process. A pet-friendly hair dryer like this adjustable speed pet hair dryer on amazon. If you have a new puppy, you should start baths at six weeks of age. Just run some water on them, so they grow accustomed to the process and learn to enjoy their bath time routine. So, I say after a successful and well-behaved bath time routine, that your pup be rewarded with a treat… or two! I also highly recommend giving them lots of snuggles and play time after their bath as this will help them relieve the stress they had before or during this event. In time, your Golden Retriever may even come to look forward to bath time! Fleas, Ticks, Other Parasites and Bath Time I covered earlier the fact that location plays a significant role when it comes to how often you need to bathe your golden retriever. But, did you know that environmental factors around your home also play an extensive part in this decision? Some factors to take into consideration is whether your yard is prone to fleas, ticks, or other parasites. If this issue becomes excessive, it may be time to treat your yard. If fleas or ticks are a problem in your area, it would be better to stick to a regular monthly bath with a hydrating medicated shampoo amazon followed by a flea treatment like this one amazon. This will keep your dogs skin and coat in tip-top shape, while eliminating the parasites. Watch Bailey the Golden Retriever get a bath in the shower. If your pup is more active and loves jumping into a pond or rolling in a mud puddle, then they may need a bath a little more frequently than the Golden retriever that lies on the lawn all day soaking up the sun. Giving your Golden Retriever a bath once a month is a good general timeframe. However, based on you and your dogs particular needs may be as infrequently as every six weeks or as often as every other week. Good grooming and care ensure your Golden Retriever remains healthy and happy. A vital component of that good care is bathing your Golden Retriever. However, many owners are unsure how often they should bathe their Golden Retrievers and how best to do it. As a first step in bathing a Golden Retriever, it is important to determine the frequency. Overbathing is not ideal, so pet owners need to understand how often they should bathe their Golden Retriever. As a general rule, Golden Retrievers should be bathed once every four to eight weeks, unless the dog is overly dirty or muddy. Golden Retrievers have double coats, which act as natural insulation. Over bathing strips essential oils from the skin, so consider rinsing them with water if dusty or after swimming. When it comes to a Golden Retriever, a good rule of thumb is an occasional bath is a good and necessary thing. However, doing it too often can become problematic for your dog. While bathing once every one to two months would be problematic for humans and smelly , this is not the case for Golden Retrievers. Unlike brushing a Golden Retriever, which should be done daily or weekly, they do not need frequent baths to remain healthy. On the contrary, over bathing may become problematic for Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers possess a double coat. The double coat acts as insulation and helps keep the dog dry and warm, especially when getting wet such as when swimming. In addition, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve downed waterfowl from water, and their double coats help in this regard. For breeds with double coats, over bathing strips the essential oils from the skin and disrupts the natural insulating process. In addition, over-bathing can cause itching, flaking, and dryness on the dog, leading to scratching so much that it causes wounds or hot spots. Most people associate self-grooming with cats. Yet, dogs self-grooming as well. Commonly, they lick their paws and groin areas when cleaning, but this should not be excessive if it is, there could be other issues. Dogs also groom themselves to keep skin healthy and facilitate the growth of hair follicles source. Okay, you got it. Bathing too often can be bad. When is dirty too dirty or not dirty enough? Determining when to bathe your Golden Retriever is an essential step in not over bathing your dog. However, unless the dog is filthy, that is not as easy as it might seem. It is time to bathe your Golden Retriever if it is muddy, extremely smelly, or is soiled with urine, feces, or blood. If the dog is dusty or swimming in a lake or pool, showering the dog off with water is adequate. If none of those apply, then bathe every 4 to 8 weeks from the date of its last bath. If your Golden Retriever is kept clean, put a recurring reminder on a calendar. For example, I have a regular date every six weeks. So I put it on my Google calendar and have it synced with all my electronic devices. This way, there is little chance of forgetting. I designated six weeks because it allows for a two-week buffer either way. If life gets busy and the bath gets delayed for two weeks, my Golden Retriever still gets his bath at the 8-week mark. However, every four to eight weeks is not always doable. However, if your Golden Retriever is just dusty, then hold off on the bath. Instead, a quick rinsing in the shower or with the hose in the summer should suffice. The same applies to swimming. Whether a lake, pool, or river, just rinsing off with a shower or hose should be enough to remove any chlorine or dust while not stripping the oils that shampooing would. A quick rinse after swimming or if dusty is often all it takes. The smell can be an issue too. If your dog is exceptionally smelly, to the point where it is difficult to tolerate, then a bath is in order. Bathing a Golden Retriever at home is not difficult nor complicated. However, before describing how to wash a Golden Retriever, let me preface that discussion by stating the importance of making bath day a positive experience from day one. Prepare yourself for bath day, and make sure you are in a patient and understanding frame of mind. Getting a Golden Retriever used to a bath is best started in puppyhood, but regardless of age, always be patient, understanding, loving, and keep it positive. Make it as fun as possible. Future bath days will be much more complicated if the experience becomes negative for you and your Golden Retriever. Fortunately, most Golden Retrievers have a cooperative temperament and love the water, so that should make it much more manageable. To start, change into some swimwear or shorts. Prepare to get wet. I prefer to get into the tub or shower with the dog. It just makes it so much easier. Chances are you will get wet, so embrace it and have fun. Then prepare for the bath by getting your shampoos and supplies ready, so you have everything handy once the dog is in the tub. Finally, have some treats available to reward throughout bath time. Providing treats when your Golden is doing well shows the dog that it is positive and rewarding. I usually start with a treat and end with one. Make the treat something they really love: the more value, the better. Consider brushing your Golden Retriever before its bath. Brushing will remove much of the loose hairs and dirt beforehand. Next, get your Golden in the tub or shower. Have your dog sit and reward it with a treat. Then, warm the water up, ensuring that it is not too hot and cold. Tepid water is what you want. Start wetting your dog. At this point, you are soaking your dog with water, not shampooing — that comes next. Massage the fur and skin while soaking to further loosen dirt and hair. Start wetting your Golden Retriever from the back and working to the front of the neck. Or from the neck towards the back. Leave the head for last. Why leave the head for last? Two reasons. It gives the dog time to get used to the water before moving to the sensitive head area eyes, ears, and nose. Leaving the head to last usually minimizes the shaking until the end. When the body and legs are adequately soaked, go ahead and start wetting the head. This prevents water from getting into the eyes and the nose. Goldens can be prone to ear infections, and getting water in the ears may be an issue. Instead, you can place cotton balls in the ear or run the water on the outside of the ears while keeping them down and then use your wet hand to wet the inside of the ear. Consider using a shampoo that has been designed for your Golden Retriever. The key is to get one designed for dogs with a double coat. Work the shampoo into the coat in the same fashion you wet your dog — either from the back to the neck or from the neck to the butt, from the legs to the top of the dog. The head will be left until last, and be careful of the eyes. Pay special attention to the paws and tail, often the dirtiest areas. Make sure you spend extra time giving your dog a good rinsing. You want to make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent itching and scratching, which leads to hot spots open sores. Often bathing in the home is not ideal. In those cases, you can find designated dog bathing stations. Often car washes have a bay dedicated explicitly to cleaning a dog, as do pet stores. You can also utilize the services of a groomer, and some pet stores will offer this service as well. Many doggie daycares bathe dogs as well. All of these cost money, though. We usually use our doggie daycare for our bathing services. Bailey attends daycare weekly and often plays in puddles. Fear not, I have included a video of Bailey the dog getting a bath. It takes about 7 minutes, so baths should not take long. Expect a shake or two or three. Golden Retrievers dry off fast. You can blow dry your Golden, BUT if you do so, keep it brief and keep it at a low heat setting. A blow dryer that is too hot and left on the dog for too long can cause heatstroke. Often, their cooling mechanism is not sufficient to keep up with the heat of a too warm and prolonged blow-drying. I wrote a detailed article on what temperatures are too hot for a Golden Retriever. The article discusses the causes and signs of heatstroke and what to do. Alternately, if you want to air-dry your Golden Retriever, that is fine. We forgo the blow dryer for the air-dry option. Golden Retrievers are made for the water, so why not let them dry off the way nature intended. If you give them a good towel dry, they will dry off quite quickly. If the weather is cold outside, allow them to dry off inside. Or, this might be the one instance when blow-drying might be warranted but be careful again of the heat setting. Oh, and expect your Golden Retriever to roll around in the grass and dirt again shortly after a bath. Even though most Golden Retrievers love water, being bathed is not the same as playing in a lake. Just like your child may enjoy time in the pool but hate bath time, your Golden Retriever might be similar. As a whole, the earlier the age you can get your Golden Retriever accustomed to bathing, the better chance that it will be less afraid. It is also essential to remain calm, patient, and understanding and make the experience as positive and fun as possible. Use treats to reward your dog for a job well done. To keep bathing positive, have a helper available. One person does the bathing while the other acts as a calming presence to pet and calm the dog while reassuring them. Treats are a great way to make the experience positive, so have some of on hand and reward generously before, during, and after, especially while your dog is relaxed and calm. Get in there and have fun. Losing your temper, yelling, or aggressively restraining or handling your dog is almost guaranteed to make your Golden Retriever fear bath time. Consider a rubber mat if bathing in the tub or shower. Often the dog can not stand firmly in a porcelain tub or a shower with tiles. A rubber mat prevents slipping and feeling unbalanced and uneven. Talking to your dog in a gentle and reassuring voice is one of the best things you can do to keep it feeling that there is nothing to be fearful of. Giving Your Golden Retriever a Bath It is essential to bathe your Golden Retriever to ensure they stay clean and does not get too smelly over time. However, the key is not to wash unless the dog needs it. Remember, though, with Golden Retrievers, less is more, so refrain from bathing unless the dog needs it. Here are a few final tips when bathing your Golden Retriever. The last tip is especially important and often neglected. Do a brush before bathing to remove excess hair and dirt. Do spot-clean your Golden Retriever regularly to keep baths to a minimum, such as rinsing off with water if dusty or after swimming. Every 4 to 8 weeks is a good range. Do check your dog for rashes, lesions, injuries, or parasites while bathing. Bathing is a perfect time to do a spot examination. Regular bathing plays a vital role in their grooming routine, ensuring a shiny coat, healthy skin, and preventing filth, odor, and skin conditions. In this article, we will explore the optimal bathing frequency, the importance of a bathing schedule, tips for bathing your Golden Retriever, considerations for different seasons, and the potential side effects of bathing too frequently or infrequently. Bathing frequency is an important aspect of caring for your beloved Golden Retriever. While humans may wash their hair daily, bathing a Golden Retriever requires a different approach due to their unique coats. So, how often should you bathe your furry friend to keep them clean and healthy? You can bathe golden retrievers every weeks or as often as necessary. Bathing them too often could inflict major harm on their double coat. Instead, focus on regular brushing and grooming to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This not only helps keep their coat clean but also stimulates their skin and promotes healthy hair growth. Bathing them too frequently, especially in the winter, would most likely cause more harm than good. Because dogs are often good at keeping themselves clean, the primary goal of the bath is to clean their coats. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and enjoyable bathing session for both you and your furry friend: Prepare the bathing area: Choose a suitable location for bathing, such as a bathtub or a designated area with warm water access. Place a non-slip mat or towel to prevent your Golden Retriever from slipping. Gather necessary supplies: Collect all the essential bathing supplies beforehand. This includes dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, towels, a brush or comb, and any other grooming tools you may need. This will make the bathing process easier and prevent excessive matting. Adjust water temperature: Fill the bathing area with lukewarm water. Ensure the water is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can make your dog uncomfortable. Start from their neck and work your way down, ensuring the entire coat is thoroughly wet. Ensure that no residue remains, as it can cause skin irritation. Massage it into the coat, paying attention to any dry or tangled areas. Repeat the rinsing process until no traces of conditioner remain. Pat them dry rather than rubbing vigorously to avoid tangling or damaging the fur. If your dog tolerates it, you can also use a pet dryer on a low, warm setting to speed up the drying process. Post-bath grooming: Once your Golden Retriever is dry, take the opportunity to brush their coat again. This helps remove any remaining loose hair and prevents matting. Reward and praise: After the bath, reward your Golden Retriever with treats, praise, and affection. This positive reinforcement helps create a pleasant association with bathing and strengthens your bond. Dog shampoos and conditioners are available that are specifically made for their skin and coat. Remember to use a conditioner after shampooing to untangle and moisturize their fur. Just be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes, and properly rinse them off to avoid skin irritation. Your pet will emerge from the bath feeling refreshed and clean! The Benefits of a Bathing Schedule A bathing schedule for your Golden Retriever is not necessary, but it can be a beneficial method to keep your beloved friend looking and feeling their best. You can keep your dog clean and well-groomed regularly by arranging regular bathing. This can assist in keeping their coat and skin healthy. However, keep in mind that each dog is unique, and their demands may differ. If your dog is very active or spends a lot of time outside, he or she may require more regular bathing. During shedding season, for example, your Golden Retriever may require more frequent bathing. Dogs that spend a significant amount of time outdoors or engage in activities that result in dirt, mud, or debris accumulation may require more frequent baths. Coat Type: The type of coat your Golden Retriever has plays a role in bathing frequency. Dogs with longer or denser coats may need more frequent baths to prevent matting, while those with shorter coats may require less frequent bathing. Skin Conditions: If your dog has specific skin conditions, such as allergies or dermatitis , they may require more frequent baths with specialized shampoos or medicated products. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate bathing frequency and products for managing skin conditions. Seasonal Factors: Bathing frequency can vary depending on the season. During summer, when dogs are more likely to get dirty or sweaty, more frequent baths may be necessary. In contrast, bathing too often in winter can strip the coat of natural oils, leading to dryness. Adjust the bathing frequency accordingly to maintain a healthy coat throughout the year. Individual Needs: Each dog is unique, and their bathing requirements may differ. Some dogs may naturally have oilier skin and require more frequent baths, while others may have more sensitive skin and need less frequent bathing. By considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate bathing frequency for your Golden Retriever and ensure their coat and skin remain healthy and comfortable. Here are a few ideas to make bath time more peaceful and exciting: Begin small and gradually progress to bath time. Give them a little attention every day, and make it a pleasant experience. Use a non-slip mat or towel in the bathtub or shower to prevent slips and falls. Use lukewarm water to keep them from becoming too chilly or heated. Speak in a soothing and quiet tone to help them stay comfortable. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly rinse them off. Give them a good towel to dry on, and then brush their coat to remove any tangles and leave them bright and smooth. After the bath, reward them with a treat or toy; this will help them develop a pleasant relationship with bath time. Bath time can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Bathing in Summer vs. Winter: Considerations and Tips Bathing a Golden Retriever in the summer and winter can be challenging, but with a few simple tips, you can keep them comfortable and happy. During the summer: Give them a bath in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. Keep an eye on the humidity and keep them hydrated. During the winter: Bathe them in a warm room with lukewarm water rather than cold water. To prevent them from becoming cold, properly dry them after the bath. During the dry winter months, use a dog-specific conditioner to help keep their coat and skin hydrated. To avoid skin irritation, always use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner that is pH balanced for their skin and coat, and completely rinse them off. If your Golden Retriever has a thick coat, brush them before and after bathing to reduce tangling and matting. You can keep your furry friend comfy and happy all year long with a little extra care! As a general guideline, bathe your Golden Retriever every weeks. Again, the frequency may vary according to their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues. Too Many Baths Side Effects Bathing them too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin and coat, causing them to become dry and uncomfortable. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic responses in dogs with sensitive skin. Too Few Baths Side Effects On the other side, not bathing your dog frequently enough can result in the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria on their skin and coat, which can cause skin irritation and odor. Also, not brushing their coat regularly can lead to matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog. Furthermore, if a dog is not bathed regularly, it may result in behavioral issues because they are not accustomed to how to act during bathing. Conclusion When it comes to bathing and grooming your Golden Retriever, finding the correct balance between too much and too little bathing is important. Depending on their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues, the frequency may vary. Shampoos and conditioners for dogs are carefully made for their skin and coat. Bath time can be an enjoyable and soothing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Always make sure that after the bath, you give them lots of kisses and love; your wonderful furry companion deserves it! If your Golden Retriever has sensitive skin, be especially cautious when bathing and brushing them. Here are a few pointers to remember: For sensitive skin, use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Avoid anything that has scents or harsh chemicals. Before using the shampoo on your entire body, test it on a tiny area first. If you observe any signs of irritation or if the condition persists, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer. Bathing your Golden Retriever every day is not suggested. Bathing daily might remove their natural oils, causing dryness and discomfort. As a general rule, bathe them every weeks; however, this may depend on their lifestyle and coat type. First and foremost, regular brushing is essential, especially if your dog has a longer coat. Finally, make sure your dog is consuming a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as this can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Yes, your golden retriever can bathe outside. Just make sure that the outdoor temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, as this can cause your dog discomfort. Also, keep an eye out for any potential risks, such as slick surfaces or sharp items, that could endanger your golden retriever. Certainly, you can bathe your 2-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. The water temperature should be comfortably warm, never hot, to prevent any discomfort. Aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible, laying the foundation for easy and enjoyable bath times in the future. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance, and search and rescue dog. The lustrous golden color is the hallmark of this versatile breed. Breed Profile This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but does require daily exercise. His water repellant double coat sheds and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. Grooming The Golden Retriever does require regular bathing and grooming. This energetic sporting dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, regular baths and proper drying sets the foundation to maintaining healthy skin and coat. Before bathing a Golden Retriever, take a few extra minutes to take a high velocity dryer over the coat to loosen the debris and dirt from the skin, and to blow out any loose hair. Then use an undercoat rake, stone, shedding blade, carding tool, or a slicker brush to remove additional loose coat. The more coat you remove before the bath, the better. The pre-bath for general cleaning to remove any dirt and grime and to bring the coat back to a neutral state. Following up with a conditioner to keep the coat properly hydrated is highly recommended. Once the bath is complete, it is imperative to get the dog completely dry. There is an art to the blow dry process on a Golden Retriever in order to achieve a nice, straight coat. One important habit to master is drying the hair in the direction it should lay. Then go over with a comb and a heated dryer to remove any traces of remaining dampness. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming The coat should be light, straight, and stand off of the body with no loose hair. Any loose hair or fuzziness to the coat should be carded. Everything about the finish should be natural. The feet and the outside edges of the ear are trimmed with thinning shears. In the warmer months, many pet owners try to keep the dog cooler by shaving the coat. If you are trying to keep the dog cooler, you should elect to remove the undercoat with a good bath and blow out. When you shave this breed, you are exposing their skin to the elements and take away their ability to stay cool. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, trimming the pads, anal gland expression, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Some need to have the hair plucked from the ear canal. This allows the ear to have proper air circulation. It is not necessary to remove all of the hair in the ear, as some serves as a barrier to foreign debris. It is imperative that you are properly trained to pull ear hair before attempting this endeavor. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should at least be checked by the professional pet stylist. Some caring pet owners prefer to have their veterinarian express the anal glands rather than their pet stylist. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? Golden Retrievers are a very active breed. A bath and a blowout are necessary to keep the shedding under control and maintain healthy skin and coat. Regular grooming should be done every 4 — 6 weeks. Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separated and divided which, in turn, will allow the skin to breathe. What is a common problem in Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are sensitive to dermatology disorders. The dense undercoat and long outer coat create the perfect environment for dermatitis, hot spots, allergic reactions, and infection. That is why it is so important to stay on a consistent routine for professional bath and blow outs. Does the Golden Retriever shed or cause allergies? They shed, but basic maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair in your house. For most of the year, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, daily brushing is almost mandatory during major shedding cycles. Are Golden Retrievers good with children? Golden Retrievers have a wonderful reputation for being great family dogs, and absolutely wonderful with children. However, as with any breed, a small child should never be left alone with any dog. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the grooming maintenance and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Golden Retriever Club of America, www. May we suggest.This is necessary to keep it clean and healthy because it is constantly exposed to the elements. Your Golden Retriever has far more hair than you do, and not only is it always exposed, it is also frequently in contact with the ground and other surfaces. So, how often should you bathe your Golden to keep it healthy and looking its best? Do Golden Retrievers Need to be Bathed? A Golden Retriever is blessed with a warm and durable double coat of fur. This is a common characteristic of water dogs. The natural oils a Golden secretes help to keep the coat water-repellant and dirt resistant. Regular brushing will keep the oils well spread, and help prevent matting and tangling. Nevertheless, your Golden will require bathing from time to time. How often will depend on certain lifestyle and environmental factors including: Frequency of swimming excursions Amount of time spent outdoors Rural vs. This is especially true if your Golden has a penchant for algae-filled ponds and other less-than-pristine bodies of water. Naturally, a dog that spends a lot of time indoors is going to pick up less dirt and debris than one that is regularly outdoors. And whether or not those outdoor romps are in the country or in the city can also make a big difference to how quickly a Retriever gets dirty. If you are aware of a parasite problem in your area check local websites or ask your vet , it is important to be on high alert, and more frequent baths and grooming may be in order. How Often Is Often Enough? The answer to the question is: there is no definitively right or wrong answer. It is very important to not wash your dog too often. This can be just as detrimental as not washing often enough. Too frequent bathing may strip away the natural oils I mentioned earlier. Losing this protective coating can leave your Golden with a dull coat, which is disappointingly unattractive. More importantly, it will leave the skin unprotected and prone to dandruff and infections. On the other hand, not bathing often enough can cause obvious problems. Though Goldens tend not to emit strong odors like many other breeds do yes, Goldens are superior! Plan on giving your Retriever a bath about once every six weeks. Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. However, some dogs, especially older, less active ones, can get by with scrub downs as infrequently as every 8 weeks, or possibly longer. By Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. Unscheduled Baths No matter your schedule, you should bathe as soon as possible in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Serious mud can sometimes require a haircut; much better to take a free bath than to pay a groomer. And speaking of parasites, if your dog has been in contact with another dog that is found to have an infestation, even a mild one, a good, thorough bath is highly recommended. Better to rinse any eggs, larvae or parasites down the drain than to let them establish a home on your Golden. Whatever side you land on, it is important to neither overdo it, nor neglect it unduly. A clean Retriever is a happy Retriever, and a happy Retriever makes a happy owner. You May Also Like.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you planning to adopt a Bernedoodle in Michigan? Ethical breeders carefully select their breeding dogs through various tests to minimize the risk of puppies inheriting any serious genetic conditions. Similarly, responsible breeders will also provide health guarantees, usually for one or two years from adoption. A good health guarantee should cover any serious or life threatening hereditary illnesses that the parent dogs have been tested for. For instance, you can find plenty of customer reviews on Google, Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , Yelp, or even Reddit. To learn more about this topic, make sure you check out our full, in-depth guide on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. They specialize in a variety of coat colors and patterns, such as tri-colors, bi-colors, but also rarer patterns like sables and merles. And once in a while, they also have solid colors available. In addition to that, they closely keep an eye on all of their puppies and evaluate their temperaments to ensure that each pup goes to the most suitable forever home. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the highest quality litters possible. You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They offer some of the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package. I can say with confidence that all Michiana Bernedoodles are carefully and precisely bred, well-socialized, fun-loving family dogs. Each and every Michiana Bernedoodle is unique in its own way. As hybrids, they vary in size, color and coat type, and personality. Your Michiana Bernedoodle will truly be one-of-a-kind! Click the Pay now button on the home page. They are the result of a cross between a Standard, miniature or toy Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog. With the miniature and the toy Poodle being the males. The Poodle breed is low-shedding and low-dander characteristics which is great for people with allergies. Other characteristics attributable to the Poodle and the Bernese is their loyalty, high intelligence factor, very affectionate along with their personal character and charisma. They are outstanding family dogs who have proven to be great with children and other pets. Many make great service dogs. No two Bernedoodles are identical. The Bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. They are intelligent, very social and fun, crossbreed with character and charisma with a moderate activity level. Their main focus is to be your best friend and companion. Bernedoodles are usually pure black, black-and-white, black-and-brown, or tri-color black, white and brown , we have seen other colors. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the Poodle. Beyond color, well selected parents tend to blend the traits of the Poodle and the Berner in a more consistent way. In short, Bernedoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Many clients want a tri-color Bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese Mountain Dog. That look is challenging to achieve, and people may have a long wait for it. Personally, I love Bernedoodles of all colors. Temperament is far more important to me than color. Call us. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Allen Park Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right German shepherd puppy for you, there are several things that you may want to consider. Is this the right breed for me? It breaks my heart that more and more German shepherds are being abandoned or dumped by first-time owners who are unprepared or uneducated about the breed. When choosing a new canine companion, most people often ask what kind of puppy they want instead of what kind of dog they want. And here lies a big difference between the former and the latter. All puppies, no matter what the breed or cross, traverse their first year through the exact same phases, but when they reach adulthood, each dog can have different breed-specific characteristics. Can you afford the cost of owning a German shepherd? Where do you live? Is your apartment German shepherd friendly? Is your home big enough to house a full-sized German shepherd? Do you have enough time to care for a German shepherd dog? Are you willing to sacrifice weekends and evenings to train, socialize, and exercise your shepherd? Do your family support your decision to get a German shepherd? Is there someone in your family who is allergic to dogs? How will you share responsibilities? If you live alone, do you have someone to assist you? Is there a doggy daycare nearby? Sure, female shepherds may tend to be a little more protective of their owners and people, whereas male shepherds may tend to be more protective of their territories. Females may be a bit more affectionate but more prone to mood swings, while males may be more dominant and aggressive. Neutering can make male German shepherds less aggressive and less likely to roam looking for available females. Today both sexes can equally be equally loving and loyal to their owners and families, and both can be equally brave and protective. In conformation, SV and other organizations recognize both male and female. Female shepherds are smaller and appear more refined or feminine than the male ones. Really, when faced with the question of which sex is best for you? It really all boils down to the individual puppy. Most owners get their German shepherds from a breeder, a shelter, and a rescue group. Out of the three, a breeder is the most expensive but the best place to get your future shepherd. Be cautious with breeders who are reluctant to share information and stories about their dogs. Another sign of a reputable breeder is that they have a take-back policy on all their puppies. Where do you find a list of potential breeders? You can find potential German shepherd breeders through the internet, specifically through major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or local breed clubs or through advertising the local paper or magazines. Some people even go to the extent of attending dog shows and performance events to find the best breeders in their area, which I encourage you to do if you have time. Sometimes you can find wonderful German shepherd puppies at the local shelter or rescue group. Adopting a rescue shepherd is considerably less expensive than buying a puppy, and you can potentially save their lives. Just understand that they are a bit more of a gamble. Visit The Puppies More Than Once When scouting for a potential puppy, you may be headed to a number of different breeders and shelters. Ideally, you want to visit when the puppies are awake, not when they are napping or sleeping. Ask to stay for a couple of hours so that you can observe how they are playing together. But they are not all alike; they can range in temperament from very bold and outgoing to quiet and shy. When observing a group of German shepherd puppies playing together, you may notice that some pups are bossier than others. You may also notice some puppies that are more cowardly than others. The group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide is the puppies that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. These puppies are exuberant, curious, playful, but not too domineering or pompous in manner or behaving timidly. From this group, you can decide which one to pick. As a rule of thumb, choose a puppy with a temperament that will work well with yours. A good breeder should have done puppy testing when the pups are between 6 and 7 weeks of age. This means they should be able to tell you which puppy has a personality that will complement your own. Male German shepherds tend to stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 85 to pounds. Female shepherds are about 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh from about 60 to 75 pounds. German shepherds have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of fur: a medium to long outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The length of the outer coat can vary from short to long. The coat can have a range of colors. The most common is black and tan. Other colors include all black, sable, or white. This will help him to point you in the right direction toward a particular pup. Often if your breeder has not already picked a pup for you, you will find a puppy that is naturally drawn to you. Walk over to the puppies, play with them, and rub them gently, then walk away. There will usually at least be at least one puppy that will follow you as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back. Kneel and call the pup to you. Are their coats healthy and shiny? Are their eyes clear and bright? Are their living areas kept clean with no visible signs of illness? As touched on earlier, you should ask for a detailed medical history too, such as vaccination records, hereditary diseases, etc. A good breeder should provide you with a health guarantee in the form of writing it. This health guarantee guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of the sale. Depending on the contract, you will be given 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the puppy is indeed healthy. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Due to this, they develop a great level of bounciness and mischievous habits. It is quite commonly seen that the smaller breeds mature more quickly than the big dogs. They get pretty sensible at the age of 9 months old or so. Large dogs, like Labs, mature slowly and more effort is needed to calm them mentally and physically. High levels of activity will also keep your puppy fit and healthier. Labradors start to calm down around their first birthday. You can also help your pooch by using some effective dog handling techniques. For example, taking control of the pup, avoiding physical play, and creating a distraction by providing activities are some of the most common methods to deal with hyper or over-excited dogs. Other than that, calming music and medications are also quite popular. Stairs can be dangerous for dogs when you are not supervising them during the learning phase. In this case, it is better to not allow your dog to climb stairs. Invisibility and untidy stairs are other common reasons which make stairs dangerous for your dog. Climbing stairs in the dark can also result in severe injuries to your dog. Similarly, stairs that have water on them can also make your dog fall. Does your Labrador puppy nip? Labradors are always keen to explore and learn new things from a very young age. Going out is the basic need for Labradors because of their higher energy levels. It can also help them in quick learning, socializing, and training. They begin to go out in your backyard for potty training, exercise, playing, and learning at the age of 8 weeks. However, it is better to avoid public places with untidy stairs to protect them from potential injuries and infections. Labrador puppies love to be around stairs and it can be a great sleeping spot for them. What side Harness do you need to buy for your Labrador Puppy? Just as humans, pups also have milk teeth and they will lose them as they transition to adulthood. They start to lose their milk teeth from the age of 12 weeks. At the same time, the permanent teeth start popping up and at the age of months, permanent teeth take over all the milk teeth. Labrador puppies have 28 baby teeth or milk teeth which they will lose when they become mature around weeks old. They have a total of 42 permanent teeth that they will lose when they get old or have any medical emergencies. Falling from the stairs is one of the main reasons why dogs lose their permanent teeth. Labs love to climb stairs even at an early age and owners must take proper precautions to keep them safe. Otherwise, there are vulnerable to hard falls and might lose their permanent teeth. Some safety precautions make stairs safe for puppies. Proper Supervision It is recommended that the dog owners should give proper time to their Labrador puppies and keep an eye on them when they are learning to climb stairs. In this way, your dog will remain safe and learn to climb stairs more efficiently and effectively. Improve Visibility Installing lights around the stairs and turning them on especially when there is dark around them. This will improve visibility and help your pup to climb up the stairs quite easily. Keep the Stairs Clean Just like a human baby, a pup also requires a similar kind of care. This means keeping your house and its stairs clean will offer them no falling especially when they are learning to climb stairs. You can use pieces of rubber carpet and place them on the stairs as it will increase the resistance level. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. If you are letting your Labrador puppy climb up and down the stairs, pause it immediately. Yes, luckily, Labrador puppies can climb stairs at some specific age of their life. Even at the age of 4 to 5 months old, your Labrador puppy will be strong enough to climb stairs. They will navigate up and down without falling and asking for your help. However, allowing your young Labrador puppy to climb stairs is not recommended. As mentioned above, before the age of 12 months old, your puppy may harm itself by frequently climbing stairs. Can a Labrador puppy go up and downstairs? Puppies are curious about their environment. As a dog parent, you will always find your puppy exploring everywhere. This activity is actually not safe for your puppy, and the experts do not recommend it. If you are not willing to stop your puppy from climbing up and down stairs, you must provide the proper training. The chances of falling from stairs or dislocating a hip bone are less in a well-trained puppy than in others. Is going up and down stairs bad for dogs? Yes, it is bad for a puppy to go up and down stairs. It is highly recommended to stop your puppy from climbing up and down stairs if they do it frequently. When you are not supervising If you do not have enough time to supervise your puppy when learning to climb upstairs, you should not allow them to do this. In your absence, your puppy may fall and break its hip bone along with some other injuries. Safety precautions to make stairs safe for puppies Work on these tasks to make stairs safe for your puppy. Supervise your puppy Experts recommend that dog parents keep an eye on puppies when they are learning to climb up or downstairs. You can prevent your dog from falling and getting some serious injury. Also, you can notice if your puppy is climbing up properly or not. Improve the visibility Improving visibility is always a good approach when your puppy is climbing up the stairs. You can turn on the lights and open up the curtains so that all of the stairs will be clear for your puppy. Keep the stairs clean Keep your house and stairs clean so that your puppy will not fall when learning new skills. The surface should have a grip If you believe that the surface of stairs is too slippery and there are chances of your puppy falling, you should build up some grip. You can place pieces of rubber carpet to increase the level of resistance. Installation of dog ramp For outdoor stairs, you can consider installing a ramp. It may require some training to make your puppy confident enough to use the ramp. If you have just got a new family Labrador pup, you obviously want what is best for it in terms of health, happiness, and lifespan. You are probably aware that Labradors, and various other larger breed dogs, can experience hip problems usually hip dysplasia as they get older. What age can Labradors climb stairs? Labradors should only start climbing stairs after 12 months of age, or when they become too heavy for you to carry them up and down yourself. You might wonder if there is anything that you can do to minimize the risk of this health affliction. If you live in a house with stairs, there is, in fact, something you can do to limit the risk of potential problems faced by your pup, now and in the future. Most people believe that 12 weeks is old enough, but due to the fact that a Labrador is still developing until after 12 months of age and the developing hips can be damaged by wear and tear from stair climbing, it is best to avoid it until after the first year of life. If you have been letting your Labrador pup climb up and down the stairs already, it is important to stop doing so immediately. Even if you have a fully grown Labrador, you can teach them now to stop using the stairs — for their health. The simple answer is that no, you should not. Studies have shown that puppies allowed to climb up and down stairs at an early age are more prone to developing hip dysplasia. For this reason, it makes sense to carry your pup up and down the stairs or limit their access to upstairs levels. You should also not encourage your Labrador to jump until it is fully grown and even then, some caution must be taken. It may seem like your Labrador puppy handles the stairs well, but that does not mean that there will not be resulting damage. Even though you might want your beloved pet with you all of the time — many of us do — it is just not worth the risk. Their hip joint, in particular, is quite susceptible to damage if too much pressure and weight are put on it during the development stages. Labradors tend to be quite heavy little puppies and the action of climbing stairs can cause extra strain on the hip joint itself. This can cause the ball and socket of the hip joint to fit incorrectly or develop in such a way that rubbing and grinding occur, instead of the smooth and sliding movement that the hip is initially designed for. This incorrect development and functionality is called hip dysplasia which will only get worse and more intense with time. By allowing a Labrador to continue to use the stairs, it can result in discomfort, followed by deterioration of the joint and finally even eventual loss of function of the actual joint. This could render your Labrador immobile or result in painful movement. In some Labradors, this has been seen at a fairly early age. Please read our article 14 Common Labrador Health Problems to learn more about hip dysplasia and other issues. The best policy to have when it comes to your Labrador using the stairs is to discourage it completely. Even though it has been mentioned that Labradors should not use the stairs until they are older than 12 months, even after that, stair use should be very limited. You should only allow your Lab very occasional stair use. The best training you can do is teaching your puppy not to use the stairs. You can train your puppy to not use the stairs by following these training tips: Get your own mindset right first, before you begin training. When you establish the stairs are a no-go zone, it is important to never let that rule slide and to ensure that every family member reinforces the rule and never slips up. Once you and everyone else is on board, training can begin. Create an effective deterrent on the stairs that will serve as a reminder to the pup that stairs are not allowed. You can use sticky shelf liner or tin foil placed on the first few stairs and the lead-up to the stairs. This will need to be repeated often. If your dog decides to push the boundaries and try the stairs even though you have indicated it is not to be done, you need to recall the pup and physically block the stairs with your body until he turns back and heads away or stops trying. If your dog listens and moves away from the stairs, you can provide a small treat or shower your dog with praise, so that he makes a positive connection with staying away from the stairs. How to Make Stairs Safe for Your Labrador Even with ongoing training, there may be times when your Labrador attempts to climb the stairs without you knowing. Making the stairs safe is important. You can affix non-slip strips to each stair to ensure that your dog does not slip down the stairs. This can result in serious injury. Of course, if you encounter your dog climbing the stairs, resist raising your voice, chasing her off, or scaring her. Startling your dog can result in a fall or tumble which can cause further injury and damage. It can also result in the dog causing other people to fall if on the stairs. The best way to make your stairs safe for your Labrador is to incorporate a stair gate to provide a physical barrier. A baby gate is popularly used, but there are also various pet gates available on the market. If you do not want your puppy to grow into a dog that behaves incorrectly on the stairs, you will need to teach the correct behavior from day 1. Sometimes family members fail in this area. Teach your Labrador to never climb the stairs but rather to sit at the bottom of the stairs and wait for you. Teach the Labrador that if they are to use the stairs, it is done slowly and carefully patience and impulse training is good for this. If you need to play a game of fetch, do it on the ground floor or outside. It is only natural for the dog to want to come to you when spoken to. Finally While most Labrador pups will want to run up and down the stairs with their human family members, it is important to take a mature and responsible approach to the situation. Allowing your Labrador pup to go up and down the stairs can result in painful and expensive hip dysplasia in the near future. There are plenty of other areas in the home and outside where you can interact and engage with your pets — rather leave the upper levels strictly for human occupation. Related articles:. I live in an apartment that means I have to go up or down at least one half-flight of 9 stairs to get in or out, if I use the lift. If I don't use the lift, there are 18 stairs to go down or 27 to go up to get out. When we just had Willow and she was little, she got carried. When Shadow came along, DH and I carried one each. As they started getting heavier, though, they really disliked being carried by me. They were OK with J doing it, but I think I was too small and it just wasn't comfortable for them, and didn't feel safe, so they would wriggle. Obviously not safe when walking up or down stairs. So it was at that point that they started learning to negotiate the stairs themselves. Always slowly and, since there aren't any stairs in my apartment itself, it was only when going out on walks. I used the lift wherever possible to minimise the stairs - until Willow started to freak out about going in, and we had to go with the stairs again. Until she started freaking out about the slippery stairs when she had wet feet.We now 14 months always use the stairs except if I come in the front door and they have wet feet. In that case, we'd have to go down stairs to our apartment, but it's not safe for Willow because she turns into Bambi on ice, so we walk up 9 stairs and go down in the lift, which she, incidentally, now thinks is the best thing ever. If we come in through the garage, we're below our apartment and so the stairs are up, and she's fine with that, even with wet feet. In an ideal world, there would be no stairs until the growth plates have closed. Real life sometimes gets in the way, though, and you just have to do what is best, and safest, in the circumstances. One of the parts of your home that has confounded your dog the most is the staircase. At what age can a Labrador puppy go up and down the stairs? The risk of allowing even a healthy dog on the stairs too early is that they could later develop hip dysplasia. White and tan labrador dog going down the stairs. What age is a Labrador puppy considered ready to ascend or descend a flight of household stairs? You should wait until your puppy is at least a year old. The Labrador breed reaches its full height somewhere between the nine and month mark. The dog will achieve its full weight at 18 months. Your Labrador by 12 months will be 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 64 and 77 pounds. Many dog owners will simply gate the stairs from both sides and carry their Labrador puppy up and down the stairs as needed. This proves to your dog that the stairs are no big deal. Many dogs develop anxiety around stairs, so the sooner you can introduce your Labrador puppy to stairs, the better. You might be able to prevent that anxiety. Even 20 pounds lighter than that, you might have qualms about carrying your once-small pup up and down the stairs. And rightfully so. If you take a tumble, both you and your dog can get hurt. Feel free to allow your Labrador to begin climbing up or down the stairs sooner than 12 months if carrying them is becoming too risky. That includes their bones, joints, ligaments, and more. At such a young age, could stair-climbing negatively affect your dog? If your Labrador puppy is under 12 weeks old, then yes. When a puppy is born, its hips are primarily cartilage. The cartilage later becomes bone, but it takes time for this to happen. For example, if your dog grows up smoothly without health complications, then their hips will develop as normal. However, if your Labrador begins climbing stairs too early, the ligaments that surround the cartilage hip balls could become damaged or torn. This prevents the hip ball from fitting in the socket as it should. Now, whenever your Labrador takes a step, the bones in the hips make contact, rubbing painfully. The socket rim degrades, and hip dysplasia develops. The condition is also hereditary, and with Labradors prone to hip dysplasia, developing the painful condition might, unfortunately, be inevitable. No matter what kind of stair anxiety your Labrador has, you can train them out of it, but it might take a while. All it takes is one slip on hard stairs or the family cat darting up the staircase and spooking them and your Labrador is taking a huge tumble down the stairs. Depending on the distance your dog fell and the severity of the fall, your Labrador puppy could suffer minor injuries or severe, even life-threatening ones. At the very least, your dog could sprain or break a bone. More serious issues include head injuries and spinal injuries. Death could even occur. Tips for Safe Stair Climbing for Labrador Puppies To wrap up, we want to share a slew of tips so that as soon as your Labrador puppy begins using stairs, they can be safe. Ideally, you should always supervise your puppy each time they ascend or descend the stairs. You might not even be home during the day. Keep in mind that these gates will only work when your Labrador is young. This should reduce the incentive to want to go up the stairs in the first place. Add Grippy Surfaces Do you have hardwood stairs? If your Labrador puppy is feeling rambunctious and takes one of the stairs wrong, they can easily slip and seriously hurt themselves. Otherwise, a set of non-slip rubber treads will majorly improve the safety of using the staircase. Always Keep the Stairs Clear The stairs are not a decorative part of your home once you have a dog. This is a tripping hazard for all members of the family, including your Labrador puppy! Light the Stairs Puppies lack more than stability, but good depth perception as well. By plugging in a nightlight in the hall that illuminates the stairs or leaving an overhead light on overnight, your Labrador puppy will find it easier to get up and down. Even at that point, you still want to promote supervised use of the stairs and use rubber grips if your staircase is uncarpeted. This way, you can prevent slips and falls and possible joint and hip damage that could lead to hip dysplasia! Related Reading:. 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. There has to be a specific age when you want to allow it. Allowing it too soon can create problems of various types like accidents. This is the same as we handle our babies when they are starting to learn to walk. Just follow the same analogy and you should be ok. A point to note here is that every lab puppy is going to grow differently with age and it depends on so many other factors like diet and puppy training sessions. Can he pull up his legs to the height of each staircase? Is the width of the staircase enough for him to place all his four paws? On a lighter note, you have to become a puppy. The stairs you and everyone in your home can climb easily can look an uphill task for the Labrador puppy. Another important point worth considering here when answering this question about allowing him or not is how active the puppy is? If he too active and energetic then he will hurry and hurt himself. Initially, the Lab puppy needs to go slow about it If the puppy is showing too much energy and excitement about everything, then it is better to let him grow up and when he has started following what you say then you can allow him his quest slowly. Its caused due to generic reasons. Moving too much and playing for long hours will increase it by the day. I have read so many posts on Facebook groups related to Labrador and Golden retriever dogs which make this false statement of attracting the disease because of climbing stairs. So, in order to further validate this, I asked the question on online forums dedicated to retrievers both Labrador and Golden. The response is the same as I described above. All kinds of people with different experience levels replied to my questionnaire. So, I can say with confidence that you can trust what has been told in this article. I will share various responses that I heard: The Lab puppy can climb stairs depending upon his energy level. If you think he will be fine, you can give it a try under your supervision and then think about whether to continue or not. The age should be a minimum of 4 months old and there is no such danger of getting hip dysplasia disease by just climbing up. You should be more worried about him slipping down or falling down than anything else. For any kind of activity, the very first need is proper puppy training. This also is no exception. We cannot conclude anything for sure from the above sentence. What I would say in this case is that it is more of a natural phenomenon regarding hip structure than using stairs. The use of stairs by a puppy is not going to harm him as such unless he is unable to balance himself. If the puppy already has it, then only hip dysplasia is going to get worse. So, we can keep the concern about hip dysplasia aside and focus on any other issue that can occur when a puppy is using stairs. As with babies, the puppies also learn by falling and getting up so getting hurt again and again is the cause of concern. You can see a ton of videos on YouTube where the puppy is running at full speed because he is so excited. The above also applies to stairs. But the amount of risk is greater here due to the height of the stairs. For this reason, you want to let the puppy grow up, walk properly on its own, control his feet and still have him climb up under supervision. How to Introduce Labrador to Climbing Stairs While he is learning, you will want to have full control over him. You want him to listen to you for the next command and proceed accordingly. For this reason, I always recommend using a leash for this type of training. Let my heel on the first stair before taking the first stair-case. First, he needs to learn how to sit on the staircase and not fall off. Climbing is easy as he can do so in excitement to reach to the top. The initial motive should be to introduce him to the stairs so much that he knows everything about the stairs. If your commands go well with the puppy then he will wait for you and will listen to you. He has to learn to be patient. With patience, he will learn to control himself and go slow with the stairs during his initial climbs. The more control he has over his speed, the better it is. Treats are a good way to have him use stairs in the way you want him to. You can make him wait as much time as you want by using the treats and leash. Just place some treats on the stair-cases and he will automatically start to follow your command just like any other training session. I also recommend to use a clicker in this training so that the commands are fully understood to him. Just keep repeating the training sessions and soon he will good to go on his own. The height is the most crucial for him to not get scared of it so you can spend more time with him at the top of stairs to get him accustomed to the height of stairs in your home. Do go through these points and you would not be disappointed. You may be tempted to allow him to roam freely at a younger age of months because he is able to walk but stairs are a different story altogether. So, let him get mature and learn more about the world around himself. Joint pain is more of an issue than hip dysplasia. For healthy life in the future, he should not too much pressure on those joints when they are delicate in his early life. It is not just about the stairs, but jumping from other heights like Truck, Bed or Kitchen Shelf also poses similar issues. While most people will give a go-ahead at months of age, it would be great if you can hold jumping and climbing activities until a year. There are so many other things that can be taught to your puppy and these include crate training, manners, not biting you, not barking. I think those need more attention in his early life. But keep in mind that getting hip dysplasia from climbing and increasing the problem further are two different things. I have discussed it so many times above in the article. I watched this terrible disease slow down an amazing Black Lab named Tucker. He was a great dog, but at only 6 years old, he had to be put down because he was in such tremendous pain. Why do I bring up hip dysplasia in an article about Labrador puppies and stairs? Well, people often threaten that if you let your puppy climb stairs too early, she will get hip dysplasia. So, when can Labrador puppies climb stairs? Labrador puppies can climb stairs around 4 or 5 months old. At this age, the puppies are old enough to safely navigate them without falling. Going up and down stairs at this age will not cause hip dysplasia. Climbing stairs too soon, however, can exacerbate the condition if it is already there. It is a popular misconception that climbing stairs too soon can give Labrador Retriever puppies hip dysplasia. I know that I am going against the grain here, and if you disagree with me then please let me know in the comments below. Especially if you have some scientific study by qualified veterinary researchers. Until then, I think am going to be the one voice of reason in the Labrador blogosphere. Letting your puppies go up and down the stairs will not give your puppy hip dysplasia. Like my vet said, it is a genetic disease. If your puppy can develop hip dysplasia from climbing stairs too soon, then why waste the money on hip checks for the parents? When should Labrador puppies be introduced to the stairs? That can be problematic. There is clearly a time and a place for a puppy to start climbing and descending. Is he big enough to climb the stairs? Notice how much bigger the riser looks from that point of view. Will he be patient enough to take the stairs slowly? You can let your Lab puppy go up and down the stairs when they are big enough and mature enough to follow your lead and go slow! Exercise will exacerbate an already existing condition. If you own a Labrador or Golden Retriever, you should know enough about the disease to avoid the wives tales that swirl around the Retriever circles. You can check out my article on things that will cause and exacerbate hip dysplasia so that you can take care of your canine buddies. These are people with all kinds of experience in the waterfowl and AKC world. The majority of the responses all fell in line with Dr. I specifically asked about a 4 month old Labrador puppy. He can do steps as long as its not a large amount of steps. Also try to keep the pup from jumping up or down from anything. That is the age we got our gal acclimated with stairs! Spend time with him. Mine was crawling up and down on his belly at three months. Then running up and down them. Needs you there with him to coach him. There was one interesting comment that mentioned hips. However, climbing stairs at a young age can make hip dysplasia worse if the puppy already has it. How are stairs dangerous for Lab puppies? Okay, so hip dysplasia is not going to be an issue unless your dog already has it. That is not, however, the only concern when it comes to stairs. It is not uncommon for puppies to take serious falls down the stairs. The problem is that I have never met a Labrador puppy that did not want to run at everything mph and only when he is already in the air wonder if it was a good idea. My dog, Odin, is like that. He will come in the house full speed, only to realize that he cannot stop on the tile and go crashing into the wall or the island in the kitchen. That is why I think that a certain maturity level will determine the right time for Labrador puppies to start climbing stairs. How to teach a Lab puppy to climb the stairs I think the best approach in this situation is to teach your puppy to behave on the leash. Then, when you approach the stairs make him sit down at the bottom of the stairs. You can actually get your puppy accustomed to sitting at the top and bottom of any stairs. If you condition him, you pup will wait for your to either command him to proceed or wait for you to start to up or down them before proceeding. Insist that your puppy sit at the top and bottom of stairs and then wait for your command. The porch steps are a great place to practice because there is less chance your pup will hurt himself. The idea is to get your puppy to climb or descend the stairs at a controlled pace. Ideally, he will stay at heel while going up or down the stairs. To get your puppy to sit at the top or bottom of any stairs, put him on a leash and get a handful of treats. Walk your puppy to the edge of the stairs and command SIT. As soon as his bottom hits the floor, give him a treat or fire off the clicker. Repeat this several times. If your retriever looks at you inquisitively, just wait. He will likely stare at you for a moment and then, eventually sit down. As soon as he sits down, you give him the treat. Now, repeat this silent approach several times. Keep in mind, you might have to repeat this process at the top of the stairs just to make sure your pup understands that the expectation is the same at the top and the bottom. This goes for Golden Retrievers, Labradors and other big breed pups. While slowly going up and down stairs is not a problem for most Labs at 4 months old remember they need to be big enough and mature enough , you should not let them jump down from large heights. Jumping out the truck, for example, will not cause hip dysplasia but can still cause joint problems for your puppy. This can lead to joint pain later on in life and possible surgeries to fix the damage. The same can be said for jumping off a tall porch or launching himself from the last three stairs. Most dog sports like agility courses or dock jumping actually require dogs to be one-year-old before they let them participate. Stronger joints will endure the stress of constant jumping better than developing, immature ones. What about the scientific research that supports the misconception? There are some studies that are used to support the idea that climbing stairs too soon leads to hip dysplasia. However, there is an important difference between causes HP and just being correlated with it. These studies all show a correlation, but not causation. It should not surprise you that science is confused.