black puppy labradoodle

black puppy labradoodle - Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Related services:

black puppy labradoodle - This mix results in an intelligent, loving, and outgoing dog who enjoys being around people. They enjoy the company of both humans and other animals. They are generally good with children, although they may become overly excited if not properly socialized from an early age. Overall, Bichpoos make wonderful pets for families and individuals alike. The Bichpoo breed tends to have the best traits of both parent breeds. This makes them easy to train for tricks and obedience. They are also low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. These pups enjoy spending time with their owner and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They make great companions for family life or individuals who are looking for an affectionate furry friend. Bichpoo Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 12 to 14 years — our Bichpoos for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Bichpoo puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. While these conditions can be costly to treat, the good news is that they can often be effectively managed with proper care. Finding a Bichpoo puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat is hypoallergenic and does not shed, making the Bichpoo an ideal choice for people with allergies. Although the coat does not require much maintenance, it is important to brush it regularly to prevent mats and tangles from forming. In addition, the coat should be trimmed every few months to keep it looking its best. Meet Bichpoo Puppies for Sale. It is considered a designer dog breed. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late s. The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog. Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold. With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs. A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat. You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing. Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark. This designer dog breed usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between pounds. A Bichpoo will generally live between years. Featured Bich-poo Article. The Bichon Poodle is a designer mix which has a Bichon Frise mother, and a purebred miniature poodle father. This mix works well for small homes or apartments, because both pure breeds, before breeding, are small, and they retain that. The Bichon Poodle also does little shedding, much like both parents. Why not go for one of the best combinations of purebred dogs? Why go for huge dogs which do more than just shed, but cause havoc in some homes? Go with the Bichon Poodle puppies for sale, and you will see how they love companionship and are easy to groom. Designer mixes sometimes are about looks, but this Bichon Poodle not only looks beautiful, but is a smart, friendly, loving dog that will be a joy for any family. If you want a smart dog that appeals to the eye, the Bichon Poodle dog for sale here on Purebred Pups is the perfect choice for the family. Some dogs are just-plain untrainable from the beginning. However, these puppies are happy, incredibly smart, affectionate, and easy to train. It comes from the original breeds. Do you want a pet for your children? If you want a safe pet that will require little hard work from you, why not go for a socialized purebred pup from us? The Bichon Poodle is a loving dog which fits in perfectly with any family or home. It has a gentle personality perfect for any family with children. Full grown, our Bichon Poodle ranges in height from inches, and weighs between pounds, fitting well into any home. And they are homely not just in personality; they are the lowest shedders of any breed. It also has soft, loose curls that the purebred poodle sometimes has. The colors vary from solid cream, white, to apricot, and often have a mixture of two colors. The Bichon Poodle has little trouble with other animals as well. Purebred Pups is a specialized breeder, offering some of the best pups who will fit perfectly into any home. The dogs for sale here provide a joy and happiness to family life, while requiring little hard work in maintaining them. Bichon Poodles Dogs for Sale. Contact Bichon Poo The Bichon poo puppy, also known as a Bichpoo or a Poochon, is a designer dog that's aimed at melding the best characteristics of the Poodle with those of the Bichon Frise. The Bichon poo Poochon is typically about a foot high, weighing around 8 to 16 pounds Kgs. Its lifespan is approximately 12 to 15 years. Like any hybrid dogs like Poodle Mixes, Bichon poo temperament and physical characteristics are not as predictable as a purebred, as it may inherit more or fewer traits from each of its parents' breed. Further, if one or both of the parents are not purebred themselves for example, if they both are Bichon poos the variability in the characteristics of the offspring increases significantly. Bichon poo puppies are highly intelligent and this trait makes them easy to train. Bichon poos are dependent on their owners and are very loyal. They are perfect for kids as well as adults. Both the Poodle and the Bichon Frise are active dogs, so your Bichon poo will have a lot of energy. The Bichon poo does very well in a number of environments. But you need to cater for a daily exercise of at least half an hour. Consider a bit more exercise if she does not have access to a backyard. Bichapoo puppies come in a multitude of colors not limited to cream, apricot, black, white, tan. The bichapoo is a mixed breed and because of this, the coat can be either straight, wavy or curly. A larger percent of bichapoo puppies have curly coats but other coats are possible as well. Bichapoos are considered hypoallergenic as they are mixed with two hypoallergenic breeds — the bichon frise and the poodle. Look for the bichapoo to become a purebred in the years to follow. Are you interested in purchasing a Bichon Poo?

Similar services:

black puppy labradoodle - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Are you wondering why your German Shepherd destroys everything when they were once your angelic-like companion? Are you regretting getting a beautiful, smart, high-energy German Shepherd at all? There are a number of reasons why your puppy might begin to destroy everything, but luckily there are steps you can take to help solve the problem and stop their destructiveness. So, why is your German Shepherd destroying everything in its sight and chewing all your stuff? The top reasons why your German Shepherd becomes destructive are a lack of the right type of exercise, not enough mental stimulation, normal puppy teething, stress or illness, separation anxiety, and acting out for attention. If your German Shepherd is suddenly destroying things when it was previously well-mannered, then there could be an underlying medical issue or emotional problem causing the sudden onset of this behavior. Get your dog booked in for a thorough medical examination from your veterinarian to rule out medical reasons your dog is destructive. They are a highly intelligent breed that requires an owner willing to invest time with them. Consider why your German Shepherd might turn to destroy things so you can understand how to help and train them to stop. Here are some reasons why your German Shepherd is destroying everything. They are still used as herding dogs and in the military for their stamina. Your breed is a high-energy fireball who has an obedient and alert temperament by design. This means they are bred to do a job that requires them to stay physically active. German Shepherds require a large number of mental activities that keep them working their minds. Stimulate their minds using interesting mind games for German Shepherds or finding ways to keep your GSD entertained. If your German Shepherd is a puppy that has just started teething then this could be the cause of its destruction. Instead, train them early. As an alert breed, their watchful nature may cause them to become overly excited and worried about the noises to the point they become destructive. You can help them by learning their unique personality through bonding with your German Shepherd. Some owners might even fail to appreciate that the German Shepherd is an athletic working dog that thrives on a variety of activities. Why is this important? Because a tired German Shepherd is less likely to be a problem inside the home. You MUST learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd the right way to give both you and your dog a better quality of life together. Some types of illnesses that cause your German Shepherd to destroy everything can be helped through a visit to your veterinarian for medical treatments which can help their behavior issues. Never punish a stressed or ill German Shepherd or you will make their destructiveness worse and increase their levels of stress to the point they shut down. Get a vet appointment right away to see if your dog is unwell. To reduce destruction when you leave your dog alone, try to work on only leaving your dog alone for very short periods of time at first. This breed is known for attaching to one person and should their person not give them the attention they want or deserve they will certainly let them know by ruining their furniture, clothing, or electronics with destructive chewing. Maybe you think your German Shepherd is acting out and being stubborn. The German Shepherd is one of the most easily trained and obedient of all breeds—when you are present and make a plan to actually train them. Think of it like this: The German Shepherd is literally bred to walk and run for hours on end when herding and working. Can you run for hours a day to keep up with the exercise needs of your breed? If you can, then enter you and your dog in a marathon! Try some exercise that gets their body moving in unique ways and keeps them physically active. How should I exercise my destructive German Shepherd? Try a tail-teasing flirt pole to entice your dog to hone their herding behavior, or find a set of hills nearby and race your dog to the top to develop their powerful agility skills. Your German Shepherd may get into the habit of using the same walking trail, so switch it up to challenge them and keep them from getting bored. Unfortunately, many owners are away from home for long hours and are too tired when they return to engage their dogs in a mind game. But, mind games and mental stimulation are a necessity for the German Shepherd. You can, however, give their minds a way to engage with you and their environment in a positive manner! There are many types of mind games or brain games on the market. Some owners even make do-it-yourself games, while others prefer games that are premade. These reward-based strategy games mentally stimulate your dog and keep your pup from destructive boredom. The quickest way to train your German Shepherd to stop being destructive is by setting them up for success using daily obedience training. Obedience training helps engage your dog through positive, reward-based interaction that helps them learn not only basic commands but also how to listen and pay attention to you. Plus, it helps keep your German Shepherd from getting out of control. A German Shepherd who destroys things is definitely a great candidate to introduce to nose work to help them focus their natural scenting abilities. You can give your German Shepherd a course in nose work by having them search and find their food for some of their weekly meals. To start, hide the plates or bowls of their portioned meal in easy-to-find locations in one room of your house. This makes the game easy enough for an untrained puppy or older German Shepherd. After a few times of serving a meal this way, your dog begins to understand the game of nose work and will readily seek out their food by sniffing the area on their own. You can make it more challenging for them by using more than one room to hide their food or by moving outdoors to your secured backyard and hiding their plates of food. German Shepherds were bred to use their noses to find things, but in the modern world, their scent-finding abilities get neglected. This can lead to them destroying everything. Your focus should be on using these helpful ideas for German Shepherd enrichment. Chewing is natural and helps your dog release stress. Show them the right chew toy and encourage them to play with it. Instead, use a positive voice and reward them when they come to you and stop chewing your things. You can clap your hands or even whistle to get them to listen. What are the right things for German Shepherds to chew that can withstand being destroyed? Did you know…? Many dogs tend not to play with toys without their owner there, but food or treats placed inside specially-made toys encourage toy exploration. You can leave them a stuffed Extreme Kong , which is a heavy-duty chew toy you stuff with food and treats so it gets their attention. The idea is that your dog chews on it, instead of your things. Some owners like to create a safe place to leave their dogs, such as an area that has tempting items removed and put away. The gates still allow your dog to see through easily, which keeps your dog from developing too much stress when you leave them alone. Pick up items that your dog finds interesting and place them in a secure area. Some German Shepherd puppies find shoes, pillows, remotes, and even electric cables interesting enough to chew on and destroy. If loud or unusual noises stress your German Shepherd to the point they destroy things, then move them to a quieter area away from windows. Get a white noise machine to play soothing tones, or leave the TV or radio on low to help drown out the frightening sounds. Some owners also prefer to crate train their German Shepherd so they can secure them when they leave. The best way to prevent your German Shepherd from destroying everything is to not give them access to those items in the first place. You can also use a step-by-step guide to discipline your German Shepherd to get you started. You might wonder… How does play help reduce destruction? Some ideas for constructive play include: Playing catch or tug in your backyard for 15—30 minutes a day. Enroll your dog in doggy daycare or have a dog walker stop by. Find an agility course or teach your dog to catch a frisbee. Avoid spraying anti-chew deterrents Some owners resort to using anti-chew spray products to prevent their German Shepherd from chewing destructively. Instead, they may become wary of chewing anything — even the things that are safe to chew, like their toys. Never use physical punishment If you use physical punishment when your dog destroys things, you will lose their trust. They learn to fear you and can develop stress and anxiety. Especially a German Shepherd prone to destroying everything! Set aside time each day for their basic obedience skills. Want more help for your German Shepherd that destroys everything? Instead, find ways to encourage yourself through this troubling time. You and your dog both deserve Brain Training to ease your stress. And, for an easy step-by-step training plan, use a scientifically based program, Brain Training for Dogs. Remember, a big part of teaching your German Shepherd to stop destroying everything is the right training and management. Take action before it becomes too stressful for you to handle. Your sanity will thank you for it! Logically speaking, it makes sense. As a herding breed, shepherds have to be cognitively capable of problem solving to some extent in order to determine how to move all their wooly charges where they need to be. Unfortunately for us, most people who own German shepherds do not also own sheep! Dogs do chew while teething, but most chewing occurs because a dog is simply bored. Why Dogs Chew Our dogs all have the genetic code to hunt and kill prey, yes, even the tiny teacup Chihuahua believes he can catch that rabbit twice his size. Thousands of years of evolution does not simply disappear because we bred Sparky to be 2 lbs. Because our dogs survived by using their predatory drive to catch food, that drive still lingers to this day. To catch a rabbit, Sparky has to sniff around and find a trail, stalk his prey, chase, grab, rip apart, and chew up the pieces. Every dog has the genetic code to perform those steps, and even if they are not forced to catch their own food to survive your pet still enjoys doing those behaviors. Address the source of the behavior. If your dog is chewing or showing any other types of destruction it is important to ensure they are getting enough mental stimulation. There are a number of different chews that may help your dog alleviate some of that need to gnaw on something. Bully Sticks Our primary choice should be bully sticks given in moderation. Because bully sticks are capable of being gnawed on for extensive periods of time, and they are fully digestible so your pet can chew them up and eat them , your dog will tackle some of that basic instinct to bite. These are not intended for complete consumption, so if your dog breaks off chunks remove the antler pieces as they could present a choking hazard. Kong Toy Another type of work-to-eat toy that is mentally stimulating for dogs is the classic KONG toy, when used properly. Instead, fill your KONG with a mixture of pumpkin and peanut butter, and then freeze. Because the mixture is frozen it will take longer for your pup to eat, and when it melts the pumpkin keeps its texture without getting watery and making a mess. If we address the source of a behavior, and simultaneously provide an alternative to the undesired behavior, the likelihood of success is much greater. Lets use our teacup Chihuahua as an example again: if Sparky has stolen a dish rag and is chewing it when I get home, and I snatch it from him and spank him with it, there are a few different behaviors that could follow. Sparky could immediately aggress towards me, because I have activated his fight or flight instinct. Alternatively, Sparky could cower in fear, and my bond with him could potentially be damaged. Though he may not cower in fear for the rest of his life, Sparky may always show a fear of soft toys with a texture similar to that of the dishtowel, or may become fearful every time I am near the dishtowel while doing dishes or cooking. This is causing undue fear and punishment when Sparky has done nothing wrong. Sparky becomes accustomed to me angrily snatching away the dishtowel, and begins snarling anytime I come near him when he has a toy expecting the same results as the dishtowel. I used Sparky as an example because a 2 lb. German Shepherd. Though they have been domesticated, anything with teeth can bite, and when you are working with a large and potentially dangerous animal it is important to make sure that you are giving that animal proper feedback and avoiding creating dangerous behavior patterns. Why punish a behavior when the results will most likely create more problems and not even aid in a solution? Empathize with your dog, they are intelligent animals that need lots of mental stimulation to live an enriched life, and if we are not providing well enough for them they will seek it elsewhere. Rather than blaming your dog, ask yourself if you are doing enough to keep them satisfied. By preventing the problem from occurring in the first place, and giving them safe and effective alternatives, your pup will be on the road to success in no time. It is alright to let your GSD chew on its toys, but it becomes a problem when it begins to chew on your personal items like your shoes, underwear, pillows, and much more. Contents When Does the Chewing Start? A GSD starts to chew at the age of three to eight weeks. This is the time when your GSD puppy is developing teeth, a process known as teething. During the teething period , a GSD pup will chew on almost anything that it finds. This behavior is a result of extreme gum pain that is eased off when the puppy applies pressure with its gums. Biting on things with excessive force will numb the gums which will not cause irritating pain. Many owners make a mistake of letting their pup chew on things during its teething. What happens when you encourage this behavior? A GSD pup will look absolutely adorable chewing on its toys and other items, and it is almost natural for its owners to let it enjoy. However, if the puppy is not stopped, it will adopt chewing as a habit. So, how do you stop your puppy from chewing on things? How do you differentiate between good or bad chewing? Let Your Dog Chew on its Toys If your puppy likes to chew on everything that it finds on the ground, then this is a problem that should be addressed immediately. Make sure you do not scold your pup as it will trigger its destructive behavior and due to its dominant nature, it will ignore your commands. However, if you find your GSD pup chewing on your personal items, react right away. You can make this behavior stop by encouraging it to chew on its toys. Offer your GSD a soft chewable toy the one that is filled with water when it mouths one of your shoes. If your pup accepts its toy and leaves your shoe, offer it a treat or some cuddles. This way your pup will know that chewing a toy is right. You can also push your pup backward using one hand so that it knows that this behavior is not acceptable. This is the basic way of letting your dog differentiate between right and wrong. When your dog has plenty of its things to chew on, it will less likely be destructing your things. The chewing toys you choose for your puppy should be non-destructible, non-toxic, and non-swallowable. If your GSD pup is an aggressive chewer, make sure you buy both, hard and soft toys for it. The toys that are filled with water are good for less aggressive chewers. Make sure you do not over-pamper your pup by providing it with more chewing options. Keep Your Items Safe Another strategy, rather an evil one is to spray your items with an anti-chew spray. These sprays are readily available at pet shops and big stores. Anti-chew sprays are made with natural ingredients that are harmless to your pup. The taste of these sprays is bitter which irritates the puppy and keeps it away from chewing on things. Many GSD owners get too excited when they buy a puppy. Instead of becoming the pack leader by training their dog , they become overly affectionate and loving towards their pup. This behavior of owners often ruins a dog, and it starts to see itself as your friend assumes that it is equal to its owner. When a GSD pup sees you as a friend, it begins to chew on things and do whatever it feels like. The dog knows that you are its friend, and a friend cannot scold you or become your leader. This behavior gets out-of-control when the pup grows into a big sized dog. To avoid this behavior of your dog, you need to start training it at an early age. Stay calm and composed when dealing with your dog and avoid behavior problems like chewing and mouthing. Puppy-proofing means that you set your home in such a way that your puppy stays safe in it. You will need to remove toxic substances from the reach of your pup, get rid of anything that could be harmful to your pup, remove pointy, sharp, and slippery furniture or items from home, repair broken wires or open sockets, etc. Moreover, remove small items from the reach of your pup that will be appealing to it including shoes, socks, cushions, etc. When you play with a puppy, it will get tired after a few minutes and fall asleep. This is the perfect way to abstain the puppy from chewing. A GSD with bad chewing habits will sooner or later irritate you. Last Updated on September 5, by Post navigation. Veterinarian Appointment Chewing is also a way for dogs, particularly young ones, to understand the world around them. However, destructive chewing by a German Shepherd is considered abnormal and should be prevented. Chewing is necessary for a dog to properly digest its food. It helps to break down the food and increase the surface area for enzymes to aid in chemical digestion. Additionally, it assists the stomach in mechanical digestion. However, it is worth considering whether excessive chewing is beneficial for a dog. Are German Shepherds bad chewers? No, German Shepherds are not inherently bad chewers. Chewing is an instinctual behavior for them. By providing them with appropriate toys to chew on, bad habits can be avoided. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that they are bad chewers. In fact, German Shepherds are good chewers. It is the responsibility of their owners and veterinarians to ensure that they do not develop bad habits. Chewing is generally considered a positive behavior in German Shepherds. At what age do German Shepherds stop chewing everything? A German Shepherd typically stops chewing everything by the age of 7 to 8 months, as at this point their teething issues are resolved and they have developed their essential and basic behaviors and habits. How to stop my German Shepherd from chewing everything? Dog-proof your home You need to deter your German Shepherd from destructive chewing. It can be difficult for a dog to understand the difference between chewing a toy and chewing a pillow if they were not taught the distinction as a puppy. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the dog with a treat for exhibiting the desired behavior, can be effective in reinforcing good habits. To prevent your German Shepherd from chewing on valuable or harmful items in the house, it is important to dog-proof your home. When you first bring a German Shepherd puppy home, closely supervise them in the house to ensure they do not chew on anything they should not. Introduce your German Shepherd to the distinction between what they can and cannot chew on. It may take a few months for these efforts to take full effect. Remember that your German Shepherd needs clear and consistent rules. This creates a sense of security and comfort, which can help prevent destructive chewing in adulthood. Provide Appropriate Chewing Toys Chewing is a natural tendency for dogs and should not be discouraged. However, destructive chewing should be prevented or addressed through providing alternative activities. According to professionals in dog care, providing your dog with toys like bones to chew on as an alternative to valuable items can promote healthy stimulation and maintain their interest. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly switch out the toys to prevent habituation, and reduce the likelihood of the dog chewing on inappropriate items. This will help you choose the most appropriate chew toys for your dog. It is important to remember that your German Shepherd should not be allowed to chew on toys all day, as this can lead to other behavioral issues. When your dog shows signs of attempting to chew on something they should not, redirect them to chew toys instead. The rest of the day should be filled with training , exercise, rest, and time spent bonding with you. Additional nibbling consideration: Tasty snacks can be a fun way to break up the monotony for your German Shepherd. While they may not last long, I personally like to use them as a reward for my German Shepherd when they exhibit good behavior. Leave it Command Despite proper training, your German Shepherd may occasionally attempt to chew on items they should not, such as the leg of a wooden kitchen table. When you notice your dog becoming interested in a non-chewable item, such as hardwood furniture, it is important to use anti-chew techniques to discourage this behavior. You can also expand on this command by giving your dog the object they are trying to chew, and repeating the command when they put it in their mouth. Each time your dog obeys the command, reward them with a treat, their favorite chew toy, or a compliment to reinforce the desired behavior. Exercise A mature German Shepherd requires plenty of physical and psychological engagement, as well as at least 2 hours of strength training per day. This can be split up into morning and evening walks, as well as daytime games and workout stretches. If your German Shepherd is not receiving plenty of exercise, his high energy and intelligence will have to be channeled elsewhere. Likewise, he will become bored and confused, which can lead to deteriorating behavior, such as unnecessary chewing. Studies have shown that when compared to those who received the appropriate amount of daily activity, puppies with minimal physical activity were more susceptible to anxiety disorders and auditory intolerance. Chew Alternatives Many pet owners believe it is acceptable to give their German Shepherds old footwear or scraps of discarded clothing to chew on, rather than more valuable items still in use. This is incorrect thinking. Anti-Chew Deterrents Consider using safe anti-chew dog deterrents if your German Shepherd is chewing on things. Use a Crate If you must keep your German Shepherd dog confined at home, keep him contained in a crate. Most dogs view their crates as a special place where they can relax or nap after exercise. Crates with double doors are commonly used. They provide you with more options when it comes to placing it in your home, but a single-door option works as well. Make sure to get a size of 48 inches so your German Shepherd has enough room to move around and stretch easily. To keep him occupied, you can leave him with two or three chew toys. Veterinarian Appointment Medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, or gastrointestinal diseases can lead to destructive chewing. This allows for early detection and treatment of any illnesses that your German Shepherd may be experiencing. Reasons Why Your German Shepherd Destroys Everything Destructive behavior is a common canine behavioral problem that includes chewing of items in the home. Chewing is a natural instinct-driven behavior of both puppies and adult dogs but without regulation and control, it leads to the destruction of items in the home. For sure dogs do not intentionally do this but are driven to this behavior. The first step is to determine the specific cause of destructive behavior to implement the appropriate method to teach your dog against this behavior. Below are the reasons why your German Shepherd displays this behavior. To entertain themselves, they direct their attention to items in the home that they can chew on. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog that needs to expand its energy in activities and plenty of exercises and when not provided with adequate outlets of energy, they get bored and result in directing the energy on chewing which is fun. This behavior is also seen when a German Shepherd is left alone and does not have anything to engage it. Puppy Teething If your German Shepherd is a puppy, expect chewing behavior. It is normal dog behavior and this will be frequent especially for a puppy during teething which occurs between 3 to 4 months of age. They do this to ease the discomfort and pain they feel when they are teething. They will find anything on site to chew on. By understanding the stage of development of their dog you can put the appropriate measures to help your pup during this growth stage. Recommended Reading : Why does my German Shepherd puppy sleep so much? Separation Anxiety As a dog owner, your German Shepherd will be highly attached to you and they will want to be close to you all of the time. They become anxious and stressed which is displayed by excessive barking, constant pacing, scratching on doors, and chewing on items so that they can cope. It is important to always calm down and teach your dog how to be ok while you are away which will also prevent destructive behavior. A German Shepherd can also become anxious when his or her environment changes like moving to a new home, change of items in the home, or when a new pet is introduced. Inadequate Training Dogs will naturally and instinctively be compelled to chew on things and without control, this can result in the destruction of your home. Your German Shepherd needs to be taught appropriate behavior, for example, what to touch and what not to touch. This is primarily done through dog-training to discourage any inappropriate destructive behavior. You can teach him or her items that are off-limits and show items that they can direct their attention to such as their toys. Train them on anti-chew commands which will assist in helping them understand this. Remember to use positive reinforcement by giving praise or treats to assure them that they are doing well. This will encourage them and enforce good behavior. If you also need help in teaching good behavior, you can also seek assistance from a dog trainer that can help you in the process. Attention-seeking Sometimes destructive behavior is a call of attention from your dog. Your German Shepherd may just want to spend more time with you and to communicate that they may turn to destruction things they know you will have to address by directing attention to them. Identify if this is the reason for the behavior to rectify it. Fear German Shepherds can also be afraid of very loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. To hide or run away from this perceived danger, your German Shepherd may scratch on walls or doors in an attempt to escape and protect themselves. Identify if this is the cause of destructive behavior to apply the appropriate method to calm them down. Get to determine the reason behind their behavior to take the appropriate step in stopping it. The following comprise of what to help stop the behavior : Provide Adequate Exercise Plenty of exercises can help in alleviating boredom in your German Shepherd and help him or her use their excess energy. This will greatly reduce destructive behavior as a result of boredom. Also, play with them regularly so that they can use their energy. In cases where you simply cannot, you can take them to a dog daycare where they will be engaged with activities. Provide Toys Providing toys such as chew toys to German shepherd puppies or an adult dog will minimize the destruction of items in your home. Puppies will be able to ease their teething discomfort with toys while the adult German Shepherd will be able to enjoy his chew sessions and jaw stretching moments with an item they are allowed to use. You can also use these toys in the training sessions to show your dog what items are ok to chew on and what are off-limits. This will help your German Shepherd distinguish what is not allowed and toys that they can chew on. For example, prevent access to certain rooms or use indoor dog gates to restrict movement to areas not accessible. This will prevent your dog from reaching things that they may chew on or destroy. Also, whenever your dog is in the house, supervise them to see what they are up to. Keeping watch will allow you to be aware of inappropriate behavior when it happens and be able to correct and teach them not to do it again. Provide Training You can also engage a professional animal behaviorist to assist you in the process of training your German Shepherd against destructive behavior. Teaching your dog boundaries consisting of items in your home that they should not touch is important to regulate and control the behavior. Containment By Use Of A Crate One way of preventing destruction in your home is to contain your puppy or adult German Shepherd in a crate especially when you are away from them. This will limit them from accessing items in the home that they would get a chance to damage. Also, provide them their favorite toys in the crate so that they will be kept busy playing with the toy. Use Chew Deterrent On Items To prevent your German shepherd from chewing on items in your house, you can use a safe bitter solution sprayed on the items to discourage your dog from chewing and destroying them. A simple mixture of apple cider vinegar and water sprayed on furniture legs or other items acts as a deterrent. When your German Shepherd tastes this when he or she begins to chew on an item the bitter taste of the vinegar will deter them from continuing to chew. This will prevent further destruction of the item. Conclusion: Why does my German Shepherd destroy everything? Destructive behavior is a common behavior problem that includes excessive chewing. It is important to know the causes of this behavior to know the right action to take to tame the habit. Remember to be patient with your dog because even the most trained German Shepherds can have slip-ups where they damage items. Do not punish your German Shepherd because this will only increase their anxiety and stress which will negatively impact them. I hope this article helped you know the reasons why a German Shepherd may destroy everything in your home and also how to stop this destructive behavior. By following The different methods as provided you should be able to curb this behavior and prevent the destruction of valuable items in your home. Your German shepherd will also understand what they can and cannot touch. If you liked this article you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. The information is not meant to substitute formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian. If you're concerned about the health of your dog, seek medical advice from a vet. Related Posts. Below are some possible reasons why your German Shepherd is being destructive. Boredom German Shepherds are dogs that need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. Separation anxiety The cause of the destruction could be caused by separation anxiety where your German Shepherd does not like being left alone. To reduce this type of destruction you can try to get it used to being without you for longer time periods by starting by only leaving for a small amount of time. You can do this by simply leaving the room for a few seconds and then to reward it for being well behaved and then to gradually increase the time that you are away. There can be a lot of other issues with this type of destruction so a good idea would be to get the help of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? Fear It could be that something happened in the past that has caused your German Shepherd to become fearful of something which could result in it becoming destructive. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? Nature It could just be that your particular German Shepherd is more destructive than others. Train it to not be destructive Training your German Shepherd to stop being destructive can be a difficult thing to do but with a lot of patience and persistence you can make a lot of progress. Then, when it starts to chew things, get its attention and then when it gives you its attention get it to sit or lay down then reward them with a treat. When it does start destroying things in your presence avoid physically pulling the German Shepherd away unless you have to. This teaches them what is ok to chew on and what is not. There are a number of ways that you can do so that I will mention below. Instead, you should try to leave it in an area where there is less for it to destroy. One way to reduce its access to things that it can destroy is to make use of pet gates that block its path into different rooms. You can also make sure that you have high fences that are hard to break through since it might decide to start chewing on the fence. Easy objects to move would include remotes, wires, shoes, poisonous fluids like dish soap and pillows. Give lots of exercise German Shepherds are very active dogs that are designed to be able to run for hours. With this being the case one of the most important things for you to do is to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting lots of exercise daily. You might find that your German Shepherd can handle more exercise than you normally give it so you might want to find ways to make the exercise even more tiring. You could also teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to wear it out quickly because it will have it doing a lot of sprinting without much rest in between. You could also teach it to swim. When dogs swim they have to move their legs around a lot which can cause them to use up a lot of energy. There are apps that you can download now that let you hire a local dog walker through the app. Get help from a behaviorist If all of your attempts to get your German Shepherd to stop destroying things has not been working then try getting help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. They will have dealt with similar issues before and they will be able to assist you with getting your German Shepherd to be less destructive. If you would like some more tips on how to train your German Shepherd take a look at the German Shepherd training book on Amazon. Instead, they simply make it choose not to chew the particular thing that you sprayed. If you just train it to be well behaved once then it will likely forget its training. Related Questions Why is my German Shepherd suddenly destroying things? If your German Shepherd is suddenly destroying things when it was previously calm then there could be emotional issues causing the behavior. It could also be that it is ill or injured and that it is causing it to be destructive. To get it to stop you should consider getting help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. The phrase "destructive chewing" may sound redundant, because — by its very nature! Your German Shepherd has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase "destructive chewing", I'm referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that's focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog's own designated toys and chews. The three main reasons why dogs chew: - Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It's fun, it passes the time, and it's a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity for example, if she's chewing on something that tastes good. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing — it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food. How to prevent destructive chewing Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff — you just have to put in a little effort first, that's all. Destructive chewing can be prevented. Take control of destructive chewing: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there's still no reason to test her self-control — after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths. Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don't want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something's out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall is she when standing on her back legs? Common targets for destructive chewing in the home include books, eye wear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls. It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don't leave snacks on low tables or even counter tops. You'll be surprised how acrobatic your dog can be when there's food at stake! Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink. Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jaw full of a forbidden substance — a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe — the more readily she'll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it's a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you're confident of her understanding of the house rules. Don't set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff OK to chew and your stuff not OK to chew. Don't offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can't possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your brand new shoes and the one she's got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago. Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff to avoid destructive chewing in the first place. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she's an adolescent under three years or a puppy under one year , her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her. Spend lots of time in active supervision to prevent "destructive chewing". Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard — but that's boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either if you wanted a pet that you don't need to interact with, you'd have got a goldfish, right? She can't learn what you expect of her if she's spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what's appropriate and what's not. When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an "Ah-ah-aaaah! Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative a rawhide bone or other chew toy ; as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing "her" toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble. Maintain a productive attitude Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic concerning destructive chewing and chewing in general. Return from Destructive Chewing to Puppy Teething When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long. Nylabone Big Chew Chew Toy Remember that your German Shepherd should not be chewing toys the entire day, as this can become another behavior problem. Instead, give chew toys when your dog shows signs of putting his mouth on what he should not. Other chewing considerations: Edible chews are a good alternative to mix things up a bit for your GSD. Edible chews for teeth cleaning are also ideal, and my GSD loves Dentastix from Amazon, especially the variety pack. Avoid rawhide chews , as these can be dangerous for some dogs. I prefer alternatives to rawhide, but it really does depend on your dog. This interesting study investigated the effects of giving the horn of a calf hoof as a chew. The resulting finding was that although the hooves provided a positive experience for the dogs as a chew, they should not be given to prevent tooth lesions. Using anti-chew commands is important in deterring your dog from destructive chewing when you notice his attention to a non-chew object, such as wooden furniture in your home. Keep Your German Shepherd Dog Well-Exercised As a high-energy and extremely smart dog, an adult German Shepherd requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation with at least 2 hours of exercise daily. This can be distributed between a morning and evening walk and the play and training exercises during the day. If your German Shepherd is under-exercised, his high energy and smartness will have to be directed to other outlets. Besides, he will feel bored and frustrated, resulting in destructive behavior and that could be excessive chewing. Research on dog anxiety found that those who had little daily exercise as puppies were more prone to separation anxiety and noise sensitivity when compared to those who had the recommended amount of daily exercise. Do Not Offer Old Possessions As Chew Alternatives Some dog owners think that it is ok to offer their German Shepherd old shoes, rags, or cast-off clothes to chew instead of the valuable ones still in use. Wrong thinking! If you give your dog an old shoe to chew, you are reinforcing his preference for chewing shoes. Once the old shoe is all destroyed and no longer good to chew, your German Shepherd will look for your latest purchase to replace the consumed one! Dogs are dogs, and they do not know the difference between an old shoe and a brand new one! Spray the appalling deterrent on the objects you want to keep your dog from chewing. Reapply the deterrent daily for weeks so that your dog permanently associates the object with the smell or taste. Note that coupling the deterrent with another form of training that redirects your German Shepherd to chew permitted objects such as toys will be more effective in making your dog cease chewing your valuables. However, be careful with the latter as although the pepper is not harmful to your dog if swallowed, it may irritate his eyes if he gets it on his paws and then rubs his face. Also, you will need to supervise your German Shepherd when you use a deterrent for the first time. Some dogs can be daring and will brave bad odor or taste to get what they want! Ensure you use deterrents that are alcohol-free and safe for both your dog and your valuables, as well as non-staining. If using a homemade deterrent, make sure you know which foods are poisonous to your German Shepherd. Most dogs love their crate and see it as their special place where they can go to relax or sleep after a good exercise session. They give you more options when deciding where in your home to place it, but this one also has a single-door option. You may want to leave him two or three toy chews to keep him busy. Your GSD should be caged for the rest of the time. Remember that the maximum number of hours you should leave your dog in a crate is four. More than that is considered extreme, and your dog may even turn to self-destructive behavior like biting himself or chewing his crate to the point of hurting his teeth and mouth. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment should your GSD be suffering from any of the conditions. Suppose the medical condition is psychological, like in anxiety, working with a behavioral therapist is advised. However, in all cases, ensure that your dog has a proper professional diagnosis before initiating any treatment or therapy. Final Thoughts Chewing is a normal and instinctual exploratory behavior in German Shepherds and all dog breeds. This means that you should not try to eliminate it. Dogs chew to find relief from teething discomfort or strengthen their teeth and jaws. When chewing is constant, targets valuables, and causes harm to your German Shepherd, then it becomes abnormal and destructive and should be stopped. Abnormal chewing in German Shepherds can be caused by poor training in puppyhood, anxiety, insufficient exercise, boredom and frustration, attention-seeking, and predisposing medical conditions. Related Posts You May Like:. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, they enjoy it, and it helps keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. All dogs explore the world with their mouths. The problem starts if your German Shepherd starts to chew your personal possessions such as socks, shoes, coats, or even the wooden leg of your dining table! This is known as destructive chewing. Causes of destructive chewing are a lack of training, insufficient exercise, boredom, attention-seeking, anxiety, or other medical causes. Anxiety can manifest itself in three forms; noise sensitivity, fearfulness, and separation anxiety. The latter is common in German Shepherds but research shows that all three types of anxiety can cause behavior problems in dogs. There are plenty of methods that you can use to stop this destructive chewing. Rather than scolding them and causing fear, use these 16 ways to stop your German Shepherd from destructive chewing and teach him what he can chew on. This needs to be varied and not just leash walking! GSDs need to run, play fetch or frisbee, or do agility. They also need a good amount of attention throughout the day to keep them stimulated. Remember, never leave a German Shepherd alone for more than 4 hours, even less for puppies. Research on dog anxiety and exercise found that puppies who had very little daily exercise were more susceptible to separation anxiety and noise sensitivity when compared to pups who had the recommended amount of daily exercise. Especially when you leave your GSD alone, you need to make sure they have enough chew toys to keep them entertained. Some owners believe that dogs love shoes, which is actually false! They love variety. German Shepherds are one smart cookie, so they know when a toy looks or feels similar to another. You will need to buy plenty of toys that look, sound, and feel completely different. This process will prevent them from seeking different types of chew toys! I always choose KONG toys as there are loads to choose from, and last forever. They are made from strong rubber that not even your German Shepherd can chew through! You can read more about her favorite ones here. Instead, stick to a specific word or phrase that will make them connect their disliked behavior with the sound. Use Treats as Rewards When faced with a destructive chewer, make sure you have small treats to hand. Rather than scolding them over and over, show your German Shepherd that good rewards are given to puppies who obey! This method helps to stop unwanted chewing because it teaches your pup that chewing is only for toys and food, nothing else. Check out my recommended treats for German Shepherds here. They are all healthy and made with quality ingredients. You can buy cheaper ones, of course; however, most will be of poor quality with added fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. Use a Clicker Clicker training is a great way to train your German Shepherd. It is a form of positive reinforcement. Dogs quickly learn that if they do something good and please you and they get a treat, they are likely to keep repeating the rewarded behavior. Timing is very important when clicker training but first you need to introduce your pup to the clicker. When you press the clicker and your GSD hears the noise, you then give him a treat. Do this a few times so he now associates the noise with getting a treat. The best way to distract a German Shepherd is to get their attention by either a clap of hands or a snap of the fingers and then quickly get eye contact with your dog. You can then start to play with them yourself. They love your attention! GSDs seek a strong bond with their owners more than almost any other dog. Patience and consistency are the key components of training your dog not to chew your stuff! Shouting will not work when trying to discipline your German Shepherd. This will force them away from their chew toys and make them confused or sad. Your GSD could even end up barking, which is much more challenging to tame and prevent than chewing. They will want to chew on anything to soothe their sore gums whilst their adult teeth are coming through. At this young age, German Shepherd puppies are super inquisitive and want to learn and experiment with their mouths by chewing everything and anything. Tuck and tie away electric cords, curtains, and headphones, or anything your pup may be attracted to. I recommend crate-training your pup as this provides a safe environment where he can gnaw those interesting KONG chew toys. Most dogs love their crate as it is their special place to go and rest or play. If you opt not to have a crate, one idea is to segregate a part of your home using a dog gate. You can also use a particular room and make it puppy-proof. Make a Homemade Chewing Deterrent It might be a bit messy, but you can make a homemade anti-chew deterrent and put it on or near your valuables that your German Shepherd has started to chew. Some things to try are pepper, vinegar, or Tabasco. You can also use lemon oil or orange citrus. Along with spicy food, dogs tend to steer clear from the smell and taste of sour or bitter food. The idea is to first introduce the deterrent to your GSD by putting some on a small piece of cotton wool, placing it in his mouth, and seeing how he reacts. You may need to experiment before you find one that works on your dog. These sprays are non-toxic and will make your GSD gag or cringe when he licks or starts to chew the material, making him never want to do it again! Get Everyone On Board Friends, family, and anyone else who comes in contact with your German Shepherd all need to be on board when training your dog to stop chewing. Different commands and gestures can be confusing and impossible for your dog to hold onto. Instead, make sure that you all use the same motions and phrases. A simple way to do this is to lay the foundations as soon as the destructive chewing begins. Write down on a whiteboard all the commands that you plan to use and leave in a handy place as a reminder for everyone. Rather than only chewing on the toy shoe, they may start to chew all shoes in their sight. This will usually occur between weeks of age and may last until 6 months old. Try to keep them occupied with a delicious bully stick which is a healthy natural chew made from high-protein beef muscle. It combines the rewarding treat suggestion with the distracting toy tip! Your German Shepherd will eventually associate the behavior with time-out, making them stay away. Only use time-out if you have a separate kennel or crate or area specifically for it. Some puppies have extra-itchy or painful gums when their adult teeth are coming through. This causes them to scratch them by biting everything they can. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have plenty of needs, including the need to have something to chew on. Never yell at your German Shepherd for any form of destructive behavior, instead, use a calm, commanding tone and teach him the right way using positive reinforcement as detailed in this article. Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info German Shepherds are highly intelligent, highly active dogs who can easily get themselves into all sorts of interesting situations. Have ever wondered why does my German Shepherd destroy everything? This article will give the most common reasons why German Shepherds can be destructive as well as provide some solutions to stop or reduce this behavior. German Shepherds can destroy things for a variety of reasons. However, normally their destructive behavior stems from boredom, a lack of training, a lack of exercise, teething or to get attention. This is especially true for puppy and adolescent German Shepherds who have more energy that they need to burn off. Although German Shepherd puppies will sleep a lot , when they are awake, they need to be engaged with or they will easily get bored and find something to play with or destroy. Adolescent German Shepherds will be awake more during the day than puppies, and as such will need to have more activity throughout the day to keep from getting bored. Although German Shepherds calm down with age, older GSDs still need physical exercise and engagement on a daily basis to keep them happy and from being bored. If your GSD is destroying things look at how much you engaged with your dog that day, if you have been busier and had less time to walk or play with your pup boredom could be the reason for their antics. Too Much Freedom Another big reason why GSDs destroy things is because they have too much freedom and access to items that are easily destroyable. Lack of Exercise Another common reason for destructive behaviors with German Shepherds is a lack of exercise. This kind of goes hand in hand with the boredom reason. Training helps teach your dog discipline, as well as helps them to learn what type of behaviors you deem as acceptable or not acceptable. The saying any attention is good attention is very accurate when it comes to our dogs. Your dog is smart enough to figure out that when they take your clothes, shoes, or something you care about you react very quickly. So, if your dog wants to get your attention, they quickly figure out that taking something of yours is the way to get them noticed. Teething Teething is another reason why your German Shepherd could be destroying everything. When your puppy is teething, they will go looking for things to chew on to soothe their gums. You may even find your dog chewing on furniture during this phase. The Puppy Biting Phase If you have a puppy that is destroying things another culprit could be the puppy biting phase all GSD puppies go through. During this phase, they are likely to bite your hands, ankles and even chew on many of your favorite items. This phase is normal and your puppy will grow out of being mouthy with age. Fear Some dogs destroy things because they are afraid. Sometimes prior negative experiences can cause our dogs to be fearful when reminded of that instance. For example, some dogs are scared of thunderstorms or certain sounds remind them of a negative experience from their past. When some dogs get scared, they get anxious and start looking for something to do to keep them occupied, this is when they can become destructive. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is also a reason some dogs destroy everything. German Shepherds in particular, are known to be a breed that more regularly suffers from separation anxiety when their owners are away. GSD who have separation anxiety get anxious and nervous when their owners are away. This nervousness and anxiousness cause them to search for other things to do or destroy to help them pass the time and feel better. A tired dog will likely sleep instead of hunting for something to get into. If you know you are going to be busy, give your dog exercise before you get started so they will be tired while you are busy. A long walk , fetch , biking , rollerblading , flyball , agility , and Schutzhund are all good ways to give your dog exercise. Keep Your Dog Mentally Engaged Another good way of reducing boredom is to keep your dog mentally active. Physical exercise is only one way of tiring your dog out. Mental exercises and puzzle toys are also good ways of keeping your dog engaged indoors. Since German Shepherds are very intelligent, they need to be challenged mentally and these toys and activities help them engage their minds more than just going for a walk. Incorporating mental exercises into your play routine will help cut down on boredom and destruction. Train Them As stated above, a lack of training can contribution to destruction. Teaching your dog new tricks is a great way to keep them mentally engage but also teach them discipline as well as your expectations for their behavior. All German Shepherds should know common commands like sit, stay, and down. However, it is also fun to teach your dog other commands like how to hug , rollover , army crawl , and how to shake hands after your dog has mastered the basics. Crate Training Crate training is a big part of potty training, but also is an important part of keeping your dog from destroying the house when you are away. There are many items that can be harmful to dogs, like certain household plants and chemicals. If your dog has access to roam and likes to destroy things they may get into something or swallow something that could harm them while you are away. Providing your puppy with safe teething toys gives them something safe to chew on to relieve their pain other than your clothes, shoes, and furniture. Keep Easily Destroyed Items Out of Reach The best way to keep your dog from destroying things is to keep items that can be destroyed out of reach. If you know your dog likes to chew up your shoes, maybe keep your shoes in a closed closet instead of out in the open. Just do the best you can to remove all items that a dog could be attracted to out of reach and this should greatly reduce the destruction. Leave Them With Safe Chew Toys Another good thing to do to keep your dog occupied when you are away or busy is to leave them with some safe chew toys to play with. Toys like KONGs are a great option for leaving with your GSD because they are tough enough to not get destroyed and you can stuff treats and peanut butter in them to keep your dog licking and entertained for quite some time. Just calmly remove the shoes and ignore your dog. Now when your dog does something you want them to do, like downs when commanded, you should go crazy with praise letting them know they did the right thing. This will teach your dog that destructive behavior will not get them attention but listening to you will. Over time, they will stop destroying things if they are only doing so to gain your attention. Remember it is still important to set your dog up for success by reducing their ability to destroy things but keeping those items out of reach. Reducing Fear and Separation Anxiety Dealing with destruction caused by anxiety because of fear or separation anxiety will take some patience and time to resolve but it is possible is many cases to at least reduce the unwanted behavior. You will need to drill down onto what is causing the behavior so you can better know how to address it. This article about German Shepherd separation anxiety will help give you some tips on how to handle separation anxiety. Sometimes, in severe instances you may need to find a specialist who can provide guidance in curbing this behavior, your vet should have some recommendations. Final Thoughts Being that German Shepherds are a high drive, high energy breed they are prone to destroying a thing or two. Understanding the reasons why they destroy everything will help you figure out how to stop this behavior. If your dog is destroying thing because of a lack of exercise, give them more physical activity, whereas if your dog is destroying things because they are teething, your need to provide them with some relief. Keeping your dog active both physically and mentally, crate training, and putting away easily destroyable items are some of the fastest ways to stop your German Shepherd from tearing up everything in the house.