aggressive labradoodle puppy

But, this mix may be wary and reserved with strangers. Around its family, this dog is often playful, affectionate, and silly. They are also very loyal to their family and may act as a guardian towards the family, especially kids. The Rottle can be very cuddly and may try to act like a lap dog. However, this mix should never be left alone with children due to their size and clumsiness. The Rottweiler Poodle mix does not typically enjoy being alone, but is not usually prone to separation anxiety. The Rottweiler parent is known for its protective instincts. Socialization as a puppy is vital to ensure your Rottle grows into the best personality possible. This will help to minimise the risk of aggression when your puppy grows older. Training and Exercise The Rottie Doodle is immensely trainable and eager to please, but may have a stubborn streak. These work by rewarding the behaviors you want to see, rather than coming into conflict with your furry friend. The Rottle is a mix of two athletic breeds, so daily exercise is essential. Swimming is often a favorite pastime of Rottweiler Standard Poodle mixes. They also enjoy long walks, hikes, or jobs with their favorite people. Retrieval games can also be a fun way to stay fit. The Rottweiler Poodle mix tends to excel at canine sports like agility, tracking, and obedience, which can be excellent opportunities to exercise thebody and mind. Although the Rottle will enjoy a cuddle, they need to burn off those high energy levels first. Rottle Health and Care The Rottie Poo has a potential lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but the average tends to be close to the middle, around 10 years. They have the potential to inherit health conditions from either of their parent breeds. We recommend the Rottweiler parent has good hip scores, is PRA clear, has had a recent eye check and no family history of heart problems. Shelter Dogs As this mixed breed gains popularity, older Rottles in need of loving homes will become more common. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies, and many already have basic training and socialization. But, you may be able to find a Rottle in a rescue center for the parent breeds. Scroll to the end of this article for some links that will help you start your search. Rottle Puppies The first step to raising a healthy Rottle dog is choosing from healthy Rottle puppies. Healthy Rottle puppies come from healthy parents. OFA recommends that, before breeding, Rottweilers are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, vision problems, and cardiac problems. Poodles should be tested for hip dysplasia, vision problems, cardiac problems, and thyroid problems. Any ethical breeder can provide you with the results of these tests, but the results should be registered with a canine health registry like the OFA as well. Parents should be at least two years old for these tests to be accurate, as well as for the best odds of producing healthy babies. Because of the size difference in the Rottweiler and Poodle, the mother should be the Rottweiler, as birthing overly large pups can be dangerous for a Standard Poodle. The breeder should allow you to meet the mother as well as any puppies in the litter that are still present. They should all appear happy and healthy. You should also be able to get information about the father and the breeder who owns him. All dogs owned by the breeder should be working animals or beloved pets, and not simply treated as business assets. As designer breeds are becoming more popular, their prices are rising. However, this will vary depending on the breeder, your location, demand for puppies, and more. A lower cost can be an indicator of a puppy mill. Life Span Did You Know? They are also sometimes called a Rottle. Rottie-Poos are intelligent, powerful, and loyal dogs that are devoted to their families and are protective of them. Rottles are also energetic, loving, and playful. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, this mix is recognized by other notable dog organizations. Rottie-Poos make great family companions and tend to have a sweet nature. As long as they have been properly socialized, they are well-mannered and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective nature, they can remain initially wary of strangers. They can also be prone to barking. So, you will want to start to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior. A Rottle is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They tend to do better in homes with fenced yards where they can run. In some cases, they can adapt to apartment living. But, their large size and exercise needs can make that difficult. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to the extremes and particularly sensitive to heat. Rottie-Poos also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they bond closely with their families and also get bored easily. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be at times, but it is definitely not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog could inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. At the same time, they could also inherit all of them or any combination of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large, barrel-chested dog breed, the Rottie-Poo, like their parents, are at risk for developing bloat. Bloat in dogs can sometimes just be gas, but it could also end up in gastric torsion where the stomach flips. Rottles are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which means they pick up on things quickly. They do require a confident owner who can clearly and consistently communicate boundaries and expectations during training. This can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, so puppy training classes are recommended. These classes are a good idea anyway because they reinforce training, offer opportunities for socialization, and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy. They could inherit similar to one of their parents or a combination of both. If they end up with a Rottweiler coat, they will shed a bit year-round, need weekly brushing, and bathed occasionally. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats and grooming is required every weeks. If they end up with a combination coat, you may get some shedding here and there. Depending on the length of their coat and the curl, you may need to brush them every day or you might be able to get away with brushing them a couple of times a week. They may also need grooming every weeks or so. When it comes to dental care for dogs , daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Rottie-Poos can range from a moderate to high energy level. This means they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. With a working dog background, they also need a job to do. Generally, they will be up for more activity if you are. Also, Rottles are athletic dogs. So, once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what you and your Rottle like the most. A fully-grown Rottie-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Rottie-Poo generally lives for years. Featured Rottie-Poo Article.

This breed is a wonderful combination of two of the best dog breeds out there. But before you rush out and get one, there are a few things you need to know. So read on to find out if this hybrid is the perfect dog for your family! Great choice! Bearded Collie Poodle mixes are friendly, intelligent, and make great pets. In terms of their personality, Bearded Collie Poodle mixes are playful and loving. Do you want a playful pup who will always keep you on your toes, or a companion who is content to just hang out and relax? This crossbreed is the perfect combination of two beloved breeds, and with the right training, can make a great addition to any family. But where did this unique mix come from? These pups were valued for their intelligence and trainability, as well as their easygoing nature. Over time, the popularity of the Bearded Collie Poodle mix spread, and they began to be bred in other countries as well. Today, they are a popular choice for families all over the world who are looking for a loving and loyal companion. With the right care and training, these pups can make a wonderful addition to any home. Physically, they tend to be a little bit smaller than regular Beardies, and their coats can vary in color and texture. Their hair is usually wiry and curly, and they may have a mustache and beard—hence the name Bearded Collie Poodle Mix! They can also have floppy ears, and their eyes can be brown, green, or blue. When it comes to personality, Bearded Collie Poodles are said to be very intelligent, friendly, and loyal. Overall, the Bearded Collie Poodle Mix is a great companion dog that will bring a lot of joy to your life. The Bearded Collie Poodle mix is also known for being very loyal and protective of her family. On the plus side, Bearded Collie Poodle mixes are generally pretty friendly and good with kids. All in all, Bearded Collie Poodles make great family dogs. Just be sure to do your research before you commit to this breed. But there are some downsides too. They can be a bit temperamental, and can be prone to barking and chewing. Plus, they can be a bit expensive to keep up with their grooming needs. So, what do you think? Are you ready to own a Bearded Collie Poodle mix? Thanks for reading! We hope you found this article helpful. Fun fact: Some Bearded Collies might have the Harlequin coat. With that, your mixed pooch could inherit the same coat. Bearded Collie Poodle mix: Temperament Just like their mom and dad… Beardoodles are smart and friendly dogs. Not to mention, experts also say: Bearded Collies can get along with anyone. Even with other Fidos. With this… Beardoodles could enjoy having other dogs around them. After all, this pooch is very outgoing. Beardoodles are also active and playful Beardoodles have high energy levels. And that leads to them being active. This means they need lots of activities. Something to spend their energy on. And that could lead to many unwanted habits. You see, this pooch is usually healthy. After all, they tend to live an active lifestyle. As energetic Fidos, Beardoodles are often in great shape. But of course, this still depends on their fur parents. Like any other pooch… Beardoodles need a balanced lifestyle. So even if this hybrid has a long lifespan… Fur parents should still take them for regular checkups. You see, this energetic Fido loves training. Fun fact: Bearded Collies are herding dogs. This means they enjoy working. Aside from that… Both parents of this pooch are also popular as show dogs. And they run the stage with lots of confidence. Fun fact: The 2nd smartest dogs in the world are Poodles. And Bearded Collies are ranked .Surely, Beardoodles would be a very clever pooch. And these Fidos can give you therapy. Now, as a hybrid… Beardoodles could also inherit this trait. But what makes them good at this job, you asked? As I mentioned in pro 3… Poodles are highly intelligent. This means they can easily tell how you feel. These Fidos would always know the truth. So if you want a pooch that could comfort you… A Beardoodle might help you with that. Learn more. Looking for a fun, friendly and independent dog with enough love to go around for everybody? We have put together a guide that tells you all you need to know about this amazing dog breed. The Bearded Collie or Beardie is a charismatic dog with origins in Scotland. It has a distinct shaggy double coat that almost resembles that of the Old English Sheepdog. A Bearded collie stands at a height of inches and weighs lb. The Poodle, on the other hand, is a proud, clever, and elegant dog. It is a bit taller than the Beardie inches but weighs a little less at lb. It is known for having a luxuriant, texture, and curled single coat that comes in a range of colors cream, apricot, back, white, red, brown, and fawn. A Poodle is well-proportioned and has muscled-hindquarters, strong back, and neck. Physical Characteristics A Beardoodle is a medium-sized dog with good proportion, thanks to genes from either side of the family. His body is lean and muscular with very strong legs. He also has a round skull and pendulous set of ears that drop to the sides of his face. Regardless of the color, a Beardoodle has a black or brown nose and open nostrils. His eyes can bear the color amber or brown. You cannot talk about the Beardoodle without mentioning the appealing coat that gives him a lot of character. Like a Beardie, this hybrid dog features a dense and wavy coat that has a curl to it. Unless trimmed, the coat can grow to an incredible length. For convenience, dog owners prefer to trim the coat from time to time. Most Beardoodles have white and black coat colors and others feature white, cream, red, and grey coats as well. A fully grown Beardoodle stands at a height of 20 — inches and weighs 40 — 60 lb. Personality and Temperament Expect your Beardoodle to re-invent the meaning of the word fun to your family. This doggy can play with humans and animals alike. He is known to be self-confident, super-intelligent, and generally outgoing. Unlike other dogs, a Beardoodle is fine with his own company as long as he keeps busy. Life expectancy The Beardoodle can live up to years. No doubt, he is eager to learn new things and encounter new challenges. This comes as a surprise because a Beardie can be quite stubborn. As an energetic dog, a Beardoodle can become easily bored—yes even during training. Be sure to add lots of treats and praises to score high in your efforts. Behaviors around People and Children As wonderful family companions, Beardoodles get along with everyone in the family, including children. However, they need to be trained on how to behave around young children. Thankfully, training them is a breeze. Similarly, kids need to be shown how to handle a dog to avoid agitating them. Exercise Requirements The Beardoodle is an extremely active pup that thrives well with plenty of regular exercises. A daily minute rigorous exercise will do the trick. He does well with power walking, chase, running, Frisbee, and fetch. In addition, consider outdoor hikes once in a while to keep boredom and destructive behavior at bay. Health If you breed your Beardoodle correctly, he will live through his years with very few if any health issues. However, like all mixed breeds, your dog carries the risk of suffering from a number of health diseases transferred from his parents. Hip Dysplasia : This can come about if a taller Beardoodle has poor hip development. Collie Eye Anomaly : The Beardoodle may also have abnormal eyes right from birth. Bloat and digestive issues: This is believed to be from the Poodle side of the family. The Beardoodle is no exception. He requires a rich, nutritious diet that is specially formulated according to his size, age, and activity level. Feeding him thrice a day with protein and fiber-rich foods is a good practice. Maintenance Thanks to his dense coat, the Beardoodle can easily get matted. To avoid it, you have to brush it using a metal comb, de-matter or a pin brush at least four times a week. If he has too thick a coat, he may need a trimmer as part of his grooming routine. Finally, use a pair of clippers to trim his toenails, and brush his teeth at least once a week for god oral hygiene. The family of Beardoodles began in the 80s. This was the time when breeders started creating crossbreed between purebred dogs. Over the next 20 years, the Beardoodle rose in popularity across the world. They shed less compared to other breeds. So, they are great for people with allergies They can bark a lot if they feel threatened. They can sometimes grow bigger than expected and tend to be exceptionally hyperactive. He exudes a lovely temperament around kids, adults, and pets. If you reciprocate the love by grooming him right and giving him the appropriate workout needs, he will take you to greater heights of affection. Image Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 Last Updated on March 17, by Sable McNeil is a canine chef, professional pet blogger, and proud owner of two male dogs. I have been an animal lover all my life, with dogs holding a special place in my heart. Initially, I created this blog to share recipes, tips, and any relevant information on healthy homemade dog treats. My mission now is to find the most helpful content on anything related to dogs and share it with fellow hardworking hound lovers. While everything I share is in line with the latest evidence-based veterinarian health guidelines, nothing should be construed as veterinary advice. By Author.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Website: Stargate French Bulldogs 2. It is a family-oriented breeding program that produces some of the healthiest, happiest, and most beautiful French bulldog puppies possible. The family has over 25 years of experience breeding Frenchies. You will significantly benefit from their wealth of experience and knowledge when you buy a puppy from them, If this is your first time owning a French Bulldog puppy, Blue Grit Kennel is one of the best breeders from whom to buy this breed. They care about their puppies and always follow up to ensure they are healthy and happy. The family provides all their clients a lifetime of support and guidance, so rest assured you will not embark on this journey alone. Another amazing thing about Blue Grit Kennel is its pricing model. Their puppies are affordable despite investing a lot of time, effort, and money in raising them. All their puppies are bred from AKC-registered parents with exceptional bloodlines. The puppies also have AKC registration. After birth, the puppies are thoroughly examined by a licensed vet. Their puppies go home with a health certificate and are fully vaccinated. The family also deworms at the appropriate time. They can deliver your puppy to you regardless of where you are in Alabama. Shipping is also available via trusted puppy nannies to major cities in the US. Besides health, this family focuses on other things like socialization and temperament. The French Bulldog requires early training and socialization, which this family understands. The puppies are socialized with kids and other animals daily. Potty and crate training are also part of their program, ensuring your new family member comes home well-socialized and semi-trained. Although our respective practices have taken us to two different states, we remain close and look forward to our yearly trips together. After our very first trip to New York City we were hooked!! We try to make an annual trip to the Big Apple every year for a weekend of shopping, great food and Broadway. We have both shared a love for French Bulldogs for many years. They are friendly, funny, devoted companions. We both feel that they make a wonderful addition to any family. If you would like to learn more, please contact us. We would love to provide your family with a new bundle of love As veterinarians, we want to make sure our puppies get the healthiest start they can, from the moment of conception to the day they are born and then continuing throughout their lives. Additionally, we aim to educate our new puppy owners on preventative care so that we can provide families with happy, healthy, well-adjusted puppies. We are committed to responsibly breeding sound, healthy puppies that not only conform to the standards set forth by AKC, but also have great temperaments and are well-socialized. Playbill French Bulldogs is a collaboration between both of our families. We have family members from the west coast in Temecula California to the east coast in Brooklyn New York. We are both very conveniently located in Kentucky and Alabama with easy access to Atlanta Georgia, the panhandle of Florida, and Tennessee. Wherever you are located, we can make arrangements to get your new family member to you in a safe, stress-free manner! AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Reaves Frenchies.

The breed was quite popular among lace workers in the city of Nottingham and when many lace workers emigrated to France for better opportunities, they naturally brought their little bulldogs with them. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe. Average Life Span When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 11 to 14 years. Temperament Frenchies are alert, intelligent, stubborn, inquisitive, loyal, lovable clowns. Vivacious and deeply affectionate. General Breed Description The French Bulldog is an active breed in general, but some can be couch potatoes. They do not require a lot of exercise, particularly as puppies, only short walks and never on hot days. As long as they have adequate shallow water they can wallow in, they are happy. Best in homes with a backyard. They prefer human company to other dogs, but live happily with another dogs. They can be very possessive about their humans, food, toys, etc. They are a natural bob tailed breed. Coat and Care requirement An easy coated breed that should be regularly bathed and brushed. Particular attention must be taken with ears, nose rolls and tail folds. During summer on hot days, your French Bulldog will enjoy his time inside near the airconditioner rather than outside. Size Weight: Males .Health All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders in is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does. The French Bulldog is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. As a brachycephalic short nosed breed, they may be susceptible to breathing issues BOAS , spinal deformities and also heart issues may affect this breed. These issues can be vet checked. Suitability They are an ideal pet for all owners and are great with families. As with all dogs, young children and pets should always be supervised when together. French Bulldogs are usually good with other dogs and cats if they are socialised well as a puppy. Owners must be aware of possible heat stress during hot weather. In Conclusion Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come. Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership. Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds. The French Bulldog is a cross between the bulldog ancestors from England and the local ratters in France. Behaviour-wise, this dog is adaptable, playful and smart. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Lovely Frenchies ready for a new home, super lively, fun and energetic. All six puppies are adored. They are all vet-check, microchipped and wormed. Now just ready to join a family. Have been toilet trained on astro puppy pee mats and are doing great with it. Our babies are raised in our home as part of our family. Each puppy comes with; Registered papers - are from 5 panel DNA clear families - a puppy pack - are Vaccinated - microchipped - wormed - health checked. These puppies are a beautiful representation of the breed and won't be seen at these prices again. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about these little wonders. Registration number .He has an absolutely beautiful nature, loves people, very devoted. She is so sweet , loves everyone, especially kids. The puppies are raised in a loving family home. They have their own lounge room and access outside to the garden and massive yard. They have had structured play time with the children which they love. Toilet training is going well. Puppies available this weekend or can be viewed prior. Will be have their first vaccination and are wormed regularly. Melissa French bulldog puppies for sale Born 18th August .Two boys and two girls. Taking deposits NOW. We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of our highly anticipated litter of French bulldog puppies, to be born to a magnificent blue Merle father and an enchanting blue dam. Both parents exude elegance and grace with their athletic build, turning heads wherever they go. The father's striking blue Merle coat is adorned with mesmerizing patterns, while the mother's luxurious blue color is simply captivating. Beyond their captivating appearances, both parents possess exceptional temperaments, exhibiting intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their human companions. They have been lovingly raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring that they pass on their wonderful traits to their offspring. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to maintaining the utmost care for the health and well-being of our dogs. Both the father and mother have undergone thorough health screenings, with no history of health issues. As a result, we are confident that their offspring will inherit their robust health and vitality. For those truly seeking a lifelong companion of exceptional quality, we warmly invite you to view both parents in person. Witnessing their captivating personalities and impeccable manners will leave no doubt that their progeny will be nothing short of extraordinary. These highly coveted puppies are sure to attract a lot of attention, and thus we respectfully request only serious and committed individuals or families to inquire. The puppies are expected to be ready to go to their loving homes around mid October , so the journey of unconditional love and joy can begin. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information or to arrange a viewing. We eagerly await the opportunity to introduce you to these precious little ones and ensure they find the most loving and responsible forever homes. The puppies have - [ ] Worming schedules completed to current age. Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies have been hand reared and love cuddles and attention. They will be microchipped, vaccinated and wormed regularly before leaving. Parents are healthy, clear of hereditary disease and have good breathing. Parents are fed a high quality diet including raw food. Each puppy will go to their new home with a puppy pack and registration papers from the ANKC. They are raised on premium nutrition and kept in optimal health. Puppies come with comprehensive health contract, LIFETIME breeder support and impressive puppy pack including food, treats, toys, owner gifts, supplies and so much more. Puppies are hand raised in a kennel free, indoor family friendly environment with THE most care. All our animals are owned by our own family and they are family pets and loved ones first and foremost. We can provide real customer feedback of our healthy animals and impeccable service. We are registered breeders and provide pure breed registration papers with our pooches from Master Dog Breeders and Associates. Our member number is .We start toilet training and placing babies on strict routines as soon as possible to ensure take home is simple and dogs are top quality. We also spread breed education, responsible breeding practices awareness and support local shelters and animal fundraising. Please enquire about mains options. Prices are as a pet only. They are very friendly and playful. Bred in our home in a family environment. Our puppies come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed fortnightly and pedigree registered with MDBA. We will also send our puppies to their new homes with a comprehensive puppy pack with all the essentials to get you started. We are looking for a family to love her as much as we do. She is currently the only dog and I have 2 primary aged children who she is great with. We have had her since a puppy and she is very easy going. She is used to being home alone while we are at work and school during the week and mixes with other dogs well once a week at doggy day care. She is toilet trained. Microchipped and registered Pure bred with papers from a registered breeder Healthy and Happy with no health issues. Born 13th September Nicole Maddison is a sweet and beautiful 2 year old frenchie. We find her very affectionate and loyal. She is toilet trained, desexed, walks well and up to date on all shots and treatments. Justin Sadly due to my partners allergies to dogs we cannot have her anymore. She is roughly 2 years old. She is in good condition and has been well taken care of. Anne French Bulldog French Bulldog, male ,Blue pied, DOB Geoffery is a very well bred boy with a loving nature, His genetic testing shows he has no health concerns, I would like him to placed into a loving home with a single or older couple. They are vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. They're full of quirky and playful energy. The litter includes 4 pure bred Females and 1 pure bred Male. They are fully microchipped and vaccinated If you wants the pups DNA papers that will be at an extra cost But if your just happy seeing mum an dad DNA papers we have that already Pm me for price an can be negotiated Ruby girl Dialga girl Zippy boy Bluey girl this one has the blue eyes Spotty Evan French bulldog Selling my frenchie as I'm now doing night shift work and don't have the time for her that she needs she's good with kids and other dogs and cats pls msg me for more info she's 11 months old and toilet trained she's an inside dog Donna French Bulldogs Pedigree with Papers DNA and pedigree papers of parents available to see. All pups will come Wormed Vaccinated Microchipped Vet checked With a puppy pack containing puppy food and toy bedding and more. I am happy for Personal meetings to see mum and dad and puppies. I am MDBA registered SnuggleMeadows Exclusive puppies for sale Two adorable boys,with an unusual and rare color, are looking for a new loving home! Boys from purebred parents with excellent DNA. No breathing problems and excellent health. Grown with love and care. Wormed treated - 2, 4, 6 weeks. Please message for Main papers welcome for extra. Alla This is George. Selling due to overseas relocation Greg Fluffy French Bulldog Puppy — Jumanji We have a beautiful frenchie named Jumanji looking for her forever loving home. He has been brought up in a loving home and socialized with our kids and now hes ready to join his new family for many cuddles and lots of kisses. French Bulldogs, Pugs and British Bulldogs have particularly small and narrow stenotic nostrils… Read more View all breed additional tests Our World Of Bulldogs conducts 11 additional tests available for the French Bulldog. The mutation causes airway swelling and fluid build up which can make affected dogs very prone to breathing problems. Breeders can use this test to inform their breeding program and help minimise the risk of breathing problems in their puppies. Many breeds are prone to this condition, especially short-legged breeds. It does not always cause impaired vision or blindness but can in severe cases. There are three types of CMR affecting different breeds. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Elbow Dysplasia Physical Test These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. There is a DNA test available in some breeds to indicated whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. HUU Genetic Test Hyperuricosuria HUU is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Auscultation alone is only accepted as a screening method if performed by a veterinary cardiologist or a GP vet certifying an OFA Basic Cardiac Screen. Echocardiography is an accepted screening method via GP or cardiologist. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. This very short, kinked tail is linked to other skeletal abnormalities such as hemivertebrae, which can predispose these dogs to slipped discs and other spinal problems. Breeders can now identify if their breeding dogs are carrying the mutated DVL2 gene. Dogs who are positive for this gene and have had any hemivertebrae noted on their spinal xrays, should not be bred. Tracheal Hypoplasia Physical Test British Bulldogs are known to be high risk for tracheal hypoplasia, where the trachea windpipe is very narrow. Some breeders have xrays taken of their breeding dogs to ensure the diameter of their trachea at the level of the thoracic inlet where the windpipe enters the lungs is not extremely narrow. Research is still being conducted to determine the significance of these results for puppies.

Introducing a new puppy to your home The importance of early training How to give instructions The importance of socialization How to socialize your puppy Basic commands - sit and stay Basic commands - come and lie down Training your puppy to heel Training your puppy to fetch and retrieve Rewarding and disciplining your puppy Training your puppy with a leash Your puppy and other people Your puppy and other animals House training Barking - and how to prevent it Biting and chewing Why choose a German shepherd? Congratulations on your choice! German shepherd dogs are the only dog breed to have the word dog as part of their official name. Not many dog breeds have as unique and proud a heritage as the white German shepherd. The breed had its beginnings in Austria in the 19th century when the Queen of Hapsburg reputedly wanted white dogs - to match both the white dresses and the white horses used by the family. German shepherd dogs are popular for several reasons their distinctive appearance, their reliability and their suitability for families. According to the American Kennel Association, in , the breed was the second most popular in the United States only the Labrador Retriever was more popular. Its no wonder that German shepherds are so popular apart from their distinctive appearance, they are also considered to be among the easiest breed of dog to train. Many breeders claim that they are one of the top three most trainable breeds, along with the Australian sheep dog and the Labrador retriever. White German shepherds are also well known for their loyalty and devotion it isnt unusual for them to form a strong bond with a trainer or handler. And not surprisingly, entering them at dog shows and obedience competitions can be rewarding German shepherds enjoy more than their fair share of success. Because they are so easy to train, German shepherds are widely used around the world for various tasks. In France, they are used to track criminals and to search for avalanche victims. Switzerland has a large number of German shepherds in it police force - and in the UK, German shepherd dogs were regularly used by world famous Scotland Yard up until the s. Apart from their suitability for law enforcement, German shepherds are used in other lines of work. In , the first Seeing Eye dog was a German shepherd today, the breed is still the most popular for the job. And the German shepherd is also a great choice for such tasks as herding sheep, pulling carts or acting as watchdog. However, training a dog can be time consuming, frustrating and hard work you will need to have patience and a routine. The task of training your puppy will be a lot easier if you begin the process at as early an age as possible - a younger puppy has generally not had the chance to learn too much negative or destructive behavior. The following pages will tell you how to train your puppy for most situations - house training, biting and barking, and interacting with other animals and people. You will find that the job of training your new friend is a rewarding and happy experience. Introducing a new puppy to your home Training your puppy should begin as soon as you get your puppy home and should ideally be undertaken by just one family member. At the same time it is important to make sure that everyone else in the house as well as any other pets are comfortable with the new arrival. Unlike some dog breeds, German shepherds prefer to live indoors, rather than outside. If possible, bring your new puppy home during a calm time and when you have the time to concentrate on training him. It isnt a good idea to bring home a new puppy during a hectic time when your routine and his will be disrupted, such as holidays or when family are visiting. Try to introduce a new puppy to family members one at a time so it isnt too overwhelming. When bringing your puppy home for the first time, make sure you are organized. Dont forget to have food in the house, as well as bowls specifically for food and water. At first, try to buy the type or brand of food that the dog is eating now you can always switch his food gradually. A sudden change in food can often have unfortunate results - diarrhea or an upset stomach. Apart from food and water, you will also need some toys for your dog if you are bringing a puppy home, its particularly important to have something for him to chew on. And your puppy will need somewhere to sleep many owners find that having the dogs bed close to them particularly at first - can make training easier. You may want to puppy-proof your home, just as you would make it baby-proof. Put any things out of reach you dont want to be chewed, such as shoes. Some rooms may be off limits and you may want to install a gate across the bottom of your stairs. If your puppy will be outside, make sure the environment is safe and secure and he cant slip out anywhere. Ensure that he doesnt have access to such things as paint, medicine and cleaning products. When introducing your new puppy to his new home, immediately start enforcing rules. If he jumps up on furniture, make sure that he understands not to do that using a treat as a reward is more effective than discipline at this point. House training should be undertaken at this time. You may want to make a point of showing your puppy that the family eats before he does and dont start feeding him from the dinner table, otherwise he will routinely expect that. Its surprisingly easy to overlook his water make sure he always has plenty and that its fresh every day. The first few weeks a puppy is in your home can be hectic but important. German shepherds live a long time generally from between 12 to 14 years, so you and your family have many happy years ahead. The importance of early training When it comes to successful dog training its important to start early. The first few months are particularly important as any behavior that has been learned will stay with your dog throughout his life. A young puppy has hopefully not had the chance to learn negative or destructive behavior. Ideally, this learning process should continue for up to two years. If you are the proud owner of a new German shepherd puppy, try to begin training as soon as the dog is in your home - just as you would immediately start teaching a newborn baby how to behave around other babies or animals. All family members should learn to handle the new puppy and be comfortable with the new addition to the family, however only one person should undertake most, if not all of the training. Dogs thrive on a routine, so try to have one that works around your job and other commitments. Its a good idea to introduce a new puppy into your home during a quiet time, and not at the holidays, for example. Training at this stage should include both obedience and hygiene, as well as eliminating any bad habits, such as chewing shoes or begging for food at the dinner table. The first few months in your home are some of the most important to a puppy many of an older dogs behavioral problems can be traced back to this period. Experts say that a dogs experiences between the ages of three and twelve weeks are the most critical and the ideal age to acquire a puppy is at about eight weeks old. This includes getting the animal used to any other pets and family members, as well as house training and teaching your dog to use a lead effectively. And any routines which will become part of your dogs later life should be introduced at an early stage, if at all possible. During much of your puppys early training, the two most widely used words will be no and his name. You should also make a point of exposing your puppy to different objects, as well as people. Introduce your puppy to such everyday but potentially scary things as toys, bicycles, large boxes, and even an umbrella. Its also recommended to take a puppy for short car rides, letting the window down occasionally. A dog is a lifelong commitment. Begin your training early and you have a better chance of avoiding problems later in life. The importance of giving instructions while training You will be giving plenty of instructions and commands while training your German shepherd puppy and its important to know how to give them. When training your puppy, instructions should be given in a firm and clear voice it isnt necessary to shout or become angry. As mentioned before, German shepherds are considered one of the easiest breeds of dog to train. The breed is also known for its patience and an instinctive desire to please an owner or trainer. They also have a keen sense of timing and are admired for their overall agility. It isnt necessary to give lengthy instructions to your puppy. Most of your instructions will consist of just two words your dogs name and the particular command. You will soon learn the importance of being able to effectively give the basic commands to your puppy come, sit, stay and lie down. You may want to master some of those commands before moving on to the command to heel. The secret to successful training is to give your puppy instructions in what you want him to do and not what you dont want him to do. Make sure that your commands are realistic and your dog is able to easily and safely carry them out. Never give a command or instruction unless you actually want it carried out. Much of your training should be done with the lead at first, and later without the lead. If your dog doesnt do what is asked always correct or discipline him immediately as dogs dont retain information for more than a few seconds. If you correct him after the fact, he will have forgotten what it is that he was asked to do! The same principle applies when rewarding your puppy. Remember, you are giving your puppy commands and instructions and not becoming angry or impatient with him with practice, your training will be easy and effective for both of you. The importance of socialization White German shepherd dogs are considered to be among the easiest dogs to train, making them particularly suitable for families with pets and children. Once you have chosen your pet, have taken him home and introduced him to your family, one of your next steps is to learn how to socialize your dog. Experts consider that the most important socialization period for a puppy begins at around three weeks of age and lasts until around twelve weeks. The period during which a puppy is most influenced by socialization is supposedly between six and eight weeks of age. Regardless of how old your puppy is when you get him, you may well have little or no knowledge of his previous life. Socializing your dog includes various things getting him used to other dogs as well as other people and also everyday sights, sounds and smells. And you shouldnt find it too difficult to find friends and neighbors who want to come over to admire your new puppy! Try to bring your puppy home when you can establish a routine and spend some time training him. Socializing is important as it can help to prevent serious behavioral problems in your German shepherd such as aggression, timidity and shyness. A dog that has been exposed to other animals such as cats and horses is better able to interpret their intentions, potentially avoiding a conflict. And a dog that has been thoroughly socialized is less likely to have behavioral problems in the future with other dogs or children. Some trainers even advise that a puppy should meet strangers and visit 50 new places all before he is three months old. You may not be able to do all that but it illustrates how important it is to thoroughly socialize your puppy. If you find socialization difficult, you can actually take your puppy to socialization classes ask at your local vets for details. Try to avoid taking your puppy to training classes that put an emphasis on punishment techniques. Simply the act of taking your puppy to the vets is a form of socialization and it also helps him prepare for future visits. Socializing your puppy correctly can take time and patience but the end results are well worth it and you will understand why white German shepherds are such a delight to own and train. How to socialize your puppy Socializing your puppy is important and will have a major influence on his behavior - start out slowly with socialization training begin with one on one situations with a friend or neighbor. Work your way slowly to more demanding situations with perhaps several people and pets. Make sure you are in control of the situation the object isnt to frighten your dog, simply to get him used to things. Try to ensure that your puppy meets different types of people young and old, loud and quiet. If your puppy only encounters people of a specific appearance for example, young girls he may be fearful or aggressive when he later encounters other types of people. If you dont have small children in your home, try taking your puppy to a park or playground. Try to avoid taking your puppy to areas where unvaccinated dogs may be found, unless your puppy has had all its shots. You may want to deliberately walk where you may encounter other dog walkers or even arrange for a friend to walk their dog at the same time. Your puppy should be exposed to different objects, as well as people things that we all take for granted. Introduce your puppy to such everyday but potentially scary things as bicycles, large boxes and childrens toys. You should also take your puppy for short and then longer car rides, letting the window down occasionally. You should also expose your puppy to things that make noises or move quickly. Try exposing your puppy to such everyday things as the vacuum cleaner, television, washing machine and doorbell. Start out slowly until he has got somewhat used to these things for example, leaving the vacuum out before switching it on. If you live in the country, or on a quiet street, take your puppy to a noisy or crowded area. Likewise, if you live in the heart of the city, take your puppy to the countryside or to a farm to experience such strange creatures as hens, ducks and cows. Dont let your puppy chase other animals during this time. A small puppy treat makes an appropriate reward when socializing your puppy. At first you can reward him every time you meet another pet or person; then progress to the point where you are rewarding him only for non-fearful interactions. If your puppy seems fearful or nervous around people, ask other people to crouch down this helps to put a nervous dog at ease. Dont be discouraged by the term socialization. If you are taking your puppy out and about, meeting people and interacting with other pets you are basically doing that anyway. Basic commands sit and stay Sit is one of the most basic and important commands that you will teach your puppy. Typically, a puppy is ready to learn this command at eight weeks old. And you will also discover that its one of the most difficult commands to enforce - as puppies of course, tend to be naturally playful. The good news is that even the liveliest puppy can be successfully trained. You should train your puppy to obey these commands before any others. Begin your training in a quiet part of the house with no distractions. Some trainers suggest training by the front door a puppy who sits easily by the front door is more manageable when you have visitors. Try to limit each training session to around 15 minutes and be sure to use a firm tone of voice and offer praise and reward when he gets it right. To successfully train your dog to sit, you may want to have him on a lead at first and then progress to training without the lead. Once you have given him the command to sit, gently help your dog to sit by folding his back legs under his bottom repeat this as necessary until he gets the idea. The command stay is often used in conjunction with sit and will help you control your puppy when its necessary. Once your puppy has learnt to sit, practice walking away while giving the command to stay. If he gets up before he has been told to, you should persuade him to sit again, by using the technique above. You should gradually walk further and further away, leaving him to stay for longer periods in general, it takes a week or so to train a puppy to sit and stay for a couple of minutes. After a few months it should be possible for your puppy to stay while you leave the room, for a period of around 15 minutes. You can also use a hand signal to instruct your puppy to stay, for example a raised hand. At first, this should be done using the lead; then you can progress to doing it without the lead. Once your puppy has got used to these commands, you should be able to command him to sit and stay, by using hand signals alone. With a little patience, your puppy will soon master these basic commands making for a better relationship between the two of you. Basic commands come and lie down Generally, you can start to teach your German shepherd basic commands once he has reached the age of six months. Try to have everybody in your family take part in these lessons everybody will need to use the commands at some point and keep lessons short, ideally around ten or fifteen minutes. As with other aspects of training, you should reward your puppy with affection and perhaps a treat when he does well. If he isnt learning quite as quickly as you had hoped, then you can withhold the reward. Dont punish your dog for not obeying these basic commands he will then associate that particular command with punishment. All the commands that you give your puppy at this stage should consist of just two words your puppys name, followed by the command Rover, come! When giving commands to your dog, make sure that you use a tone of voice thats both firm and enthusiastic. Be sure to praise your puppy when he gets it right. You should start training your puppy to obey the word "come" just as soon as you have brought him home the first time. To train your puppy to come, you should use the lead at first. Extend the lead distance as far as it will go and then use the command while at the same time tugging gently on his lead. If you dont see positive results at first persevere. Make sure you are crouched down on the same level as your dog and are using the word come in a positive, firm way and not angrily. Praise and reward your puppy dont be cross if he doesnt get it right the first time. After he has got the idea, take the lead off and repeat the procedure. To train your puppy to lie down, first command him to sit. Lower one of his favorite food treats between his front paws and say down or lie most dogs will lie down to get at the treat. Once he is lying down, you can then give him the treat. Try to practice the command to lie down from different positions from both a standing and a sitting position. Dogs tend to lie down in two different positions flat where the hips are rolled and the legs are to one side; and sphinx in which his hind legs are tucked underneath. Training your dog to lie down helps to show him who is in command it can also be helpful in a busy or dangerous environment. And a puppy thats lying down is usually a quiet puppy! Training your puppy to heel One of the supreme tests of obedience is to train your puppy to heel. Heeling is the act of walking with your dog close beside you - paying attention just to you and not being distracted by anything else. Once you have trained your puppy to do this, its an easy and safe way to walk through crowded or unfamiliar places with your dog. Ideally, you should first train your dog to sit on command before you start training him to heel, and you should use the lead at first. You should begin training your puppy to heel in a quiet room, with minimum distractions a long hallway or corridor is ideal for this - and you should not lead him to the door or outside at first. Begin your training with your puppy sitting on your left side. Assuming that you are right handed Hold the lead in your right hand, but hold the lead close to your dogs collar with your left hand. Start to walk slowly, using your dogs name and the command to heel. Remember, while training, most of your commands will consist of just two words the command and your dogs name. Give your commands in a firm authoritative tone dont become angry with him if he doesnt get it immediately. Try to keep your puppy close to you and once you have gone a few steps, you can reward him with a treat. If he starts to move away from you, a short sharp tug on the lead will get him back at your side. Once you have done this a few times, you should be able to walk further with your dog by your side eventually without using the lead. Twenty paces is a realistic goal. Once your puppy can walk to heel, the next step is to train him to turn around when you turn. To turn with your dog, put your hand on his collar while you turn and give the command to heel again, practice with the lead on at first, then off. Puppies can be lively and playful and you may not find this training easy. Persevere and the end result will be well worth it. Training your puppy to fetch and retrieve A puppy that runs to retrieve objects is not only getting physical exercise he is also getting mental stimulation. Playing fetch and retrieve is a chance for your dog to get some exercise as well as practice his instinctive hunting skills. And throwing and fetching objects can also keep children happy for quite some time! Before you are able to train your dog to run and fetch objects, you must first train him to hold objects in its mouth. Dont use squeaky toys for this as your dog will then want to chew them! While training your puppy to hold things in its mouth, reward with verbal and physical praise, rather than treats. You can begin training your puppy to fetch things and bring them back to you, once you have taught him how to hold things. Trainers advise that the ideal age to teach a puppy to hold and fetch things is at around six to eight weeks old. Most puppies will learn this fairly easily and quickly, although as with other aspects of training, it depends on the animal and how much time you can devote to it. German shepherds are not generally selectively bred for retrieving, although they can easily be trained. As with other aspects of training, things may not always go smoothly. If your puppy is reluctant to fetch, try to get him excited by throwing a squeaky toy and running with it yourself. If your dog seems reluctant to bring the object back to you, you may have to continue working on the command to come. If your puppy runs to the object but doesnt pick it up, you may need more lessons on the command to hold. And the same applies if he picks it up but then continually drops it while bringing it back make sure your puppy is proficient at holding objects before you begin fetch and retrieve training. Its an easy thing to overlook - dont give your puppy items to retrieve and hold that are too big to comfortably fit in his jaws. Your puppy may bring the retrieved object some of the way back to you but doesnt quite understand to bring it to you. One solution to this is to say no firmly, then retrieve the object yourself and bring it the rest of the way back. And some dog owners say that if your puppy watches other dogs fetch and retrieve, he will get the idea. Training your puppy to fetch and retrieve can give you and your puppy hours of fun but dont force it. Some dogs just seem to enjoy it more than others. Rewarding and disciplining your German shepherd While training your German shepherd, you will soon realize the importance of offering rewards for good behavior or for learning something quickly. German shepherd dogs are quick to learn, are reliable and obedient and it isnt unusual for them to form a strong bond with their trainer. Rewards actually fall into three basic categories verbal praise, treats and physical contact. You may find that your dog is motivated by one, rather than the other. In this case, physical contact would mean stroking your puppy. Be sure to give him long strokes along his body, rather than patting him on the head which your dog may see as a dominant gesture. Its a natural thing to want to use treats as a reward during training but you should be careful not to overfeed your puppy. Many treats are actually rich and fairly unhealthy. If you are using treats as a reward, one solution to overfeeding is to make sure the treat is part of your dogs daily food allowance. Try not to use treats as a reward for your puppy all the time over time you should gradually start to praise good behavior instead of rewarding with a treat. Eventually, during a training routine, you should offer the treat as a reward every other time, and then every 2nd or 3rd time, and so on. Your puppy will need constant praise and encouragement while being trained its a good idea to keep some treats easily accessible. If you are walking or playing outside, keep them in a pocket or backpack somewhere you can easily get to them and then immediately give them to your puppy. Good timing is also essential when you give your puppy a reward you must offer the reward at the same time that the dog has done whatever you commanded, or at least within a few seconds. Dogs are only able to retain information for a few seconds. If you reward your dog for sitting, but he has already stood up again he wont quite get the message. Some effective but humane methods of disciplining your dog are as follows. A puppy that misbehaves can be isolated from other people, for no longer than a few minutes. A squirt with a water pistol filled with water or lemon juice can be an easy way to stop a dog in its tracks. And a stern and commanding voice, along with the word no sometimes works best of all. If you are training your puppy to do something, such as sit or come on command and he is a little slow, repeating the exercise several times from the beginning may also help to reinforce the message. While training, use a firm but enthusiastic voice and offer rewards when applicable you may find you wont need to use discipline much at all. Training your puppy with a leash It is of course, one of the most indispensable items you will have when it comes to training your new puppy his leash, or lead. A properly used leash ensures your dogs safety as well as the safety of other animals and people. In fact you should never allow your dog to run free unless you are in an enclosed and protected area you may even have leash laws in your neighborhood. You should actually use two types of leash for training a long houseline with a bolt snap for indoor training, and a standard leash for outdoor use. Collars come in different styles and colors a well-fitting collar should allow you to slip two fingers underneath it with comfort. If you are choosing a collar and leash its a good time to make sure you have identification on your puppy, too. Most dogs particularly German shepherds dont have a problem wearing a collar and leash, although some dogs take longer than others to be completely comfortable. If your dog seems a little bit slow it doesnt mean he is are any less intelligent, he just needs a little more time. Start out by simply training your puppy to be comfortable with the leash. Let your puppy smell the leash and inspect it. Have your dog wear his collar and leash while eating, over a period of a few days this way, your dog associates his leash with the somewhat enjoyable task of being fed. During this time, the puppys leash should just trail on the ground. After a few days of this routine, you can start to lead your dog around the house while hes wearing the leash - then repeat the exercise outside. Gradually begin to walk longer and longer distances ideally, in a quiet environment with few distractions. Your dogs leash should not be too long between four to six feet is ideal. Some dog owners think the retractable lead is a wonderful thing this type of lead lets your dog roam up to 30 feet away, but still be under your control. However, be careful when using the retractable lead alongside busy roads. One of the problems you may encounter with a boisterous puppy is that of climbing up the lead or trying to jump on you. Train your puppy not to do this by saying no firmly and moving away or commanding your dog to sit. If necessary, repeat the exercise that you were practicing before he started jumping. One of the biggest challenges you may face while training your German shepherd to use a leash is that of pulling on the leash. If your puppy does this, he may be excited or bored. Try praising him if he remains at your side. Keep the leash loose at all times if your puppy starts to run off, abruptly change direction so that hes suddenly behind you. If your puppy is pulling on the leash, dont pull him all the way back again give a quick tug and then immediately release and make the leash slack again. With a little bit of perseverance, youll find that your puppy is comfortable with his leash after all, most puppies usually love to have their leash put on as it means they are going outside! Your puppy and other people Perhaps one of your most important considerations will be successfully training your new German shepherd puppy to interact with other people especially if you are bringing your dog home to a large family. Fortunately German shepherd dogs are not only easy to train they make an excellent choice for a family with children or pets, as they generally get along well with both. As with all aspects of training, try to begin this training when your puppy is less than four months old. These first few months are particularly important as any behavior that has been learned will stay with your dog throughout his life. This process should continue for up to two years. Training your puppy to comfortably interact with people, other animals and situations is known as socializing your dog. Socializing is also important as it can help to prevent serious behavioral problems in your German shepherd - such as aggression, timidity and shyness. A puppy often barks at strangers this is actually your dogs way of protecting or warning you. Try to get your dog as familiar with strangers as possible by introducing him to people who call at the house and having them give your puppy a treat. If this is still a problem, you may have to leave blinds or curtains closed to eliminate distractions from outside. German shepherds tend to be dependable with children; however you should still exercise caution. Babies tend to figure largely in a puppys life if you have a baby or toddler in your home, its important to make sure they get used to each other. You should allow your puppy to inspect the baby, but hold him on the leash while you do it the first time. Never tease a dog with a baby. Young children can be almost as challenging as babies. A puppy just cant help joining in if theres a group of small children running around and playing. Playing is acceptable, but make sure your children don't tease your puppy - teasing a dog is actually the major cause of children being bitten by a pet take it seriously if your child is jabbing or sticking fingers into the dogs face. Older children are better with a puppy the ideal age for a child to have their first dog is between the ages of 8 and .Youll soon discover that even the most responsible child generally needs some reminding to help look after their puppy. Children this age actually make excellent trainers for a puppy they tend to lack the self-consciousness of adults and are of course, learning themselves. Aggression towards people is an extremely difficult thing to correct. German shepherd dogs are known for their placid nature and their ability to bond with people, so you may never have this problem. To effectively deal with an aggressive dog, you first have to try to determine why he is aggressive he may be frightened or being teased. Fear biting is a possible symptom. Training your puppy to interact effectively with people can be hard work - fortunately you have one of the friendliest breeds that there is. Training your dog to get along with other animals Training your German shepherd to interact with other animals can be a challenge, as most dog owners know only too well. However, German shepherd dogs are considered to be one of the easiest dog breeds to train they also tend to get on with other animals and people particularly well. Try to create a relaxed atmosphere when you bring a new puppy into your home for the first time its all too easy to have a frantic environment which just makes the dog excitable. Your puppy will find himself the center of attention and its easy to forget the basics of training him. You will find it easier to get a puppy used to other animals and people socialized, as it is known if your puppy is less than four months old. A puppy thats older than four months may find if difficult to fully socialize with other animals and you may find it more difficult too. If your home has other animals, such as cats or guinea pigs, it can be effective to first introduce your puppy to the smell of the other animals. As far as your puppy and cats are concerned, you should keep them separate for the first few days. At the first meeting, hold your puppy securely on a lap or floor and allow the cats to smell the puppy with no contact. Once the animals have all inspected each other, you can allow the puppy to walk around the room with the cats be sure to keep an eye on all the animals. If your puppy chases the cats or barks at the cat, a firm no should persuade him not to do that you may also want to give him something to chew on. After a few weeks of this, your dog and cats should be able to live together peacefully. Another effective way to achieve harmony is to put a small piece of the other animals bedding near the place where your puppy will be sleeping. A new puppy is far more likely to accept the other animals as harmless family members if he first becomes accustomed to their smell. If you are walking your puppy, you may have trouble when encountering other dogs. A puppy that has been socialized exposed to other dogs, people and things will generally have fewer problems in this respect. You should start getting your puppy used to other dogs just as soon as you can, by taking him to parks, playgrounds etc or allowing people with dogs to come and visit you. Fortunately, German shepherds are well known for their ability to get on well with most other animals so you should have no serious problems achieving a peaceful environment for all your pets! House training Once you have your new puppy home, one of your most important considerations will be house training your puppy. As with most other aspects of puppy training, its best to begin as early as you can expect the training to be complete only when your dog reaches six months old. Nearly all dogs respond to house training fairly well the German shepherd is one of the most receptive breeds. Perhaps the first thing you need to know is how frequently your puppy may need to go. On average, a three month old puppy needs to urinate every three or four hours, while a puppy that is five months old urinates every four to five hours. Generally speaking, as a dog grows older, it can go that much longer before having to urinate. There are certain signs that your puppy may need the bathroom after a while, you will be able to spot them and anticipate. If he suddenly puts his nose down and sniffs intently, its usually a signal. Your puppy may appear agitated, or begin to whine or pace if he needs go. He may also run behind a piece of furniture, squat down or raise his leg. If your dog urinates in the house when left alone, this is actually a form of separation anxiety. Its caused by stress and the dog usually does this shortly after being left alone. One solution is to train your puppy to feel comfortable with his crate and to leave him there the problem may go away after a few weeks or months. Other than that, try to leave your dog alone as casually and with as little fuss as possible. One of the biggest problems for a dog owner is the dog who goes to the bathroom in the house but wont go outside. There may be several causes of this: a dog that has been confined indoors for at least a month has simply got used to relieving himself indoors he doesnt know any better. If your dog goes to the bathroom indoors, rather than out, make sure you are taking him outside as often as he needs. A puppy should be taken outside several times a day immediately after waking, and after eating or playing. While walking your dog outside, try to be alert to any signs that he needs the bathroom. If your dog has an accident inside the house, immediately and thoroughly clean the area so your puppy wont assume that spot is for going to the toilet. And if your dog goes in an approved spot in your yard or outside leave the droppings there, if practical. The next time your puppy sniffs that spot he will be encouraged to do his business there. House training may not be the most glamorous aspect of training your puppy but as most of us would point out, it is one of the most important. Barking and how to prevent it All dog owners are going to have a problem with unwanted barking or howling at some point although German shepherds are easier in this respect than many other breeds. In fact, a lot of German shepherd owners firmly maintain that their dog only barks when absolutely necessary! To deal effectively with barking, you first need to determine why the dog is barking. A puppy barks for several reasons. He may need exercise or he may need to use the bathroom. He may simply be bored and need attention. And some puppies bark because they are excited or theres just too much going on around them. A bored dog tends to bark a lot. If you feel your puppy is barking because hes bored or neglected, try not to give your dog attention as soon as he starts to bark. By doing this, you are then saying that its acceptable to bark and that barking leads to a positive thing your attention. Instead, you should make sure your dog is getting enough attention when hes not barking Your puppy may bark if left alone for too long although you might not know this unless the neighbors tell you! If you do have to leave your puppy alone, make sure he is exercised before you leave him and that he has plenty of water. Some owners even advise putting some music on for the puppy. If your puppy barks for no other identifiable reason, he may simply need to go to the bathroom. On average, a three month old puppy needs to urinate every three or four hours, while a puppy that is five months old urinates every four to five hours as he gets older, he will go less frequently. A dog shouldnt be punished for too much barking or howling which is after all, an instinctive thing. Any action you take to stop a dog barking must be undertaken at the time that they are actually barking and not sometime afterwards. Dogs are not able to retain information for more than a few seconds. If your puppy is barking for no apparent reason, simply try silencing him with a firm no. If you are desperate, you can purchase a no bark dog collar manufactured by several different companies. When your dog barks, it triggers a harmless spray of lemon liquid which supposedly stops the dog from barking. The disadvantage of the collar is that most dogs are too clever they will sooner or later learn to bark without the spray affecting them. An alternative to the spraying collar is the shock collar. As the name suggests, this device triggers a mild electric shock whenever your dog barks. The shock collar is completely humane and most experts consider it to be generally more effective in stopping barking than the no bark dog collar. A puppy that barks too much can certainly be annoying. But keep in mind there may be occasions when you want to hear your dog barking - noises outside in the yard, or a smoke alarm, for example. After all, German shepherds do make excellent watchdogs. Biting and Chewing Biting and chewing may be annoying to us sometimes but they are perfectly natural activities for your puppy. A puppy that bites does so instinctively and has probably learnt to do so from his siblings over time, your puppy will outgrow this behavior. However, there are some steps you can take now. Biting is most common with young puppies although most young puppies do not bite often, and if they do, something has caused them to bite. Ideally, a puppy should be trained not to bite before he is four months old. Normally, a puppy learns not to bite from his mother or other puppies if he is an only dog he learns from his owner. Many people think puppies are just playing when they bite, but in fact puppies can bite for several reasons. They may be teething puppies teeth for about a month, usually at four months old - or trying to strengthen their fairly new jaws and teeth. A puppy that bites may be exploring, or trying to compensate for an unbalanced diet - or he may just be bored. If your puppy is biting due to teething, the good news is that he will outgrow this. You can also buy toys designed specifically for teething dogs that help soothe the discomfort. A puppy may also be biting because he doesnt get to bite enough while eating - in this case your puppy will appreciate a nice bone. Chewing is also a common problem with puppies - be prepared to deal with your puppy chewing as soon as you bring him home and have plenty of chew toys in your home and ensure they are accessible. Some trainers recommend having up to 20 different chew toys available and rotating them periodically, to add an element of surprise and to keep your puppy interested. As with biting you shouldnt punish your puppy for chewing. Instead, you should gently remove the object and substitute something he can chew on such as a chew toy. Be sure to praise your pup for using the chew toy. German shepherds are well known for being easy to train and communicate with. However the breed is particularly prone to what is sometimes called fear biting which is sometimes genetic. Fear biting also sometimes results from having been ill-treated or from inadequate socialization of a puppy. A fear biting dog also often suffers from low self esteem, is often nervous or apprehensive and can frequently cower when introduced to strangers. You may need to get a professional to help train your dog to overcome fear biting, but there are some steps you can take. You need to gradually expose a fear biting dog to the things that hes afraid of. Its rather like the process of socialization all over again. Another technique you can try is to have a friend walk away from your dog with a dog treat and hold it out in the palm of their hand. The dog should be allowed to walk up and take the treat, and you should gradually progress to eye contact, verbal praise and stroking the dog All it takes is 15 minutes a day for a well trained dog. Have fun! Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. For serious owners only: If you want to master potty training, stop jumping, and everything a new dog owner needs to teach their dog, check out The Ultimate Puppy Training Bundle by SpiritDog. When should I start training my GSD puppy? You can start training your German Shepherd puppies as early as they are 8 weeks old. Crate training and potty training are the very basic skills your puppy will need once she gets home. You can start right away when she comes home. How is it different to train German Shepherds? German Shepherds are very intelligent and they learn fast. This makes training very easy. Many GSDs are play-motivated in addition to food-motivated, which makes it very easy to train new behaviors with a toy or ball as the reward. Timing is VERY important If you want to reward your puppy for doing the right thing, you must do it right after she exhibits the desired behavior. It is therefore extremely important to have your reward treat or ball ready in your pocket so you can give it to your pup immediately. Rule of thumb: Keep training sessions short After all, your puppy weeks old is still a young child at this age. She has a limited attention span and may get distracted easily. It is suggested that you train your puppy the same trick several times a day, repeating times in each session, preferably minutes each time even shorter sessions puppies. Your pup will quickly learn what she needs to do to please you. Voice Always praise your puppy with a lively and happy voice when she does something right. Treats Treats are essential when it comes to training a dog. It works especially well with food-motivated puppies. Playing or Petting If your dog is not food-motivated, you can reward them with their favorite toy or petting as an alternative. When you first started, you may need to try on different treats based to see which one your pup likes. The treats should be in bite-size and easy for your pup to chew. Cheese cubes, cooked chicken, or small bread cubes are quite popular with young puppies. To further motivate your pup, you may also like to have different kinds of treats in one training session. This will keep your puppy looking for more. What to Expect? Not only will these training sessions prepare your puppy to exhibit the desired manner, you will also take advantage of the time spent bonding with her. The more you practice with your puppy, the better and faster your puppy will learn. There will be accidents and at times your puppy may just turn around from you. After all, she is only a baby, you need to give her love and patience. Are you ready? Table of Content.

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. Are Lab puppies trainable too? They include intelligence, temperament, and genetic traits. As a rule, dogs that are highly motivated are also the easiest to train. Labradors are highly motivated by two things. But even more than that, they are are incredibly motivated by the promise of a tasty treat or two. One study actually found a gene alteration in Labs that gives them greater food motivation. This could explain why Labs have a reputation for always being hungry. Their origins can be traced back to the cross-breeding of working dogs in the s. From these modest roots, the ever-devoted and hard-working St. Life on Newfoundland revolved around fishing, and these able-bodied dogs were well-suited to the water. Working together in a cooperative way in this harsh climate forged a close bond between these reliable working dogs and their human companions. A study of Labrador Retrievers found that the working status of the breed impacted their trainability. The Labrador Retriever possesses a solid body and alert senses. This, combined with an innate work ethic, genial nature, and intelligent temperament, makes him an ideal candidate for a wide variety of service jobs. Search and rescue, detection, disabled-assistance, and therapy work are service areas that the Lab excels in. The fact that Labs have been found to be among the least aggressive breeds toward humans and other dogs also makes them suitable for these roles. However, intelligence alone does not necessarily denote trainability. There are breeds who are intelligent, but stubborn and less willing to learn. This natural obedience makes them not only trainable, but loyal and dependable. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Puppy socialization and training is important in determining their future behavior. Labs are energetic dogs who grow quickly. The bigger they get the harder it is to control them. Puppies as young as 8 weeks old can begin a training routine. Coming when called, sitting, staying, and walking on a lead without pulling, are important skills, especially for a large dog. As their name suggests, the Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve prey. Today the breed still retains the instinct to chase objects and bring them back to you. So be prepared for many rousing games of fetch. Training methods have changed over the last few years and positive techniques have become increasingly popular. Rewards are a key element when training a Lab. The use of treats and praise to reinforce proper behavior is one of the best ways to get them to respond the way you want. This type of training is referred to as positive reinforcement training. When Are Labs Hard to Train? No puppy understands how to behave in the human world without being shown. This loving breed is very social and loves to be around people. If they are kept isolated from companionship, they are quite likely to develop behavior problems that make them harder to train. There are different ways to train your Labrador Retriever. This endearing, active dog only wants to receive as much love as he can give. Has your Lab impressed you with their good manners and how quickly they pick up commands? Is there anything you credit with their success most of all? Give your dog some praise, share what works for you, or ask for the support of our other readers down in the comments box. Their specific disposition not only makes them highly trainable — it also makes them excellent service and all-around work dogs. Begin early, use positive reinforcement, train in short sessions, and attend a puppy class or two. Are Labrador Retrievers Easy to Train? Many professional dog trainers and Labrador Retriever owners would argue that high intelligence and trainability go hand-in-hand, since they can learn more commands and tricks quicker and more accurately than other breeds. Male Lab Puppy vs. There are stark differences between the ways males and females tend to behave in the animal world. Although both male and female Labs are excellent companions, females mature faster than males and may be easier to train. They just might require a bit more attention, practice, and patience. Helping Your Labrador Train Well You already know that Labs are one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds, but there are instances in which they may be pretty challenging to train. Ultimately, this comes down to the way owners socialize and exercise their Labs: Labrador Retrievers are a very energetic breed. It could even develop into behavior problems that may be difficult to correct later down the line. This is when he learns the fastest, when he most readily masters new tasks and when he adapts most readily to new environments. The must-know basics are loose leash walking, basic commands, and crate training. You can begin as early as 8 weeks and see results shortly after. Luckily, these dogs are more than willing to learn from you. Start early, use positive reinforcement, train in short sessions, and consider signing your labrador retriever up for socialization classes when your dog has all of the core vaccines. Labrador Training Tip 1: Start Early The best advice that any owner or breeder can give new owners is to start early. Research shows that early training reaps tons of benefits, such as: Alleviating fear and aggression while in a new environment Developing a more profound and stronger bond with their owners By six months of age, almost all behavior problems are set in place. Therefore, early training can avoid issues and bad habits before they start or become more challenging to work with. Labrador Training Tip 2: Use Positive Reinforcement There are different training methods, the most common being positive reinforcement, clicker training, electronic training, and alpha dog training. Research shows that dogs trained using exclusively positive reinforcement methods have a more secure attachment to their owners. Florence Gaunet , the leader of the study that observed positive versus negative reinforcement training in dogs. Image Source Clicker training practices positive reinforcement with the help of sound: When a dog does a wanted behavior, the clicker clicks immediately following the action. Clicker training is an especially helpful tactic because it shows the puppy the desired behavior. However, the puppy needs to associate the clicking sound with a reward. This tactic can sometimes be challenging to try as a novice trainer, so many owners opt for puppy training classes where they can receive some guidance. Yet, this particular method is frequently used in service dog training sessions. Labrador Training Tip 3: Keep Training Sessions Short But Frequent Puppies are like toddlers: Their ability to concentrate is naturally short, requiring stimulation if you want to hold their attention. Otherwise, they may become distracted, get bored, and stop paying attention. Most dogs have an attention span of about 15 minutes before they get bored, tired, and begin resisting commands, so a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 15 minutes of training every day in five-minute increments. Incredibly distracted puppies may need shorter sessions, like two to three minutes, a few extra times a day. Quick Tip: Train in every room of your house so that your puppy recognizes cues in different places. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar recommends that your puppy meet at least people of different appearances, backgrounds, and abilities during his first month at home or at least three months. One of the best ways to do that is by attending socialization classes. Plus, class participation leads to a well-rounded, happy, and willing puppy which directly translates to ease of training. Simply put, certain traits are more likely to be shared by genetically-similar breeds. Therefore, they should all be registered with the American Kennel Club, offer full-replacement guarantees, conduct ethical breeding practices, interview prospective owners , and allow on-site tours and meet-and-greets with the puppies and their parents. Conclusion Labrador Retrievers are some of the smartest and easiest dogs to train, partly due to their genetics and partly due to the way they are raised. If you want a dog that is easy to train, start training your pup early and use positive reinforcement techniques like treats or clickers with short training sessions. Learn more about what we do at Snowy Pines, or come visit our Labrador puppies at our acre property nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Share on. 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! 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.

We breed Superior Quality Miniature, Medium and Standard Australian Labradoodles throughout the year in varying colours from chocolate, black, cream, red, apricot and gold. We have imported some of the very best Australian Labradoodles in the world for our breeding program offering top quality puppies from fully health tested parents. Please enjoy browsing through our Website which will give you a good idea of the look and feel of the Genuine Australian Labradoodle. Find out about our current litters , and our planned litters here. You can also find out about the purchase and reservation process here. Communication was really fast and Devina was very professional throughout the process. Our puppy is absolutely stunning, healthy and very happy! Davina made the process of buy Cooper very simple and was happy to answer all our questions. Both our vet and ourselves were very impressed with the pack of documents and advice sheets Cooper came with. This has helped us a lot in the first few days. Our pup, lotti, is just such a delight and so easy to train. She is great with our children, other children and just anyone she meets! Thank you so so much Davina! Many people keep asking where we got Lotti from so I think you can expect some Northumbrian customers in the future? Geno Arthur Pessers If Carlsberg made dogs xxx. Possibly the cutest fur babies I've seen Zana Marie Jones Welcomed our handsome, bundle of fluff, in May, into our family. Constantly complimented on his appearance. Davina made the whole process very easy and our fur baby is so calm and loving Brought our puppy to Belgium Our puppy came to live with us at the end of July. Davina had clearly done an excellent job with early socialisation. Obi is a delight every day. He is such an easy puppy and such a joy to have around. Behind us in this picture are loads of people flying kites. Kim Hewlett Gaia has been with us for 8 years and she is a fantastic girl. Thank you Davina for allowing this beautiful meeting. No shedding, super calm, good with everyone and patient!!! Michelle Burgos Probably the best place to get your good natured Australian labradoodle Ian 'Iggy' Joynson Hamish is fourteen months old now and is an absolute joy! Really happy with all the support Davina gave us in making the right choices and her advice has been absolutely spot on. I look forward to finding a brother or sister for Hamish very soon?? Matt Beard I decided to get a dog after much encouragement ,following the loss of my eldest daughter. I got in touch with Davina and she had 2 puppies I could choose from. I liked the fact that we had a good conversation about why I wanted a dog, whether I worked and how the pup would live. Thankfully Davina thought a was a suitable owner and I brought Poppy home. I remember so clearly, hearing myself laugh properly, for the 1st time in 5 years. Poppy taught, teaches me, to enjoy simple pleasures. So much so that 9 months later I brought home Poppy's half sister, Truffle. Total joy and Courtlands, Davina, is amazing. I would recommend to everyone and thank you from Poppy and Truffle. Liz Bauer Wow. What a fabulous experience. The knowledge we left with when we picked our Freddie up at 9weeks old was superb. Totally professional with the best interest of our puppy paramount. We have a healthy happy puppy. Thank you Davina. Just been such a wonderful calm dog, super mannered and I put it down to his breeding. Henry Gittins We picked up our new puppy on Saturday from Courtlands. We were recommended Davina by friends who had one of her beautiful puppies 6 years ago. Ours is called Digby and is 10 weeks old. The whole buying process was made easy by Davina. She kept us informed and my endless questions did not phase her at all! Digby is gorgeous we all adore him already. Tess May We collected Dougal 10 days ago. He is a fluffy little bundle of joy and great with our children. Davina knew he had a long drive home to Scotland and had good advice to give us. He was great and not bothered at all. Collection was easy and all paperwork was in order and gone through with us. A delightful addition to our family. Thank you! Suzanne Thom We are so happy with our new puppy Huey. Davina has been so helpful and supportive all along and her step by step guides make everything so easy to follow and understand that it takes any stress away. A great service and amazing dogs Louisa Johnson We bought our puppy November .What a Fantastic dog he has turned into. Dianne Liptrot We love our Fudge from Courtlands. She is perfect!!! He is the most perfect little bundle of joy you could ever ask for! Marley-Blue comes to school work with me every day to support children as a therapy dog. He has a perfectly calm temperament with a cheeky mix of playfulness. Courtlands were great, we picked our puppy from a beautiful litter, we were sent regular updates until he was ready to live with us. We got lots of information to take away and digest too. On his first visit to the vets for immunisation, the staff were vey impressed by the paperwork I had from the breeders. Shareen Bailey. McMillan Find articles by Kirsten M. McMillan Clive J. Associated Data Data Availability Statement The datasets presented in this article are not readily available due to existing data sharing agreement between Dogs Trust registered charity number in England and SC in Scotland and Hindesight Ltd. Registered , UK. Requests to access the datasets should be directed to kirsten. Breed demand and impulse buying have made puppies lucrative commodities in an industry driven by profitability. As a result, breeding stock and puppies may have suffered potentially fatal physiological and long-term psychological issues. Surveys of veterinary professionals report an increase in sick puppies purchased online, whilst the British Small Animal Veterinary Association BSAVA reports an epidemic of canine inherited disease. The rapid growth of the puppy trade leaves significant gaps in regulation, and, to date, the nature of online trade remains difficult to quantify; however, a wealth of information can be gleaned from online advertisements, voluntarily posted to the public domain. This includes litter size, breed, seller location, activity, and more. In this study, a buoyant, consumer-driven market was revealed over a two-year period, in which the top 20 most advertised breeds were in accordance with the Kennel Club KC registered breed statistics, signifying a significant overlap with real-world data. Regional and seasonal fluctuations in price were evident, suggesting a market influenced by consumer trends. Mean price for all breeds was GBP .Abstract The UK online puppy trade has rapidly outgrown the current legislation, aided by the anonymity provided by classified advertisement platforms. In an effort to meet increased demand, some unregulated and regulated breeders may have employed practices that negatively impact canine welfare. A paucity of up-to-date empirical data, necessary to characterise the scale and nature of this industry, makes intervention challenging. This study quantifies the online puppy trade via web-scraped online classified advertisements, providing empirical data that reveal market trends, along with spatial and temporal patterns. A total of 17, unique dog advertisements were collated and analysed over a 2-year period 1 June to 31 May .Statistical comparisons between dependent and independent variables were performed by linear regression. In the case of a single continuous variable, a one sample t-test was used. Of these advertisements, .Scaled for estimated human population density, Wales possessed as many advertisements per million inhabitants .Regional breed popularity was suggested, with French Bulldog as the most advertised breed in England 7. Within the unique breeds advertised, only 3. CD breeds were found to be GBP .Our results represent a buoyant online market with regional and seasonal fluctuations in price, advertised breed frequency and total counts. Our findings highlight the value of utilising online classified advertisement data for long-term monitoring, in order to assist with evidence-based regulatory reform, impact measurement of targeted campaigns, and legislative enforcement. Keywords: puppy trade, data science, animal welfare, canine welfare, conformational disorder 1. Underpinning this demand for dogs, is a puppy market whose profit-driven reality could be said to lay in stark contrast to the values on which the human—animal bond is founded. A report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals RSPCA showcased the modern puppy industry as one driven by maximising profit, often at the expense of canine welfare [ 2 ]. Much of this trade supply is suggested to originate from large-scale, industrial-style operations, in which breeders may achieve low overheads by practising poor husbandry and deficient hygiene standards. In many cases, desirable aesthetic features are the product of inbreeding and positive selection for increasingly extreme physical traits, without regard for associated health issues. Conceivably, efforts to introduce legislation to protect the welfare of animals within the United Kingdom UK , along with effective education, media attention, and intervention schemes, may have contributed to a supply deficit of puppies bred in the UK as higher standards may increase overheads and production lag [ 15 ]. This, in turn, is likely to have encouraged puppy importation and smuggling, with puppy farms operating outside of UK jurisdiction supplying large sections of the British and UK market [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Characteristics of these supply routes may include fraudulent advertising, third party sales, accelerated separation from the mother, early or no vaccination, the transport of heavily pregnant bitches, and poor transport conditions [ 18 ]. Lax border checking regimes and low visual inspection rates, paired with insufficient fines and lack of sentencing for those caught illegally importing puppies, have failed to deter criminals from seeking out this high-profit, low-risk trade [ 15 ]. Meanwhile, within the puppy population, UK veterinary practices are reporting an increased incidence of severe to fatal infections, some occurring within days of acquisition, alongside an increase in chronic conditions that are most likely inherited e. The internet has been recognised as one of the main facilitators for irresponsible and illegal selling and buying behaviours [ 2 , 25 , 26 ]. The anonymity and the opportunity to reduce face-to-face contact makes online advertisement the ideal platform for sellers to encourage and prosper from impulse purchases, especially for those who do not wish their facilities to be scrutinized [ 15 ]. Several animal welfare organizations have recommended that buyers observe puppy and mother in their home environment, prior to purchase [ 28 ]. Within the market economy for pets, online systems distort the market for puppies, by potentially providing an effective sales platform for those prioritizing profit over purpose [ 29 ]: unscrupulous breeders are being provided with a tool with which to financially undercut those breeding to high standards [ 29 ]. Furthermore, a lack of buyer screening and ease of access e. These studies provide an imperative contextual insight regarding the nature and scope of the industry, e. Materials and Methods 2. Data Sourcing Data were collected over a month period, via web-scraping three popular classified advertisement ad websites advertising puppies for sale in the UK, Gumtree, Preloved, and Pets4Homes. Web-scraping and data collation were carried out by Hindesight Ltd. The raw data received consisted of individual ads, the incorporating source website, the seller location, the advertisement title, the date posted, the unique advertisement ID, the unique seller ID, and the unique litter ID. Data Processing The raw data were processed to ensure a single analysis unit i. The seller location, price and breed were further extracted, cleaned, and categorized discussed below. Advertisements were categorised into one of two sampling phases of days in length, Phase 1, 1 June —31 May and Phase 2, 1 June —31 May see Table 1. Due to missing data in December of Phase 2, all December advertisements for both phases were excluded from the downstream analysis. Data cleaning included the removal of duplicate or ambiguous ads, i. When comparing price across phases, prices were normalized as a proportion of median income for respective tax years [ 31 , 32 ]. Cleaning also included the removal of non-sale ads, e. Source websites were checked for misspelling and assigned as one of three popular classified advertisement platforms. The dictionary included a range of breed misspellings and breed name alternatives, allowing for the classification of a diverse range of descriptions to a reduced vocabulary. Advertisements identified as including more than one breed were listed as cross breed, using the first breed specified as the cross, e. Advertisements unable to be assigned a breed were excluded from the analysis. Cleaned breeds were then classified into those reported to display breeding-related conformational disorders CD or not, as per Asher et al. Advertisements were filtered to exclude extreme prices, i. This was to remove advertisements detailing pet accessories, adoptions, or spurious posts. A detailed description of the data cleaning pipeline is listed within Appendix C. In cases where effectiveness of data cleaning could not be evaluated programmatically, a random selection of 50 advertisements were manually checked to ensure data validity. In compliance with HERC approval conditions with regard to the use of personal or identifying data, examples of this cannot be presented within this paper; however, the unique set of terms populating excluded advertisements can be found in Appendix D. Table 1 Data were organized into two day phases. If Carlsberg made dogs xxx. Possibly the cutest fur babies I've seen Zana Marie Jones Welcomed our handsome, bundle of fluff, in May, into our family. Constantly complimented on his appearance. Stanley, from Courtland's is adorable Pamela Biscombe Probably the best place to get your good natured Australian labradoodle Ian 'Iggy' Joynson Hamish is fourteen months old now and is an absolute joy! Really happy with all the support Davina gave us in making the right choices and her advice has been absolutely spot on. I look forward to finding a brother or sister for Hamish very soon?? Matt Beard We collected Dougal 10 days ago. He is a fluffy little bundle of joy and great with our children. Davina knew he had a long drive home to Scotland and had good advice to give us. He was great and not bothered at all. Collection was easy and all paperwork was in order and gone through with us. A delightful addition to our family. Thank you! Just been such a wonderful calm dog, super mannered and I put it down to his breeding. Henry Gittins We bought our puppy November .What a Fantastic dog he has turned into. Dianne Liptrot We have now had Cooper home with us in Scotland for a week. Davina made the process of buy Cooper very simple and was happy to answer all our questions. Both our vet and ourselves were very impressed with the pack of documents and advice sheets Cooper came with. This has helped us a lot in the first few days. Our pup, lotti, is just such a delight and so easy to train. She is great with our children, other children and just anyone she meets! Thank you so so much Davina! Many people keep asking where we got Lotti from so I think you can expect some Northumbrian customers in the future? Geno Arthur Pessers Wow. What a fabulous experience. The knowledge we left with when we picked our Freddie up at 9weeks old was superb. Totally professional with the best interest of our puppy paramount. We have a healthy happy puppy. Thank you Davina. Davina had clearly done an excellent job with early socialisation. Obi is a delight every day. He is such an easy puppy and such a joy to have around. Behind us in this picture are loads of people flying kites. Kim Hewlett We picked up our new puppy on Saturday from Courtlands. We were recommended Davina by friends who had one of her beautiful puppies 6 years ago. Ours is called Digby and is 10 weeks old. The whole buying process was made easy by Davina. She kept us informed and my endless questions did not phase her at all! Digby is gorgeous we all adore him already. Tess May We love our Fudge from Courtlands. She is perfect!!! Communication was really fast and Devina was very professional throughout the process. Our puppy is absolutely stunning, healthy and very happy! Davina made the whole process very easy and our fur baby is so calm and loving Brought our puppy to Belgium I decided to get a dog after much encouragement ,following the loss of my eldest daughter. I got in touch with Davina and she had 2 puppies I could choose from. I liked the fact that we had a good conversation about why I wanted a dog, whether I worked and how the pup would live. Thankfully Davina thought a was a suitable owner and I brought Poppy home. I remember so clearly, hearing myself laugh properly, for the 1st time in 5 years. Poppy taught, teaches me, to enjoy simple pleasures. So much so that 9 months later I brought home Poppy's half sister, Truffle. Total joy and Courtlands, Davina, is amazing. I would recommend to everyone and thank you from Poppy and Truffle. No shedding, super calm, good with everyone and patient!!! Michelle Burgos Gaia has been with us for 8 years and she is a fantastic girl. Thank you Davina for allowing this beautiful meeting. She illuminates our life and I hope for a very long time yet Fabrice Poirot We are so happy with our new puppy Huey. Davina has been so helpful and supportive all along and her step by step guides make everything so easy to follow and understand that it takes any stress away. He is the most perfect little bundle of joy you could ever ask for! Marley-Blue comes to school work with me every day to support children as a therapy dog. He has a perfectly calm temperament with a cheeky mix of playfulness. Courtlands were great, we picked our puppy from a beautiful litter, we were sent regular updates until he was ready to live with us. We got lots of information to take away and digest too. On his first visit to the vets for immunisation, the staff were vey impressed by the paperwork I had from the breeders. Shareen Bailey.

Lifespan Sociability German Shepherds have long been the first choice as working and service dogs because they are highly devoted, loyal, and courageous animals. They are generally easy to train by experienced owners but need a firm hand and consistent routine to train successfully. While this is possible for novice owners, they will present more of a challenge than some other breeds. Before buying a German Shepherd, you need to take into consideration the massive responsibility of owning one of these animals. They are highly protective of their owners, which can lead to aggressive and territorial behavior at times, and they have a powerful prey drive. These dogs were bred for and have long been a working breed and do best with a specific job to do. It will take a great deal of time, patience, and dedication to look after a dog of this caliber, so you need to understand that a German Shepherd is not the kind of dog that can be left at home alone for long periods. This will quickly lead to destructive and even aggressive behavior. With the power and working history of this breed, good training and socialization are essential with owning a German Shepherd. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States Behind only the family-friendly Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the U. German Shepherds Go By Two Names Most dog owners know them simply as German Shepherds, but their name has changed over the years, and they are still referred to by different names in other countries. Many people confuse the two as different breeds, but they are the same animal. Sable, tan, and black color variations are among the most common and recognizable coats, but other recognized colors include black and red, black and cream, grey, and even blue. German Shepherds are known for being mildly aloof and independent dogs, and this is often mistaken for aggression or unpredictable behavior, but in truth, these dogs are rarely aggressive when trained properly. While they are reserved and aloof toward new faces and do not tend to make friends easily, once they get to know you, they are extremely friendly and loyal animals. They make great family dogs because they are loyal, gentle, and friendly with their owners. They are well known for being highly protective and powerful animals, making them ideal guard dogs, and they are typically only aggressive when provoked or protecting their family. They are supremely intelligent animals that can be trained to do almost any job, leading to their wide use in service and military applications. These dogs thrive off of having a specific job to do, especially with their owners, so they are happiest when close to their human family. Indeed, close companionship is a must with the breed, and they will not do well being left alone for extended periods. They will swiftly become bored and frustrated, and this can lead to destructive behavior and even aggression if left unchecked. If you are away from home frequently, the German Shepherd is not the breed for you. They are generally gentle and affectionate with children, although they may accidentally knock over small kids while playing. Of course, good training and socialization are essential for this powerful breed. Other dogs are not usually an issue, but they will need to be socialized early to get along with the family cat! Make sure that their food has an animal-based protein as the first listed ingredient and that the food is free from filler ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy. We recommend substituting this dry food with canned wet food or lean meats and organ meats to add variety and give an amino acid and protein boost. Large breeds like the German Shepherd Sable are prone to joint issues, so you need to be careful of overfeeding them. Avoid giving them too many treats or table scraps, and give them a diet rich in healthy oils to aid their joint health. This includes agility sports and training, as well as puzzle toys and games. These large dogs will need at least 1—2 hours of intensive exercise every day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, although more is better. They are great companions if you are an outdoor enthusiast and will adore joining you on runs, hikes, and cycling. They have a natural love for water and will enjoy an occasional swim too. One point to keep in mind is to be careful about over-exercising German Shepherds as puppies. While these dogs are active and agile, during the first year, they are rapidly growing, and too much exercise can be harmful to their skeletal development and may cause joint issues later. While they can be aloof and independently-minded at times, making training difficult for novice owners, they typically love the process, and training this breed is usually relatively easy. They should be trained from a young age, preferably from the day that you bring them home, as this will mitigate any bad habit formation that may potentially occur. Positive reinforcement training methods are highly recommended for this powerful breed, as too much harsh scolding or reprimands may lead to an unresponsive dog at best or aggressive behavior at worst. This method uses praise and rewards for a job well done, and this promotes good behavior in the future rather than punishment for bad behavior. Socialization is an often-overlooked aspect of training but is vital to the success of properly training your dog. Socialization with other dogs from an early age will lead to less distraction while in public places, and your Shepherd will be far more likely to follow commands with other dogs around. Also, we recommend engaging in training sessions after a short exercise session, as your pooch will be less distracted, more attentive, and thus, more likely to learn. Even with daily brushing, there is no way around having a ton of hair around your home, so you may need to invest in a pet vacuum cleaner before bringing one of these pooches home! That said, brushing your Shepherd a minimum of two or three times a week will help a great deal, especially when they are shedding heavily. This will remove any dead hair and keep their coat smooth and healthy. Avoid using human soaps or shampoos, as this can strip their coats of natural oils; stick to water or special pet shampoos. Other than that, they need a toenail trimming once a month or so, depending on their activity levels, and regular teeth brushing will stop any tartar build-up and potential dental issues. Soft, safe chew toys and high-quality kibble can also help keep their teeth plaque-free, but you should still brush their teeth regularly. Most responsible breeders will make sure your dog is free from most of the genetic problems that can affect these dogs before selling them, but of course, there is no real definitive way to avoid some of these issues. Being such a large breed, German Shepherds are prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord called degenerative myelopathy. This disease may eventually progress to the point where your dog has trouble walking due to the lameness in their back legs, and unfortunately, most of the time, there is no treatment. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat or gastric torsion, is another condition to keep an eye out for. This is common in large breeds with deep chests like the German Shepherd. The condition is caused by dogs eating large meals too quickly, causing a build-up of gas in the stomach, which then twists, cutting off blood flow. The condition is treatable but frequently results in death, as there is not much time to get to the vet. Minor Conditions. The sable German Shepherd has always been acknowledged as the quintessential dog because it has a DNA similar to that of a wolf. It also has the dominant gene in the German Shepherd family. The sable is the only color that matches the dog perceived as the first Shepherd dog. The dog can be red or tan with black tips or have black hair over their entire body. Sable German Shepherds can reach up to 24 inches in height for females and 26 inches in height for males. Females can also weigh between 55 and 73 pounds, males on the other hand weigh more with their weight falling between 75 and 95 pounds. Typically, their lifespan ranges between 9 and 13 years. The interesting thing is that what we call the German Shepherd most times is actually the German Shepherd Agouti. The sable German Shepherd is mostly used for professional purposes rather than for shows because their color pattern is not acceptable for shows. The most common colors are brown, silver, and black, and they can even be red. These hairs are usually covered with a layer of black hair. The sable coat often changes after two years from birth, which means predicting what a puppy will look like in adulthood can be complicated. There are many types of patterns that can be seen in the sable, but the common ones are black over cream, liver on cream, black on red, and sometimes silver on cream. Gray German Shepherds are a species of sable, but their fur has a color similar to a wolf. According to the fur, they can be classified as short-haired sable German Shepherd or long-haired sable German Shepherd. Are Sable German Shepherds Rare? Since the sable German Shepherd is not a crossbreed but a variety of the normal German Shepherd, these dogs share the same traits and temperaments. However, there are some species of sable that are very rare, the rarest kind among this breed being the recessive black. The dog is always entirely black and also carries sable or tan genes. Sable German Shepherds do change color. It is well-known that sable GSDs change color when they reach maturity. Before it reaches adulthood, it will change the color a couple of times. It might be a lighter color while younger, but it might start to darken as maturity knocks. The only complicated thing so far is predicting how much darker or lighter the color of a sable might be later when it has reached maturity. However, you can have an idea of what the color will look like through the parent. If the color is darker, then there is a higher probability that the pup will end up with the same color and the same thing with a lighter color. Overall, I would say that it will retain a lot of the mask characteristics even when it is mature. Check out this video to watch a sable German Shepherd puppy grow up from 5 weeks to 12 weeks. Basically, what makes them different is the pigmentation. Their color is similar to the wolf, rather than the individual black and brown spots like the normal Shepherd dog has. It has a mix of black and tan coloration. Each hair is multi-colored with brown, silver, or white in the background and tips of black. The gene responsible for this pigmentation is also seen in wolves and only a few dogs have this particular gene. Scientists do know though what is responsible for the coloration in sable. The Agouti gene controls the sable GSD, and it has four variations, each encoding wild-type and black tips in hair. At the same time, the location of these sable pigmentations is determined by other genes. It is currently unknown whether the Agouti gene alters the health or behavior of dogs. Overall, the sable is virtually the same as other German Shepherd dogs asides from the pigmentation. Another thing that differentiates sable German Shepherds from others includes their wolf-like color, cool temperament, and strength. These canines are very intelligent and are quick to learn, including picking up commands and tricks. Similar to other breeds of dogs, the German Shepherd comes with various coats and color types. It is essential to know that some colors are not acceptable by the kennel clubs and are mostly marked as faults. A lot of prospective dog owners prefer an excellent and unique coat color on their dogs. In order to know this, we must know the list of acceptable GSD colors. Accepted colors for the German Shepherd breed: Types of Tan and Mixed Colors — Black and tan, black and silver, red and black, black and cream, solid black and black and red. Types of Sable — A light sable color, black sable, bi-colored, and darker sable color. Colors that are not acceptable by the AKC are rare colors such as gray and blue since they are classified as faulty colors. Therefore, according to this list, the sable is an accepted pigmentation by the kennel clubs. The temperament of the sable German Shepherd is not different from other German Shepherds. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and learn new commands and tricks very fast. They are loyal to the core and will stay with you, regardless of the situation. This means it is impossible to go to the toilet alone when you have a German Shepherd. Sable German Shepherds are gentle and full of love, although they have their silly side. They are ready to work and take things seriously when needed, but when you are at home and relaxing, they can play around without worries. German Shepherds are great with children, but you have to ensure that your children know how to behave correctly around dogs. They are very patient, but if a child annoys them too much, they can react. Although it is the same with all dogs, the main thing is to educate your children while training the dogs. Another important thing about this breed is that they need a lot of mental stimulation because they are highly intelligent and not fond of being by themselves. If you leave them alone for a longer time, they end up becoming bored and may start exhibiting destructive behaviors. Therefore, it is essential that the sable stays with people most of the time; otherwise, you might need to train them against destructive behavior. Sable German Shepherd Health The sable German Shepherd is very strong but is also prone to health issues, and like other German Shepherds, the sable has a common health problem: hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition that results from abnormal formation of the joint of the ball in the hip and socket. Because hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease, little can be done to prevent it. However, the environment of the puppy might be a factor that will worsen or aid the development of the disease. The disease is similar to arthritis in humans, and in order to help the dog, you need to encourage plenty of exercises. Activities like swimming can strengthen their legs and make them less susceptible to dysplasia. You must also ensure they are well fed with the correct food. For sable German Shepherds to stay energetic, they need to eat healthy foods that are rich in protein. The best precaution you can take to make sure your dog is less susceptible to this disease is buying the pup from a reputable breeder. Also, make sure you obtain health clearances for the parents of the puppy you are buying. Finally, always check your dog to identify the signs of these issues early and let them have regular checkups with the vet. Apart from hip dysplasia, this breed can also develop other diseases such as bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. This can be prevented by slowing the eating habits of your dog and avoiding excessive exercise after eating. Other health problems that are particular to sables are cataracts, allergies, bladder stones, pancreatitis, diabetes, and thyroid issues. The sable German Shepherd aw aw in color genetics has the dominant color. There are other colors like black and tan as as , black a a , and bicolor at at while the black a a is recessive. Above are the color genetics recognized by the SV. The SV is a standard that was initially set up by the first breeder, von Stephanitz, and it has become a standard that governs all breeders. However, there are mutations that some breeders call rare or elusive colors, such as pure white or panda Shepherd. They might be truly rare but can happen as a result of the original gene mutation. If a sable dog is homozygous, then it means it carries two copies of the sable allele aw aw. Irrespective of the color it is bred to, its offspring will express the coat color of a sable. The offspring might carry other colors, but the sable will always be dominant. Many pet owners have asked this question. Studies were carried out to discover whether the pigmentation of sable colors could alter the health and behavior of the dog. There are two things that might affect their behavior, though, and they are nature and nurture. The way you treat your shepherds and the way they grew up have a significant impact on their health and behavior. A puppy that grew up with gentle and loving parents will turn out the same way later. However, a maltreated dog might become fearful, nervous and later grow up to become aggressive. The same as with all dogs, it is imperative to keep in mind that the sable GSD can grow up to become aggressive if treated poorly. For instance, if a dog was unable to interact with other dogs some months after birth, he might be aggressive or nervous towards other dogs when introduced later. There are a lot of sellers in the US selling high quality, trained sable German Shepherds. However, for sable German Shepherds with pedigrees, specific lines, working titles, papers, and puppies having a properly regulated breeding history, you could pay thousands of dollars. That said, it is fair to say a sable German Shepherd costs more than a normal German Shepherd. Its high price is due to its exceptional intelligence and undoubted loyalty to its owners. Some of the features the sable German Shepherd dog possesses can be matched when a German Shepherd dog is crossbred with a Great Dane or Pitbull dog. When they arrive, they are likely to be sickly, and worse of all is they will have missed a major learning period for basic training; hence they can be very difficult to train or control. If you need to purchase the best sable German Shepherds, I recommend that you do so from reputable breeders, animal shelters, or rescuers. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. The banding of color on each and every individual hair leads to a variety of shades and colors which can vary extremely from sable dog to sable dog. Agouti the correct term for Sable is the genetically dominating pattern in the entire German Shepherd Dog breed. I have never owned a sable GSD until just recently however I have been told by many other sable owners that Sables tend to get darker with age - especially over their back. So I guess I'll see how my puppy turns out. It is also easy to say, that as a general rule of thumb, a sable keeps developing his final color up until the dog reaches the age of three or so - so unlike other German shepherd colors you'll never really know what the final color of sable German Shepherd will really be until the dog is completely mature. These dogs may appear in many shades of silver, gray, gold or mahogany colors. Most fall somewhere in between these extremes. Often times they also have the dark mask as well. Agouti German Shepherds can also go through many stages of coat development, both lightening and darkening, before they reach maturity. Color categorization of sables can be quite difficult when the dog is tattooed or photographed early in its life as the choice of color is often incorrect when you see this dog later in its life because the coat color can change so dramatically as the dog matures. Sable GSDs are born all tan in color. The characteristic black tipping starts coming in after a few weeks of age and then continues until the puppy is a few years old. Sable puppies color changes immensely as they grow up. Oftentimes the German Shepherd puppy will end up either darker or lighter than they were as a small puppy. The sable GSD often closely resembles their two-toned counterparts, such as the black and tan saddle back GSD's, but the sable dogs individual hairs have more than one color on each of them creating a very unique pattern specific only to that individual dog. There is quite an array of hues in the Sable German Shepherd colors, ranging from the lightest tans to the darkest blacks. German Shepherd eye color should be dark, or at least blend in well with the color of the dog. Any nose color other than black is a disqualification. Any Sable GSDs coat shade is acceptable but the richer hues are always preferred. Pale washed out colors, shades of blues and livers are considered serious faults. It is important to note that the guard hairs look as though they are banded in various shades of color and are then tipped in black. Generally speaking, there are many more of these sable German Shepherds in the U. It is also important to note that this type of coat coloration is dominant over all the others. Another name for this type of coloration is called agouti or wolf gray, and it can vary a great deal from dog to dog. Tell us all about your Sable GSD! Do you have a great story about your Sable GSD? Share it with us right here! Just type! Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Upload Pictures or Graphics optional [? Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Select it and click on the button to choose it. Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Your Name. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin! Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project!

And when is the best time to start training them? Naturally, the sooner your start with training, the easier it will be. Moreover, you have to remember that you are responsible for your pup. You need to show consistency in your own behavior. Your Doodle will have an easier time adjusting to his new home and family if you start from day one. Establish a Proper Routine Firstly, you should establish a proper routine for your Doodle. This includes meal times, bathroom breaks, playtime, naps, and bedtime. Keep in mind that consistency is key in Goldendoodle training. A structured routine gives dogs a sense of security. It will also help your new Goldendoodle puppy understand how you want them to behave. Routine is also an important part of housetraining , as consistent feeding times will also beget consistent potty times. If you have other family members living with you, make sure you all follow the exact same routine. It is usually recommended that puppies younger than six months of age eat three meals per day. Socialize Your Puppy Secondly, all dogs, and especially Goldendoodles, are social creatures. They enjoy spending time with their families and meet other dogs at the dog park. Early socialization is important for your Goldendoodle pup to get used to new people, pets and situations. Goldendoodle Training Sample Routine Goldendoodle puppy behavior is very much your responsibility. Puppies usually need to use the bathroom first thing in the morning. Tip 2: Feed your pup at the same time every day. This is a great way for your puppy to socialize with you and your family. Tip 3: Potty time around 30 to 60 minutes after each meal. Tip 4: Playtime or exercise after potty time. Playing with toys and shorter walks are perfect for baby Doodles. Tip 5: Puppies usually need to relieve themselves after exercise, as well. Puppies can sleep up to hours every day! Make sure no one distracts their sleep, as they need to rest. Tip 7: After naptime or being in their crate, take your pup for a bathroom break. Tip 8: Bedtime every day around the same time is also very useful to enforce a consistent routine. Remember that puppies around weeks of age need smaller portions and more frequent meals. Therefore, they will also need to go potty more frequently. And as we already said, all dogs and puppies are unique. This is a rough guideline that most Doodle owners find useful. Well, all dogs are unique, so there is no one size fits all approach in Goldendoodle training. However, there are a few main training methods that most dog owners find useful when training a Goldendoodle puppy. Of course, the younger your puppy is, the shorter their attention span. Usually, the general guideline is to start formal training at four to six months of age. However, keep in mind that first you should build a relationship and bond with your pup. Clicker Training Clicker training is one of the most popular Goldendoodle training methods that professional dog trainers use. It combines reward training with a small hand-held clicker that you will click every time you reward your pup for good behavior or when following a command. Your puppy will soon start associating the clicking sound with a reward. Therefore, your pup will also associate it with good behavior. Best for Clicker Training Compare Products 2. Positive Reinforcement Your behavior and attitude has a huge impact on your Goldendoodle pup. Always use positive reinforcement and do not scold or punish your pup for accidents. Remember, your puppy is still learning and growing. Instead, it will just make them fearful of you. Whenever you want your Goldendoodle puppy to do something, always keep a positive and enthusiastic attitude. If your pup has completed the task, always give plenty of praise and a nice little treat or a toy. Some dogs respond better to reward with food and others respond better to toys. However, always use these rewards together with lots of praise and enthusiasm. Crate Training Crate training is another very popular Goldendoodle training method. Crate training can take a few days or a few weeks, but the results are worth it. Keep in mind that you should only leave your pup in the crate in hours equal to the age in months that they are. See Also: Click the image 4. Mirror Training Mirror training method uses positive reinforcement and a clicker to teach a dog how to follow your lead. As your pup is looking up to you, they will naturally want to mimic your behavior and attitude. A great way to keep this from happening is to keep your kitchen counters clean and tidy at all times. Do not store food on counters longer than you prepare your meals. Surely you enjoy a clean kitchen, as well! Another tip is to put your pup in a crate or away from the kitchen while you prepare your meals. Jumping One of the very first things that you can start teaching your Goldendoodle puppy is to sit to be greeted. This will teach your puppy that they will only get attention once they sit. If you reward them, they will continue doing it. Barking With every common behavioral problem, the key is to think about what you want your puppy to do instead. How would you like them to react when someone is knocking on the door, or how should act when you have guests over? For instance, you can train your dog to sit still in a designated place when the doorbell rings. Leash Pulling When your puppy starts to pull the leash, immediately stop walking. Once your puppy has stopped pulling, you can start walking again. Doing this continuously will teach your puppy good leash manners. No-pull harnesses and headcollars can also be great tools for training your pup not to pull on the leash. See Also: Click the image 5. Make sure your pup has enough interesting toys and provide them plenty of playtime and exercise. Biting and Mouthing Biting is a completely natural behavior for dogs. As with any other behavioral problem, biting also can stem from your pup wanting your attention. Also, biting and mouthing might indicate that your pup needs more playtime. See Also: Click the image 7. October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! What is a Goldendoodle? Background the influences training Goldendoodle Training Tips The key to enjoying your dog is to train them early or as soon as possible. After all, training your new puppy in socialization is part of their essential needs. Training your dog is a big undertaking, though. One that may seem daunting. Rest assured, though, you can do it yourself without expensive obedience classes. The first thing you need to do is build a strong foundation for training. Goldendoodle Training Timeline Infographic The infographic showing the Goldendoodle training timeline. Goldendoodle Puppy Training at Home First 30 days Puppies are born blind and deaf and cannot see or hear for the first ten to twenty days. However, they have a fantastic scent and touch abilities. Puppies are also aware of the temperature. If the mother is unavailable, humans can step in to help. Training sessions for newborns are short and to the point. These sessions consist of Bio-Sensor training, where they are stimulated with swabs like Q-Tips. Exercises can be performed along with exposing them to minor temperature changes. This will stimulate the brain and help them deal with stress. Mother dogs stimulate the senses from birth by licking and cleaning the puppies. This helps them develop. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. Wavy coat Goldendoodles come in all sizes from standard right down to Teacup Goldendoodles. Since dogs have scent receptors twenty-five times better than ours, they can smell things several hundred feet away. You should expose them to calming scents and daily scents of rain, grass, and other things outdoors. Then, their ears will open, and they will need to be introduced to sound. Dogs learn by association, so only play soothing sounds. As their eyes start to focus, you should start with colors. This will help build confidence. Goldendoodle Puppy Preschool and Earliest Socialization months of age At around three months of age, your Goldendoodle is full of energy and ready to play. But remember that they are still a baby — just an infant animal. It is so essential you practice positive reinforcement with your puppy and avoid punishment altogether. This is also the age your Goldendoodle is ready to learn basic commands. The first thing you should do is pick a definite marker. A positive marker is a word, sound, or phrase used to tell your dog they have done something right. Use the same marker every time. Also, you should follow it up with positive reinforcement in the form of a treat, playtime, or affection. Do Goldendoodles Smell? Reward your puppy often and early, so they associate the treat with the behavior. Negative reinforcement or punishment will likely do nothing but scare your puppy. Puppies will chew things and have accidents in the house. However, you should remember they are still learning, and any punishment is counterproductive. Simply correct the mistake and praise them when they do something right. The most important thing is to be consistent. Your puppy learns by doing, and repetition is the best thing for them. This is also the age where socialization is a critical part of their development. All this begins once the Goldendoodle has the all-clear from the Veterinarian to socialize in public. .During this age, your Goldendoodle should be exposed to new people, places, and animals every day. If your puppy shows fear or anxiety, take a step back. This is when you should begin doing gradual exposure. Safe introduction to different sizes and temperament dogs is important early If you introduce a dog to a household with cats , extra care needs to be taken early to ensure a long-term relationship of tolerance. Predicting Goldendoodle coat types is tricky. Goldendoodle Training for Safety and Basic Commands 3 months to one year At around four months old, your puppy will begin to develop preferences. Your job is to make them feel safe and secure in any environment. This way, your puppy will grow up to be confident, kind, and ready to take on anything. Positive reinforcement techniques are especially important during this stage. Any harsh punishment can have adverse effects on the Goldendoodles psyche. Since your puppy has had all his shots, they are ready to go to the dog park, daycare, and puppy training classes. This will help with socialization. Keep in mind that forcing your puppy to interact with others can hurt the bond you have with them. Always make sure your dog is enjoying the experience and is safe. Allow him to explore the world at his own pace. This I the time to start introducing your Goldendoodle to water. Early and frequently exposure will make taking your Goldendoodle to the pool or even the beach a breeze. Learning Commands Additionally, this is when puppies can begin learning commands like sit and stay. Teach them to sit before exiting with treats. Lure them into a sit by the door and begin to open it. If they get up too quickly, close the door. Keep up this game until the dog remains seated and patiently waits for the door. When they do, give them a treat. Most puppies are highly motivated by treats and food. If they anxiously await each meal or immediately pounce on the food bowl when it is set down, this is an excellent opportunity to work on self-control. Before every meal, have your Goldendoodle wait to eat. Place the food down and say stay. If they lunge for the bowl, take it away for five minutes. Start with a five-second wait and gradually increase it by five-second increments. This will allow their self-control to get better. Another great Goldendoodle training tip is the Four on the Floor for those puppies that jump on anyone entering your home. Practicing this technique can stop the puppy from jumping up on unsuspecting bystanders and knocking over kids. When you come home, and your Goldendoodle is happy to see you, make him sit before saying hello. Give an ear rub or greeting only when all four paws are on the ground. Training a Goldendoodle to Enjoy Grooming All ages Start grooming your puppy at a young age and practice handling with this Goldendoodle training tips: Work when your puppy is relaxed and not hyper. Keep grooming sessions short like a few brush strokes or clipping a few toenails. Use a quality slicker brush that will not hurt your Goldendoodle Practice frequently, like weekly. Pair it with a treat. Lightly touch-sensitive spots like between the paws or on the ears from an early age Consider buying a grooming table early so your Goldendoodle can get used to it if you are going to be DIY grooming your Goldendoodle at home. See the best grooming tables specifically for Goldendoodles. Advanced Goldendoodle Training Options 12 months plus, agility, and advanced classes The American Kennel Club, or AKC, says that once dogs learn basic commands, they can move on to advanced training or sports. You may opt to teach them scent training. Treibball, a German dog sport not just for herding breeds , is when the dog drives eight oversized inflatable balls into a goal. They can also do obstacle courses and test their agility. Scent training is also a fantastic way to mentally enrich your dog and stimulate their brain daily. Scent training starts as simple as a muffin tin game at home. Then advanced courses do wonders and can result in some very complicated tricks and habits forming. While they vary in size depending on their parents since Poodles range from mini to medium , they almost always have hypoallergenic hair and rarely shed. You can see which types of Goldendoodle shed the least in our Goldendoodle Coat Prediction article. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and lovable dogs that are ideal for families with children or other pets. Goldendoodles typically weigh anywhere from forty-five to pounds. Still, they can weigh as little as fifteen pounds if a parent was a miniature Poodle. The smallest Goldendoodles are Teacup and Toy Goldendoodles. They have a height of thirteen to twenty-six inches with a curly coat in red, black, gold, cream, brown, white, or grey. Goldendoodles are very friendly, affectionate, playful, and trainable. Goldendoodles became popular in the s for their hypoallergenic , non-shedding Poodle-like fur and having the temperament of a Golden Retriever, the most popular dog breed in the U. They have been used as pets, agility dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, diabetic dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Goldendoodles are in the top five of the smartest dog breeds. When you choose a Goldendoodle, rest assured you are getting an intelligent, athletic, loving companion, the whole family can enjoy. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. These tips on training are sure to set your Goldendoodle up for success. Obedience Training and Commands When you bring your Goldendoodle puppy home, your first priority should be obedience training. This helps them learn what is expected of them as they settle into their new home. It can also prevent your directions from fading into the background. Always remember, consistency is key! Routine Your Goldendoodle is an intelligent dog. Having a routine in place that everyone follows will help your dog know what to expect, and when to expect it. Try to set a schedule that makes sense to you and stick to it! Plan a regimen that works for you and your family. As long as it includes plenty of exercise, rest periods, and training with lots of fun, you are well on your way to a well-mannered Goldendoodle. Socialization Goldendoodles are social animals that thrive when they are in the company of their owners and other playmates. This is why it is so important to socialize your puppy early. At Platinum Goldendoodles, we give your Goldendoodle puppy a head start by socializing all our puppies with children, adults, and other animals. Puppies can be socialized in many other ways as well. Try introducing your new Goldendoodle to unfamiliar people, car rides, and a variety of sounds. Body handling, touching their ears, paws, tails, etc. Positive Reinforcement Gone are the days of negative reinforcement training! These only serve to make your dog anxious, create more issues later on, and can make your dog avoid you. When training, always focus your attention, energy, and treats on accomplishments, not failures. Toys and treats are very reinforcing. Even seeing you happy will motivate your dog to repeat the desired behaviors and helps strengthen your bond. Patience No one said training a new puppy is easy. That is why patience is the most important part of training your Goldendoodle. Your puppy will make mistakes, have accidents, and regress, even after months of obedience training. Try not to stress or get disappointed. Training is a learning process that can take months. Even though Goldendoodles are exceptionally easy to train, they are no exception to being a puppy. Reinforce good behavior, be consistent, and, most importantly, have fun bonding with your lifelong, Goldendoodle companion!