bernedoodle-miniature puppies for sale in st.louis area

Those traits are important for police dogs because of the various roles that they are needed for. The roles of police dogs are always growing and evolving, and this is another reason that GSDs are the perfect dogs for the job, as they are adaptable and easily trainable. With that in mind, there are four main roles of police dogs: Search and rescue. In this capacity, police dogs are used to search for criminal suspects or missing persons. They are also used in rescue situations, where they are used for their amazing sense of smell, helping locate victims of earthquakes, lost or missing persons, and victims of fallen buildings. Detection dogs are used for their powerful olfactory abilities to sniff out drugs, firearms, or explosives carried by suspects, as well as other illegal objects, like exotic animals or accelerants used in arson. Cadaver dogs. These dogs can detect the odor of dead bodies. GSDs have such a powerful sense of smell that they can sniff bodies under piles of rubble or even underwater. These dogs are used for the general protection of the public to track down and apprehend criminals, rescue hostages, and locate crime suspects. Police dogs are trained to bite down on suspects and hold them hostage while officers arrest them. This is another reason that GSDs are so suited for the job: They are adaptable dogs that can be trained to do just about anything, making their success rate in training higher than most other breeds. Police dogs go through a variety of different training, from agility to endurance, because they must be able to hike for miles at a time and jump over walls or climb long flights of stairs. Of course, basic command training and obedience are vital because they must obey their handler without any hesitation, every time. After these basic training methods, most police dogs will receive specialty training. This could be for drug or bomb detection, tracking missing persons, or apprehension training. Of course, some dogs are not as much of a generalist as the GSD and are trained for specific purposes. This could be for their superior sense of smell, their speed or power, or simply their intelligence. Other dogs commonly used for police work include:. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. The topics change day to day depending on current events and articles we have read. However, one subject that will never be allowed to fade away is what breed is best and why. You see, there are so many weird and wonderful breeds in this world of ours that it is almost impossible to have even a basic knowledge of them all. No matter the direction the conversation steers, it will always find its true north and you will eventually discover yourself talking about the one breed everyone knows. I am talking, of course, about the German Shepherd. They come in all shapes and sizes, some heavily muscled, others wiry and athletic. Their coloring is as versatile as their build, with the American Kennel club listing eight official colors ranging from solid white to solid black. Some have thicker coats than others and their posture can be different depending on the dog. However, no matter how versatile in appearance this breed will be, a decoy, a suspect and even cat people know when they are dealing with a German Shepherd. About the German Shepherd German Shepherds possess many fine attributes that make them ideal working dogs. Armed with intelligence, loyalty, trainability and endurance, it is no wonder that police and military canine handlers all around the world consider their German Shepherds more than just a dog. German Shepherds utilized as working dogs is nothing new. They were purposely bred from the beginning of their origin to assist man. In the late s, An ex-cavalry captain and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College, Max Von Stephanitz had a strong belief that dogs should be bred specifically for working. While attending a dog show in , he witnessed a dog named Hektor Linksrhein perform. Hektor was a product of selective breeding and fulfilled the requirements of what Von Stephanitz was looking for. Horand became the first registered German Shepherd and became the standard of future breeding programs with other registered dogs with the same desirable traits. The breed grew slowly in popularity and clubs for the development of the breed began to form. Eventually the breed would be exported all around the world. They were also used to carry supplies, ammunition, messages, cables and first aid between trenches. Many of the allied forces were so impressed with the dogs that they captured Shepherds to take home with them after the war had ended. After much success in the First World War, the German Shepherd was once again put to the test for the Second and was pressed into military service in large numbers. This time, a large number of these dogs were being trained to also detect various types of unexploded devices. Since its first performance in the First World War with an impressive repeat performance for the World War II, the German Shepherd has been used in many major conflicts and has been recruited into law enforcement agencies all around the world. It comes as no surprise that there is always somebody in need of a reliable working German Shepherd. Training these dogs is no daunting task; it is in fact a pleasure and enjoyable experience. It is so rewarding to experience working with a dog breed that so consistently packs those desirable features as highlighted before. Intelligence, loyalty, endurance, trainability, the German Shepherd indeed has it all! Using these genetic traits we regularly train German Shepherds for a wide variety of scent tasks such as cadaver detection on land and water, human search and rescue on variable terrains, and explosives and narcotics detection just to name a few. We also work daily with our Shepherds to supply the constant need of reliable patrol dogs. If you have a desire to put a dog to work, chances are we have a German Shepherd that will fulfill your desires. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy. But what, exactly, makes the German Shepherd ideal for police work? Why are they used more often in K-9 units than other dog breeds? In fact, Shepherds were initially bred in the early s to be a working dog, including for police and military service. Breeder Max von Stephanitz, a German Army veteran, began selectively breeding GSDs for key traits, including intelligence, loyalty, and persistence. As such, German Shepherds were ideal candidates for police and military work. These initial tests were a huge success, and into the s and s, German Shepherds became widely used in military and police work in Europe and around the world. Thanks to their intelligence and obedience, GSDs could quickly be trained to perform some battlefield tasks. In fact, Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd brought home from the war, who was later trained to appear in silent films and became one of the most famous police dogs on TV. Here are a few key characteristics: GSDs are extremely loyal to their handlers and always want to please them. German Shepherds love to work and have a job to complete. Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Therefore, they can be trained to perform highly complex tasks, like drug or explosive sniffing, tracking and detection. K-9 dogs commonly are the first to act, when a criminal becomes aggressive. German Shepherds are strong, athletic, and have an abundance of energy. In short, German Shepherds are prized for their intelligence, obedience, and temperaments. And that makes these great as working dogs.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Instead, use a washcloth or sponge to clean their face. Another way to give their face a good cleansing is by using shampoo in a small applicator bottle to apply around the eyes and nose. A small shampooing brush can be used to lather the soap into the fur. You can apply the shampoo directly on their coat, working your way from the neck down to the tail. This includes their undercarriage, legs, and paws. If any shampoo gets left behind, then their skin could become dry and irritated. To thoroughly rinse a Goldendoodle, the best way to go about it is starting at the top and working your way down. Keep it systematic — also work from the front to the back. It may take a few rinses to get out all of the shampoo from their fur. Wipe them down thoroughly with a dry towel and try to soak up any excess water in their fur. Let them have a moment to run and shake themselves dry. A miniature Labradoodle puppy after a shower The next part is up to you. If you feel like the dog is dry enough, then you can let them take off. However, if you feel that they need to be dried off more, you may use a hairdryer on the lowest setting. However, that may not be the right option for every Goldendoodle because the sound does startle some. Remember to never do any grooming to the Goldendoodle while their fur is still wet. This is crucial because any extra water build-up in their ears could lead to an ear infection. Keep your pet smelling and looking good with their monthly bath. Does your Goldendoodle do well in the bath? If they are well behaved, and you would like to give their skin and coat a little more moisture, a mild conditioner or cream rinse is optional. 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. Your puppy may be a little skittish, but there are ways to keep your Doodle at ease during their first bathing experience! Your supplies should include a gentle shampoo-plus-conditioner for dogs, a dog brush made for thick fur, a towel, and, yes, a hairdryer! Let them sniff and play with the brush, then move on to gently combing through their hair. Brushing is something your puppy will need at least once a week, so it is vital to make them as comfortable as possible to ensure cooperation into their adult years. Then, gently place your puppy into a bath tub filled with warm water. They may be uncomfortable at first, but remain calm and patient, giving them as much time as they need. As they adjust to this new environment, provide lots of praise and treats! This will ensure your puppy is well socialized for a lifetime of grooming needs. Shampoo When your puppy is comfortable, move on to your shampoo! Make sure their coat is fully saturated with water and gently massage the shampoo into their fur, avoiding their eyes, mouth, and ears. Clean these sensitive areas with a damp cloth or toothbrush. Rinse them thoroughly until all of the suds are gone with a removable shower head or a large cup. Leftover shampoo can make brushing more difficult later on. After your puppy is shampooed and rinsed, you can move on to the drying process. Use a towel to wipe down your Goldendoodle and let them shake off the excess water. Pay close attention to cleaning and drying their ears, inside and out — damp, dirty ear canals can cause an infection! Drying When your puppy is damp and your towel is soaked, bring out the hairdryer! Use a low heat and velocity setting for their first blow dry to prevent nervousness. This will prepare your Goldendoodle for future trips to the groomer and the bathtub alike! When your Goldendoodle is completely dry, you can finish their grooming by giving them a thorough brush. Brushing your puppy before and after bathing will prevent uncomfortable mats and knots. Next, introduce them to the nail clippers. Socializing your Goldendoodle with nail trimming as young as possible will ensure comfortability throughout their life! Now, you have an adorable, clean puppy. That is… until their next adventure! Do Goldendoodles Need Conditioner? We may bathe often, but bathing a dog too often can lead to dry skin, which causes itching in dogs. Grooming a Goldendoodle puppy should begin as early as possible in their life to promote acceptance of this task. This breed requires a lot of grooming, so get them used to a routine early. Some dogs will enjoy it, while others may only mildly tolerate it. The good thing is that puppies love to play, making it easier to undertake this ritual. Our Recommendation is to Take it Slow The first session can be a bit of a challenge for Lexie, but they will become less nervous about the process after the first few months. Having a puppy is a joyous time for a pet owner. We know it was for us when we adopted our beautiful Lexie. All that loveable cuteness with all that energy and curiousness about life can be fantastic fun to have around the home. As Lexie grew, she liked to go on little adventures around the house and our fenced-in yard, exploring and discovering lots of trouble. We found a perfect balance for bathing our cute teddy bear girl around once a month through research online and trial and error. We would only clean her more if she got extra, especially smelly or dirty, and needed it. In between those bath or shower times, we would brush her as needed with a slicker brush to remove tangles and prevent mats. If any mats have formed in their curly coats, you may need to cut them out with scissors or clippers. Puppies need to learn early on that bath time can be a fun experience. Regardless of how often a Goldendoodle puppy is bathed, it should always be positive since grooming is a lifelong task that they must accept and learn to enjoy. How do I bathe my Goldendoodle puppy? Those first bathing sessions were fun, where we ended up with just as much water on us as she did her, it was more like a family bath than a mini Goldendoodle puppy bath, but that was okay. Treats, verbal praise, and games can make the bathing experience enjoyable for everyone, from that first initial wash down to old age. These tools help keep it acceptable and fun for the whole family. It is important to brush and comb a Goldendoodle puppy before they receive a bath. Any discovered issues can be addressed, and then they can be bathed with a gentle dog shampoo free of fragrances designed for the unique needs of a puppy. You can follow this with a dog conditioner if desired. After this is done, offer a few treats and some much-needed praise. Overall it should be a positive experience for all involved, so everyone looks forward to the next time. We had a window of time to get it all done in those beginning days, fast before Lexie got bored. Thankfully her size made it easy for us to manage. A final brushing should do the trick, and both you and your beautiful fur baby pup will be headed for the next adventure of the day. It is highly recommended that a Goldendoodle puppy be bathed in a bathroom or possibly outdoors if the weather is tolerable. Some people like to think that bathing a dog weekly or bi-weekly will prevent them from being dirty, and to a certain point, depending on the dog itself, this is partly true what comes in its place though, can be much more irritating to deal with, dry skin. Not everyone enjoys baths at first, including us humans. Making it a fun experience can go a long way to creating the right environment for acceptance. Curiosity is the name of the game when it comes to bathing a Goldendoodle puppy. Depending on their unique pup personality, this may take a bit of time, a couple of sessions even, but throw in a few toys, and what Goldendoodle puppy can resist this fun? We did this once when Lexie was a puppy, and it was a warm summer day. If, after these sessions, a Goldendoodle puppy is less than enthused about a bath, their owner could undoubtedly join them in the tub for some water fun. Bathing a Goldendoodle puppy once a month is a guideline, not etched in stone. Should I have my Goldendoodle puppy bathed at the groomer every month? While a groomer can make a Goldendoodle look adorable, at the puppy stage, there is no need to waste money and time for them to do a task that a Goldendoodle puppy owner can do at home. Should the family be averse to doing it in their own home or yard, then a groomer will do a lovely job while offering them the experience of someone else handling them. This is a passive way to socialize with the Goldendoodle puppy. Grooming and bathing, whether at home or at a groomer, teach and train them while socializing them, which is beneficial for their mental and emotional development. They learn what is expected of them, and after a time, it naturally becomes a part of their life. In Conclusion A Goldendoodle puppy should be bathed about once per month. How often you bathe your Goldendoodle puppy is likely more informed by how dirty they get. This time frame is only a guideline as there may be certain times when they are bathed more or less than monthly. Whatever the length of time, we can tell you, a freshly bathed Goldendoodle puppy is too hard to resist! How Often Should I. Twitter Pinterest Splish, splash! How do you give your Goldendoodle a bath? To answer this question, I put together this how-to guide filled with my favorite tips on how to bathe a Goldendoodle. How often should you bathe a Goldendoodle? Before we dive into the how-to, you may be wondering how often to bathe your Goldendoodle. In theory, I bathe my Goldendoodle once a month. Many Goldendoodle parents wonder whether they should bathe then brush or brush then bathe. Actually, when it comes down to bathing a Goldendoodle, I recommend all three: brush, bathe, and brush again. Brushing thoroughly before the bath will remove tangles and mats. Gather your supplies. The next step in bathing a Goldendoodle, is gathering supplies ahead of time. Most Doodle dogs have enough hair and fluff to go around! Choose clothing accordingly. Some Goldendoodle parents even make clothing optional! Your cell phone because who can resist taking a few pics of a soggy doggy! Create an atmosphere your dog enjoys. Just like a human spa day, creating a calm environment will help your doggo enjoy the experience. Here are some ideas: Play soothing music. According to a study on music and dogs I found in Science Direct, dogs respond positively to soft rock and reggae music. Just hearing your happy voice can set a happy tone for your dog. Make it positive. Give your dog plenty of verbal praise, love, and even treats. If your dog is food motivated, it may be helpful to use a lick mat that can be suction cupped to the side of the tub. Before your dog hops into the bathtub, place a nonslip mat in the bottom of the tub. Also, it could help prevent a slip-and-fall injury for your dog. This is very important. Since dogs are a little more sensitive to warm water than we are, even making it a little less warm than you might like it is probably about right. Keep the water pressure low and gentle. Also, it allows you to focus on keeping water out of the ears and eyes. Use a dog shampoo to wash your dog. Do not use human shampoo to bathe your Goldendoodle. I simply put shampoo and water in a nonbreakable cup and mix it up. Then, I massage the shampoo into her coat one section at a time. For all the details on the dog shampoo we love and use check out: Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles. Working gently, I start from the top and work down paying extra attention to the paws, which tend to be the dirtiest. GOLDEN TIP: Especially for our long-haired or fluffy Goldendoodles, visually assessing the body while wet makes it easier to determine body condition—overweight, underweight, or just right. Also, I make sure to avoid getting water in her eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly. This may take several passes. When washing my Goldendoodle, I usually start rinsing from the top and work down. That way all the soap gets off the highest point and goes to the lowest point. Leaving shampoo on the coat can result in irritation. Towel dry working in the direction of the coat. Then I wrap a towel gently around her body and help her out of the tub. Holding her like a baby, I pat her coat, working in the direction of her hair and not against it. When bathing a Goldendoodle, my goal is not only happiness but also not to tangle the hair. Rather, I towel dry working with the direction of the coat and not against it. Over the years, my Goldendoodle has become so accustomed to this, she gives me her paw so I can dry it for her. Blow dry the coat. After bathing a Goldendoodle, the gold standard is to blow dry the coat with a high velocity pet grooming dryer. This helps separate the hair. When the hair is completely dry, gently brush the coat again. Once your dog has had a good break, comb or brush the hair. For this last step, I think a dog grooming table comes in handy. Sometimes we celebrate with our favorite pupsicle frozen yogurt dog treat. More Goldendoodle bathing tips What else can you do to help your dog love and not stress over a bath? I typically plan on making Goldendoodle bathing a two-day event…one day for brushing and the next for bathing, drying, and brushing. Use your happy voice and give your dog plenty of sweet talk. Always check in with your dog. Is your dog cooperative? Never take this for granted. What about bathing a new puppy? If you have a puppy, there are several things you can do set your furry bestie up for a lifetime of happy baths. When my Goldendoodle was just a puppy, I honestly lucked into making bath time happy for her. She loved drinking out of the bathtub faucet. I turned it on so it was just a trickle of cool water. She clamored into the tub. She lapped up the trickling water from the spigot. Then I cupped my hands under the faucet and she drank from my hands. She still loves doing this as an adult. Your Goldendoodle puppy may love this too. Or, maybe your dog is food motivated. If so, you can try placing a lick mat on the side of the bathtub to provide a happy distraction. Here are more ideas for how to help prepare your Goldendoodle puppy for the first bath: Preparing your puppy for a happy bath time experience Before the bath, plan a time to just let your puppy have fun exploring the area where bathing will happen. Of course, have the area puppy proofed first. Let your pup sniff, explore, or approach the bathtub on their own terms. Slow and steady wins the race. If all is going well, try placing your puppy in the tub, which should be empty with no water running. Give treats, praise, and make it fun! Always end any new experience on a positive note. Once your puppy likes the bathing area and the bathtub, try turning the water on…just a trickle. Remember, the sound of the water may be frightening to a puppy. Give treats and use your happy voice to give lots of verbal praise. Enhance the experience by using a lick mat suction cupped to the wall. This makes a happy distraction. Thank you for sharing your valuable time with us and for loving Goldendoodles. Goldendoodle hugs and kisses! How to Wash a Goldendoodle How to Wash a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles are a popular mix between golden retrievers and poodles, and their coats share features with both parent breeds. The coat can range from gentle waves to full-on curls, with the longest growth on legs, tail, ears, or body. All these make it easy to wash a Goldendoodle. Start with Brushing and Clipping The first step to wash a goldendoodle is to thoroughly brush the coat. Some areas are difficult to access regularly with a brush and may be prone to mats or knots. Use a sharp and well-maintained set of clippers to remove the knots. Be sure to use clippers specifically designed for dog grooming as they are better equipped to cut through dog hair than human clippers. Never use scissors to clip your goldendoodle as sudden movements could cause injuries to the dog. Shampooing The next step is to move the goldendoodle into a bathtub or washbasin for shampooing. Choosing the right dog shampoo for a goldendoodle is critical to avoid drying out their often sensitive skin. Consider mild human shampoo options such as no-tears baby shampoo or fragrance-free shampoo-plus-conditioner. Once you have the right shampoo, you can jump in with the wash. Also, consider using a dampened washcloth. Massage the soap gently to create a lather as you go. Repeat this process multiple times until all of the soap is removed. Let the goldendoodle shake itself dry as needed and then air-dry or use a blow dryer on a lower setting so as not to startle your dog or hurt its ears. Be sure the dog is completely dry before any further grooming, as wet fur can appear shorter than it actually is. If you still have questions, contact us today. They are fun-loving and the most lovable dog especially in the US. If anyone is a new owner of the dog or may going to welcome your new pet as a Golden doodle then you have to know about all in and out of the Golden doodle. However, these dogs need low maintenance but the half information may cost you more in comparison to other pets. You have to know how to take care of these dogs and what is their behavior. Especially when you take them for bathing or any grooming activity. Are they get irritated or get aggressive when you give them training or any exercise. But in their daily activity, the grooming of dogs is very necessary. Most of the time new dog owners think about how to bathe Goldendoodles. We know this is a little bit difficult for the new owner. Basically, Golden Doodle is a designer dog and if you groom them frequently and give them bathing on daily basis, it helps to look them more attractive. It also helps to avoid any fungal disease because this breed bears the layer of coat on its body. Key Points you should know Before taking Goldendoodle to bathe As a new owner, you should know about all the behavior and nature of the Golden Doodle to be convenient while making them bathe. It helps to avoid unnecessary situations like mood swings or sudden aggressive behavior in your Golden Doodle that may tend to harm you. So, here are some points that you have to remember before taking them to bathe. Invest in a good wire brush that has soft pins with rubber tips help to groom them easily. So, remove the debris easily while combing. Never use cold water or hot water while making them bathe because their skin is too much sensitive and it may affect their health. So, use always lukewarm water. Before getting them to bathe you should fondle your Golden Doodle to make feel convenient and associate with the tub. They know when you are angry and when you are in a happy mood. Golden Doodle has a tendency to feel the mood of the humans so always talk to them in a calm voice. Never use a shampoo that has the ingredients of a chemical. Because that kind of shampoo may react on their body and it tends to hair loss for your designer dog. So always buy sulfate-free shampoo. Use only dog shampoo which is specially made for dogs while bathing them. What to do at the time of Goldendoodle bathing When your golden doodle is ready to bathe then keep yourself calm to make them feel positive. Take your dog to the bathing area and make them familiar with that bath area so they never get afraid to go there. So you have to follow some tips at the time of bathing your dogs. At the time of shampooing your dog, use a comb of soft pins so that all the knots of curled hairs are open. Rinse properly throughout the body while bathing with shampoo so that you can remove all the spoors of the shampoo from the body. Be attentive while bathing to avoid the shampoo getting in their eyes as well as ears. It may cause irritation to your dog and that tends to get them in an aggressive mood. What to do after Goldendoodle bathing After bathing your dog, use a dry towel that is soft and that soaked the water easily. Never rub the towel hardly to soak the water on their wet hair, it tends for hair to fall and may also tangle after dry-up. Always use a dog blow dryer which is certified because it helps to dry their hair easily. The final and important thing after making them bathe is always to appreciate your Golden doodle so that they feel comfortable and praised. After getting special treatment after bathing your dog will be familiar with bathing. Benefits Of Bathing Your Golden Doodle There is not a hard and fast rule for how frequently you bathe your dog but make sure that your dog should be clean and dirt free. So, it is very important to bathe your Golden Doodle at a regular interval. Bathing your dogs helps to remove dirt from their body and make them feel fresh. It also removes the bad odors from their body which is good for people around them. If you bathe your dog on regular basis then it helps them to reduce their shedding. Frequent bathing helps to avoid allergies because Golden Doodle hair is the easy way to transfer the allergies to humans as well as dogs themselves. Their hair carries dirt and bacteria which tend to grow the chance of allergies. It helps to monitor the health of the Golden Doodle. At the time of bathing your dog, you have a close look at your Golden Doodle like you brushing their teeth and while shampooing, you check their skin and ears. If you see any redness on their skin or anything abnormal then you can get them to a veterinary. Last but not least, it helps to make a strong bond with your Golden Doodle. While bathing your Golden Doodle, you fondle and make soft touches on their head to help strengthen their bond with you. Summary Golden Doodle a designer dog needs some care while bathing because it has a curly coat on its body which also cover its eyes as well. More frequent you bathe your dog helps to make them healthier and freshen their moods. It also reduces the chance of getting caught the allergies to the owner and their family members including their children. So, always keep in mind that bathe your Golden Doodle to avoid spreading any unnecessary disease and allergies to keep them safe as well as healthy. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Every dog loses their puppy fur to grow in their adult coat. For Goldendoodle puppies, this poses a challenge. A quick solution to this is using a slick brush a few times a week. Here is one of our favorites. All of our Doodles of NC puppies are brushed from just a few weeks old so they grow fond of the one-on-one bonding time. Bath time! In addition to brushing, our puppies learn to love bath time. Using a tear-free or mild dog shampoo allows you to bathe your doodle as frequently as every week without drying out their fur. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is our all-time top pick. Dogs, in general, have sensitive ears. If their ears start emitting a strong odor, or your dog scratches their ears and whines, we recommend a trip to the vet to check for an infection. Mini goldendoodles can easily be bathed in the kitchen sink. For larger Goldendoodles a walk-in shower or bath tub with a shower wand works beautifully. Lather twice and rinse thoroughly! Then towel dry and brush the coat. To speed up the drying process, a hair dryer on a low, cool setting, can speed up the process. Trips to the Groomers A goldendoodle's fur grows quite rapidly. We encourage a few trips to the groomers a year to help trim up their coat especially around their eyes to help minimize madding of the fur and healthy coat growth. And, one last tip! It is gentle enough for their delicate skin, but also smells super clean and fresh. And, feel free to reach out to us with any other questions you have on providing the proper care for your Goldendoodle. How often should I brush my puppy? Your puppy needs to be brushed daily with a slicker brush followed by a metal comb. The slicker brush will only brush the surface. The comb will help you detect any mats that are forming underneath, which is a vital part of the process. Daily brushing will keep your puppy mat free and will also teach your puppy that grooming is a routine event. Typically they need to be clipped weekly to be kept at the proper length. As they grow, you can move to once or twice a month. A groomer will typically clip nails as part of the grooming service. How often can I bathe my puppy? As long as you use a tearless shampoo, you can bathe as often as you like. Be sure to fully brush after a bath to avoid matting. When should my puppy have its first hair cut? Your puppy will probably be ready for its first hair cut at months of age. You will want to find a groomer before you bring your puppy home so that you can take them to the groomer before their first hair cut to get them comfortable with the groomer and the process. How much does a professional clip cost? Pricing will vary based on location, kind of cut requested, and the length and condition of the coat. How long does a professional clip usually take? You can expect the grooming appointment to be hours depending the size dog and the kind of cut you request. This is a widget ready area. Add some and they will appear here. For all other questions: Email: admin goldendoodleassociation. Your membership helps to fund research and development regarding health, genetics, puppy development, and more. Member Application.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Michigan Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Michigan? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Michigan? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Breeding quality Golden's to be Your Next best Friend! They are AKC limited Registration , Full registration available for additional fee to approved homes only. They come with a 1 year health guarantee and a life time of help with any concerns and support , vaccinated age appropriate, De- wormed ,complete vet examined. We love our Golden's. They are a true part of our family and family life. They Live in our home and go camping and traveling with us and are a huge attraction where ever we take them and the tail wagging and unconditional love is priceless. They are such sweet souls. They are best friends but they also make great service dogs, hunting companions, dock dogs, agility partners, walking friends, they are a very versatile dog. We raise these pups as if we were keeping all of them. They are held and played with everyday. They play with kids and have Social interaction with other dogs in our family. We take them outside and expose them to the outdoors , we also give them stimulating toys and water to play in to get them started to be confident, thriving ,well adjusted babies. Mom's name is Callie. She is light gold close to white in color and has a beautiful full coat. About 78 lbs. She is 4 years old. She has been very health dog. Has her Eyes, Heart, Hips and elbow clearances. DNA golden retriever panel also. She is so calm, loving and smart. She loves kids, people , walks, swimming. She is worth her weight in gold as far as personality. Dads name is Bounty. He is a very handsome boy. He also has personality plus. He is also a huge part of his family! He is pet, in his home and on the furniture! He is a beautiful and solid 80 pounds He had heart and eye certified and had many proven healthy babies on the ground. His Coat is gorgeous and his personality a plus. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Kaila Duggan. A good dog breeder is registered in a breeders association and breeds according to the rules and guidelines of the respective breed association. In addition to participating in beauty and performance shows at dog shows, this also includes health checks on their breeding dogs. These papers show which ancestors were involved in the development of the puppy and whether inbreeding was carried out. What makes a serious dog breed? The prices that dog breeders charge for their puppies mostly flow back into dog breeding. A profit is hardly achieved with good and species-appropriate husbandry. How do I recognize a reputable breeder? First, make sure that the dog breed leaves a clean and well-groomed impression. The following points can also help you buy puppies from a reputable dog breeder: Do all animals look lively and healthy? Do the puppies grow up in the family instead of having to live in a kennel outside? Are the parent animals on-site? Are you allowed to visit the puppies several times? Is the breeder interested in your living conditions? Would they like to know as precisely as possible where their puppies will live? Does the dog breeder take special measures to give their puppies a good start in life? For example, do the puppies get to know car journeys and train journeys? Are they used to other pets and children? Does the breeder grant themself a right of repurchase in the event that the buyer wants to give their dog back? These points are indicators of a reputable breeder. In addition, you should make sure that the puppies are not over-vaccinated and dewormed before buying. Worming treatments in particular can cause permanent damage in puppies that cannot be justified by a potential benefit. If the dog breeder is critical of your questions, that is also a good sign. Due to their balanced psyche and benevolent disposition, they have gained a reputation as ideal family companions, and their ineradicable passion for water and craving for retrieval make them indispensable for hunting. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized, well-proportioned dogs. Although their exterior is regulated by a single standard, there is a division into 3 types in the breed: English. Dogs of this type are easily recognizable by their wide skull, powerful legs, and very light, almost white coat. Dogs of this type are distinguished by an elegant constitution and graceful posture. Tall, thin dogs of rich dark color. To choose the right pet, you should study the breed standard. Then it will become clear what the perfect Golden Labrador looks like. Of course, the puppies are still too small, so it is rather difficult to assess their conformation. When choosing, first of all, pay attention to the following signs: The Coat. Labradors have dense and coarse guard hair without waves and feathers, a thick and soft undercoat. The AKC standard allows only 3 colors: cream, golden, dark golden, and light golden. A small white spot on the chest is not considered a fault. Expression of the muzzle. It depends to a certain extent on the eyes. In golden Labradors, they are brown or hazel, expressing intelligence and good nature. The eyes should not be cloudy or heavy. In puppies under 12 weeks of age, the iris is blue. The lighter the shade, the lighter the eyes of an adult animal will be. Body type. The back is short and straight, without dips or bulges. Puppies that are overly light, weak, gaunt, or overweight should not be chosen. A characteristic feature of the breed is a thick tail at the base and tapering to the tip, reminiscent of the tail of an otter. During swimming, the tail plays the role of a rudder. During a game, the puppies cheerfully lift it, but never bend or throws it on its back. Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter. Therefore, in the early days, pets really need the attention and care of their owners. To avoid digestive problems, puppies should first be fed what they ate at the breeder. And it is better to introduce all new products gradually and in small quantities. At 2 months, golden retrievers should receive food times a day, and when they reach 1 year they are transferred to double feeding. Until the golden puppy has received all the vaccinations, it cannot be taken out for walks. Therefore, before the end of the post-vaccination quarantine in the house, it is better to remove the carpets and cover the floor with disposable floor pads. These platforms will help you connect with people who have Golden Retriever puppies for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy. They help over 21, animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Activities, for the most part, should be limited, and the key is to go slow. The first day should be calm so the puppy can get acclimated to its new surroundings and comfortable with its new family. Expect some bumps along the road for the first week, but things will rapidly get better as the days and nights progress. Be prepared, though, that the first day will be the biggest challenge, especially the night. The first 24 hours are when most new puppy parents wonder what the heck they got themselves into. While the first hours is mostly a transitional period, there are a few things that you can do to ensure the transition will go as smoothly as possible. Pre-Arrival Preparation Before your puppy arrives home, you should have prepared for its arrival. Pre-arrival preparation should include stocking up on essential supplies and puppy-proofing the home. You can still do this quickly by following the step by step guide. It will just mean you need to do some quick running around and some prep on the fly. Now what? First, take a deep breath. Your puppy most likely will have to relieve itself after the car ride. Doing so allows the puppy to explore and sniff around the yard to become familiar with its area. Just make sure you supervise the puppy at all times. It also gives the puppy a chance to stretch its legs. Or it may be more timid and scared. Adapt as necessary. Bailey minutes after we brought him home. Getting ready to do his thing in the backyard! If the puppy is comfortable exploring and playing outside, you can wait until it goes. Or you can take it inside but make sure to try again soon. As noted previously, puppies at this age go frequently. All puppies have telltale signs when they need to go potty, and your job early on is to learn those. He will need time to adjust. So will you. Go slow. Be patient. If you opt to introduce the puppy to the whole house, make sure you supervise your Golden puppy at all times. A mistake most new and even experienced dog owners make is allowing their puppies too much space early on. A confined area for your puppy could include a designated play area with a crate inside or a room with gates to limit his space. We let our Golden puppy Bailey roam the house the first few days, and we quickly realized it was a huge mistake. Introductions You should limit introduction on the first day to the immediate family only. You do not want to overwhelm or scare the puppy, and being passed from stranger to stranger might not be the best experience for him. All introductions should be controlled and supervised at all times, especially with children and other pets. A good rule of thumb is to go slow and to keep the interactions both brief and positive. Small children, especially toddlers, may be keen to pick up the cuddly furball, and they may not be well equipped to do this gently and safely. Keep a watchful eye at all times and prevent children from handling the puppy or pulling his tail. Have children and even adults sit on the floor and allow the puppy to come to them. Try having family members entice the puppy with a treat. Let the puppy dictate the pace of introductions to feel safe and have a positive experience. Suppose you have other dogs or a cat. In that case, these introductions require a more nuanced approach, and extra caution and supervision are required. Most new owners tend to rush these things, and small, baby steps are better than moving too fast and then having to take two steps back. You can even keep them apart for a week or two or longer , so they get accustomed to seeing and being in proximity of each other before the initial introductions. Temperament plays a role here as well. Some pups, cats, and dogs will need extra space and time to adjust, whereas; some others will adapt more quickly. Just like people, each one has a unique personality. Just make sure all parties are safe. Keep the puppy, and other dogs secured on-leash, and allow the cat to escape if it desires. Supervision is vital, as is knowing the temperament of your animals and how much they will tolerate. Bailey and the cat getting along. A slow introduction when he was very young was key. Essential Routines: Feeding Time, Potty Training, and Bedtime Although the first day is a mostly transitional day for your puppy, some training can start immediately, including feeding routines, potty training, and a bedtime routine. Feeding Time Puppies generally should be fed two or three times per day based on weight and age consult your dog food bag or follow what the breeder was doing. Depending on what time you brought your Golden puppy home, and if he has eaten a meal already before picking him up, this may be his 2nd or 3rd meal of the day. Some pups and dogs are not good at control. Consider doing some hand-feeding. The purpose of hand-feeding is twofold; a bonding experience and teaching your puppy to tolerate and trust hands around its food. Potty Training Same as with the feeding routine, you want to establish a pattern on day one for potty training. It would help if you were mindful that puppies usually like to go potty after exercising, playing, eating, or getting up from a night of sleep or a nap. Our Golden Retriever puppy at eight weeks went potty almost immediately after eating. BedTime The bedtime routine is the most significant transition for human parents on day one and will test your patience the most. Please be prepared for this and stay calm, loving, and supportive. Unless you have won the puppy lottery and it sleeps through the whole night, expect to be woken up a few times. And not just because your puppy will have to go out a few times to relieve itself, but your puppy may be anxious due to this being its first night with its new family. Your Golden puppy is going to be scared and lonely, so expect some heartbreaking whining. If your puppy whines at night, you can pick him up to take it outside if it has been a while since last relieving itself. Do not cave in and pick up your puppy right away. But you do not want to reinforce this behavior and inadvertently teach the puppy that whining results in immediate attention and play. If your puppy is still whining after, say, 15 or 20 minutes, then pick your puppy up to reassure it. It would help if you only did this for the first few days to a week. Your puppy should be able to go longer and longer without needing comfort. The goal is to have it sleep throughout the night as quickly as possible. The price you pay for picking up your puppy too frequently throughout the night is having this be your routine for the next few weeks instead of days. Also, expect to take your puppy out frequently throughout the night for the first few weeks so it can relieve itself. This part of the routine is the hardest, but in a few weeks, your pup will be sleeping a full 8 hours through the night. Keep in mind that it may take up to 12 weeks of age before they can sleep comfortably throughout the night. Often that happens much sooner. Nightime comforting and potty training can be a bit of a juggling act and challenging to sync correctly. Do your best. If it complains immediately after relieving itself, then try your best to hold off before comforting it. Ideally, you want to allow your puppy to learn how to self-soothe at night on its own. Bailey sleeping the first day we brought him home. BAR mostly slept throughout the night from day 1. Yes, we were fortunate. Tips for Bedtime Make sure your puppy has had adequate play and exercise throughout the day. It helps with bedtime if your puppy is mentally and physically tired out. Puppies need about 5 minutes for every one month of age. So, an eight-week-old will need about 10 minutes once or twice per day. Take your puppy outside to relieve itself just before bed. Your Golden puppy will get the hang of it soon. Dogs are social animals and want to sleep close to their family. Many breeders will give you a blanket or old shirt that has been with the mother. The ticking of the clock will soothe the puppy. Additional Tips The first day and night will be the hardest. However, you should expect some challenges. Tip 1. Accidents will happen, lots of them. Tip 2. Take a week of work, if at all possible. A puppy left alone a few days after being separated from his family is not ideal. It would be best if you had time to develop trust and a bond. Use a house line when your puppy is not in its contained area. A house line is a cheap leash that your puppy has on throughout the day. Tip 4. Your puppy will not have yet been vaccinated fully at this age of its life. Tip 5. Let the puppy have some downtime. Tip 6. Use reward-based training as your method of choice to teach your puppy the rules and acceptable behaviors. You may luck out and have a puppy that adjusts rapidly or one that takes a bit longer. Professional dog trainers discussing many of the suggestions outlined in this post. Most likely, that thought will occur during the night. With lots of affection and love, combined with consistent rules and routines, your puppy will adapt quickly. Just remember preparation, patience, and routines will set the foundation for the weeks, months, and years to come. Our Top Recommendations 1. Read ahead of time. We felt well-educated on a plan for taking care of a puppy by reading books before Emma came home. We needed to be very hands-on and involved when Emma was here, so we were happy we already had a plan ahead of time. Planning allowed us to maximize our time with her and increase success. From Day 1, we worked on very simple training tasks with her and added more skills or increased the complexity each week. Watch your puppy like a hawk. Puppies do not know right vs. Our job is to teach Emma what she should and should not do. By watching her closely, we were maximizing success for the long term. The goal is to intervene or redirect her before she starts an undesired behavior. It is easier to provide direct supervision by using puppy gates to limit her access in the apartment. Start training from day 1. Puppies need mental and physical exercise. Puppy Training We followed a five-week training plan to cover basic obedience skills and a few fun tricks. We found each week's pace of training and structure to be highly successful in building a solid foundation. I would recommend following the training in order as each week build on the previous week starting with week 1 training. Puppy Socialization Our at-home training was supplemented with puppy socialization classes at a local training facility for Emma to be around other dogs and people. We were happy we were already registered for puppy socialization classes before Emma came home. Honestly, it is one of my favorite parts of the week. Emma always came home ready for a nap. I recommend searching in your area for puppy socialization classes by looking online, asking neighbors, or asking your vet. When Emma receives all her vaccinations, we will be out and about with her more often, which will help with socialization and provide the opportunity to continue training in various environments. We plan to visit some of the pet-friendly stores in our area. Lastly, we will sign Emma up for an obedience class to continue to work toward our goal of her becoming a therapy dog to continue our mission to spread smiles. Feb 2, Aug 25, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The second puppy was no different. As I always say every puppy is different, but here are a few pointers from the GDA manual on what we as puppy raisers are told to do on the first day s with your new puppy. Up to this point your puppy has been with its mother and littermates in a comfortable setting. The puppy should be allowed to explore and meet his new family. You should now start teaching the puppy his name. When you first arrive home give your puppy a chance to relieve itself in the area you have designated for that purpose. Remember, this maybe the first time your puppy has heard these words. Try again in 10 minutes. If the puppy does relieve itself in the proper area, give him lots of praise. Afterwards you may take it inside, but remember to supervise the puppy; do not let it out of your sight. Talk to the puppy when it explores to make it feel more at home. This is important for everyone not just puppy raisers because we are so excited to introduce them to everyone and everything, but temper your excitement for now and keep it a quiet first week. Teach Your Puppy His Name — yep, we wrote an entire article on teaching your puppy his name. Go check it out! A good start is to show him his spot when you first arrive home. Talk to your puppy to make him feel more at home — you want your puppy to get used to your voice and have it be a soothing sound to him. Take it easy those first few days. Get him used to his environment. You have his entire life to show him off as a proud new puppy parent. What about you? Let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Poppy could be seen peering over the wooden crate to check on the litter of puppies regularly. She even brought them toys at times, in the hope that they might be able to play with her. The excited big sister watched the puppies at "every chance she gets," and eventually Poppy was able to greet them with some gentle kisses. After several weeks of waiting, the puppies had finally grown strong enough to enjoy some playtime with Poppy, as their owner said it was the best day of Poppy's life. The adorable clip showing "the love of a big sister" was posted by TikTok user our. A litter of golden retriever puppies. A golden retriever has melted hearts after she was seen waiting several weeks until her brothers and sisters were big enough to play with her. Golden retrievers are undoubtedly a sought-after breed, and despite being a family-oriented dog, they still need plenty of training from a young age. It's recommended that training should start as young as 8 weeks old to establish a routine, rules, and boundaries, so the dog k now s what's acceptable. Puppies are constantly developing between 2 and 6 months, so helping them learn to communicate through barking or signals will cut out any unwanted behavior. Socializing the puppy will enhance its confidence in groups. The AKC refers to this early stage as their angel phase, before the teenage rebellion phase from the age of 6 to 18 months. The teenage phase is about building on the foundations that were set in their early weeks, but this can be a difficult task. Goldens love to carry things around in their mouths, so teaching them commands to drop and leave items they shouldn't take is fundamental, according to the AKC. Once goldens reach 18 months old, they will start to move towards the maturity phase, which means they understand the rules and have learned basic obedience. By this stage, the AKC says that dogs will show more signs of individuality and their emotional development is complete. Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog If you've been considering dog ownership, why not find out what it's really like with us before making that big commitment. That's why we entrust them to resolve your fear of dogs within our specially controlled environment. Or know someone who has? Many people who are bereaving find it very therapeutic coming to The GRE because they are reminded of the joys of having had their pet and receive the healing love and attention they've been missing. We're based in the quiet countryside of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills with a 10 minute walk to the beach. Makes a perfect Wedding Gift and we do Gift Certificates. You can book out our grounds dogs included of course for up to 6 hours of dog-filled fun. Enquire below. Additional Expertise and Accessibility Learning, Social and Behavioural Difficulties Additional Expertise and Accessibility We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients and children and adults with Down syndrome. The GRE is fully wheelchair accessible and we have ample parking for minibuses and coaches. We'd love to see all of you at The GRE but we don't accept walk-ins because we have a limited capacity, all bookings must be made in advance via the 'book now' button on our website. If you want to book, please press the 'book now' button on the bottom of your screen. Otherwise, fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that we are not offering 3-hour sessions for Summer but please get in touch if you still have a 3-hour gift certificate to use. Are you preparing to introduce your furry friend to other pets in your household? In this article, we will provide you with valuable insights on training your Golden Retriever to interact with other pets, ensuring their safety, and fostering harmonious relationships. Get ready to make new furry friends as we dive into this guide! As a pet owner, you play an important role in establishing a harmonious relationship between your pets. You can teach your pets to coexist and become best friends with patience and consistency! The introduction should go smoothly if your other pets are friendly to other animals. However, it may take more time and patience if your other pets are dominant or aggressive. It is vital to remain present during the introduction and correct aggressive behavior. Follow the simple steps below to help your furry friend feel calm and confident around other pets. Do they get excited and rush forward to greet you, or do they prefer to remain quiet and shy? For example, try walking your dog in areas with more dogs or taking them to popular trails or parks. This allows your dog to become accustomed to seeing and meeting other dogs without becoming overwhelmed or scared. Keep an eye on how your dog reacts to other dogs and only allow them to interact if they appear to be at ease. If the interaction becomes too much for your dog, be prepared to intervene and remove your dog from the situation. Do they have any particular habits or quirks that your dog should be aware of? Encourage your beloved pet to look into the eyes of their playmate during greetings to help them establish trust and a sense of equality. You can teach your dog to look at you or another human first, then back to their playmate for a few seconds to boost their confidence and make them feel safe. Most dogs, however, will do this naturally. If your dog has trouble making eye contact, use a sound to get their attention, and then reward them with treats for looking at you or another person for a short period. For Dogs: Meet On Neutral Territory When introducing dogs, you must choose a neutral territory where neither dog feels the need to protect their belongings. This helps to avoid any territorial disputes or defensive behavior. It is recommended that the cat is presented to the dog in a carrier to provide security. If both animals appear calm, you can let the cat out of the carrier but keep an eye on their interactions. Provide a safe and elevated location for the cat to retreat when they need some alone time away from the dog. Take a few deep breaths and try not to let your body tense up. Introducing your dog to a new pet can be stressful, but showing your dog you are nervous will make them more anxious. Instead, act as if everything is fine, and it most likely will be! It can be exciting to introduce your dog to new pets. Your dog can make new friends and play with other animals safely and enjoyably with some practice and careful planning. Keeping Your Golden Retriever Safe Around Other Pets If you own a lovable Golden Retriever , you already know they are social creatures who enjoy making new friends, whether with humans or other pets. However, remember that not all pets are the same, and some may not be as friendly towards your furry friend. This way, you can intervene quickly if any signs of aggression or discomfort arise. Introduce them gradually: Just as humans, it is critical to introduce your Golden Retriever to other pets gradually and carefully. Allow them to sniff and observe each other from afar before allowing them to interact more closely. Avoid forcing the interaction if another pet does not appear interested in socializing. Remember that your Golden Retriever is a friendly and social creature , so make sure they are safe and respectful around other pets. Following these tips, you can help ensure everyone has a happy and healthy interaction. However, if you have a Golden Retriever at home , you may wonder how to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. However, with some planning and consideration, you can ensure that the meeting of your furry family members is a success. Here are some tips when introducing your new puppy to your Golden Retriever. Before The Introduction Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for the entire family, including your older dog! There are a few things you can do to prepare for the introduction. This will help to prevent any potential conflicts over prized possessions. Create separate areas in your home where both dogs can relax and get away from each other. This will give them a sense of security and allow them to have their own space when necessary. Consider purchasing separate food dishes for each dog to avoid possessive aggression. This will help them understand that they each have their eating area and will reduce competition. Finally, ensure both dogs are up to date on their vaccinations before introducing them. This will ensure the health and safety of both of your furry friends. During The Introduction Your older dog loves your home and wishes to protect it, but we want to ensure they get along well with the new puppy. Introducing them in a neutral area is best to avoid territorial behavior. Remember, the first introduction should be short and sweet. Most importantly, remain calm! Your dog can sense your emotions and will follow you wherever you go. They look to you for advice on how to react in an unfamiliar situation. Your older dog and the new puppy will be best friends in no time with a bit of patience and positive reinforcement! Look for raised fur on the back of the neck or back, prolonged staring, growling, snarling, teeth display, or a hunched back. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to intervene and separate them for a short time until they calm down. Keep your energy and emotions in check by remaining calm and positive throughout the process. Prepare your dog by reinforcing basic commands and adjusting their routine. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior around baby items. Begin with supervised interactions at a safe distance, allowing your Golden Retriever to observe the baby. Gradually decrease the distance and increase exposure over time. Supervise all interactions and never leave them alone together, even if your dog has shown positive behavior. Continue to provide regular exercise , attention, and affection to your Golden Retriever. Seek professional guidance if needed. With patience, preparation, and supervision, you can foster a positive and safe bond between your Golden Retriever and your baby. Conclusion Congratulations on taking the first step toward introducing your Golden Retriever to other dogs! Golden Retrievers can make new friends and play with other animals safely and enjoyably with some practice and careful planning. Remember to stay calm and have fun with your pet throughout the process. Enjoy this new chapter in your life as a pet parent, and treasure the moments you spend with your loyal companion. Make sure to monitor their interactions closely and that they feel safe and comfortable. What to do If your other pets are dominant? If you have dominant pets, you must establish yourself as the pack leader and provide plenty of instruction and boundaries for all pets. Keep a close eye on their interactions and be ready to intervene to prevent conflicts. How long should I wait to introduce my golden retriever to other pets? The timing for introducing your dog to other pets varies based on factors such as age, health, behavior, and socialization level. Puppies should typically wait until they have completed their vaccinations before interacting with other dogs. You can follow the tips we have above to ensure a smooth introduction. Will my golden retriever accept a new puppy? It can also help you because they keep each other entertained. Most older dogs will welcome a younger puppy with open paws! Are Golden retrievers happier with another dog? Many Golden Retriever owners recommend getting two! The primary reason is that Goldens are very social dogs, and having a furry friend around can provide excellent companionship for your pup. In addition, Goldens get along well with other Goldens , so it could be a perfect match! Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Mother Nature is in charge of the timing, late fall, early winter?? We love double doodle families!! Our puppies are amazing, they will melt your heart. We then keep the puppies an additional weeks to work with them on housebreaking, litter training, crate introduction, and socialization. We also provide tips and hints to help with training, and acclimating your puppy into your life. Typically there are 8 puppies per litter, although it is not uncommon to have more. Many times after the puppies are born, we have availability. We are more than glad to help you select your puppy and will share our knowledge of temperaments, coats, etc.Many of our puppies have gone on to to be service and therapy dogs, and of course, amazing family pets. It's common that after a family falls in love with their first Virginia beach goldendoodle, they come back for another! We have a Facebook group you can join by clicking on the Blue Facebook F on our contact us page. There you can see pictures of puppies from our past litters and see what people are saying about us. Again, dates are approximated as mother nature is in charge… Please let us know if you have any questions. Our email is bodiehack yahoo. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Virginia Beach Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Goldendoodles sport the signature scruffy Doodle-look with hypoallergenic coats. And their high intelligence levels can leave us completely baffled. So, where can you find reputable Goldendoodle breeders in Virginia and what are the key things to look for? Some offer Standard Goldendoodles while others specialize in smaller, Mini Goldendoodle pups. Unfortunately, Doodle scammers and puppy mills also want their piece of the pie while resorting to unethical breeding practices and borderline torturing the animals. So, how can you avoid supporting a puppy mill and what should you look for in a responsible Goldendoodle breeder in Virginia? Why is that important? Because extensive health testing helps breeders screen the parent dogs for any hereditary diseases, which can be carried onto the puppies. Not only will it cost you a ton of money in the long run, unhealthy puppies with genetic conditions often struggle with pain and severe discomfort throughout their lives. In addition to rigorous health testing, you want to double-check if a breeder provides a health warranty for their puppies. Most commonly, breeders offer a two-year health guarantee for genetic conditions. Keep in mind that even scammers and puppy mills often claim to hold certifications with the organizations we mentioned above. Please be aware of this and always check back with the organizations, as their member breeders are often publicly posted on their websites. Many Goldendoodle breeders in Virginia have customer testimonials posted on their website, but we urge you to do some more digging on online communities like Reddit, Yelp, Facebook , or here at Doodle Doods. Ask around amongst your friends, family members, or neighbors who have adopted a puppy from a certain breeder. They specialize in breeding Multigenerational Goldendoodles of all sizes for loving forever homes. All of their lines originate from AKC registered purebreds, and each of their breeding dogs has been carefully chosen for their excellent health, genetics, and wonderful temperament. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They raise their puppies with the Puppy Culture training and socialization program that sets their pups up for success. In addition to that, they introduce their pups to crate training, regular car rides, basic commands, regular body handling with the help of the ENS method , amongst many other things. Waitlist: Yes. We have answers. Dogs are just like any other pet - they need the right food to stay healthy and happy. With so many different food options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for your furry friend. The best way to find the perfect food for your pup is to talk to your veterinarian and experiment with different brands and formulas. With a little trial and error, you'll eventually find a food that works well for your dog's individual needs! Are there different sizes of Goldendoodle available? Have you ever wondered what size Goldendoodle is right for you? Well, wonder no more! There are a variety of different Virginia Beach Goldendoodle puppies for sale that you can choose from on our site. Goldendoodles come in four different sizes, each with its own set of benefits. There is no doubt that Goldendoodles are some of the most diverse dogs on the planet. This is thanks to their Poodle ancestors, who come in a dizzying array of variety. From black to brown, sable, golden, gray and more, you are going to be able to find a Goldendoodle who meets and exceeds your expectations. Their wavy and curly coats shed minimally, meaning Goldendoodles are some of the most low-maintenance dogs around. Can Goldendoodles be hypoallergenic? If you're someone who loves dogs but can't have one because of mild allergies, Goldendoodle puppies in Virginia Beach, VA may be the perfect pet for you. These pups are allergy friendly thanks to their curly coats that don't shed much. This means there's less chance of triggering allergies that could make you sneeze. So if you've always wanted a dog, but thought it wasn't possible due to your allergies, it may be time to reconsider. What is a Doodle and why are they so popular? Doodles are sweet, loving dogs who make great companions. They all have a little Poodle in them which is why they can be so nice and intelligent. They are smart and easily trained, and get along well with people of all ages, including kids. Doodles also have the benefit of being low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a perfect choice for those with allergies. What does multigenerational mean? When you cross a Poodle with a Golden Retriever for the first time, you usually don't end up with the ideal dog. It takes more than that to create a quality multigenerational Doodle. Standardized personality traits and physical features are more likely to be passed down when the dog is part of a multigenerational line. This is why experienced breeders know it's so important for breeders to produce Goldendoodles for sale in Virginia Beach, VA from multiple generations. Is it simple to train Goldendoodle puppies near Virginia Beach? Dogs that are easy to train are often the best for people who are just starting out. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are two such breeds that tend to be very intelligent and willing to please their owners, these traits are then passed along to the Goldendoodle. Although training does take some time, it is always worth it in the end when you find yourself with a well behaved Goldendoodle Virginia Beach! Should my family be considering Virginia Beach Goldendoodles for sale? Goldendoodles are bred primarily as companions, which means they love spending time with humans of all shapes, sizes, and ages! Do Goldendoodles require grooming? Yes, Goldendoodles do require regular grooming. Also expect occasional trips to the groomer for a trim if you don't want your dog's hair getting too long. Micro Goldendoodles Are you in the Virginia area and looking for ethical breeders that offer Goldendoodle Puppies for sale? Are you interested in having a playful puppy as a perfect family pet? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. Why we choose grain free diets for our puppies Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Whereas, your dog has a single stomach made to digest meats and fats. Feeding your pup grains could cause them to miss out on important nutrients, causing them to become malnourished and have weakened immune systems. We recommend carrying this diet over into your home for your future puppy so that they can continue to grow and lead the healthiest life. You can visit or purchase Great Lakes Pet Food online at greatlakespetfood. We guarantee the genetic health of our Golden puppies for thirty days, and if you choose to use Great Lakes Pet Food the guarantee will be extended to a Two-Year Health Guarantee. As responsible breeders, genetic testing is done as part of our breeding program following breeding standards. We like to provide proper education backed with logic and science so that you can feel confident that your puppy is given only the best! Our Promise We are so happy that you are interested in our cute puppies! Here at Breezy Hollow Puppies, we promise to make this the best and easiest experience for you and your family. We take pride in our ability to provide excellent care to our happy puppies. We value giving the puppies nurturing environments that will allow them to be socialized and most of all the healthiest puppies. We keep our facilities safe and sanitary in order to provide the best pup for you! I started my business in with my family by my side. We reside on a beautiful farm in Dauphin County, PA. Our passion is preparing our puppies for loving homes and giving each individual customer a unique and easy sales experience. Breezy Hollow Puppies is a family breeder who strives to raise happy and healthy puppies. We would love to hear from you! Omar would love to find your new fur-ever friend! Feel free to contact Omar at with any questions, comments, or concerns!

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. Typically a Black Poodle is bred with a Black Lab, but since black is a dominant color, sometimes another color of poodle red, chocolate, etc , can still have black puppies. Black Labradoodles have become wildly popular for their sweet, lovable nature, familiar black color, low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat characteristics. Labradoodles come in other colors, such as chocolate, yellow, cream, parti-colors, and occasionally red, but some people love the sweet nature of a Black Labradoodle. Many first generation Black Labradoodles f1 will shed. We recommend getting an F1b Black Labradoodle if you're worried about shedding or have dog allergies. Friendly Black Labradoodles One of the most desirable characteristics of the Black Labradoodle is their deep love of people. A Black Labradoodle is the happiest when they are surrounded by people that they love. They are highly intelligent and trainable, Black Labradoodles enjoy the stimulation of training and are eager to please their loved ones so they pick up on the cues very quickly. Some Black Labradoodle puppies receive many of the Poodle characteristics of being reserved, having a coat that is very fine and needs regular trimming. While other Black Labradoodles receive the excitable and almost immature nature of the Labrador Retrievers. As the Black Labradoodle becomes more common and breeders are crossing them with more consistency the discrepancies are becoming less of an issue and the breed is becoming more consistent. It is important to realize that the AKC does not yet recognize Black Labradoodles as an official breed, though most other registrations recognize them. The AKC actually does not yet recognize any of the doodles. Most families that want a wonderful dog, and are not concerned about show events do not care that the AKC does not officially recognize the Black Labradoodle currently. Black Labradoodle Best Breeders The best way to avoid the inconsistencies of the Black Labradoodle breed is to adopt from a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills at all cost and make sure that the breeder you buy from is caring for the health and wellness of your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy from before conception until you take your Black Labradoodle home with you. A Black Labradoodle should have a sleek, black coat with no sprinklings of any other color and have a black nose. Talk to your breeder about silver and blue Labradoodles as they often appear black as puppies. Some people prefer the looks of a silver or blue Labradoodle to a Black Labradoodle. A Blue Labradoodle, for instance, will start out looking like a Black Labradoodle, but as it grows its coat will come in a beautiful "blue" color. Although the color is called "blue" in the dog world it is almost a gun metal gray. Silver Labradoodles are a lighter silver color than a Blue Labradoodle. With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.

The two couple have two children and they own 5 dogs. One of their dogs was adopted from the Hawaiian Humane Society. Two of them, on the other hand, were adopted from Ramona Humane Society. Alana and her family are truly fond of puppies, and they decided to put up an animal rescue center in town to help more pets in need in town. They also cater to needy pets that need medical attention and most care. The organization also saves animals who are on the schedule to get killed due to different kinds of illnesses. The best thing about Pugs N Roses is they do not discriminate against dogs. So, whether you have a pure or mixed pug, they are there to help you. Jones Blvd. Some of their services include pet adoptions, pet care, and wellness clinic, and pet housing. This organization has already adopted over animals. Although they do not have a foster home, they rely on volunteer fosters in town. Who knows? You might even find your next best friend at their shelter. Foreclosed Upon Pets W. Ann Rd. This organization does not have a physical center, but they held adoption events every Saturday at Petsmart from 10 AM to 1 PM. Hope this content has helped in your search for pug rescue in Las Vegas. We posted similar contents about pugs as well like pug mixes, pug tips etc. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Exercise Grooming The pug has origins majorly from China and Netherland. The Modern pugs are imported from China; the earliest breeds have also been known to originate from there. However, the pugs have a history with royal families in the Netherlands and England. The Modern style pugs were brought in to Britain in from China. The pugs were tended by the ruling families in China. The imperial court kept pugs because they were treasured by the Emperors who assigned guards to protect them while they the pugs lived in extravagance. Keeping pugs in Europe started at the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The pug became the official pug of the house after it saved the Prince of Orange from Assassins. Although these pugs were said to have been brought from China, the pugs from Europe at that time, as seen in pictures depict longer legs and nose. The pugs became prominent in the United States in the nineteenth century. They easily became family companions and show dogs. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This occurred in , it was the first time a pug would be winning the show since it began. The pug would do anything to please its owners this is what makes them suitable to keep in many homes. Their loyalty is unwavering, they do well with children their calmness and sturdy physique allows them to tolerate children easily. Their Alertness makes them good security dogs but they are not predominantly used for security purposes. Pugs are stubborn, but this does not transform into aggressive manners. The pug thrives indoors. It is usually kept close to families that own it. It is classified by most Kennel Clubs as a toy dog. Despite their adaptation to heat, pugs cannot thrive well outdoors in hot and humid regions Pugs do not require high-intensity exercises; however moderate exercising will be sufficient. A reserved and reasonable amount of space for the dog to move around is ideal. The pugs have a fine coat that is sufficient to protect them from heat and cold. Maintaining a pug has low requirements. However, wrinkles and eyes have to be cleaned daily. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Do Pugs eyes fall out? Yes, pugs have a shallow eye socket. Therefore, excess force around the eyes can lead to the eyes falling out. This condition is called ocular proptosis. It is also common to other dogs that have shallow eyes sockets and big bulging eyes; Bulldogs, Pekingese and Chihuahuas. Do Pugs snore? The pug is a brachycephalic dog breed; having a short muzzle and a flat face. This makes breathing difficult and leads to the pug snoring. The pug is more likely to develop eyesight problems that could cause blindness. Their bulging eyes also make them susceptible to eye injuries. What are the foods I should avoid feeding my Pug with? Avoid mushrooms, onions, garlic, and avocados. Green tomatoes and Raw potatoes are also harmful. Do not give any alcohol and caffeine-containing food. Is the Pug good with family? Yes, the pug regardless of its physical outlook is very friendly and playful. Its history of intimacy with humans makes it suitable for the family. Can Pugs be left alone? However, it is okay to leave your dog alone for about 8 hours. Note that pugs are companion dogs and want to be with their owners all the time. Why are Pugs hyperactive? Pugs have been bred for a very long time as companion dogs. They naturally get excited about seeing their owners and this leads to a series of hyperactive displays. Would a Pug ever calm down? Pugs generally become less hyperactive as they grow older. A pug might reach about 2 years of age before showing signs of calmness. However, a calmer adult pug will occasionally go into a hyperactive mode when exited. Keep your dog from situations that will result in a fight. Maintain healthy conditions for your pug and yourself; avoid smoking, it can be harmful to your dog Do Pugs drool? All dogs drool to a certain extent. However, your pug might drool more given the architecture of its mouth. Its loose and large lips contribute to some drooling, especially when engaged in any physical activity. The pug Is a very playful dog, alert and even-tempered dog. Good with family and children especially. Clingy and popular dubbed as a shadow, this loving dog will follow you everywhere you go. Are you interested in purchasing a Pug? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. He has a human neighbor--who should have known better--who has been tormenting poor Clipper for years. One day Clipper got out and, instead of minding his own business, the neighbor continued to torment this poor little pup. Clipper did the only thing he knew to get rid of this menace and he bit the neighbor if I had been there, I might have bit him myself. Now Clipper is being evicted and facing a certain death sentence in the shelter. When not being tortured, Clipper is a sweet and fun-loving little pup. He's about 9 yrs old and weighs 17 lbs. He loves to hike and cuddle, and prefers your lap whenever he can get it! Clipper has recently been working with a professional trainer and is doing wonderfully. Clipper's previous owner has generously offered to continue to pay for sessions if the adopter is interested. We are waiving the adoption fee for Clipper. Just trying to get him into a place of his own where he'll be safe. This sweetheart deserves so much more! Small dogs like Clipper can live up to 20 years, so you still have the opportunity to give him the best years of his life! If you are interested in meeting and possibly adopting Clipper, the first step is to submit an adoption application. Please go to our website www. Small right facing arrow These pups are in Las Vegas, Nevada too! Below are our newest added Pugs available for adoption in Las Vegas, Nevada. To see more adoptable Pugs in Las Vegas, Nevada, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We live in a charming rural community in the beautiful High Desert of Nevada. My husband; Gene and I are retired, so when a litter of puppies come into our lives, we dedicate ourselves to taking the best care of our Pug babies. We absolutely love each and every one of our Pugs. We do everything we can to make sure our Momma Pug's health is well maintained all year round, taking special measures during their pregnancies by keeping them on a proper diet, in order to whelp very healthy, robust pups. When it's time to deliver, we're at her side, comforting and supporting her in every way. Giving each pup our Human Imprinting from the moment they're born. Adding to the high caliber of quality, Our pups are hand raised in our home from the time they're born, to the time they are placed with their families. We shower them with lots of love and attention, socializing and preparing them for a long life of loyal companionship. We teach them to go potty outside weather permitting. They're crate trained which is great for traveling, or a safe place to put them while you're out of the house, and a cozy spot for bedtime. We take our pups on car rides to get them used to traveling as well. We're always in search of better ways to bring up a litter, and over time have found some wonderful methods and wiser ways of doing things. We learn from every litter. We have some of the best looking Pugs around. We take great care to keep our line within the Pug standard, no ultra bulging eyes in this line. We hear from our Sweet Apple families that received a Pug from us in the past, and still get pictures as well as from our new families that just got their puppy home. It's a goal we strive to meet with every puppy. We have 1 to 3 litters in a year. We do not over breed our Momma Pugs. We do have a Future placement list, so when a litter is due, we send emails to all those on the list that we have interviewed, before we place an ad on the web. Placing a puppy before they are born or soon after their birth is ideal. Our puppies are wormed with some of the best formula on the market and are up to date on their shots when they go to their new homes at 8 weeks old. To take some of the burden off our Sweet Apple family, we do offer, for a nominal travel fee, to meet those that are coming a long way to pick up their puppy. We do offer shipping as well. Our pups are shipped on Continental Airlines. Arrangements must be made well in advance, due to the pup needing: approval to fly, a health certificate from the Vet, purchasing of an airline approved crate, an airline ticket, along with setting up a time that the new family can be at their airport to pick up their puppy. All of our puppies have arrived to their families safely and in good health. Shipping is extra. We can't tell you enough wonderful things about having a Pug as part of your family. As far as we're concerned, Pugs are the best breed you could possibly have for a companion. They already love you, all you have to do is love them back. With a lot of Patience and a Nurturing style of teaching, our Pugs turn out to be very smart, confident and so very loving, it almost breaks my heart to see them go. They are such a blessing in our lives and in turn we take great joy in bringing a blessing into the lives of others, through them. We appreciate your interest in our Sweet Apple Pugs and hope we can assist you in your search for that perfect Pug puppy for you.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet 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 German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! 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. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog 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! This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.