pug x beagle puppies

As a result of its genetic makeup as a cross between two dog breeds and pups may have an ultimate size that is difficult to predict. These puppies are enormous and develop quickly, so you may be wondering how much to feed a Goldendoodle puppy. What is the recommended daily amount of food for a Goldendoodle puppy? Most Goldendoodle pups need to be fed anywhere from 2 to 4 times a day, with each feeding consisting of around a third of a cup to as much as four cups of food, although this varies greatly with age and size, and type. Puppies develop rapidly, thus their dietary needs, including the amount and frequency of their meals, evolve with them. Keep in mind that this is not a question with a universally correct answer. Also remember that Miniature, medium, and standard Goldendoodles will have different feeding needs. Goldendoodle Puppy Feeding Chart There is a lot of nuance involved in feeding a Goldendoodle puppy since their nutritional requirements change with their age, size, and degree of activity. To do so, just divide the weight in pounds by 2. With this method, you may roughly estimate how many calories your Goldendoodle need each day when at rest. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. They need to be with the mother and the rest of the litter, putting on weight healthily. You should count on them sleeping for the most of the day and moving just for brief periods. The best way to get them adjusted to the new routine is to feed them three to four little meals a day, gradually increasing the quantity and lowering the wetness. You should begin by giving them a quarter to a half cup of a soft, moistened puppy chow every meal. You should modify the dose according to their weight and hunger levels. Reduce the quantity of food at first, and then gradually increase it to three or four small meals per day of dry puppy food. You can bank on them being a lot more self-reliant and inquisitive. Make the necessary adjustments according to their weight and degree of exercise. Give them lots of chances to play and interact with others, and take them on short walks. Goldendoodles are prone to becoming overweight, so watch how much food you give them. Choose a suitable quantity by considering their weight and degree of physical activity and breed size. Keep close track of their weight to determine the appropriate dosage. Make sure they have much to do physically and mentally to keep them from becoming bored and acting out. Learn the basics and begin interacting with others. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety in your Goldendoodle. This depends on breed size. Keep up with their education and socializing, and give them plenty of chances to play and exercise. Pay attention to how active they are feeling and feed them appropriately. Never stop encouraging physical activity, intellectual challenge, and social interaction. Make necessary adjustments based on their weight gain or loss. To maintain their health and happiness, provide them frequent opportunities for physical activity, fun, and intellectual challenge. Inspect your Goldendoodle often for indications of joint pain. Taking them to the vet on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining their health. Understanding Goldendoodle Puppy Nutritional Needs Puppies of the goldendoodle breed should be fed a healthy, well-rounded diet to ensure their optimal development and growth. Depending on their age, height, and amount of activity, a Goldendoodle puppy typically needs to 1, calories per day. Keep in mind that there are three different sized Goldendoodles. The smaller dogs would thus consume much less food. They need to eat a balanced diet of nutritious proteins, fats, and complex carbs. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the healthy development of Goldendoodle pups. Healthy growth of bones, the immune system, and the brain all depend on these nutrients. To avoid obesity and encourage good digestion, pups should be given three to four modest meals each day rather than one or two big ones. This aids in controlling portion sizes and facilitating proper digestion. Because of their small stomachs, puppies need regular feedings to keep them energized and healthy. As your puppy gets older, you may cut down on the frequency of feedings and boost the amount of each meal. Kibble may aid in dental hygiene by scraping plaque and tartar off the teeth while the puppy eats. Picky eaters could be more enticed by wet food, and pups with dental issues or missing teeth might find it simpler to digest. In addition, you should make sure that the food is formulated for pups and prepared with high-quality components. Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food Depending on their size and breed, you should transition your Goldendoodle puppy from puppy food to adult food between the ages of 12 and 18 months. You should start with a little quantity of adult food and puppy food mixed together, and then gradually increase the amount of adult food while lowering the amount of puppy food. This ease of adjustment may reduce digestive issues. When a Goldendoodle puppy stops eating, the first thing to do is to rule out any serious health problems. Feeding smaller meals more often, warming the food with water or chicken broth, or trying a new brand or taste of food are all options. Overfeeding, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues are all possible outcomes of free-feeding a Goldendoodle puppy. Because of their tiny stomachs, puppies need frequent feedings to keep them energized and promote their healthy development. Picky eating may be avoided and good eating habits can be established with a regular meal plan. Instead of two big meals, Goldendoodle pups should be fed three or four smaller meals a day. If you decide to free-feed your Goldendoodle puppy, keep careful tabs on how much they are eating so that you may alter their portions as they grow. Medium breed dogs require a high-energy diet throughout their brief growing phase. Prebiotic components improve for good digestion Unique kibble design 2. For a well-balanced diet, including more natural meats dogs love and healthy grains. This puppy food is designed to build strong, lean muscles and improve brain and eye health with taurine. DHA and ARA promote healthy growth and development, while LifeSource Bits provide a perfect combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost the immune system. It also lacks maize, soy, wheat, animal byproducts, and artificial tastes. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, for immune system No grains, maize, wheat, soy, meat by-products, or artificial flavors Taurine in the for eyes and brains. Introducing our tailored nutrition for medium breed puppies — a food designed to ensure your puppy receives the right amount of nutrients during their growth period. While free-feeding is generally okay when feeding your puppy, it is wise to introduce a feeding routine at around 13 weeks old. As for adult Goldendoodles, you can feed them one meal in the morning and another in the evening. This should be enough to make them feel full throughout the day. Senior Goldendoodles, on the other hand, can be fed once in the morning or once at night. If your dog still prefers two meals, you can feed them similarly as you would an adult. While on the topic of optimal feeding time, it is also important to know when to give treats to your dog. Usually, it is best to give treats to your pooch in between meals — not right before and not right after. Preferably, you should only use treats to reward your dog. In turn, this will also affect their potty schedule and interfere with the balanced diet they should be getting. Always remember that you can tweak these optimal feeding times so that it fits your lifestyle better. However, it is best to feed them around the same time each day. They love any food and can eat almost anything you serve. However, it is still essential to know the best foods to give your Goldendoodle. Providing the best kinds of food for your dog is not only good for their health, but it also helps preserve some of their best features, such as their hypoallergenic trait and calm disposition. Wet food is easier to chew than dry food and is suitable for dogs with weak teeth, senior dogs, sick dogs, or dehydrated dogs. Wet food is arguably the best puppy food. Its flavor and softness are excellent for developing teeth. Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is the most convenient food to serve your dog. In addition, dry food is also one of the best food choices for a Goldendoodle as it is excellent for their dental health. Dry food prevents tartar buildup and gum disease and promotes stronger teeth. Kibble is best for adult Goldendoodles as their teeth are as strong as it gets. Some ingredients you should look for when choosing kibble are chicken fat, flaxseed, omega-3, and meat protein. There are also grain-free options if your dog prefers those. This consists of raw meat, bones, fish meal, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. Feeding your Goldendoodle a raw diet reduces the use of commercial dog foods that have added preservatives and unhealthy processed foods. BARF diet has been proven to bring health benefits such as healthier and shinier skin and coat, good dental health, fewer ear infections, and less odor in Goldendoodles. Plus, Goldendoodles like the taste of raw food! Homemade Diet: A homemade diet is very much acceptable for Goldendoodles. They can thrive with this diet as long as proper nutrients are provided. Make sure to supply them with the six key nutrients a dog needs — protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Preparing a homemade meal is also much cheaper. Moreover, it also gives you more control over what your dog consumes. Likewise, a Goldendoodle with an underlying health condition might be better off with a homemade diet. In addition, some Goldendoodles may benefit from specific kinds of foods or supplements that are tailored for their coat color. To learn more about Goldendoodle coat colors, read our comprehensive guide on the topic. On some occasions, the generation of a Goldendoodle can also affect the best diet for it. In conclusion, the best dog food is always on a case-to-case basis. Consult a vet if you want to be sure! These dogs are prone to bloating and often have different allergies to food. Certain foods cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in these dogs. Some of the most dangerous foods for your Goldendoodle are grapes, raisins, and prunes. These three foods contain an unknown toxic substance that can trigger major problems such as choking and kidney failure. Cherries are also notorious for your Goldendoodle. Its pits, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide , a poisonous substance that can cause an upset stomach. Soda is not just unhealthy for humans but for dogs as well. The carbonation and sugar levels of soda can be hard for dogs to handle. It can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, excessive flatulence , and diarrhea. Moreover, as we all know, chocolate is toxic to Goldendoodles. It contains a xanthine compound known as theobromine , which dogs cannot digest and metabolize. Needless to say, keep your Goldendoodle away from chocolate! But if your dog happens to consume chocolate and shows signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, and increased heart rate, visit the nearest vet immediately. Onions and garlic should also be kept away from Goldendoodle because these contain a thiosulphate compound. This compound may cause discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, any food with a high level of sugar and salt is bad for your Goldendoodle. Salty foods will dehydrate your dog, and excessively sweet foods can cause diabetes. It is a good habit to also check the sugar and salt levels of any food you give to your Goldendoodles. Other harmful foods are macadamia nuts, walnuts, raw or undercooked food, coffee, dairy products, citrus fruits, and avocados. Luckily for you, Goldendoodles are generally not picky eaters. The ideal time for the transitioning period is around 10 days. Do this until your Goldendoodle is comfortable enough to try completely new food. Refer to the table below for a more detailed breakdown of transitioning your dog to a new food: Day. The Proper Care and Feeding of Goldendoodles Feb 14 Written By Skye Parker There are a lot of different factors you should consider when you are thinking about the right food and the right amount. Like their age, how much they weigh, or what to do if your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. We will talk about the different ages of puppies and how much to feed them as they grow older. We will talk about the different options for dog food and what you should get and avoid. It's also essential to think about what to do in different situations where you have a picky eater or what to do if they ever get sick. When your Goldendoodle is younger, you will need to feed them more often than when they get older; they will eat less at a time too. Anytime you are transitioning your puppies' feeding options, whether it's giving them more, switching brands, or from puppy food to dog food, you will want to do it gradually. For a while, you will mix the two. If you make a sudden change in their diet, it could cause stomach problems for your Goldendoodle. Transitioning will usually take about days. Standard Goldendoodles will need cups per day. This is an excellent guide to follow; however, all dogs are different, and if your dog ever acts hungry or aggressive constantly, this is a sign that you should increase their eating portion. If you can ever see your Goldendoodles' ribs, that is a strong indication that they need more food. Most dogs will stop eating when they get full, but it is still better to have set feeding times throughout the day rather than having one big meal available at all times. Foods That are Unhealthy or Poisonous for Goldendoodles There are a few foods that we may eat regularly that aren't healthy for Goldendoodles. This is very important to know of the foods to be mindful of. Grapes or raisins: These can cause your Goldendoodle to choke, and they will have a hard time digesting them. This also includes prunes. Dairy Products: When dairy products are given in large amounts, it can mess with the digestive system. Dogs' bodies are not used to processing dairy, which could cause problems if they have a lot. However, even though it's best to avoid this, a small amount is acceptable. Cherries: This might seem like a weird thing to be on this list, but they are toxic to Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. Any foods that are raw or uncooked could cause salmonella and other diseases. You should also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. Soda: This isn't the best for humans and even worse for dogs. They don't do very well with carbonation or high amounts of sugar. Chocolate: This is the most commonly known food that is toxic for all dogs, and it is accurate. Whether dark or light chocolate, dogs don't react well to this food. Coffee, avocado, onions, and garlic are all foods Goldendoodles should avoid eating. Any salty foods are not healthy for your dog either. It can cause them to get sick and dehydrated. Foods with a lot of sugar or even constantly providing food containing sugar can cause your dog to get diabetes. You don't have to change your Goldendoodles diet when they get sick, but most vets will recommend switching to white rice and chicken for their meals when they're ill or after surgery. When you are preparing this meal for your pup, you will want to give them only white meat with all bones and fat removed. As for the rice, people will usually say brown rice is healthier because it has more grains, but white rice is easier for them to digest when they are sick. Boil the chicken like you usually would until cooked. Then drain the water, pull off all bones and fat, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. As for the rice, you can boil it like you usually would or use the chicken broth from the chicken earlier. However you decide to prepare it, do not use any seasonings; these can be toxic for your puppy and worsen the condition. When deciding how much to give your puppy, use a one-to-two ratio. You will also want to check the temperature of the food to ensure they don't get burnt. Feeding a Picky Goldendoodle If your Goldendoodle is a picky eater, the solution is usually a quick fix. The common reasons for being picky could be that they are fed too often, they lack physical activities, receiving too many treats, or if your dog is stressed or sick. These are reasonable causes for a picky eater; they also have easy fixes. If you follow all of the guidelines brought out in this article, you will be sure to have a healthy and happy Goldendoodle. Their diet affects their behavior a lot more than some people may realize. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, you can visit our available puppies page. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame. A quantity of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs. Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized in one area or generalized all over the body. Occasionally, there may be watery release from the eyes or nose. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle puppy? Feel about its ribs — you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. You can also ask the breeder who sold you the puppy to see if they have any suggestions. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time. Since puppies grow fast, the importance and frequency of meals change as they develop. Summary Feeding a Goldendoodle can both be difficult and comfortable at the same time. Since they are not choosy eaters, these dogs can adapt well to new meals. The downside is that the Goldendoodle manages to have an acute stomach. This means you have to be alert about what you give your puppy. Remember, satisfied dogs are the healthful ones. This means you should avoid leaving food out for them at all times, as they can eat too much and become sick or even develop bloat, which can quickly become deadly. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle Puppy This may seem like a silly question, but it is relevant because the answer is actually not that obvious! You should be able to cover the food with your hand without your puppy making too much fuss. Allow them to start eating. While they are eating, stroke them and pet their heads. This is an excellent time to brush them, too, as they are occupied and not scrambling around. This is an important practice to get them used to your presence and prevent food guarding and aggression. Considering how large Goldendoodles can get even when they are puppies, this is an important part of their training. Next, give your puppy about 15 minutes to eat their food. During this time, they will either eat all of their food or eat until they are full and lose interest in the rest. After 15 minutes is up, remove any of the uneaten food left behind. If your puppy is still eating, then let them finish their food. The number of options can be overwhelming! Hopefully, I can whittle it down for you and make the decision a little easier. The American Kennel Club recommends using premium or high-end puppy food as they typically have a higher nutritional density and are more consistent, whereas cheaper foods can be inconsistent and contain filler products. Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their food should be more nutrient-dense because they can only eat a little bit at a time. Their food will generally be more expensive owing to its quality; however, it should last you longer than a bag of adult food. Just like with adult dog food, you can choose between kibble or solid food, pouches or semi-moist food, or canned soft food. Top Puppy Food Suggestions For Goldendoodles While there are innumerable options out there for you to choose from, I have carefully narrowed them down to three products that I highly recommend for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will grow to be very large and be prone to joint problems, so it is a wise decision to start them on puppy food that will support their growth through the time when they are doing most of it. Here are my three favorite Goldendoodle puppy foods and the features I love about them: Product. One of the most popular dog breeds is the Miniature Goldendoodle. One of the most crucial aspects that affect your Mini Goldendoodle's overall health is its diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that he or she remains healthy and content. Let's talk about how much food a Mini Goldendoodle should eat to maintain a normal weight and get all the nutrients they require. Consider the following when choosing how much to feed your Mini Goldendoodle: Age Compared to adult dogs, puppies have distinct dietary demands. Puppies of the Mini Goldendoodle breed need to eat more often than adult dogs do. They also need a particular kind of dog food specially formulated to encourage their development. Weight The amount of food a Mini Goldendoodle needs will depend on its weight. Obesity and other health issues can result from overeating. Exercise Level More energetic dogs need more calories than less active dogs do, just like us humans. Health Issues Your pets diet may need to vary depending on certain medical concerns. You might need to convert to a specific diet catered to your dog's needs, for instance, if they have food allergies or sensitivities. Recommended Feeding Amounts Your Mini Goldendoodle's calorie needs will vary over time according to their age, weight, and degree of activity. The following are some general guidelines, tips, and tricks: Puppies Mini Goldendoodle pups require more frequent feedings than adult dogs do. This is actually true of most if not all breeds. You can start giving your puppy two meals a day after the first six months. In order to help their digestion, senior dogs may need food that is lower in calories and higher in fiber. The easiest way to decide on the right food quantities for your aging Mini Goldendoodle is to speak with your veterinarian. It is important to remember that these are only broad recommendations and that your Miniature Goldendoodle's nutritional requirements may shift depending on their particular requirements. It's advisable to keep an eye on your dog's weight and modify their food schedule as necessary. Learn more about Mini Goldendoodles:.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Also known as the beagador, the beagle Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer breed. Created by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever with a purebred beagle, this mix combines the best of both worlds. If you are looking for an active, fun, and playful family companion, the beagle Labrador mix might be a perfect choice. Medium-sized, highly energetic, and sometimes mischievous, this crossbreed will keep you on your toes and provide hours of entertainment. This mix needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to behave nicely and can turn into a real menace when not properly exercised. Whether you are looking for a family companion or an energetic canine to be your exercise buddy, the Lab beagle mix fits the bill! Read on to learn everything you need to know before welcoming a beagador into your home! Beagle Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 19 to 24 inches tall, weighs between 30 and 80 pounds Coat — Short double coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Friendly, lively, curious, and affectionate Trainable — Highly trainable, but can become bored if not mentally stimulated Activity — Very active needs from 30 minutes to an hour of vigorous activity every day Best For — Active people, families, and homes with fenced backyards What Is A Beagle And Lab Mix? The beagle Lab mix dog is a designer breed, developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred beagle. This mix goes by several names, including beagador, labbe, labbe retriever, and labeagle. While both parent breeds are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the beagador is considered a designer dog breed. While some Labrador beagle mix dogs are a perfect blend of their parent breeds, others take more after one parent than the other. Keeping that in mind, there are a few things you can expect to see in your mix in terms of size and coat. Size As an offspring of a beagle and Labrador retriever, your Lab beagle mix will likely be a medium-sized dog. Most labbe retrievers are between 19 and 24 inches high at withers and weigh between 30 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Color There are three officially recognized Labrador colors — yellow , black, and chocolate. However, the beagle has 25 possible color combinations and can come in a variety of colors, including tan, brown, white, lemon, blue, black, red, fawn, bluetick, and redtick. Like all other double-coated breeds, your labeagle is going to shed moderately all year round and lose even more hair during the shedding season. Beagle Lab Dog Character There is no way of guessing the exact personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, including the beagle Lab dog. People-loving and affectionate, this mix makes a great family dog and gets along nicely with children who know how to play and interact with a dog. Before you welcome a beagle and Lab mix into your home, know that these dogs are very social creatures that crave attention and companionship. When not provided with the affection and attention they need, labbes can develop behavioral problems and turn to digging and howling. Beagadors need up to one hour of vigorous exercise every day, and they generally enjoy all sorts of activities. Jogging, hiking, swimming, and cycling are just a few of many things you can do with your dog to keep them exercised. A word of caution though — make sure you are using a leash while out and about with your mix. Beagles are scent hounds, and your mix will likely inherit a strong urge to sniff and chase after new scents. These dogs thrive and are the happiest when included in all family activities. If you have a fenced backyard, let your dog out to run, play, and sniff new scents for as long as they want to. Intellectual Stimulation Besides being highly energetic, labbe retrievers are also very smart and can get bored without proper mental stimulation. And when they are bored, lebbes are also destructive and will resort to chewing, digging, and howling just to have some fun. Companionship Beagadors are social and people-loving dogs that like to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for larger families or homes that are never empty, meaning your dog will rarely, if ever, stay home alone. They crave attention and companionship and can easily develop behavioral issues when left alone at home. Grooming The beagle Labrador mix is a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. When it comes to bathing, bathe your beagador once every two months or as needed using a mild dog shampoo. Diet The ideal diet for the Labrador beagle mix should be formulated for medium-sized dogs with high energy. Please note, like their parent breeds, beagadors tend to overeat and can easily pack on the extra pounds and become obese. The Labrador beagle mix is generally healthy, but they can inherit the same health problems that are seen in their parent breeds. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This condition is commonly seen in Labs and is characterized by malformation of the hip and elbow joints. Both of these conditions are extremely painful for the dog and can lead to arthritis, mobility issues, and lameness. Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition and the most common cause of seizures in dogs. Epilepsy is an inherited disorder that is commonly seen in beagles. Cherry Eye: This is another condition that is more often diagnosed in beagles than Labs. Life Expectancy The Lab beagle mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, with proper care and regular veterinary checkups, beagadors can live longer and reach senior years completely healthy. Training a beagador might go either way, depending on which parent your pup takes more after. Most Labrador beagle mix dogs are highly intelligent and eager-to-please, just like their Lab parents. To keep your pooch interested in learning and training, use positive reinforcement, and always give your dog a reward when they follow your command. Reward-based training has been proven as the most effective training method and will give results even if your mix is too headstrong for its own good. Besides training, you should also start socializing your mix from an early age. Start exposing your beagador to different people, situations, places, and scents after they receive all the necessary vaccines. This way, your dog will get used to interacting with other people and animals from a young age and grow up into a friendly and outgoing dog. The Lab beagle mix makes a great pet and companion to active people and families with children. But, if you are active, spend most of your time outdoors, and have a fenced backyard the beagador might just be the perfect dog for you! As always, talk with the breeder first and schedule an appointment to meet the puppy and the mother. They will also be able to provide health certificates for the puppies and the parents that show their dogs are completely healthy. The exact price of the puppy will depend on the breeder, your location, lineage, and supply and demand. History Of The Breeds Beagle The beagle is a small breed of scent hound, primarily developed to track and hunt small game, mostly rabbits and hare. While beagles are still used by hunters as scent hounds, they also make wonderful family pets and companions. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland, where it was originally used by fishermen to retrieve fish. The breed was later brought to England where it was developed into a hard worker and companion we know today. Eager-to-please, friendly, loyal, and kind are just a few of many traits that make Labradors universally loved and extremely popular. Labrador retrievers make amazing family companions and pets and are also used as search and rescue dogs and service dogs. Lab beagle mixes make wonderful family pets to active people or families with children. They are social, playful, and energetic dogs that like to be involved in all family activities and spend time with their owners. Keep in mind that beagadors can easily become bored and destructive if not properly exercised. How much do beagadors cost? Keep in mind that this is the average cost and you might end up spending more depending on the breeder, your location, and supply and demand for Labrador beagle mix puppies. Do beagadors like swimming? Depending on which parent breed it takes after more,your Lab beagle mix might enjoy swimming. If your beagador is anything like their Labrador retriever parent, they will love to swim in the water. Conclusion The increasingly popular beagle Lab mix makes a great companion and family pet to active people and families with children. Medium in size, easy to groom, and generally healthy, beagadors are suited for novice and experienced owners alike. Before you welcome a Labrador beagle mix into your home, make sure you can: Keep your dog exercised and mentally stimulated Have a fenced backyard for your mix to play in Have enough free time to interact and play with your beagador every day Do you have a Beagle Lab Mix? If so, what is your dog like? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. A Beagador puppy should grow into a medium-sized, chunky adult although there can be some variation. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the show type Labs - big, chunky dogs that carry far more weight. These Labs can top the scales at a hefty 80 lbs 36 kg at adulthood, while also reaching a not too shabby .In contrast, if you have ever seen a pack of Beagles you will understand that they are far more uniform in size. This medium-sized hound reaches an adult weight of around lbs kg , with a maximum height of 15 inches 38 cm. Your best bet is to look at the parents, especially the Lab side of the equation. As a rough estimate, they are likely to range from between inches tall 61 cm with a weight range of lbs 11 - 20 kg ; making them a medium-sized dog. Despite this, remember that there are no guarantees when producing a cross and there can often be a wide variation between a single litter of puppies! When buying a puppy, ensure that both parents have still been health tested. Major problems for the Labrador and Beagle include hip dysplasia and degenerative eye conditions ; both of which are hereditary. This means that the problem can be passed down from the parents to the puppies. The American Kennel Club provides a list of health checks that breeders should adhere to, ask the breeder to see the relevant paperwork before you buy. It is easy to get carried away when faced with a litter of adorable puppies, but problems such as hip dysplasia can cause your little bundle of fluff a world of pain when they mature and could result in them needing surgery. At the end of the day, always ensure your little Labbe puppy has been bred not just for looks, but also health and temperament too. How easy will a Beagle Lab mix be to train? The Labbeagle is a mix of two very different types of dog. On the one hand, you have the Labrador; a powerful, agile gundog that was historically bred to spend the whole day out in the field retrieving game shot by his owner. They are used to being exceptionally obedient , responding to commands in an instant. In contrast to this is the Beagle who needed to be capable of independent working, using their exceptional sense of smell to track prey and hunt it down with little input from people. With such variation between the two parents, your Labbe puppies personality can be a little unpredictable! You may have a pup that enjoys learning and in some respects is easy to train. Yet be prepared that you might also have a puppy that develops selective deafness should something more exciting come along! A Labbe puppy and adult can often have a mind of their own, something a new owner should be prepared for. Of course, this situation can be mitigated by ensuring your puppy attends training classes as soon as their vaccines have been completed. Not only will they learn to respond to commands amid distractions, but it also provides a safe environment for them to socialize with other dogs. Otherwise, you could find they take you hunting for the day! They can be incredibly vocal! Cats especially will soon make a break for it and if your Beagador decides to give chase, not only could they hurt the cat but they could also hurt themselves if they run into a road. Their coat might be short, but be prepared for them to shed lots of hair Both the Beagle and Labrador have short, no-nonsense coats suitable for an active working dog. However, do not be deceived by this. Although short, your Beagle Lab is likely to shed lots of hair, particularly when the seasons change. Not only will this help keep your home cleaner but it can also help cut down on the hoovering! Both breeds have been bred to work well with people, and this easygoing nature ensures that as long as the children are well behaved, your dog will be too. Cuddle time is a winner with this mix, and they are also exceptionally loyal. Of course, it is important to remember that this temperament will come from you puppies parents too, so again make sure you meet them before you buy. If this sounds like your sort of dog, do not get a Labbeagle! This breed has a strong working instinct gained from both its parents, resulting in a dog that needs not only physical exercise but mental stimulation too. If these needs are not met, the result can be a noisy, destructive dog capable of doing some serious furniture damage when you are away from home. Try to avoid leaving your Beagle Lab mix for more than a few hours at a time. I would aim for two decent walks a day one hour each ; this is the bare minimum that they should receive. This will ensure that they can stretch their legs, meet other doggy friends and have a good sniff around to work that fantastic nose of theirs. This regular exercise will also ensure that they avoid becoming overweight. By ensuring they have plenty of free running time, you will keep off the pounds. An obese dog is not only at risk from weight-related diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, but ultimately they will have a shorter lifespan too. Conclusion If your idea of a dream dog is a loving sofa companion that will also enjoy spending several hours each day galavanting around the countryside with you, then a Labrador-Beagle mix could be the dog for you. Just remember to put in the hours with the training in the early days, and you will be rewarded with a well-mannered pet in the long run. Own a Labbe already? Thinking of getting one? Let us know in the comments below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Eye and Ear Examination Hip and Elbow X-Rays These tests will help in the early diagnosis of your pets and get them treated immediately afterward. These tests will also help you know if your dog has acquired one or more of the following health concerns for their hybrid: Gastric Torsion. Some cases could also include the sudden death of the dog. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia. A common skeletal condition in dogs wherein the elbow or hip joints do not fit or develop properly, which results in gradual deterioration and eventual loss of function. Congenital Heart Defect. This is caused by a heart disease which can affect one or both sides of the heart. It sometimes progresses slowly, taking years before it is spotted in a dog. Osteochondritis Dissecans. It occurs when abnormal cartilage develops on the end of a bone in their joints. It is a result of the disruption in the blood supply of the affected bone. In some cases, the Lab Beagle hybrid can also develop Glaucoma. There are also cases in which minor health concerns appear in dogs such as the Otitis Externa, Cataract, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Lab mixed with Beagle Food Requirements In choosing what to feed your dog, keep in mind their age and lifestyle. Younger dogs will thrive on these best puppy food brands, and the Beagle Lab mix will make the most of available nutrients if you opt for one of our best large breed dry dog food picks. Your Lab Beagle pup might be on the smaller side of the dog-size scale. If so, your vet will almost certainly approve that the dog munches on any of the best dry dog food for small dogs. Depending on their exercise habits, the Lab mix should consume between 1. If your pet is an older pooch, they will be better off with one of the best senior dry dog food brands. Checking their eating habits frequently should also be done to prevent overeating which might lead to dog obesity. Another thing that can help you keep their weight in check is choosing among best dry dog food and staying away from artificial preservative-filled worst dry dog food in the market. Feeding them should occur twice a day rather than in a single large meal to prevent bloating. Here are some of the best dog foods for active puppies like the beagle lab mix: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Foundations Puppy — This dog food contains chicken, chicken broth, dried egg, peas, salmon oil, and many more. Recommended for all puppies including those of the larger breeds, it helps with the growth of the puppy. It has an above-average protein and fat, as well as below-average carbohydrates when compared to the conventional wet dog food. It has above-average protein and fat content and lower carb content. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy — Comprised mostly of buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and pea protein, this dog food is recommended for puppies of all breed in all its life stages. It has above average protein, near average fat, and low carb content. Another way to provide your pup with essential nutrients and the right amount of fat and protein is to include premium-quality supplements that will give your dog extra energy. They are ready to join you in any kind of excursion, may it be a beach trip, a forest walk, or a hike in the mountains, anytime. Just make sure to keep them in a leash because if they caught a scent of something they find interesting, their curiosity might take over. They are quite fond of swimming and will love to participate in a game of fetch, ball, or frisbee to burn off extra energy. This hybrid will also do well in dog sports like agility and tracking. They are advised to live in a household with a fenced yard, which they would not be able to dig under. This hybrid is known to be excellent diggers after all. They are not really sensitive when it comes to weather and climate but just make sure to walk them in the morning or the evenings and not in the middle of the day when the sun is glaring too hot from the sky. Their recommended weekly mileage is 14 miles with at least 60 minutes of daily activities. You must also keep your dog within the recommended weight range so maintain their health at a maximum. Some experts even recommend a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes of rigorous daily exercise. If your dog seems to be restless and destructive, you may take it as a sign that the dog needs more training than they are getting. Exercise will help your Beagle Lab Mix avoid boredom, which might lead to unruly behavior. The breed is a people pleaser that is why it will do anything for the people it loves, making it easier to train. Although there are times that the breed can be a little stubborn and hard to teach. First time trainers might have a hard time teaching the dogs some tricks. Here are some tips by which you can effectively train your dog: Crate Training. It can be a way to keep your new dog safe and prevent them from excessive chewing. It also helps with their potty training and is a great way to manage the safety and well-being of the puppies. Remember that the crates should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, sit, and stretch out. Obedience Training. This is one of the most essential and necessary trainings for any dog. The obedience training comes from the five core commands which are the come, sit, stay, heel, and down. Most beagle mixes are sweet-tempered and get along well with different dogs and cats. Socialisation is essential to train your dog to become outgoing and confident. Remember that like every breed, the beagle lab mix must undergo training in its early stages. Positive reinforcement is also considered effective and impactful in training. Beagle mixed with Labrador and Families There are a few things to consider before buying this hybrid. Both its parent breeds are energetic and intelligent, so they might need additional room to grow and play, especially if it inherits the size of its Labrador Retriever parent. There will also be a time that you will need to invest much money and time in positive reinforcement. The natural curiosity and inquisitiveness of its parent breeds may result in the hybrid excessively wandering off, so you might need to invest in an excellent fenced-in yard. Beagle Lab hybrids are also great as a family pet for people who have kids of all ages. The hybrid tends to be loyal and patient to its family and can get along well even with the other dogs and house pets. If you find that these factors are enough, then maybe a Lab Beagle cross is the right puppy for you and your family. Finding a healthy puppy. Where Do The Come From? The Beagle Lab mix has a strong working history on both sides of the family. The Lab originated in Northwest Newfoundland, Canada. Once upon a time, the Labrador was actually known as St. In modern times, the Lab is bred as a doting family pet. In addition, Labs are known as excellent guide dogs for the blind. Their intelligence and loyalty make them great service animals to their human companions. Just like the Lab, Beagles were bred primarily for hunting. Beagles are also known for a keen sense of smell and their signature bark, which comes in handy when leading hunters to a fallen game. Temperament and Behavior of the Beagle Lab Mix As with any first-generation crossbreed, the outcome in terms of things like temperament can be unpredictable. Crossbred dogs can inherit behavioral traits from either purebred parent. Taking a closer look at the parents of your potential Beagle Lab mix puppy can give you some insight into the possible temperament your dog could inherit. In general, Labs are widely known as intelligent dogs, eager to please and easy to train. They are excellent family dogs and do well with children and other pets. But Labs like to chew! As such, they require an abundance of toys and bones to reduce the chances of damaged furniture and flooring. Labs are also high-energy dogs requiring regular exercise and love nothing more than being part of fun family activities. Beagles are known to be playful, affectionate, and highly energetic, meaning they crave constant activity and need a sufficient amount of exercise. Beagles are also known to love the outdoors. Since they are easy to train, Beagles do well in homes with children, just like the Lab. However, they are quite vocal and known for their boisterous bark! Defining Characteristics of the Beagle Lab Mix As with temperament, the Beagle Lab mix can inherit a wide range of physical traits from both parents. Features like coat color, weight, and height have to be left to chance and will depend on which parent the mix takes after. The Lab comes in three standard colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. The Beagle has 25 possible color combinations, with ten colors making up those combinations—tan, white, brown, lemon, red, blue, black, bluetick, redtick, and fawn. The full-grown Labrador will be 22 to 25 inches and weigh about 55 to 80 pounds. An adult Beagle is typically 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs about 20 to 30 pounds. In general, a full grown Beagle Lab Mix will be a medium sized dog that about 19 to 24 inches and 25 to 45 pounds. Again, size, height, and weight can vary depending on the purebred parents. Grooming Your Lab Beagle Mix For the most part, the Beagle Lab cross is easy to care for and only requires bathing a few times a month. Both the Lab and the Beagle have similar weather-resistant coats that shed seasonally. So, the Beagle Lab mix is going to require weekly grooming and brushing to help keep its coat shiny and healthy. Training and Exercising Your Beagle Lab Mix Since the temperament of the Beagle and Lab are quite similar, a Lab Beagle Mix puppy is expected to be an intelligent, highly energetic, and incredibly loyal crossbreed. Like his parents, the Lab Beagle Mix will be eager to please and easy to train. This can include daily walks on public trails or paths, hanging out in parks, and switching up scenery to get your dog used to new faces, sounds, and smells. Labrador Beagle Mixes are known to suffer separation anxiety and may exhibit destructive behavior when left alone too long. If they become bored, the Beagle Lab Mix will sometimes bark, or even howl. Consistent exercise and a variety of toys will help keep your Beagle Lab Mix calm and entertained while you are away. As with all breeds, some health problems are passed down from generation to generation, and the purebred Lab is no exception. Labs are known to suffer loose knee joints, elbow and hip dysplasia, ruptured ligaments in their hind legs, eye disease, heart disease, epilepsy, cancer, and chronic allergies. Labs are also more prone than the average dog to gastrointestinal problems and bloating. Early health screening of your Beagle Lab mix can help to avoid or prepare for future problems. Choose healthy brands of food that provide proper nutrition depending on the age and weight of your Beagle Lab mix. Doing this can help reduce the chance your Beagle Lab mix will suffer from obesity. The Beagle Lab Mix will do best with an owner who lives an active lifestyle and enjoys being outdoors. Lab Beagle Crosses makes excellent family dogs. Finding a Labrador Beagle Mix Puppy Finding a new puppy from a reputable, responsible source can sometimes be tricky. So do plenty of research before you decide where to get your Beagle Lab Mix. Most reputable breeders should be able to provide certificates regarding the health of its parents and prove they have been screened and cleared of certain health issues. Be sure to ask about temperament issues and health concerns with parent dogs when looking to adopt any crossbreed. If you are unsure about rescuing from a local shelter or purchasing a dog from a breeder you find online, you could try attending a local dog show. Networking at events like this can help point you in the right direction. You can also find a local AKC , which can help you locate the right breeder. Shelters often carry all types of crossbreeds, and one of the many advantages of a rescue dog is the price! Although most shelters incur fees, they are often a fraction of what some breeders will charge. Most shelters will cover the initial vet fees, to ensure the dog is adoption-worthy and ready for a new home. We recommend researching reputable shelters in your area to find out the specifics on pricing. Glaucoma, cherry eye, progressive retinal atrophy Joints: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella Other Hypothyroidism, hereditary myopathy, Exercise Induced Collapse Epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is known to occur in the Beagle parent of this mix. This issue can cause seizures in affected dogs. Beagles that are known to suffer from epilepsy should not be used to create Beagador puppies. Glaucoma Canine glaucoma actually refers to an entire group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve. Dogs with this problem may lose their vision entirely over time. Others may experience pain and redness around their eyes to accompany this vision loss. Cherry Eye Cherry eye is another canine eye disorder that is often seen in the Beagle parent. You may notice redness and excessive itching or rubbing in dogs with cherry eye. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is another eye disorder, often seen in the Labrador parent of the Beagador. Over time, dogs with PRA will lose their sight completely. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are a joint disorder commonly seen in the Labrador Retriever. This can lead to pain and trouble moving and walking. But, luckily health tests are available for this issue, so dogs with high risk can be avoided when breeding Beagadors. Luxating Patella Luxating Patella is also known as a dislocated kneecap. If your dog has this problem, their kneecap will slide or move out of its normal place. This can cause problems walking and pain. Hypothyroidism Dogs with hypothyroidism will have an underactive thyroid gland, slowing down their metabolism. Signs of this can include weight gain, lethargy, dull hair, and getting easily cold. This problem is treatable, but not curable. Hereditary Myopathy Hereditary myopathy is also known as muscle weakness. It is a genetic issue that can be found in the Labrador Retriever breed. A DNA test is available to identify carriers and aid in planned breeding to avoid passing the disease on. Be careful of overexercising and overexciting Beagle Lab mixes, especially if they are known to suffer with this issue. General Health of Cross Breeds As long as this mix is bred by a reputable, experienced breeder, they will usually have great health. Discuss any unusual or suspicious findings with your vet. Labrador Retrievers and Beagles are prone to excessive weight gain. This will increase the chance of elbow or hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. The Beagle Lab mix will have a short, dense, double coat. It may be water repellant, like a Lab. If so, you may notice a strong smell when your dog gets wet. This is due to the oily covering on his fur that repels water. Once he is dry, the smell should dissipate. Coat Care The Beagador will always have a short, dense, double coat. It may be soft like a Beagle, or water repellant like a Labrador. A Beagador will need regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing will also reduce shedding. Be sure to give him some extra attention during the warmer months, when shedding is at its peak. This breed is known to shed a lot. It will likely not be suitable for people who suffer from allergies. Based on the average lifespans of the parent breeds, the expected lifespan of a Beagle Lab mix is years. Although this is by no means a fixed length. Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder, following the tips above, and attending regular veterinary checks will help to increase this lifespan. They need a high level of training to contain their high spirited nature. But they will provide hours of fun and loving companionship for adults and children alike. A well trained Beagador will be happy to accompany the family on outdoor adventures, hikes in the woods, or a visit to the lake. Beagle Lab mixes are pack animals that need to be with their family. They will not tolerate being alone for long. A family that is often away from home would not be a good fit for this social pooch. You may want to consider opening your heart to one of these great dogs. Rescuing a dog is a great option for people who are less particular about the exact breed or characteristics of their Beagle Lab mix puppy. Rescue organizations are also a great option if you want to adopt an adult dog. This is a good choice if you prefer specific personality traits or are looking for a dog who already has some training. Finding a Rescue Center Currently, breed centers that specialize in Beagadors are not common. To find a Beagle Lab mix available for rescue, look in rescue centers in your local area. You can also look in rescue centers that are dedicated to the Labrador and Beagle parent breeds. Many of these places will take in mixed breeds as long as one of their parents is their chosen breed.

Articles Sit. Heal Boxer Dog Hip Dysplasia: What to Know Characterized by their regal stance, drooping jowls, endearing underbite, and squashed face, boxer dogs are beloved, protective members of the family. As with any of our pets, it can be painful to watch an energetic dog begin limping with rear leg pain or show other signs of discomfort. Boxers are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a common dog skeletal condition on one or both of the hip joints caused by genetics, nutritional, and environmental factors. CHD is a malformation of the ball and joint socket of the hip. Hip dysplasia has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. Your veterinarian can diagnose this disease after a complete physical exam with X-rays of the hips and pelvis. Some breeds have genetic predispositions to hip dysplasia. In addition to bulldogs, retrievers, and Rottweilers, boxers and other muscled and large breed dogs are also affected by hip dysplasia at a higher rate. Boxers can be born with hip dysplasia, although their hips may appear perfectly normal. Your boxer puppy with hip dysplasia may not show symptoms for six months or a few years. Older dogs may develop hip dysplasia from deterioration of the hip bone and cartilage. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner the boxer puppy can begin treatment and return to pain-free play time. Hip Dysplasia Treatment Options If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Dog hip braces may also slow the progression of this chronic issue and provide support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Talk to your vet about the following common boxer breed medical problems that may be affecting your pup: Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common health problems boxer dogs experience. Symptoms of arthritis are similar to symptoms of hip dysplasia. In fact, arthritis may develop as a result of existing conditions like hip dysplasia. A Hip Hound Brace can also provide support for arthritis. Discuss options with your vet. The dog will begin favoring the non-injured leg and it may appear to be boxer hip pain, although the issue is in the CCL. A brace, such as the Ortho Dog Cruciate Care Dog Knee Brace can help stabilize the knee by limiting flexion and extension so that scar tissue can form a callus over the tear for healing. Degenerative Myelopathy A progressive disease of the spinal cord typically seen in dogs between 8 and 14 years old, degenerative myelopathy in boxers can result in hind-end paralysis. Learn more about Degenerative Myelopathy. Bone Cancer Osteosarcoma Signs of bone cancer in boxers can include lameness and joint pain, as well as fatigue and a mass growth. As with hip dysplasia, an X-ray by a certified veterinarian can help diagnose this disease. For the most part, these health issues can be treated if caught early enough. The breeders test for most of these on the parents of the puppies. There are health tests for these health issues, you should visit your veterinarian to perform yearly tests and talk over health issues of your boxer. Cancer Boxers are at risk of various cancers. They are brain, thyroid, mammary glands, testes, heart, spleen, blood, lymph system lymphoma , and other organs. Benign skin tumors usually respond to surgical removal under local anesthesia. Malignant forms of cancer need specific treatment. Being observant to any unusual worth on your boxer goes a long way to prevention and treatment on time. The aortic valve is the valve through which blood leaves the heart, traveling to the rest of the body. When this valve is narrowed, the heart and specifically the left ventricle, which is the chamber that pumps blood through the aorta must work harder to force blood out through the valve. In many cases, affected dogs do not show any signs. AS is detected on a routine physical examination, when the veterinarian notices a heart murmur. The boxers with severe AS show the following signs lethargy, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and fainting. The tests used to confirm a diagnosis of AS are electrocardiography ECG , and echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart. Fainting or even sudden heart failure can occur, and some patients can develop congestive heart failure. It could show up as soon as 6 months or as late as 10 years of age. Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy are an irregular heartbeat in a routine exam, fainting, coughing, rapid breathing, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and sudden death. A 24 hours holter recording the heart's activity for this period of time, an electrocardiography ECG , and echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart. In Boxer it appears to have a predisposition for development of CKD, suggesting that kidney disease in this breed might be heritable. DM is a neurological disease that affects the spinal column and nerves that coordinate the movement of the rear legs. Eventually boxers lose their ability to walk, incontinent and are euthanized. There is now a test that detects DM. Spondylosis Spondylosis is a degenerative spinal condition that affects older dogs, but can also happen due to an injury. Some show no symptoms a boxer knows how to hide his ills, however some of the symptoms are motion issues or inflexibility, lameness or limping. Treatment for mild symptoms may be prescribed pain medication or anti inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy and an exercise program can help also monitoring weight and a weight loss program if the boxer is overweight. Hip Dysplasia HD Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the ball and socket joint that makes up the hip. Some of the symptoms are the dog does not want to play vigorously, pain and lameness, hip dysplasia shows in ages between 4 months to a year. Dog should be tested for hip dysplasia at 2 years of age. Symptoms will show between the ages of years old, but it can be diagnosed at any age. Some of the symptoms are: sleepiness, lethargy, weakness, increased appetite, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, the coat can become dull and dry, loss of fur, itchy skin, skin sores or infections, and ear inflammation. Diabetes Diabetes is when the pancreas fails to produce insulin properly. Treatment usually requires insulin shots for life. Some of the symptoms are frequent urination, hunger, weight loss, vomiting and weakness. For more information, browse the following links:. Struggling in hot weather Collapsing Your vet will discuss weight control and the possibility of surgery to help your dog feel more comfortable with the condition. Epilepsy This common cause of seizures in boxers is often inherited from a parent and usually surfaces between six months and six years of age. Perfectly healthy canines can have one or two unexplained seizures during their lifetime. Turn off any lights and make the room quiet. Note how long the seizure lasts and film it if you can. Phone your vet — if you have coverage with one of our Purely Pets dog insurance plans, you can call the hour vet video service for quick and professional advice. Caring for your boxer dog With the knowledge of the possible health concerns your boxer may experience and the symptoms to look for, you can get your animal help when it needs it. Dog insurance plans cover your pet in case it needs urgent care, but there are complementary measures you need to take at home to make sure it enjoys the life it deserves. What does a boxer dog eat? This breed grows to a medium or large size, and they need a well-balanced, complete diet to keep them fit and healthy. So feeding them the right foods is essential to their quality of life. Discuss with your vet how much your pet should be eating. They can weigh your boxer and measure their height to determine an ideal diet. Feed your four-legged friend at a similar time each day and let their meal go down before taking them out to exercise. How to train a boxer dog This breed is clever, but they can also be boisterous and clown around during training. Use these tips to raise an obedient and well-trained pup: Implement a positive, reward-based training programme from an early age. Maintain a firm but fair attitude with plenty of reassurance for good behaviour. Be patient and consistent to get the best results. Boxers mature at a slower rate than most dog breeds, and their energetic puppy-like ways can make it challenging to control them as they get bigger. Before you bring a boxer into your home, consider whether you have what it takes to keep it controlled. What exercise does a boxer need? As you might expect, this high energy, active breed needs plenty of exercise. Boxers love playing and it can be a rare sight to see one sitting calmly. These dogs need a minimum of two hours daily exercise, which can be split into a few walks. Give them plenty of chances to get sniffing and explore their surroundings as well as some off-lead time for a decent run around. Use every opportunity you get to let them stretch their legs. This could be taking them with you when you pop to the shop or letting them out into the garden on a nice day. Do boxers need grooming? All dogs need some form of grooming to keep them clean and maintain their coat. Boxer owners will be pleased to hear this breed is fairly low maintenance, thanks to their short hair that only needs a weekly brush. Your dog will shed throughout the year, especially in autumn and spring, but the hairs are easy to clean with a hoover. Make sure your boxer has frequent baths to keep their skin folds clean and dry. The excess flaps can cause skin fold dermatitis if not looked after properly. Many owners complement their dog insurance plans with a pet health programme. While the former takes care of your animal in case of an emergency, the latter is sometimes offered by vets to spread the cost of routine treatments and grooming. What are the best accessories for a boxer dog? Is a boxer the right dog for me? The affectionate and loyal nature of this breed might make you consider bringing one into your family home. Remember, boxers are large dogs and need lots of care to keep them healthy and happy. Before you adopt or buy one of these canines, ask yourself if you have the funds and time needed to give them the life they deserve. Cost of owning a boxer Usually, the bigger the breed, the bigger your bank balance needs to be. So, just what causes such a big expenditure? Purchase costs: Unless you adopt a boxer from a rescue centre, you can expect to pay a hefty price for these lovable dogs. Be wary of cheap puppies and check you always buy from a Kennel Club Assured breeder. Set-up costs: This includes everything you need to pay for when you first get a puppy. They need vaccinations, neutering, and lots of accessories. Ongoing costs: Throughout their lifetime you need to provide food, preventative healthcare, more accessories, and vet bills. As boxers are prone to so many health conditions, dog insurance plans are a good idea to help you save on unexpected medical bills. Additional costs: You need to budget for other miscellaneous costs like training, kennels, and a dog walker if you work all day. Time needed to look after a boxer Unless you have the budget to pay for doggy day-care and walkers every day, you need plenty of free time to give your dog the care it deserves. Your boxer needs at least 2 hours of exercise a day plus training. You also need to factor in time for feeding, bathing, and playing with your fun-loving pet. Are boxers good with kids and other pets? Yes, this breed usually makes excellent family dogs that love to play with children. Boxers take pride in protecting their owners but are very rarely aggressive. They fare best with older children due to their large size and boisterous nature. These dogs also love other pets as long as you introduce them slowly. The two most common ways to get this breed are rehoming centres and breeders. There are many rescue centres across the UK that may have boxers, and others specialise in finding new homes for the breed. Dogs from these organisations are usually older, so make sure to check their history for any health or behavioural concerns you need to look out for. When you buy from a breeder, there are a few things you need to check before you bring a puppy home. Make sure they meet the high standards required to be a Kennel Club Assured breeder. The dog should also be well socialised and have up-to-date vaccinations and health checks along with screening tests. The greatest way to reward their ever-growing loyalty is with a lifetime pet insurance policy. Dog insurance plans protect your animal in times of need and could save you thousands in vet bills. At Purely Pets, we know how important dogs are to your family and that they deserve only the best during their time with you. Choose from 15 levels of lifetime cover to fit your budget and needs and manage your policy online at a time that suits you. Are you looking to protect your loyal boxer through every stage of its life? Check out the dog insurance plans at Purely Pets today. Boxer Dog Behavior Overview Are you thinking about getting a Boxer and wondering if this dog breed is right for you? Do you have questions about general Boxer behavior problems? Or perhaps you own a Boxer and you are curious if his or her behavior is normal. Each recognized dog breed has their own general behavior and overall temperament; this is what defines a dog breed and makes them special. Each dog within that breed has their own little quirks and personalities that make each individual dog a treasure. Large, powerful and sleek with an imposing appearance and loud bark, the Boxer is a fantastic watchdog. While their looks may be intimidating, this breed also makes for a wonderful family pet. Their temperament is quite special. Boxers are the perfect companion for singles and large families. They typically get along great with other dogs, and children. Some even do just fine with cats. Depression We have received many requests from our Members, asking for information regarding the subject of depression in Boxer dogs. There are many reasons and circumstances in which a dog may show depressed behavior. Understanding why your dog is behaving this way will lead you to know which steps to take to help him. Learn more in our Boxer Depression section. Is this Breed Right for You? Boxer Dog Behavior to Keep in Mind While the Boxer is a great dog and very popular all around the world especially in the United States , because this is a big dog one of the largest of the medium sized breeds , one should keep a few things in mind. Boxer puppy behavior is excited and rambunctious. Boxer puppies are generally very active and love to jump and bounce around. If you love playing with and being entertained by a puppy- and a rather large one at that - the Boxer is for you! If your home is filled with expensive items and you generally keep things as clean as a whistle, having a Boxer pup playfully hopping around may not be right for you. A Boxer makes a lot of amusing noises. If you want a quiet dog, you may want to think about another breed. However, if you love Boxers and are amused by the many noises one can make, this is the dog for you! The Boxer, along with other mastiff breeds such as the Pug dog were bred to have flat faces and wide noses. Because of the shape of a Boxer's head and face, a Boxer will: Snort Grunt Snore- Sometimes snoring can be quite loud. Pass gas flatulence All dogs do this, the Boxer may just be a bit less discreet! Whine - A soft whining may be vocalized to gain attention. The Boxer is, in general, a bit stubborn. While this breed may not immediately follow every command and in some cases play a mental game with you called, "Who's the Boss? If your Boxer dog is not listening to you, you'll want to be sure to teach and then continually reinforce proper hierarchy. If you are looking for the easy way out, this breed is not for you. If you are looking for a dog that needs interaction and effort from his owner to be fully trained and you are happy to do it, a Boxer will fit well into your life style. The Boxer can display some destructive behavior if not properly stimulated throughout the day. Just as a human would have a difficult time sitting in 1 room all day, alone and without entertainment, so does this dog. .The breed needs an owner who is able to provide a daily schedule of activities: Walks and exercise to help maintain muscle mass, keep the heart healthy, and release pent-up energy, grooming to keep skin and coat healthy, bathing, regular meals, playtime and plenty of interesting dog toys. If a Boxer is given enough attention and activity when their owner is home, they will most likely settle down and behave well when left home alone. Separation Anxiety can occur with both puppies and adults that are left home alone for too long. How long is too long? That depends on the dog! For some, having an owner leave for 10 minutes can be stressful. For others, nervousness can set in after a couple hours. If your Boxer is very sensitive to being left alone, you can train him or her to learn to cope. When you leave, do not make a huge fuss or give hugs and kisses; this will send a message that leaving is a big deal. You can give your dog all the attention in the world, but stop doing so about 30 minutes before you actually leave. Once he has been fed, has been taken out to eliminate and perhaps had a walk, you should quietly leave. Throwing a toy as a distraction works well. Leave for just a few minutes and work your way up to longer and longer amounts of time. When you arrive home, again do not cause a fuss. Calmly enter and greet your dog with a relaxed tone. Your dog will read off of you and react accordingly. If you announce your arrival back as if you have just returned from a month-long vacation and shower him or her with affection, your Boxer will become very excited. If you arrive back calmly, and wait a bit before enthusiastic interaction, your dog will then not associate play and fun with your arrival. They will simply enjoy the attention. Other Dogs This breed generally gets along very well with other dogs and two Boxer dogs together will be partners in crime for life. While an established Boxer should be tested to see how he reacts and tolerates another dog before bringing in an addition to the household, most do remarkably well. This breed can be very friendly with the smallest of toy dogs and the largest of the large. Inside Environment The Boxer is on the top of the medium sized dog breeds. While a dog of any size can live in any sized home, space should be considered before bringing a Boxer home. While this dog can make do with living in a small apartment, having a larger living area is best for the Boxer breed. In general, this breed loves to run around and have room to jump and play, even as an adult. If you have hardly any extra room in your living room, what will happen when your puppy grows into a 60 lb. You will be sharing your couch with this breed and it is best to think ahead to what life will be like with this size dog. If you do have extra room imagine living with one extra human in your house , the Boxer is the right breed for you! But during our walks if another dog is walking towards us, she will get into a crouch down position and will start walking very slowly till they meet. She does this every time. Why does she do that? A: That's actually a great question. Many owners believe this sort of behavior is due to a submissive nature or to show caution. However, your Boxer crouches in that way as a sign of play.It appears that your Boxer is open to having canine playmates and that is a great sign of good socialization skills. Q: My Boxer is just about one year old and to this day he's yet to bark. He makes some noises, so his voice box is working. I don't really need him for protection, but it kind of would have been nice. Should I be concerned? A: It's actually not that uncommon for owners to worry their a Boxer doesn't bark. Many Boxers are better at protecting via their size than their bark. Some are just really laid back and easy-going. If you ever had a pup that was a yapper, you'd know how lucky you are. So, no reason to be concerned at all as long as he's not showing any signs of a health issue. Q: My 2 year old male Boxer hiccups a lot. Is that okay? Should I try and stop it? A: Canines do get hiccups just like humans and most cases are infrequent and short-lived. In cases where it lasts a long time, a dog can start to get frustrated with the diaphragm spasms and if your Boxer does show behavior that he's bothered you can intervene by giving him a spoonful of smooth peanut butter; that usually does the trick. See Also: Begging Behavior - If a Boxer thinks that there is even a slight chance that he can get a tasty tidbit from you, he may never give up in asking for it. Advice for teaching a Boxer to stop begging. Are Boxers Outside Dogs - Boxers love to run around outside; however, they should be supervised and never allowed to spend the day outdoors alone. Boxer doesn't like the Cold - Even good sized dogs like the Boxer can have cold intolerance. Since daily exercise is very important, you'll want to take steps to encourage your puppy or dog to stay outside with you. Jumping Up on People - If your Boxer is way too enthusiastic and leaps up to greet you or guests, this is common; but, there's some effective ways to train your puppy or dog to curb this behavior. Why do Boxers Drool - Some drooling can be expected. How much is normal and how much is considered excessive. Boxer Dog Health Problems Overview All dog breeds are susceptible to certain illness and health conditions. While a Boxer may be susceptible to certain ailments, this does not mean that your dog is doomed to have all of them. We will go over the most common health concerns with this breed and also steps that you can take to keep your Boxer healthy. Acne It is not uncommon for a Boxer to have problems with acne. Most cases will appear when the dog is in the stage of puberty and may pimples may be a chronic issue during this time. If proper care is not taken, it can develop into a more serious health issue of infection. In addition, aside from the aesthetic element, scarring may occur. Read more about Boxer dog Acne. Aortic Stenosis - Heart Condition This is a canine issue that affects the dog's heart. The Boxer breed is more prone to this than some other dog breeds. Mild cases are sometimes not noticed and the dog will live a normal life. However, this is inherited and once passed down to Boxer puppies, those pups may have more severe cases. Therefore, the detection of this Boxer health issue is important. For dogs that do have a severe form of Aortic Stenosis, this can be very serious. More about Aortic Stenosis Arthritis Many of us have heard the words arthritis and osteoarthritis so many times that we begin to think of this as a normal and accepted part of getting older for our dogs. However, even young dogs can have this health issue. While it is true that as a dog ages, the chances of arthritis increases, your dog does not need to live in pain! There are many types of treatment for this and ways for you to make your dog more comfortable. A Boxer dog owner should be aware of the signs, diagnosis methods and treatments for this health issue, to help their Boxer dog live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible. And can be avoided in many cases. If the signs of canine bloat are not noticed and treatment is not given.Bloat can happen to a Boxer dog of any age. Thankfully, the chances of getting this are greatly reduced when an owner understands how to prevent it. While cancer strikes dogs of all breeds, an owner should take time to keep an eye out for early symptoms. As with humans, catching this early greatly increases the odds of survival. Boxers dogs are particularly prone to the development of mast cell tumors, lymphoma and brain tumors. White Boxers, and colored Boxers with white markings should be protected from the sun, as they are vulnerable to develop skin cancer if sunburns occur. And more about Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery Cardiomyopathy Heart Condition Boxer cardiomyopathy is a very complicated Boxer health condition. Studies are still underway to understand more about this issue. Currently it is known that cardiomyopathy causes the heart of the dog to beat too quickly or unsteadily. This can happen at random intervals and hard to detect unless you know what symptoms to look for. If the uneven beats happen in too great of a sequence, the dog may weaken to the point of unconsciousness, coma or worse. And more about Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery Degenerative Myelopathy While this is not common, the Boxer is among the top 3 breeds to develop this. Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable disease of the spinal cord. It is not painful. However, it is quite serious. It starts with weakness in the rear legs, resulting in paralysis. Then, unfortunately, progresses to the front legs. More about Canine Degenerative Myelopathy with the Boxer Dog Ear Mites This can be quite a problem for dogs, ears mites are extremely contagious and will quickly jump from dog to dog or cat to dog. When a Boxer has ear mites, this can cause quite a bit of discomfort for the dog and you will want recognize the symptoms so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. This can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, allergies or foreign elements. There is help for all types. Learn about symptoms, treatment and prevention. Cherry Eye, Corneal Dystrophy and Uveitis are some of the most common eye health issues with this dog breed. More about Boxer Dog Eye Diseases and Problems Heartworms Sadly, many owners believe that Heartworms only strike unclean dogs or those that are not loved and taken care of. However, this is a widespread very serious canine disease. Worms from 6 to 14 inches cm long grow and burrow into a dog's heart. They multiply; up to worms can live in a dog's heart and arteries. It is vital for dog owners to understand prevention and treatment. The Boxer dog, among other dog breeds, is prone to this health condition. Passed on genetically, this type of canine disease is progressive — meaning that it will worsen as time goes by. It may cause loss of motor function, loss of coordination and in sadly, in some cases, paralysis. While more common among certain breeds, a dog of any breed may develop this. The Boxer and the Boston Terrier are both prone to this. Both dog breeds do have similar bone structure of their heads and it is also seen among some small breed dogs. With vomiting and bloating occurring, it is important to have this treated. There may be rapid weight loss due to the symptoms. The time span between eating and vomiting is what will distinguish 'regular' vomiting from this stomach disease. While a dog may vomit right after eating when having this health problem, he or she will also vomit up to 24 hour later…when there would usually be no food left in the stomach. With this Boxer dog stomach problem, the vomit will usually contain large pieces of undigested food. It is diagnosed by carefully documenting when the dog eats and when the dog vomits. Barium studies with X-rays may show the narrowed stomach outflow. In mild cases, the vomiting does not happen often and a dog can live a normal life without treatment. In severe cases, treatment must be given right away; if not, the dog can succumb to this canine disease. Surgery may be needed in some cases. Thankfully, the majority of surgeries are very successful. When puppies are born, these are passed on to them from dam to pups. For healthy Boxer dogs, this does not cause any concern and the dog will not have any health issues. A dog will often show strange symptoms such as repeated behavior as if a movie is looping over and over again , drooling, staring into space, confusion, falling down, stiff limbs or unconsciousness. Learn about the different types of canine seizures, the symptoms of each and what to do if this happens. Please visit Prevent the Spread of Dog Flu to learn about how to protect your pets and to get the latest information about dog flu outbreaks. Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable You may also recognize these characteristics in your Boxer pooch: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and for fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn, but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. Your Boxer's Health We know that because you care so much about your dog , you want to take good care of her. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Boxers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Boxers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. In fact, your Boxer's lifespan may even be cut short by one to three years! Infections Boxers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Parasites All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Boxer's body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Hyperadrenocorticism Cushing's Cushing's Disease is a malfunction of the adrenal glands that causes them to produce too much steroid hormone. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend's bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including your Boxer. Usually, surgical correction can stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like when playing Frisbee are key in avoiding these painful injuries. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic condition, similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease in people, that causes weakness and poor nerve function in the hind legs. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites can make IBD worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifelong medications and special diets are usually required to keep IBD under control. Eye Problems Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Unfortunately, Boxers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to various kinds of skin infections and diseases. One type, Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by a kind of yeast. When this yeast infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge. On the skin, this yeast leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Skin diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, so early detection is critical. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Boxers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer that is often prescribed as a sedative for travel and anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin of safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for pets with noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Adverse reactions are still rare, and the drug is very useful for a variety of conditions, but we'll carefully evaluate the need for sedation against the risk of a reaction, and recommend alternative therapies if possible. Respiratory Distress Syndrome Respiratory distress syndrome, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. Short-nosed dogs have the same amount of tissue in their noses and throats as longer-nosed dogs, but with less area to contain it. As a consequence, the soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long and may hang down into the airway. All of these differences can lead to a narrow and obstructed airway such that many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, your pet is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, and heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction. Taking Care of Your Boxer at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Boxer live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She's a smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored. That's when the naughty stuff starts. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boxer needs help. They have incredible immune systems, they possess hyper-athletic physiology, and they have an incredibly high tolerance for discomfort. A boxer is a physical specimen, even by comparison with other dogs. The boxer dog breed is as athletic as dogs get while still being sweet, obedient, and playful read more fun facts about boxer dogs. However, as is the case with most purebred dogs, boxers are prone to certain health problems. Degenerative Myelopathy The first major health issue that most dog owners should be aware of is degenerative myelopathy. This debilitating condition affects the nervous system and lower spinal cord and eventually leads to partial or full paralysis of the lower limbs. These sudden unexplainable bouts of clumsiness will be few and far between to begin, but any sign of paralysis in the hind legs should serve as a warning sign. Unfortunately, there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, as it is a debilitating nerve disease with irreversible effects. Even still, rapid action and treatment is a necessity for keeping your Boxer as healthy and happy as possible. Things like canine wheelchairs, kinesiology tape, and certain kinds of prescribed medicines from the vet can help your Boxer pet lead a life that is as close to normal as possible. If you notice any regular bouts of clumsiness or temporary paralysis in the hind legs, it is imperative that you take your Boxer in to be checked for degenerative myelopathy. If you fear your Boxer may be suffering from this disease, your veterinarian will be able to help with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Boxer Cardiomyopathy Boxer Cardiomyopathy is a canine heart condition that is more prevalent in the boxer dog breed than any other breed of dog. While other dogs are just as susceptible to developing this kind of heart condition, due to their genetic makeup boxers are at high risk for this disease. Characterized by an irregular heartbeat and fainting spells, boxers affected by cardiomyopathy are often at high risk of sudden heart failure. Most boxers who suffer from Boxer Cardiomyopathy begin to show symptoms of the disease at two years of age or earlier. Complications can arise as a result of waiting, so it is always a best practice to consult your Vet as soon as you notice any health problems in your dog. Symptoms like heavy wheezing not during exercise , fainting, coughing, and an irregular heartbeat could all be indications that your Boxer is suffering from Boxer Cardiomyopathy. Take preventative action and visit your Vet for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. Bloat is a more common name for a condition called gastric dilation, wherein the gastrointestinal system swells, preventing digestion of food and passage of stool. The most common cause of Bloat is simply overeating, which Boxers are prone to do. The result of excess food combined with excess stomach acid is rapid inflammation and Bloat. In some severe cases, Bloat can require surgery. Bloat can cause the stomach muscles to twist on themselves, which prevents blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If this goes without treatment, it could be catastrophic for your Boxer. Even in more mild cases of Bloat, uncomfortable methods of extraction are often employed. The best treatment for Bloat is to avoid it altogether, and Bloat can easily be managed by you as an owner. Simply control how much you are feeding your Boxer, and be sure to avoid overeating. Most Boxers are susceptible to massive appetites, and they require large amounts of caloric intake daily. Hip Dysplasia As a superior athletic specimen, mobility is key for your Boxer. Hip dysplasia is one of the biggest long term threats for the health and well being of the Boxer dog breed. This degenerative joint condition is a genetic malformation wherein the hip joint does not properly fit into the hip socket. The discord between joint and socket creates a painful sensation wherein your Boxer is limited in his mobility. Activities like walking become a chore, while fun activities like running and jumping become downright impossible. However, hip dysplasia becomes more of a risk the older your dog gets. If left untreated Hip dysplasia can lead to other joint conditions like lameness and arthritis. Typically, hip dysplasia is treated with a long term medication plan to control inflammation and pain. If your Boxer is severely limited in his mobility, you may be interested in looking into canine physical therapy, which can help your dog in their pursuit to learn new ways of moving. Seizures Seizures may be one of the most frightening medical episodes to watch your Boxer endure, but they are an unfortunate reality for boxer owners. The same thing that makes your Boxer a lovable bundle of renewable energy is the very cause of potential seizures, their brain. Most commonly, and especially in boxers, these types of seizures are brought on by Idiopathic Epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy refers to a single or series of epileptic episodes that have no apparent cause. These epileptic fits stem from some unknown genetic malformation of the brain, and this type of epilepsy is found in large dogs and boxers. Additionally, Boxers, especially those with heart conditions, are susceptible to seizures because of their increased energy levels. While it may be scary, seizures are treatable, both in the moment and long term. In the moment, it is important to remain calm and allow your dog to seize. Your instinct will be to restrain your dog, but this action could cause more harm than good. Once the seizing has subsided, take your dog to your Vet immediately. Seizing could be a side effect of some greater health risk, so it is always imperative that your dog is taken in for analysis after an epileptic event. There are medications and treatment plans that can help your Boxer cope with seizures and epileptic events. General Health The best way to keep your Boxer healthy and happy is with a good diet and lots of exercise. Your Boxer is full of natural energy, and his excitement to run and play will likely outlast your enthusiasm and energy levels. Nonetheless, it is imperative that you are constantly engaging with your Boxer. Boxers are one of the most demanding breeds, not just as a result of how much energy they have, but how much energy they require in return. Even in spite of some of the health problems listed above, your Boxer will still have more energy and desire to be active than many other breeds. Boxers require a calorie-rich diet of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to match their high metabolism. They were bred from a German hunting dog that was crossbred with English bulldogs. Boxers are well-loved, high-energy family dogs that are sweet with children and vigilant guards of the family home. Some of the conditions that afflict Boxers have a genetic basis, and are more likely to happen to Boxers than to dogs of other breeds. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, and when possible, avoid breeding dogs with those traits. But these conditions can still happen. Boxers are more likely to develop health problems such as heart problems, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, and ulcerative colitis than other dogs. Boxer Cardiomyopathy Boxers are more likely to develop a specific heart condition than other dogs. The condition, Boxer cardiomyopathy , is actually named after the breed, though other dogs can develop it. The most common sign a dog has Boxer cardiomyopathy is if it has trouble breathing. Your dog might cough or wheeze frequently. Your dog might start panting during walks or playtime. If you think your dog might have Boxer cardiomyopathy, you should avoid exercise until the dog can be examined by its veterinarian. Eventually the weakness will be more apparent, with loss of bowel and urinary control. The dog might struggle to get up because the disease also causes muscle atrophy. Boxers with degenerative myelopathy can become paralyzed by the disease. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. But if your Boxer has the disease, there are a few things you can do to help them suffer less. Kinesiology tape has been used successfully to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy. A dog that spends lots of time lying down is at risk of bedsores. Boxers that become partially paralyzed by degenerative myelopathy are candidates for wheelchairs. Dog wheelchairs can help to slow down the progression of degenerative myelopathy by removing stress on the joints and allowing more mobility and exercise. Both stress and lack of exercise can contribute greatly to the progression of the disease. Boxers with Bloat Bloat, or gastric dilation , is another health risk that boxers are more likely to suffer from than other dogs. Bloat is a potentially fatal stomach condition that is common in large dogs with deep chests, like boxers and shepherds. Bloat is caused by unhealthy eating habits: if a Boxer eats one large meal a day, or eats too quickly, they run the risk of bloat. If you notice your dog likes to scarf its food, you can give it smaller meals throughout the day. Also, make sure your Boxer does not run around or get over-excited within an hour or two of meals. Panting can cause a dog to swallow air, further expanding the stomach and contributing to bloat. Bloat can sometimes result in Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. In GDV, the over-filled stomach twists around, cinching the ends closed. This is a true emergency, requiring immediate surgery. Nothing can escape from the twisted stomach, and the blood supply to the stomach and spleen is compromised. In a few hours, the dog can die from loss of blood supply to the stomach as well as physiologic shock. Ulcerative Colitis in Boxers Many Boxers also develop ulcerative colitis. In fact, non-Boxer dogs rarely develop the condition, which may have a genetic basis. Ulcerative colitis is another digestive system problem; dogs with the disease develop ulcers in their intestines. Boxers with the disease will have trouble absorbing water and have diarrhea or loose stool , and might lose weight as a result. Puppies one year old or younger most often develop the disease. Your vet will treat your Boxer by prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. In some cases, your vet may recommend a change in diet. And remember—if your dog has any of these health problems, they should be treated by a veterinarian.

Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. The German Shepherd dog originated in the late 19th century with the goal of developing the ideal herding dog, one with high levels of intelligence, speed, agility, and devotion. German Shepherds quickly gained popularity outside of herding circles due to their high intelligence and trainability. They were very effective in many roles, such as search and rescue, police and military, and guide dog for the visually impaired. Their intelligence, flexibility, and eagerness to please their human companions earned them a reputation as a superior working breed. The breed gained widespread recognition during World Wars I and II, when German Shepherds were an integral part of military organizations. Messenger dogs, guard dogs, and search and rescue dogs all relied heavily on the intellect, bravery, and adaptability of these canines. Because of the significant roles they played throughout these difficult times, they have become one of the most admired and admired breeds in the world. German Shepherds are still highly regarded because of their adaptability, intellect, and devoted nature. Herding, obedience competitions, agility trials, and other working responsibilities are just some of the many areas in which they thrive. Their unique physical characteristics—a powerful, muscular body and a noble expression—only add to their appeal. German Shepherds have stood tall as a symbol of loyalty, intellect, and undying devotion to their human companions for centuries thanks to their impressive history and impressive abilities. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat Mesaticephalic to almost dolichocephalic in skull-type. Strongly developed, moderate in size, rectilinear, shaped like an elongated wedge, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is moderately wide, with a flat plane. The median furrow is not well defined. The occiput, brow, and zygomatic arches are only slightly developed. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkle. Ears: Somewhat small in size, set high on the skull, and triangular in shape with pointed tips, carried firmly erect. When alert, tips point straight up. The ears are never overly long, overly large, or broken Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, obliquely set, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Muzzle: The muzzle is of a moderately long length and strongly developed. It tapers gradually toward the tip of the nose, giving the head the appearance of an elongated wedge. The plane of the muzzle is straight or slightly convex. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, are strong, well developed, never appearing snipey or weak. Upper and lower jaws split wide apart at hinge, revealing back molars when the mouth is held opened. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened. Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep, broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. Body: Powerful, solid, and with good substance without appearing heavy, coarse, or bulky. Capable of great endurance, agility, and performance, without appearing racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Movement: Energetic, efficient, effortless, tireless, and agile. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither moving in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup, but as a natural extension of the topline. Thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Of a somewhat long length with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints, or below, when held down. Tail may be straight, gently curved, or with gently curved toward the tip. Temperament: Belgian Sheepdogs are confident, active, energetic, watchful, and devoted dogs. They retain the characteristics that were honed and developed over centuries in Belgium to make them excellent working dogs and unmatched companions for the right owner or family. They are highly intelligent, highly agile, very powerful, and well aware of their capabilities. They can become very protective of their people, family, and property, making them excellent watchdogs. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. About the German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a breed that is looked up to and respected because of how impressive it is. This is one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world due to its iconic status as a symbol of loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. The massive stature and powerful, athletic frame of a German Shepherd are well-known characteristics of this breed. They average between 50 and 90 pounds in weight and 22 and 26 inches in height at the shoulder, though this might vary by gender and heredity. Their agile and strong nature is reflected in their strong, muscular build, making them suitable for a variety of strenuous pursuits. Their double coat consists of a robust, straight upper layer and a fluffy, insulating underlayer. Coat colors and patterns for this breed range from the traditional black and tan to sable, black, and even white. This stunning coat serves dual purposes, improving their visual attractiveness and shielding them from the elements. The German Shepherd breed is known for its high level of intelligence. They have a remarkable capacity to acquire and comprehend new material quickly and easily. Their exceptional intelligence makes them well-suited for many jobs, including those in law enforcement , the military, search and rescue, and as service animals. German Shepherds thrive when their minds are challenged and exercised via consistent training and interesting pursuits. German Shepherds have a well-deserved reputation for being devoted and attached to their human families. Because of their strong motivation to serve their human companions, they make wonderful pets and reliable watchdogs. Their instinct to protect those they care about and the environment they live in make them excellent watchdogs. German Shepherds are highly skilled workers, but they are also wonderful pets for active families. They do best in households with consistent routines, where they may exercise and learn new things, and where they are loved and cared for. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation in the form of walks, games, and stimulating training sessions. Like dogs of any breed, the German Shepard benefit greatly from early socialization and training. They become well-rounded persons whose personalities can adapt to different social contexts and interactions with other animals and humans if they receive early socialization. The German Shepherd is a breed that has stood the test of time because of its extraordinary intelligence, unflinching devotion, and striking good looks. German Shepherds are one of the most valued and respected dog breeds in the world due to their outstanding attributes, which create a lasting impact whether they are working colleagues, trustworthy companions, or beloved family pets. All of our puppies have received rigorous obedience training, both on and off-leash, so that they can respond to your every instruction, no matter the setting. Because of the time and effort we put into their training, you can tell that our puppies are of the highest quality. Not matter your needs, we have the perfect dog just for you! Visit Our Dogs. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association.

They are extremely kind, affectionate and intelligent puppies. They are like teddy bears and love their cuddles like their mom Heidi and dad Duke. They are bred to a very high standard and their pedigree is available. This is the first litter from our gorgeous family dog, Heidi, who is an excellent family pet. We have one male and one female cream puppy available, they are in perfect health and displaying a friendly temperament, much like their mother. Our puppies have been raised and played with by my nine grandchildren since they were born, so they are well accustomed to being handled regularly. They were also born the same time our cat had kittens so they are well used to and quite affectionate with our cats and kittens. Each puppy is IKC registered, vaccinated, wormed, and microchipped. We would be more than happy for you to visit and meet the puppies before making any commitments. It is very important to us that the puppies go to suitable homes that will provide love and affection aswell as proper looking after. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

A crate is an essential tool in the house-training process. It can also be used to keep your pet and property safe. Crates are also a great way to transport your Labradoodle in the car. All Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies are introduced to crate training in a positive way before being sent to their new homes. If you continue to follow the below tips, your puppy will learn to love his crate. Instead, place the crate in an area of the house where your puppy spends a lot of his time. Put a few blankets and toys inside and leave the door open. The goal is to get him comfortable with going inside the crate. Do not close the crate door for the first time until he is completely relaxed. Crates should never be used as punishment. Feeding Your Puppy in the Crate When your puppy is happily entering the crate, your next goal is to get him comfortable with the idea of staying inside the crate for a longer period of time. One of the best ways to accomplish this is giving your Labradoodle his meals inside the crate. Place the food in the back of the crate so that he goes all the way in, but keep the door open. This creates a positive association with the crate. After he is done eating, open the door immediately. Then you can start leaving him in the crate for longer periods, adding a few minutes with each meal. This process can take several days or weeks. Crating Duration Guidelines During the day, puppies and adult Labradoodles should not be in the crate for more than 5 hours at a time. Follow these daytime guidelines to avoid potential problems: Important Reminders Don't ever leave a chain, prong, training, or slip collar on your Labradoodle when you put him in his crate. Give your puppy the opportunity to fully eliminate before being crated. Puppies do not like to soil their sleeping quarters if given adequate opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. Most adult dogs can stay in a crate for the entire night without a trip outside. However, young puppies and some old dogs cannot physically hold their bladders and bowels through the night. Is Crate Training Cruel? The short answer is no. Far from it actually. Most people will usually combine the thought of keeping your dog in a cage when it is home by itself, as something negative. This is because humans will compare this with the thought of ourselves being locked behind bars. But for the dog, this experience is quite different. By nature, dogs are cave animals, which you can usually see when they are sleeping. Dogs will usually try and sleep under a table or in a corner of a room. In nature, wolves and wild dogs will often bury holes in the ground for them to sleep in. Basically, a dog just wants to feel safe when they have to sleep or be left at home by itself. Crates serve the very useful purpose of preventing any problems regarding destructive behavior and other issues related to a puppy being home alone. A crate helps to educate your puppy and also helps when having visitors who might not be too happy around dogs. And of course, they are also quite helpful when you are traveling with your dog. Where Should the Crate be Placed? The best area where to place your crate is in the corner of a room of the house, where there is neither too cold nor too hot and no gusts of wind, Usually, a dog will want to be around their leader, you, so place the crate somewhere where it can see and hear you most of the time. Later on, you can get a specific bed for your labradoodle if you want. How Should a Crate be Designed A dog crate is usually built like a square cabinet, made from metal wire, plastic, or wood. My recommendation is to get one of metal as they seem to be less susceptible to the bites from a puppy. It has been quite great for us and seems to get very positive reviews on Chewy. No matter what type of crate you do end up getting, just remember to get one that is large enough for your dog to be able to stretch fully while laying on the side and to be able to sit without its head hitting the ceiling. Also, remember that a crate that is too large loses its purpose of creating a sense of security for your labradoodle. It is also possible to buy specific washable beds for some crates, else I would recommend getting a blanket for the crate. This will make the crate as cozy and comfortable as possible. When to Start the Training As soon as possible! And if you adopt a puppy you can begin as soon as it arrives in its new home. If you do decide not to keep the crate, remember to take it slowly so your dog has a chance of getting used to not having it around anymore. Educating an older dog is a lot harder and requires more patience. If you plan on traveling a lot with your dog, keeping your crate and bringing it with you is a good idea. Cleanliness in the Crate You should take your puppy for a walk at least every two hours. But accidents will happen, and usually at night. To minimize the risk of this, take your dog for a walk just before bedtime, and first thing in the morning. If you hear some whining during the night, get up and take the dog for a walk. Also, take your puppy for a walk immediately after dinner time, and if you see it sniffing intensively on the floor. If there is an accident, just clean it up as soon as you notice it using a special odor remover. It takes time and patience to introduce the crate as a home and a special place for your puppy. This way it will most likely only take a day or two before the puppy will go inside and lie down. After a few days where the dog has slept in the crate with the doors open, try casually closing the door, preferably while your dog is sleeping, and try to have it closed for a few minutes, or until the dog awakes. When the puppy awakes, open the door and praise your puppy and call it outside the crate. Gradually try to expand the time that the doors are closed. In time, you will be able to stay in the room with the doors closed, and your dog will lie down until it falls asleep. When this has become comfortable for your dog, try to leave the house and come back immediately. The next step is to leave the house for longer and longer. Continue expanding the amount of time you are able to leave the house. And try having a daily schedule for what you do before leaving the house. After the Habituation Have your dog get into the crate periodically during the day, until a maximum of 2 hours. Give your dog a chew toy as occupation, and remember to remove any collar which could otherwise get stuck somewhere in the crate. As you might end up with a dog that could get aggressive when people get near the crate. Make sure your dog gets used to you entering the crate once in a while. Wait until it has stopped barking or whining for at least 10 seconds before opening. Final Words Hopefully, this has given you some advice for crate training a labradoodle puppy. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. Not all dog owners choose to crate train their dog, but it can be beneficial to both you and your dog. Here are some tips and tricks for crate training your Labradoodle. Why Crate Train? The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their own special spot. This place is a safe haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. The crate also becomes comfortable place for them to sleep and a safe way to travel. What to Look for in a Crate You want a crate that is not too big, but also not too small. As your pup grows, you will need to get a larger crate. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around in their crate with ease. The crate should be comfortable and cozy. Some organizations even rent out crates so you can switch when you need a new size. It should not be used as a place to go for punishment because then your dog will be hesitant to go into the crate. It will take some time to get your Labradoodle fully crate trained, so be patient and positive. First, let your dog explore their new crate. Put the crate in the kitchen or living room and let them look around on their own time. Make the crate more comfortable by placing a blanket or cushion on the inside. After a while, they might want to go inside a have a look for themselves. If your dog has no interest, go ahead a put a toy or a treat in the crate. Once you get to the point where your dog is willing to go in the crate, start feeding them in the crate. Put the food bowls on the inside and let them enter to eat their meals. Where To Put Your Crate Improper crate placement leads to anxiety issues for many dogs and can even cause obedience issues. Start by fitting the crate with the non-slip liner, add a crate mat or comfortable bed, and pop a tasty treat or chew toy inside. Place some treats and a bowl of water outside the crate where you can reach them. Now, you can let the puppy sniff around the crate. Some puppies will accept the crate with ease, going inside right away to get the treats inside. But you can help the process massively by creating a welcoming, comfortable space where your puppy can go to chill out and have fun. Start by putting a handful of tempting treats just inside the crate, put an intriguing toy inside, and talk encouragingly to your puppy. Most dog owners find that having the crate in a room with people will encourage a reluctant puppy to feel happier spending time inside his crate. Also, you must never shut your puppy in the crate for hours without giving him adequate potty breaks. Fun and Games You can make crate training sessions more fun for both of you by using crate games. Crate Feed Your Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles can be pretty food-focused, and you can use that trait to encourage your puppy to spend time in his crate, considerably speeding up the training process. Have your furry friend watch as you prepare his food. Put the food bowl inside the crate toward the front. The puppy should go into the crate to get his meal. Next time you feed your puppy, put the food bowl further toward the back of the crate so that he has to go in further to get it. Close The Crate Door Once your Labradoodle puppy regards the crate as a safe, comfy space where he wants to be, you can begin closing the crate door while your pet is eating. To begin with, open the door again immediately after your puppy finishes eating. Each mealtime, leave the crate door closed for a little while longer. Back Off! Once your puppy happily stays in his crate, playing with his toys or munching on a treat chew stick, you can move away from the crate. If the puppy begins crying or barking, turn your back on him. Wait for a few minutes until the complaints stop, and your puppy is calm and quiet again. You can turn around and let your pet out of the crate. Observe your puppy. If your pup starts to panic and becomes upset, let him out of the crate and take the training process back a few steps. Increase The Confinement Time Provided your puppy is happy to remain inside the crate with the door closed, you can gradually increase the length of confinement time. Ideally, you want your puppy to remain in the crate for up to an hour before he needs to come out for a toilet break. If your pet begins crying, sniffing the ground, or circling, he needs to relieve himself. Immediately you see any of those signs, pick up your puppy and take him to his designated potty spot. As a rough guideline, puppies up to eight weeks old usually need to urinate every 30 to 60 minutes. When your puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between pee breaks. Sleepless Nights? The best place for your puppy to spend the night is in his crate next to your bed. A crate cover can help create a dark, den-like environment for your puppy, helping him settle down and sleep. Potty Stops Young puppies will wake up every couple of hours during the night for a potty break. When accidents happen, do not punish your puppy or scold him. Clean up accidents outside of the crate by using an enzyme cleaning product that will eliminate the scent of pet pee from your floor coverings. Be sure to clean the crate thoroughly to avoid any lingering toilet smells. Use verbal cues from day one of your crate training process. Longer Confinement Time Your puppy needs to learn that spending time confined in his crate is normal for everyday family life. After a couple of weeks of training, your puppy should be able to remain contained in his crate for one to two hours. We recommend spending time playing with your Labradoodle between crate training sessions. How To Deal With Tantrums Puppies are rather like toddlers in that they will almost certainly throw temper tantrums during the early days of crate training, especially when you first close the crate door. When your puppy throws a temper tantrum, turn around and wait until your feisty furry friend settles down again. Once peace is restored, reward your puppy with treats and verbal praise. Moreover, you might also want to read our guide to crate training other dog breeds. Check these out:. They praise it as a wonderful tool and somewhere that their Doodle feels safe and happy. But, others may argue that it is a cruel tool, used to cage dogs. In truth, it will all depend on how an owner uses their crate. Or to turn it into a place your dog hates. But, at the same time, when used correctly, your Labradoodle puppy can love their crate. They can use it as their own safe space away from the noise of everyday family life. In fact, doing so can lead to a very unhappy and stressed puppy. What is Crate Training? A dog crate is simply an enclosed bed area for your Labradoodle puppy. Or when their puppy needs some sleep. For many dogs, a crate will be a safe and secure area where they can take themselves to relax and wind down. Many owners will use a crate at night, when sleep training their puppy. This ensures their puppy is safe at night, but also not causing havoc through the house! However, crates can also be used throughout the day to encourage your puppy to get some much needed sleep in those early months. Or to help them calm down if they get overexcited. On top of this, a dog crate can be a very useful potty training tool. All dogs will try to keep their sleeping area and their potty area separate. But, more on this later. Remember, you are best placed to know what is right for your Doodle! Pros of Crate Training Can keep your Labradoodle out of mischief and safe when you leave them alone for short periods When done correctly, will be a safe and comforting place for your Labradoodle Offers somewhere quiet and calm for young puppies to get some rest throughout the day Can be a very useful potty training tool Can make travelling with your Labradoodle a lot easier Cons of Crate Training If misused, a crate can be a stressful and frightening place for a puppy, eg. And, of course, your puppy is a very different size now than he will be in a few months. The best method here is to choose a crate that should be the right size for an adult Labradoodle. Try to estimate how large your puppy is going to grow. Then, buy a divider for your crate, so that you can section off a smaller section for your puppy to use. Your puppy needs enough room to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. But any larger than this and your pup may end up using one end of the crate as a toilet area. In the first few days of your puppy being home with you , this can be achieved easily! Leave the crate door open so your puppy can go in and out as they please. Soon enough, your puppy will be willingly going into their crate, and associating it with something that makes them feel great — treats! But, to move on, you can pop your puppy in the crate and close the door. First, open it immediately and treat your puppy for sitting quietly inside. Once your puppy is happy and comfortable doing this, you can progress to shutting and locking the crate door, before opening it and treating your puppy. And, once your puppy is okay with this, you can slowly increase the length of time that the door is closed before opening and treating. Doing so can cause your puppy to be stressed and upset. A stressed puppy is no fun for anyone. If your puppy seems stressed at any point in this process, simply go back a step and reduce the duration. For instance, one time leave then for two seconds, then increase to five seconds, then drop back down to three. You can also put your puppy in their crate through the day before they go to sleep for one of their regular naps. Overall, our aim is to make the crate a wonderful and happy place for your puppy to relax. So, how are you meant to fix things if your puppy starts crying? Instead, move back a step, and increase the duration more slowly, for instance only a second longer. If your puppy is getting visibly distressed, it may be a good idea to give the training a break for a while. Go and play a game with them, or work on some different training to let them calm down, then come back and try again with crate training in a bit. No matter what breed you have, crate training is a lengthy process. At first, the increase of duration before you let your puppy out and treat them will be seconds, not minutes or hours! And, increasing this duration too quickly can lead to a puppy that hates being in their crate. Some may take to crate training much faster than others. For some owners, the process could take a couple of weeks. But, for others, it may take months before they can leave their puppy alone in the crate with no issues. Even if this process takes a little longer for you and your Labradoodle, taking it slowly will be worth it in the long run. Crate Training a Labradoodle Puppy at Night Crate training a Labradoodle puppy at night and through the day is a little different. However, during their first few nights with you, they will be scared and unsure of their surroundings. Being close to you will reduce the chance of your puppy crying through the night. Puppies have very small bladders, and you will need to take them outside multiple times, especially in those first few weeks. Your alternative is to place puppy pads at one end of a large crate. If your puppy cries throughout the night, it could be a sign that they need to go to the toilet. Dog Crates as a Potty Training Tool Throughout the day, a crate can be a great tool for potty training your puppy. Labradoodle puppies, like any other puppies, have very small bladders in their early age. Some may need toilet trips outside as often as every 20 minutes! But, as time goes on, you can start to extend the breaks between these trips by using your crate. Like all other parts of crate training, small steps are key here for building a strong level of trust between you and your puppy, and for successful training. Alternatives to Crates Not everyone likes the idea of putting their Labradoodle puppy in a crate, even though many dogs will feel like they have their own little den. As an alternative to a puppy crate, you could invest in a puppy pen. This will give your puppy room to move around, to play, and more, which a crate does not. Many pens are large enough for you to put a bed inside, a water bowl, and even some puppy pads for potty training purposes. However, despite this extra room, puppies will still need time outside of the pen to interact with you, socialize, exercise through games, and stimulate their brains. Baby gates on doorways are another alternative you might want to consider. This way, you can puppy proof an entire room for your pup to have access to. If you choose either of these two alternatives, you will still need to work hard at training. Particularly at training your puppy to be happy when left alone in their pen or room. This will still be a slow process, like crate training. The Puppy Parenting course is ideal for learning how to crate train, among other important puppy training goals. Crate Training Your Labradoodle Puppy Have you decided that crate training is the right step for you and your Labradoodle puppy? When done properly, crate training can be great, and can offer your puppy a safe and comfortable place of their own to relax. But, make sure you increase duration in the crate very gradually, so that your puppy never feels trapped or distressed when inside. Do you have any other Labradoodle crate training tips? References and Resources Ackerman, L. How do you crate train your new Labradoodle like a pro? First, find a crate that is the right size for your dog and that is secure enough to prevent a sneaky escape. This is the crate I use with my Labradoodle. Introduce the crate slowly by allowing your puppy to freely go in and out before you attempt an extended period of crate time. Before crating, engage in a period of rambunctious play with your puppy, and make sure to give your Labradoodle plenty of potty opportunities. When playtime is over, sit calmly by the crate and brush or pet your puppy to instigate a sleepy-time response. Then, once your puppy is soundly snoring, place her gently into the crate and shut the door without locking it. With time, your Labradoodle will associate his crate with rest time, and crating your Doodle will be a stress-free experience for you both. It emits a life-like heartbeat that can calm and sooth them. You can even add a heat pack to make it even more realistic. Sounds simple, right? The truth is, crating can be one of the simplest training exercises for you and your pup, but it can also be laden with challenges and unexpected issues. If you are ready to begin the process of teaching your Labradoodle how to love his crate, read on for tips on crate selection, introducing your puppy to his new hideaway spot, and tackling issues as they arise. Many first-time dog owners are horrified at the idea of leaving their dog in a small, enclosed space for hours at a time. I love her too much! Dogs are den animals: even though they have been domesticated over thousands of years, they still retain some wild canine instincts. One of those instincts is to rest in a spot that is safe and offers protection. According to the Humane Society of the United States , most dogs actually crave periods of solitude, and a crate gives them a special space where they can secure that solitude when and if they need it. While you may use crate training specifically to house your Labradoodle when you need to leave, you may find that your dog goes in and out of her crate even when you are home. If crate training is approached slowly and methodically, your dog will come to love this special spot. Once your Labradoodle is acclimated to her crate, a wide variety of benefits will be seen. Instead, a dog crate is a sanctuary. Choosing The Right Crate The single most important part of successful crate training is choosing the right crate, and this often leads to Doodle owner panic. There are thousands of crate models on the market today, and it can be absolutely overwhelming for first time Labradoodle owners to know which crate to buy. This is the crate I got for Oliver as a puppy …and he still uses it today. We wrote a helpful guide on choosing the right crate which you can read here. Which materials are safe for your fluffy furball? How secure should the crate be? How big? Does it need attached water and food bowls? Multiple doors? An enclosed top? Everything else can take a back seat. Dogs frequently reposition themselves when resting, and a crate that provides room for this is essential. Dogs kept in crates that are too small may develop anxiety issues or even health problems like joint stiffness. This can be problematic for Labradoodle owners who want to start crate training when their Doodle is still a puppy. A crate that is the perfect size when your dog is six months old is going to be far too small when your puppy reaches a year in age. Large crates with dividers will let you adjust the space as your Labradoodle grows, so a single crate can function well through the various stages of doggy development. Useful Crate Features The size of the crate may be the most important feature, but there are other factors to consider when investing in a high-quality dog crate for your Doodle. These features are not necessities, but they may make your Labradoodle more comfortable and your life a little easier. Here are four simple steps to ensure crate training success. Allow your pup time to get acclimated to this interesting, new cubby. If your snuggle buddy falls asleep in your lap after a period of play, gently move him to the crate and let him continue to sleep with the door open. This accomplishes three things. First, it will tire her out and make her more likely to spend her first crate experience in deep, blissful sleep. Second, it will give her ample time to go potty, which helps to avoid accidents. And lastly, it gives your Labradoodle time to feel connected to you, her human companion. Crating can be stressful for a puppy because they are spending an indeterminate amount of time without you in the home. When you walk out the door, your dog has no idea when, or even if, you will return. Playtime reinforces bonds and helps your Labradoodle puppy feel nurtured and engaged. You can transition your puppy from exuberance to exhaustion by sitting quietly and petting or brushing him. When your Labradoodle is relaxed and starting to sleep, place him in the crate and continue soothing him until he falls asleep. Then, quietly shut the crate door and immediately leave. If you crate your Labradoodle for four hours the very first time, she is going to have an accident. This will lead to discouragement, frustration, and even fear of the crate. You want to establish crate milestones that your puppy can easily achieve. Each time you return to a puppy who has successfully stayed in her crate with no issues, you reinforce the crate as a positive location. Start your Labradoodle off with periods in the crate ranging from a few minutes up to an hour. Once she is acclimated to staying in the crate alone for an hour, you can gradually begin increasing crate time. Common Crate Training Mistakes In the world of dog training, a simple mistake can often lead to months of problem behaviors that need to be slowly and meticulously corrected. Here are some of the most common crate training mistakes made by first-time Labradoodle owners. Rushing the process: Dogs need time to acclimate to changes, so if you introduce a scary-looking crate and immediately shut your pup inside this unfamiliar area, it may lead to anxiety or panic. Forgetting the potty break: Puppies can only hold their bladders for a couple of hours at a time, so be sure to give your Labradoodle a chance to go potty immediately before putting him in the crate. When you return, immediately take your puppy to go potty, and praise him when he goes. Punishing with the crate: If your puppy associates her crate with punishment, it will cease to be a safe and relaxing environment for her. Never punish your puppy by banishing her to the crate. Similarly, never punish your puppy for soiling her crate. Simply take her outside for a potty attempt, praise her if she goes, and clean the crate promptly to remove any lingering odors. Crating multiple dogs together: Yes, puppies love to snuggle with one another, and it can be tempting to think that crating two dogs together provides them with companionship and comfort. However, as puppies grow they will need their own spaces, and separating two pups that have spent months in the same crate can be traumatic. If you have multiple dogs, crate them separately but in close proximity to one another. Cluttered crate environment: Sure, you want your puppy to be entertained while crated, but the crate should predominantly be an environment of serenity. One toy is enough to provide your Labradoodle with something to do without cluttering up the zen-like atmosphere of the crate. There are issues that can pop up between pup and crate, and these may be chalked up to a mistake made during the training process, an issue with the crate itself, or even just the specific personality of your dog. My Labradoodle cries constantly when I put him in his crate. After all, who wants to hear their precious puppy crying? If your Labradoodle whines or barks immediately after being put into his crate, sometimes waiting for him to cry himself to sleep is the best course of action. If your puppy is panicking i. Give your puppy calm, soothing pets and snuggles until he calms down. Then, take one more trip outside for a potty break, and try to introduce your dog to the crate again. You may need to do this several times until your pup has worn himself out to the point where he can fall asleep in his crate. My puppy always makes messes in her crate. If your pup has too much room, use a divider to cordon her to one side of the crate to avoid messes. Labradoodle puppies younger than one year need to go potty once every two hours to be comfortable! Try to schedule a few mid-day breaks for your Labradoodle puppy. Finally, you might want to watch how much water your Labradoodle is drinking in the hour leading up to crate time. Congratulations, you have a strong-willed pup on your hands. Some dogs will do everything in their power to avoid being put in their crate. Your dog may brace himself against the crate door, drag his paws on the ground, or turn into a puddle of dead weight and force you to manhandle him through the opening. Because he hates the thought of being separated from you. Be sure to spend plenty of time playing with your Labradoodle puppy before crating him. Also, some dogs will relax when they are brushed for a few minutes before crating. Crate your Labradoodle firmly but calmly. My Labradoodle is an escape artist, and no crate can contain her. If you have a little Houdini on your hands, you might need to get creative. Some dog owners, however, have to resort to zip ties to keep their magic canines in check. Every bed I put in the crate gets shredded within hours, what gives? Your Labradoodle puppy has an innate desire to chew, and this desire can only be redirected, never eliminated. Dogs are perfectly happy resting on a hard surface for a few hours at a time. Crate your dog without the bed, and leave the comfy cushion for times when you are at home and supervising. Next, find some sturdy toys that will stand up to persistent chewing, and put one in the crate with your Labradoodle. You can find toys that can be filled with goodies to occupy your Doodle pup for hours on end, but any toy will act as a healthy outlet for that chewing instinct. Some owners find success by purchasing several toys and rotating them in the crate on different days. Puppies are information sponges, and they love the stimulation and reward that comes from learning new tricks. First, try not to act differently when you are preparing to leave your puppy. If your dog senses that you are stressed by the act of leaving, she will internalize that stress. Next, stay positive and upbeat, and when you are ready to leave do so promptly and without fanfare. Start with short trips away from your dog, so she can learn that you will always return after leaving. Finally, make sure her crate is comfortable and stress-free, so she has a space to relax while awaiting your homecoming. If you have to leave your Labradoodle for more than four hours without a break, you will probably need to make arrangements for him to get a reprieve from the crate. Apps like Wag or Rover are great ways to locate passionate dog-lovers who will visit your dog mid-day for a walk or some much-needed play time. Doggy daycare facilities are also incredibly beneficial. Not only will your dog be active and exercising throughout the day, but these communal dog spaces teach valuable socialization skills. Leaving your dog crated for an extended period of time will make him uncomfortable and could lead to crate anxiety, so be sure to plan ahead. Wolves rarely sleep in the open, preferring instead to find a cave or hollow where they can be protected on all sides while they snooze. Their canine cousins still possess this innate desire, and a Labradoodle left to his own devices inside a sprawling home can feel anxious and unprotected. These feelings of anxiety coupled with the freedom to roam are the only necessary ingredients in a recipe for disaster. Start crate training as early as possible, and take it slow. Eventually, your Labradoodle will recognize her crate as her own special space, and she will likely seek it out when she needs some downtime. Related Posts:. However you must teach your puppy all of your expectations, gently and firmly from day one. Decide the rules you want for your puppy, and teach them those rules right from the beginning, such as: not getting on furniture, not jumping up on people. If you allow that in the beginning, it will be very difficult to break the habit. Getting Prepared for A New Puppy! Puppy Chewing The more things you have for your puppy to chew, the less likely they are to chew up your things. The need to chew will go on for at least 18 months, although they may always love having things to chew and toys. You will also need a premium puppy food of your choice. We use an All Life Stages dog food made primarily of chicken and rice. Dogs originally were den animals, they burrowed holes underground, where they were safe from predators and nice and warm. They instinctively do not go to the bathroom in their dens. A crate is a safe haven for your puppy. Never take your puppy out of the crate until they are quiet, just sit patiently, without speaking, until they are quiet for a few seconds, and you will teach them to be quiet in the cage. Every time you take your puppy out of the crate, take them immediately outside to the place you want them to go to the bathroom. Puppies find places to go to the bathroom with their feet. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet and it becomes part of their potty que or trigger. If you allow your puppy to have accidents on your rugs or hardwood floors even by accident then that can quickly become their potty texture preference. Same goes for potty pads. Using potty pads only teaches your puppy that going potty on absorbent material is Ok. Not a great idea. Try to avoid accidents at all costs. This way, you will teach your dog to go to the bathroom on command. This can be very convenient if you are traveling or leaving the house. Stay away from the puppy until they are done with their business, keep other animals, children and any other distraction away from them. As soon as your puppy is done, immediately give them a dog treat and praise, and praise and praise. Then, stand back and see if there is more forthcoming and repeat the process. Your Puppy At Night. .If your puppy cries in the middle of the night, get up, sit by the cage until they are quiet for a minute or two, then and only then, take them outside to their spot, give the potty command to go, and stand quietly ignoring them until they are done, do not instigate play or talk in an excited voice. When their bladder gets mature, this nighttime potty break should stop. Read my post about how to stop puppy whining and crying in the crate! Then after that every hour for a couple of days, 2 hours for a few days. When they finish going to the bathroom, praise and treats. Never hit or yell harshly at your puppy, or they will be afraid of you, and will develop fear of you, rather than trust. It may take months before your dog is completely housetrained, be patient, it is all worth it! When you feed your puppy, stroke their back and head, and tell them how good they are. You want them to be used to having someone touch them when they eat. When you sit down to eat, ignore the puppy, or put them in the crate. When you have to leave make sure to crate your puppy or put them in a x-pen setup, when you get home, even after a short absence, calmly take your puppy outside, talk gently to them, let them go to the bathroom, take them back inside and talk to them calmly, pet them slowly and try to be as calm as you can. If you come back and get them excited, they will try to recreate that excited feeling when you are gone, because that means you will be home soon. Puppies are like any baby, they need lots of attention, a dog that does not get attention, will get anxious and nervous and may chew and chew furniture, rugs, shoes, cords, anything to get rid of the anxiety. Read my post on crate and x-pen setups for potty training puppies! Taking your Puppy to Class Take your puppy to obedience school. An untrained puppy can be a nuisance instead of a pleasure. Another important benefit, perhaps the most important, is puppies will meet many new people and dogs in puppy class, which will greatly help socialize them, and make them more people and dog friendly. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet. When they get to your home, your puppy will be used to the surface that you want them to use. This teaches them that talking to you actually works. Going Potty Outside Step by Step — Take your puppy outside on leash, take them to their designated spot, put them down, and give the potty command, stand back without touching them, and wait a bit for them to go to the bathroom. When you know your puppy is done going to the bathroom, praise them, give them a treat or a snuggle and then take them immediately back into the house, unless you are going to play with them outside. Our Main Menu.

I wanted to let you know Flash is doing well. Flash is sleeping and Rahul is happy. Her first night she cried some. I knew it was going to be a bit of an adjustment for her to her new surroundings and family. I slept downstairs on my couch and Maizie slept right next to me all night. She is such a good girl. He gained 1. He is such a sweet little guy and learns quickly. He loves Molly and she has been so tolerant of him. I love when they curl up together. He sleeps with Molly and us every night. Owen understands when it gets dark, play time is over. He has so much energy now he runs around like crazy. You are the best breeder ever! He peed and pooped outside. He is such a special boy! Thank you so much! Jennifer, Danville, CA He loves hanging out with us in our office and in the backyard. He loves water! She is really well behaved and her vet visit went great. She has gained over 2 lbs since her first vet visit. She is precious. We love him so much. He is very smart, loves making friends with other dogs, and is the best cuddler ever! Kim, Durham, NH Java is just chilling at home. He went to the vet and everything is great! Wendy, Tewksbury, MA Jackson is doing great! Buddy has acclimated well. He loves playing with his toys and taking naps. He put himself to bed in his crate last night. He knows we are his people and we feel very lucky. He knows his name and gets along great with our other dog Tucker and fits right in with our cats. Becky, Laconia, NH Kenai is doing great!!! We are so happy! She is having fun chasing her big brother Brody all over and is eating and sleeping well. She is just a joy. We went to the vet yesterday and everything is great! He adores the water and is an excellent swimmer. We love him so much! He has mastered sleeping in his crate at night and loose leash walking. I love being a Lab dad again! Thank you for raising such good pups! He loves everyone and is so darn cute. He is such a good boy and I am glad I have him. I am so glad I found a wonderful breeder like you who was so good to him for the first 8 weeks. You guys are wonderful! He and the cat are slowly warming up to each other. He is doing really well with potty training and he puts himself in his crate for naps and at bedtime. He is doing great with the crate although his favorite thing is to snuggle and sleep with his boys! She also said he looks absolutely healthy! Steph Topsham, ME He has definitely stolen our hearts. Thank you. Alex, Salem, NH Things are going great here. Brianna, Bedford, MA Thank you so much. We love him lots. Art, Chelmsford, MA Floki is settling into a fantastic routine and is such a wonderful puppy. Ann, Lynnfield, MA Murphy is very smart and is fitting right in. He is awesome. He is doing great and growing a lot. Thank you for everything. Thank you for all your hard work during those first 8 weeks after his birth. It really shines through in how he presently acts. The work you do with your dogs and pups is to be commended. It makes the transition very easy. We love her so much. Jen, Langdon, NH He loves being home and playing. We are in love. Thank you more than you know. We feel so blessed to have met such a wonderful breeder and have Oakley in our lives. April, Annandale, NJ. If you find yourself day dreaming about adding a dog to your family, Silver and Charcoal Kennels can turn that into a reality. We are a well-respected Labrador retriever breeder that produces some of the highest-end puppies on the market. They all come from a sire that has multiple Field Trial Championship and a Senior Title, with bloodlines that go back 20 years. Puppies also come with AKC registration, genetic testing, all vaccinations, and the most desirable breed traits. The puppies come in the desirable colors of silver, charcoal and champagne and grow to a large size. These dogs each have the right temperament for whatever is needed of them. Their loving and friendly nature makes them the ideal family dog. Meanwhile, their intelligence allow them to hunt and serve as service dogs. Many of our pups go on to serve veterans, as we donate one to a veteran each year. After reserving your puppy with a deposit , you can pick them up from the kennel or we can drive them to you in New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or to reserve your pup today! Questions about our puppies?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. German shepherd puppies exhibit a range of characteristics, intelligence, and energy levels that are influenced by both genetics and upbringing. Here's an overview of these aspects: Temperament: These puppies are often characterized by their loyalty, courage, and protective nature. They tend to be naturally alert and can make excellent watchdogs. However, proper socialization and training from an early age are essential to ensure they grow up to be well-mannered and friendly around people and other animals. Curiosity: German shepherd puppies are typically curious and eager to explore their environment. This makes them receptive to learning and training. Intelligence: German shepherds are renowned for their high level of intelligence. They consistently rank among the most intelligent dog breeds. This intelligence makes them quick learners and adaptable to various training tasks and commands. They often excel in obedience training, agility, and even tasks like search and rescue, police work, and service dog roles. High Energy: German shepherd puppies are quite energetic, especially during their puppyhood and adolescence. They have a lot of stamina and require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally engaged. Without proper outlets for their energy, they may become restless or display unwanted behaviors. Playfulness: Their high energy levels are often exhibited through their playful behavior. They enjoy interactive play sessions and activities that challenge their physical and mental abilities. Need for Activity: Daily exercise is crucial to help burn off their excess energy and prevent boredom. Activities like long walks, runs, playtime, and training sessions can help keep them content and well-behaved. It's important to note that while these general characteristics apply to the breed as a whole, individual puppies may vary. Genetics, early socialization, training, and the environment they are raised in all play a significant role in shaping their personalities and behavior as they grow into adults. If you're considering bringing a German shepherd puppy into your home, be prepared to invest time and effort into training, socialization, and providing the necessary mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive. Why are tailored potty training methods essential for German Shepherds? Tailored potty training methods are essential for German shepherds, as well as for any other dog breed. However, German shepherds have specific characteristics that can influence the effectiveness of their potty training. Here's why tailored training is particularly important for German shepherds: Intelligence and Learning Ability: German shepherds are highly intelligent and quick learners. This means that they can grasp training concepts relatively quickly, but it also means that they can become bored with repetitive training methods. Tailoring the training approach to their intelligence level helps keep them engaged and motivated to learn. Strong Work Drive: German shepherds are known for their strong work ethic and drive to perform tasks. This can be harnessed during potty training by providing consistent routines and clear expectations. They respond well to structured training that aligns with their natural desire to please their owners. Observant Nature: German shepherds are naturally observant and alert to their surroundings. This can be an advantage during training, as they can quickly associate specific cues with certain actions or behaviors. Tailored training methods can take advantage of their keen observational skills to reinforce proper potty behavior. Physical and Mental Stimulation: These dogs have high energy levels and require both physical and mental stimulation. Tailored potty training can incorporate activities that engage their minds while teaching them appropriate elimination behaviors. This helps prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors that can arise from a lack of mental engagement. Individual Variability: Just like people, each dog has its own personality, preferences, and needs. What works for one German Shepherd might not work as effectively for another. Tailored training methods take into consideration the specific needs and behaviors of the individual dog, increasing the chances of successful training outcomes. Avoiding Negative Associations: German Shepherds are sensitive dogs, and negative experiences during training can have a lasting impact. Tailoring the training approach helps avoid creating negative associations with potty training, which can lead to anxiety or reluctance to eliminate in appropriate places. Bonding and Trust: Tailored training methods, implemented with patience and consistency, contribute to building a strong bond of trust between the owner and the dog. This bond is crucial for effective training and overall positive behavior. In summary, while the principles of potty training apply to all dog breeds, the unique characteristics of German shepherds, such as their intelligence, work drive, and individual variability, make it essential to tailor the training methods to their specific needs. This approach ensures that they learn effectively, stay engaged, and develop good habits that last a lifetime. A young boy in a yellow tee shirt and khaki pants holds his hand in the air above a German shepherd puppy in a back yard filled with shady trees. Why is it important to establish a routine and consistent schedule for potty breaks? Establishing a routine and consistent schedule for potty breaks is crucial for effective potty training and maintaining good bathroom habits in dogs, including German Shepherds. Here's why: Predictability: Dogs thrive on predictability and routine. When you establish a consistent schedule for potty breaks, your dog learns to anticipate when it's time to go outside. This reduces accidents inside the house and helps them develop a reliable bathroom routine. Reinforcing Good Behavior: Consistency helps reinforce the behavior you want to encourage. When you consistently take your dog outside at specific times, and they successfully eliminate outdoors, you're rewarding and reinforcing the behavior of going in the appropriate place. Preventing Accidents: A consistent schedule minimizes the chances of accidents inside the house. Dogs have limited bladder control, especially puppies, and if they don't get regular opportunities to relieve themselves, accidents are more likely to happen. Training Association: Establishing a routine helps your dog associate specific times and cues with potty breaks. For example, using a consistent command or signal when you take your dog outside to potty helps them understand what's expected of them. Fostering Communication: Dogs can't verbally tell us when they need to go outside. A regular potty schedule encourages them to communicate their needs through behavior, such as standing by the door or whining when they need to relieve themselves. Developing Bladder Control: Puppies, in particular, have developing bladder control. A consistent schedule helps them gradually increase their ability to hold it in between potty breaks. Strengthening Bond: A routine that includes regular walks and potty breaks reinforces your bond with your dog. These activities provide quality time for interaction and mutual trust-building. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Dogs are creatures of habit, and a predictable routine can reduce stress and anxiety. Knowing when they'll have opportunities to relieve themselves can make them more relaxed and confident. Quicker Learning: With a consistent routine, dogs learn faster. They understand the cause-and-effect relationship between going outside and being rewarded. This speeds up the potty training process. Setting a Foundation: A consistent routine during potty training sets the foundation for other forms of training and discipline. It establishes a structured environment that helps your dog understand expectations and boundaries. In the case of German shepherds, who are intelligent and quick learners, a well-established routine can be especially effective in teaching them proper potty habits. Remember that during the early stages of potty training, close supervision and adherence to the schedule are crucial for success. As your dog becomes more reliable, you can gradually adjust the schedule to align with their changing needs. Crate Training Crate training can be a valuable tool for successful housebreaking, and it is often recommended by dog trainers and veterinarians. Crate training helps create a safe and controlled environment for your dog while aiding in the potty training process. Here's why crate training is beneficial for housebreaking: Instinctive Denning Behavior: Dogs have a natural instinct to seek out small, secure spaces for rest and safety. A crate serves as a den-like space where your dog is less likely to eliminate, which aligns with their natural tendency to keep their sleeping area clean. Bladder and Bowel Control: Crate training helps your dog develop bladder and bowel control. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, and when confined to a crate, they are more likely to hold their bladder and wait for an appropriate time to eliminate. Preventing Accidents: Using a crate when you cannot directly supervise your dog helps prevent accidents inside the house. Dogs are less likely to pee or poop in their crate, and this can minimize the chances of them developing a habit of going indoors. Establishing Routine: Crate training can be integrated into a consistent routine for potty breaks. You can take your dog out of the crate to the designated potty area at specific intervals, such as after meals, playtime, or waking up. This routine helps reinforce proper elimination behavior. Positive Association: When crate training is done correctly, dogs come to view their crates as a safe and comfortable space. This positive association reduces anxiety and stress associated with confinement. Easier Supervision: Crate training provides a way to manage your dog's behavior when you can't directly supervise them. This is particularly useful during times when you're unable to watch for signs that they need to eliminate. Gradual Transition: Crate training allows for a gradual transition to having more freedom in the house as your dog becomes reliable with their potty habits. It's a step-by-step process that helps prevent setbacks. Faster Learning: Using a crate speeds up the housebreaking process, as it teaches your dog to hold their bladder and wait for appropriate times to eliminate. This can result in quicker success with potty training. Safety and Comfort: When introduced properly, a crate becomes a safe and comfortable space for your dog to rest, especially when you're not home. It reduces the likelihood of destructive behavior that might occur when your dog is left unsupervised. Remember that successful crate training requires patience, positive reinforcement, and proper introduction. The crate should never be used as a form of punishment, and your dog should not be confined for extended periods without breaks. Gradually increasing the time your dog spends in the crate and using it in conjunction with a consistent potty training routine will contribute to a successful housebreaking experience. A German shepherd lays down in a grassy yard while his owner and a child sit in the background. Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement while potty training your German shepherd involves tailoring your approach to their specific needs and characteristics. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use positive reinforcement during potty training: Choose High-Value Rewards: Select treats or rewards that your German shepherd finds particularly enticing. This might be small pieces of soft treats, bits of cooked chicken, or cheese. The more your dog values the reward, the more effective it will be. Immediate Rewards: As soon as your German shepherd finishes eliminating in the designated area, provide immediate praise, petting, and the chosen reward. The timing is important for them to understand the connection between the behavior and the reward. Ignore Accidents: If your German shepherd has an accident indoors, remain calm. Do not punish them, as it can create confusion and anxiety. Instead, clean up the mess calmly and focus on rewarding them for proper behavior outside. Positive Association: Make the outdoor potty area a positive place for your German shepherd. Use a cheerful tone of voice when you go out and encourage them to explore and sniff around. This helps them associate the area with a positive experience. Celebrate Progress: Celebrate every small victory. If your German shepherd signals that they need to go out, responds to the command, or consistently eliminates in the right area, give them extra praise and rewards. This encourages them to continue the behavior. Gradual Transition: As your German shepherd becomes more reliable with their potty habits, gradually reduce the frequency of treats while maintaining verbal praise. This transition helps them understand that they're doing the right thing even without a treat every time. Be Patient and Consistent: Potty training takes time and consistency. Be patient and understand that accidents are a normal part of the process. Maintain a positive and patient attitude throughout the training period. Using positive reinforcement with your German shepherd will help them learn quickly, build a strong bond with you, and develop good potty habits. Adapt the rewards and training methods based on your dog's preferences and responses to ensure a successful and positive potty training experience. Potential Problems and Challenges While the basic principles of potty training apply to all dog breeds, German shepherds may present certain challenges due to their specific characteristics. Here are some potential challenges that can be unique to German shepherds during potty training: High Energy Levels: German shepherds are energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. If they have excess energy, they might become restless and have a harder time focusing on potty training. Ensuring they get enough physical activity can help them stay calmer and more receptive to training. Boredom-Related Accidents: Due to their intelligence, German shepherds can become bored easily. If they're not mentally engaged, they might have accidents indoors out of frustration or lack of stimulation. Providing them with puzzle toys, interactive play, and training sessions can help prevent this. Sensitivity to Environment: German shepherds can be sensitive to changes in their environment, and this can affect their potty training. Moving to a new home, changes in routine, or unfamiliar surroundings might lead to accidents as they adapt. It's important to offer reassurance and consistency during transitions. Separation Anxiety: German shepherds are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. If they experience separation anxiety, they might have accidents when left alone due to stress. Gradually increasing alone time, using positive reinforcement, and creating a secure environment can help alleviate separation anxiety-related issues. Territorial Behavior: German shepherds can be territorial, which might lead to marking behaviors indoors. This is more common in unneutered males but can occur in females as well. Neutering and consistent training can help address this behavior. Stubbornness: While German shepherds are intelligent, they can also be a bit stubborn. Some may challenge your authority during training, which can slow down the potty training process. Consistent, patient, and positive training methods are essential to overcome this challenge. Need for Socialization: Proper socialization is crucial for German shepherds. If they haven't been exposed to different environments, surfaces, and people, they might have trouble adapting to new potty areas or become anxious when trying to eliminate in unfamiliar places. Distractions: German shepherds have a strong prey drive and can be easily distracted by sights, sounds, and scents. This might lead to them losing focus during potty breaks. Training in a calm and less stimulating environment initially can help them focus better. Developing Bladder Control: Puppies of any breed, including German shepherds, have developing bladder control. This can lead to more frequent accidents during the early stages of potty training. Consistent routine, patience, and gradual extension of time between potty breaks are important. Addressing these challenges requires a tailored approach to potty training. Positive reinforcement, consistent routine, early socialization, patience, and a good understanding of your German shepherd's individual personality and needs are key to successfully overcoming these potential challenges. Common Mistakes to Avoid Certainly, there are common mistakes to avoid that could hinder the potty training progress of a German shepherd puppy: Inconsistent Routine: Inconsistency in potty break times and locations can confuse your puppy. Stick to a regular schedule and designate a specific outdoor spot for them to eliminate. Punishment: Punishing your puppy for accidents indoors can create fear and anxiety, making potty training more difficult. Positive reinforcement works best. Lack of Supervision: Not closely supervising your puppy, especially during the initial stages, increases the likelihood of accidents and missed opportunities for proper training. Ignoring Signals: Overlooking signs that your puppy needs to eliminate, such as circling, sniffing, or whining, can lead to accidents. Not Cleaning Accidents Properly: Failing to thoroughly clean indoor accidents with an enzymatic cleaner can leave lingering scents that encourage repeat behavior. Using the Crate Ineffectively: Overusing the crate or leaving your puppy in it for extended periods can lead to discomfort and potentially undermine positive associations. Rushing the Transition: Moving from indoor pads to outdoor potty training too quickly can confuse your puppy. Gradually phase out indoor options as they adapt. Neglecting Socialization: Insufficient socialization can lead to anxiety during outdoor potty breaks. Introduce your puppy to various environments, sounds, and surfaces. Inadequate Positive Reinforcement: Failing to provide immediate rewards and praise for proper outdoor elimination may result in slower progress. Overlooking Medical Issues: Sometimes accidents may be due to medical issues. If accidents persist despite consistent training, consult a veterinarian. Lack of Patience: Potty training takes time and patience. Expecting overnight results can lead to frustration and hinder progress. Avoiding these common mistakes and consistently using positive reinforcement, effective training techniques, and patience will set the foundation for successful potty training with your German Shepherd puppy. Tracking Progress and Making Changes To effectively track your German shepherd puppy's progress and adjust training methods, maintain a detailed record of potty successes and accidents, noting patterns in timing and behavior. Regularly review this log to identify trends and adjust the potty schedule accordingly. If accidents occur, reflect on possible triggers or changes in routine that might have contributed. Be flexible and adapt training techniques to address specific challenges such as boredom-related accidents, separation anxiety, or distraction, utilizing positive reinforcement, consistent routine, and tailored approaches to ensure steady progress and successful potty training. Recognize signs of readiness for longer intervals between potty breaks in your German shepherd puppy by observing consistent successful elimination outdoors, fewer accidents indoors, increased ability to hold it in between breaks, and signs of increased bladder control such as longer periods of play without needing to eliminate. Additionally, if your puppy consistently signals when they need to go out, understands and responds to your potty command, and can stay calm and focused during play without becoming anxious for potty breaks, these are indicators that they may be ready for gradually extended intervals between potty outings. Always monitor your puppy's comfort level and adjust the intervals gradually to avoid setbacks in their potty training progress. FAQs How can German shepherd puppies' intelligence be harnessed during potty training for quicker results? Harness your German shepherd puppy's intelligence during potty training for quicker results by incorporating mental stimulation into the training routine. Utilize their ability to learn quickly by teaching them a specific potty command, such as "go potty," and consistently using it during outdoor breaks. Additionally, employ positive reinforcement by rewarding them immediately with high-value treats and enthusiastic praise when they eliminate in the desired area. Engage their intelligence with short training sessions that include basic obedience cues, which not only keep them mentally engaged but also reinforce your role as the leader. By keeping their minds active and challenged, you enhance their focus and comprehension of potty training expectations, leading to faster and more successful training outcomes. What strategies can help owners manage the breed's high energy levels while focusing on potty training? To manage the high energy levels of a German shepherd puppy while focusing on potty training, incorporate regular, vigorous exercise sessions that help burn off excess energy and reduce restlessness. Designate specific playtimes and walks to align with potty breaks, ensuring they are exercised before these breaks to increase the likelihood of successful outdoor elimination. Utilize mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle games, and short training sessions to engage their intelligence and provide mental outlets for their energy. Establish a consistent potty schedule that aligns with their routine, and reward proper elimination with high-value treats and enthusiastic praise. Combining physical exercise, mental engagement, and a structured routine helps manage their energy while effectively training them to develop good potty habits. Are there specific environmental triggers that German shepherds may respond to during potty training? German shepherds, like all dogs, may respond to specific environmental triggers during potty training. These triggers can include scents, sounds, and routines associated with going outside. They may become excited and attentive when they hear the sound of a leash, see you getting ready for a walk, or recognize the specific door you use to go outside for potty breaks. Additionally, the scent of their designated potty area or the presence of other animals' scents outdoors might prompt them to engage in elimination behavior. Utilizing these triggers intentionally and consistently can help your German Shepherd associate them with the appropriate time and place for elimination, contributing to successful potty training. How can owners transition from indoor potty training to successful outdoor training as their German shepherd puppy grows? Transitioning from indoor potty training to successful outdoor training as your German shepherd puppy grows requires a gradual process. Start by moving the indoor potty area closer to the door leading outside. Encourage your puppy to use this area consistently before venturing outside. As your puppy becomes reliable in using the designated indoor area, gradually move it closer to the outdoor potty spot. Once your puppy is comfortable with this transition, consistently take them outside to the designated spot for potty breaks. Use a command or cue to encourage elimination, reward success with positive reinforcement, and maintain a consistent schedule to reinforce outdoor habits. Patience and positive reinforcement will help your puppy smoothly transition from indoor to outdoor potty training while adapting to their growing needs. German shepherds are intelligent, energetic dogs that require tailored training approaches. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience are key to successful potty training. Establishing a routine and using a crate effectively can aid in teaching them proper elimination habits. It's important to recognize the unique challenges such as high energy levels, sensitivity, and potential distractions that German shepherds may present during potty training. By harnessing their intelligence, adapting to their needs, and providing mental stimulation, owners can navigate these challenges and achieve quicker results. Transitioning from indoor to outdoor training requires a gradual process, and avoiding common mistakes like inconsistency, punishment, and inadequate supervision is vital for a smooth potty training journey. For more information on potty training, check out these articles:. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough.

Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. If this is the case,…. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!