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We started the first chapter of Students for Christ in the Netherlands at Erasmus University in .We are now national directors for Students for Christ in the Netherlands. Hazel flew from America to Amsterdam after her retirement in November of to live with us. Hazel will need to learn the Dutch language. We ensure that each puppy receives ample individual attention and love. Brad and Sher Ree are retired and able to spend lots of time with the puppies and their mommies. Brad and Sher Ree love to make new acquaintances and friends through connecting on this website. She lives with us, plays with us, and does life with us. She is spoiled and gets lots of attention. Hazel spends her days playing with the kids, going on walks, going to the park, and laying around the house. Her temperament is submissive and calm and she is very intelligent and sensitive to whom she is interacting with. It's rare when we take her out that someone doesn't stop to mention how beautiful she is and marvel at her soft coat. She doesn't shed and we have her groomed every 6 months. We are committed to protecting the health and well-being of the Australian Labradoodle by upholding the Breed Standards and maintaining the integrity of the breed as established by the breed developers in Australia. Our goal for the future is to always strive for excellence in our breeding practices in order to maintain the integrity of the breed and protect the Australian Labradoodle now and into the future. International membership is welcome. The organization promotes responsible dog companionship by cataloging helpful information about the breeds and by offering networking services to breeders and owners. As a leader in this effort, we are working to make a difference. ALCA Registration. Our puppies will grow to 40 cm Mini Labradoodles — 52 cm Medium size. We breed as healthy as possible! The most important thing that we are going to give them is a whole lot of love, attention, guided stimulus, hugs and respect through consistent education. We see how loving, consistent, clear, peaceful and balanced our pack interacts with each other and with the puppies and lives in harmony. The puppies learn very quickly from this, see and copy good behavior from the older doodles. This method ensures that learning good behavior is accelerated. The first 4 weeks are Rest, Regularity and Cleanliness our top priority. Our puppies will only receive light and controlled stimulus with the BioSensor Program, which are special methods to make the puppies relaxed for the rest of their lives. From the age of 4 weeks the puppies are offered dosed and larger stimulus, such as sounds of thunder, fireworks, cars, washing machine, vacuum cleaner etc. As they are so cute, they meet many people and children, other animals, they learn to walk on the leash, getting used to cars etc. You can choose the puppy yourself, we do not assign puppies like many other breeders, but will advise and help you with choosing because we know the puppies so well! We work with a waiting list and when it is your turn, you can choose the puppy that has not yet been selected by the owners above you on the waiting list. To enlist, click here! They are relatively easy to train and training is highly recommended. They are good natured and gentle with children and animals of other species. Pleasant to keep inside the house. The Australian Labradoodle has a friendly and sociable nature and, on top of that, a non shedding allergy friendly coat. In short, the Australian Labradoodle is the perfect family companion for those with but ofcourse also for those without allergies to other breeds of dogs. The Australian Labradoodle is an athletic, graceful dog with a compact build, and has a well developed motor system. The Labradoodle loves company, but can also on their own for several hours. The Australian Labradoodle not suitable for living outside the house. Sizes Australian Labradoodles are come in three sizes; Miniature; cm. Weight; kilo Medium; cm. Weight; 23 kilo Standard; cm. Weight; kilo The Coat The Australian Labradoodle has a non shedding coat that doesn't smell like so many other dogcoats and is allergy friendly. Coats can be wavy fleece or curly wool and in either case they are soft and silky. These dogs don't have an undercoat. A Labradoodle does not shed hair, but of course it does loose hair. This is old "dead" hair that gets replaced by new hair. Instead of shedding, this old hair needs to be removed by brushing it regularly. One can compare it to hairloss in people. All Labradoodles loose their old hair at least once in their life; between the age of 8 and 14 months all puppyhair is replaced by adult hair. The puppyhair needs to be brushed out thoroughly. Some people prefer their puppies to be shaved or trimmed very short at this point in time. When this is all over, it suffices to brush the dog twice a month. The Australian Labradoodle can have two types of coat; - the wool coat. This coat resembles the poodle coat with a slightly less tight curl. A labradoodle with a woolcoat can be trimmed or shaved. This coat is wavy and requires less maintenance. However, it can be trimmed if so desired, but it is not really necessary. In new generations an occasional relapse sometimes occurs in the non shedding property of the Labradoodle coat. These dogs then do shed and will never be used as breeding dogs. Needless to say, our aim is to continue to refine and perfect the breed. Colour The Australian Labradoodle comes in many different colours. Although the Labradoodle is supposed to be of one solid colour all over, it sometimes happens that paws are of a lighter shade. Possible colours are; different shades of white and cream, apricot, brown cafe or chocolate silver and black. A silver coloured Labradoodle is always born black. History In a blind woman was looking for an assistance dog that would not aggravate her husbands allergies. In Australia a poodle and a labrador were crossed for this purpose, in order to combine the best properties of each breed. The initial results were very promising and a breeding programme was developed to further refine and perfect the "new" breed. After many years of successful breeding, multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are now bred all over the world. A multigen Australian Labradoodle is a cross between labradoodles instead of the initial cross between poodles and labradors. Therefore, be aware when you consider buying a labradoodle, however attractive the offer may seem at first sight!!! My love and passion for the Australian Labradoodle is not the result of an allergy issue. By chance I came into contact with this breed years ago. The Australian Labradoodle is a very people oriented dog. To give an example; I went with my puppy to puppy training and instead of playing with all the other puppies, my Labradoodle first went to greet the other dog owners. The other participants were amazed! My example above is one of the many examples I have of the Australian Labradoodles being a very intelligent, social and unique dog. These dogs have really stolen my heart. The Australian Labradoodle was originally ment to work as a therapy dog. For example making contact with autistic people, because they are so human-oriented and also seek eye contact. Because of their hypoallergenic coat they are a great alternative for people who are allergic to dogs. The Australian Labradoodle is a sensitive dog. Look in them in the eyes. That is why the Australian Labradoodle is not suitable for little companionship; they love good company around them. Attention, challenges like games and long walks are really necessary. They are certainly not kennel dogs. They need a loving home and lots of love from their owner s. If you think you can give your dog a loving home, lots of attention and exercise, than maybe the Australian Labradoodle is the perfect dog for you and your family. All Rights Reserved.

We are a family-owned Kennel located in beautiful Hood River Oregon. We strive to breed German Shepherds with the highest quality, with sound solid nerves, high prey and retrieve drives, excellent tracking abilities, with well-balanced character and stable temperaments. All our puppies are correct in structure, highly intelligent, and easily trainable. They are beautiful in appearance as well as having wonderful caring and protective personalities. You can expect puppies with rich and beautiful pigmentation, in solid black, sable or dark black sable. We do this to preserve the integrity and upstanding character of the German Shepherd breed as well as bring together the well-blended qualities we expect from our dogs and puppies at Vom Bergwald German Shepherds. Our puppies are born and raised in our home and are exposed to many daily activities and situations They grow up with children, other dogs, and cats making them able to adapt to many different home situations they may come into contact when they leave here. We pay a great deal of attention to detail and know each of our puppy's very specific characters, individual qualities and unique personalities so that we can assist you in choosing what puppy is best suited for you and your family. Please visit our site often, as we have new updates frequently about available German Shepherds and upcoming litters. Hood River, OR, .German Shepherd Resources German Shepherds are arguably one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, as their history reads back to the early s, and even with all that history, they have still found a way to remain very popular breeds in modern times. According to the American Kennel Club, the German was ranked the 3rd most popular dog breed in the world as of the year .The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile dog breeds you can find. They can be used as family dogs, protection dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, working dogs, and a lot more. If you are considering getting a German Shepherd puppy or considering adding one to the family, then you certainly have made the right choice. Another important decision you would need to make is the exact German Shepherd breeder you should work with. States like Oregon are blessed with a high number of German Shepherd breeders, but you have to be careful, as not all breeders are reputable breeders that truly care for the breed. In this article, we provide you with a list of some really good German Shepherd breeders residing in the state of Oregon. These are responsible breeders that are selected for their breeding programs as well as their socialization and training protocols. With that being said, it is essential that you only view this article as a guide to help you find the best breeder for you. They are focused on German Shepherd puppies. The breeding facility is located in Veneta, Oregon and the program is owned and managed by Kilynn Heinrichs. Heinrichs German Shepherds operates a very impressive breeding program that is blessed with some of the best sires and dams you can find in the world. Their breeding dogs come from West German show lines. They have mainly championed dogs with an equally impressive pedigree to show. Their dogs are genetically health tested before being added to the breeding program. They also have their orthopedic health tested by licensed professionals. Every dog that they produce is raised in the family house which is located in Veneta, Oregon. They are socialized using different protocols and enrichment tools, one of which is the Puppy Culture program. The puppies are also introduced to different stimulating experiences that help with improving the dog breed. All thor dogs come with a 2 years health guarantee. They are vaccinated and dewormed and each is registered with the AKC as well as microchipped.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Flat coats are quite commonly seen in F2 Goldendoodles. These coats are easy to maintain when compared with curlier coated types. However, if you want a Goldendoodle that has the traditional teddy bear look, a flat-coated dog is not for you. Also, these dogs are moderate to high shedders and are, therefore, not recommended for a family with allergies. However, unlike flat-coated Doodles, the straight coat type does have furnishings and the fur tends to be fluffier in texture. Straight coat Goldendoodles are also referred to as loose coats or hair coats, and these pups have coats that are most like a Golden retriever. Also, these dogs do tend to shed quite heavily, making them unsuitable for those with pet allergies. So, if you take on one of these Goldendoodles, you must also be prepared to vacuum your carpets daily! Wavy Coat Image Source: Instagram. A wavy or shaggy coat is the most common type of Goldendoodle coat type, and they are also sometimes called fleece coats. In fact, the wavy coat occurs in all the most popular generations of Goldendoodles, including F1, F1b, and multigenerational dogs. Wavy Goldendoodles can be minimal shedders, although F1 and F2 dogs tend to be moderate to heavy shedders. So, to be certain as to whether your puppy will shed or not, always choose a reputable breeder that has had all their breeding dogs DNA tested. Curly Coat Curly coats are created when the puppy inherits a curl gene from each parent. These dogs have very dense, fleece-like coat characteristics that most closely resemble the coat of the Poodle parent. You will most commonly find curly coats in an F1B Goldendoodle or some of the multigenerational Goldendoodles. However, most owners prefer to have their dogs shaved or clipped. Curly Goldendoodles are minimal to non-shedding coats, which makes these dogs extremely sought after by people with pet allergies. If you leave the coat to grow without having your dog clipped, the curls will become very dense, making it difficult to gauge their length simply by looking at the coat. That said, eventually, the hair will stop growing. To make matters even more confusing, Goldendoodles commonly change color as they mature. Generally, if the puppy has a smooth face without furnishings, he will most likely have an improper or flat coat. Goldendoodle Coat Stages As previously mentioned, Goldendoodle puppies begin shedding their puppy coats once they reach around six months of age. By the time your puppy is eight months old or more, he will have his final adult coat. The final coat is usually not as soft and fluffy as the puppy coat. The coat change can be gradual or sudden, taking a matter of weeks or several months. Also, some super-soft adult Goldendoodle coats are virtually indistinguishable from the puppy coat. Until recently, crossbreeding dogs generally gave unpredictable results with the puppies taking more after one parent than the other. Now, DNA testing is commonly used by good breeders to determine what kind of coat their puppies will have. However, there are a few tried and tested methods of determining what kind of coat the puppy will have as an adult. That can be a good indicator for the coat type your dog will have as an adult. Generally, a prominent mustache is a clear indicator that the puppy will have a curly coat. Dogs that will go on to develop wavy coats tend to grow a shaggy beard around the muzzle. Straight-coated Goldendoodles usually have short, neat hair around their snout. If the puppy is anything other than an F1, first-generation pup, look at both the parent dogs. Generally, puppies take after one parent dog. However, genetics always have the final say when it comes to coat types. Inspiration For Names! One of the fun things about owning a Goldendoodle is choosing a name for your dog. For a few more ideas on what names you can choose for your Doodle puppy, check out this guide! Most people think of the Goldendoodle as having those classic teddy bear looks that everyone finds so adorable. However, not all puppies go on to develop that wavy or curly coat and furnishings that are so desirable. And, of all the generations, the F1B Goldendoodles are much less likely to have a significant coat change as they mature, although the coat coarseness and density are quite likely to increase. Interestingly, English Goldendoodles are more likely to have that boxy teddy bear features than American Goldendoodles. However, both kinds can develop the teddy bear appearance with the correct furnishings. Dogs with any of the three types of Goldendoodle coats can be with or without furnishings. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be without furnishings. That involvement entails providing access to the very latest research and expert guidance on canine reproduction, breed development, and puppy development. However, through the careful selection of mates, a good breeder can produce that adorable Teddy Bear look that people love so much. Shedding intensity can also be predicted through careful DNA research and careful breeding. The S gene that gives the dog a short coat is dominant. Doodle coats can be curly, straight, or wavy, depending on the number of curl genes that they take from their parents. What Are Furnishings? Commonly known as the F gene, the gene, RSP02 is responsible for those furnishings. Improper Coat A coat that has no furnishings is known as an improper coat or IC. Goldendoodles that have Ff or F IC or one copy of the furnishings gene tend to be lighter shedders than dogs that do have furnishings. I hope you enjoyed this guide! What kind of coat did you think your puppy would grow, and how did it actually turn out? Tell us in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Related Content You May Find Interesting Mother Nature always has the final say Nature work can work in mysterious ways, and there are really no guarantees when it comes to predicting what coat types your dog will have. Even understanding whether Goldendoodles have hair or fur or whether they are hypoallergenic can be challenging. There are some subtle hints that you can follow to help guess the coat type of your new Goldendoodle. So, you cannot always go by what you see when your Goldendoodle is a puppy, as this may change as your dog ages. There are 3 different steps you can do to help you determine what coat type your Goldendoodle will have. Look at the fur around its mouth. When trying to determine the different hair coats that your Goldendoodle puppy may have, first start by looking at the hair around the muzzle and face. This will help tell you what kind of hair your dog may have. Curly coated dogs will often have lots of curls on their mustache and beard. Shaggy and wavy hair coats will have straight hair on the muzzle and have what you would think of as a beard on a dog. Goldendoodles who have straight hair will have short hair on their muzzle and no beard. Sarah Ochoa, DVM When your puppy is firstborn, and as they are growing, it can be very hard to tell what coat type your puppy may have. At first, they may all be very similar. Usually, the facial hair can clue you into what type of coat your puppy will have. Consider How your dog was Bred. Genetics plays a big factor in the hair type and hair color of all dogs. When trying to get a certain coat type for your Goldendoodle, look at their parents, and even grandparents coat types. The genes that are expressed their will help indicate what type of coat yours will have. Their offspring are Goldendoodles. These Goldendoodles can then be bred to make more Goldendoodles. Also, a Goldendoodle can be mixed with another poodle or Golden Retriever. Depending on what mix you use will cause varying differences in their hair coats. No matter what mix you can usually make three different coat types. Coat length, furnishings, and non-curl gene that results in a flat coat all depend on the poodle parent and golden retriever parent and what kind of coat genes they had. How to Breed a Goldendoodle to Get the Hair coat you want When looking for a specific coat type, you can look at how your Goldendoodle was bred. When trying to understand the breeding of a Goldendoodle, you may think that you will need to take a little lesson in genetics to help you. This is very easily explained below. By understanding these different ways of breeding, can help you understand what will cause your Goldendoodles to have a certain hair type. These are the common crosses used to make Goldendoodles. This makes an F1. These dogs tend to have wavy or curly hair. After you complete this first cross, there are many different options for producing more Goldendoodles. This may be the most popular type of Goldendoodle. This means that your dog will have a split between the traits of these two dogs. These different crosses are known as F2 or second-generation crosses. These are considered second-generation Goldendoodles or F2. These are called F1B. This is done to bring out more of the poodle traits in the Goldendoodle. If you want a Goldendoodle with a coat very similar to a poodle, this is a great breeding that you will want to look for. These dogs are also very low to non-shedding and usually allergy-free. This dog will be more like a Golden Retriever with less curly hair. Since this dog will have more of the traits of a Golden Retriever, they will also shed more. This cross is not ideal if you have pet-related allergies. This is not a very popular cross as the reasons most people buy a Goldendoodle is for the non-shedding and low allergen dog. Get An Older Goldendoodle While most people want to get their Goldendoodle when they are younger, there are many older Goldendoodles that also need a great loving home. Many breeders will offer older dogs at a discount too. This is the easiest way to get the coat type that you want since they have already lost their puppy coats and have developed the adult coat. Your Goldendoodle can be up to 8 months old before their true coat type is shown. Most Goldendoodles, you can get a good guess at around 4 months, but these pups are growing and changing that even their hair type can change. Most of these dogs will have their adult hair coat between 6 to 8 months, and then you can for sure be able to tell what type of adult coat your dog will have. Most people get their dogs around 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes before then. While the coat type that they have then will be very close to what their hair will look like as an adult, it can always change as they grow. What are the different types of Coats that My Goldendoodle may have? Your Golden doodle can have 3 different coat type or any mixture of the three. Some dogs can actually have all 3 coat types. These are a description of the 3 common coat types seen in Goldendoodles: Shaggy or wavy hair Shaggy or Wavy coat is the most common hair type, and most popular hair type wanted in Goldendoodles. This coat is a mixture of the two parents. The curly Poodle mixed with a straight Golden Retriever makes a soft wavy or shaggy appearance in Goldendoodle puppies. This hair type is known as a teddy bear coat since they resemble a teddy bear. This hair type will require regular brushing to keep them clean and tangle-free. The great thing about this hair coat is that it is usually little to no shedding making it great for people who have pet allergies. These dogs are usually groomed, so they always resemble a teddy bear. This can take some time and patients for your dog to learn to tolerate their grooming. Curly Hair Tight curly hair is very similar to the curly coats of Poodles. Multigenerational goldendoodles are more likely to have this coat. It is closest to non shedding. Some poodles will have curls that are very tight and close to the skin, but some will have loose barrel ringlets. If your Goldendoodle puppy has curls they will need regular grooming to keep them from becoming matted and their hair from taking over. Some pet owners will have their Goldendoodle trimmed short to help avoid matting. This hair type is the second most popular but is very popular with people who have pet allergies. This hair sheds the least and is the most hypoallergenic of the three coat types. Many people who never could have a dog because of their allergies have found it possible to have Goldendoodles with curly coats. Curly Goldendoodles are the most sought after, but they take multiple goldendoodle generations to achieve. If shedding matters to you, choose a reputable breeder. Hypoallergenic Goldendoodles are developed with extensive commitment to breeding dogs, including DNA testing, monitoring what genes each litter is liekly to inherit, and looking for just the right curly coats to breed to produce the curl people want without sacrificing temperament. This hair type is probably the easiest coat to maintain and is a great choice for people who have very little time for the daily brushing the other two types require. The downside to the straight coat is that they will shed. They are also not able to achieve the famous teddy bear look. The teddy bear look is the reason that most of the dogs are sought after. Although many people consider it an improper coat, the short coat with eyebrows can be very cute, and while there may be more dander, there will also be fewer knots. The one thing that makes these dogs look very different than the other two hair types is that these coats usually do not grow a beard around their muzzle. They will have a muzzle very similar to Goldens. Mixed Hair Types Some Goldendoodles can even have a mixed hair type. They may have tight curls around their face and long feathered hair on their legs. Their bodies or ears may have wavy hair. They often have a wavy or shaggy coat overall. These types can require lots of upkeep, as each section will need a different type of grooming to keep them looking great. On the other hand, these three coat types and the variations can create wavy or shaggy coats that are very cute. The smooth face paired with a curly coat collar is a lot of fun. Most people think that this is very easy to determine that their dog will be the same color that they are when they are born. As your puppy is growing and hair type possibly changing, so can their coat color. Your chocolate Goldendoodle puppy may fade to a Parchment color as they get older. There are many different colors that your Goldendoodle may come in. These are the 10 different colors seen in Goldendoodles: Chalk white. Coat Comparisons Post updated I have had many inquires from families wondering what coat type the puppies will have as they mature. When dealing with a Hybrid it is very difficult to predict with certainty what their Adult coat will eventuality end up like. Puppies go through multiple coat changes before their adult coat finally comes in. All newborn goldendoodle puppies look like Golden Retrievers. It is not until around 6 — 7 weeks when we can determine if it will be a Flat Coat goldendoodle — no facial furnishings. We have produced flat coats with both straight hair and with some curls. Below are some of our previous puppies. There are three pictures of each puppy. Notice the progression of the puppy: the first picture is newborn, the next picture is puppy at eight weeks old and the last picture the puppy as an adult. My puppies are lucky to have joined such wonderful, loving families. It makes my day when I get an email from one of our previous puppy families giving me an update and sharing pics of their dog. Thank you! They are fluffy all over including the face. They come in three types — Straight, Wavy, and Curly. Grooming requirements are brushing daily to prevent matting and a trip to the groomers every eight weeks or so.

The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. Despite its regal name, Golden Retrievers are popular dogs in the Midwest. This breeder, based in Howell, Michigan, has been breeding these dogs for almost 20 years. Their puppies are well-rounded, with regular vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. Choosing the right puppy is not as difficult as you might think. While this breed is highly intelligent, it also requires regular exercise. Otherwise, it can display destructive or aggressive behavior. Regardless of size, this breed has some health concerns and unique requirements. A Golden Retriever Lab mix is the perfect companion for a family with an active lifestyle and plenty of time to play with them. Listed below are some tips for choosing the right puppy for your home. A Labrador-Golden Retriever mix makes for an excellent family pet. This breed of dog loves children and is always willing to play with them. However, keep in mind that children should always be supervised, as this breed is very playful. While the Golden Retriever and Labrador parent breeds are similar in size, hybrid dogs can vary in length. A male Goldador may reach 22 inches in height and weigh 70 pounds, while a female Goldador can grow to be between 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador puppies are generally larger than Labrador puppies but will take after their parents in size. A Labrador-Golden Retriever breeder located in Michigan should be able to answer your questions about puppy health. The breeder of merit will guarantee the health and wellness of his puppies. Ensure your Labrador puppy receives the proper nutrition, and you can rest assured that your new pet is in good hands. So, do not miss out on this golden opportunity to save a lot of money on a new dog! They also retain a playful puppy-like spirit into adulthood, making them an excellent choice for any household. Golden retrievers are very lovable and adaptable and make great family pets. When it comes to color, a Golden Labrador Lab puppy may look more like the Labrador breed. The golden parent will likely inherit the coat that is longer and has more feathering, while the Lab parent will have a shorter and more sparse coat. It is also likely that a Golden Labrador Golden Retriever mix will have a coat that is a bit shorter and slicker than the purebred. A Labrador Golden Retriever mix should have a relatively short coat but will grow into the same coat pattern as the purebred. A Goldador will have the coat of a Labrador and a Golden Retriever. The coat will be a mix of the two breeds and will look like either one, depending on where they were born. A Goldador will likely be a little bit like a Lab one day, and more like a Golden the next. You can expect a Goldador to be a perfect mix of the two! Share this:.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. When our 8-weeks puppies leave home, we always say. But how much and how fast should a puppy grow? What should they weight at 3, 5, 8 months? We have been very skeptical to give this information to our families, but many of our puppy families want this chart, so here it is. Some of the reasons we hesitated to provide this chart with every puppy — is because we know that once there is an actual chart to follow, it can be very stressful for families, as they might think that this is the ONLY way their puppy will and should develop and anything off these numbers is a fault. This is not true. This can be overwhelming! I remember when our first born kid, a daughter Malasha was born, I was stressing when a pediatrician would place her on a scale every month — if she was not gaining on the top of the percentile chart, I was feeling that I am failing as a breastfeeding mother. Now, after four absolutely different pregnancies, births and many years of breastfeeding, I know that each child is different, unique and for as long as there is a continuous progress and development — we are doing ok as parents. If you will keep this is mind and not stress every month - then please use this table. We did not create these numbers, but used the data we found online, we just put it into a nicer design. The numbers on this German Shepherd Growth Chart are simply averages. This chart may become helpful to give owners an idea of what to expect as their puppy matures. As these numbers give you an approximation of what weight an average GSD puppy is typically at that particular age in months. Remember not to get frustrated if your puppy does not match these perfectly, but if you notice significant difference, bring this up with your veterinarian during your next visit. Not a bad idea to have a well-puppy check up to see how your puppy is doing health-wise and to make sure there are no underlying causes making this an issue. Raising German Shepherds for the first eight weeks, we are amazed by the amount of growth and development they go through in such short amount of time. One time we had a litter of eight weeks of age and a newborn litter at the same time, so I asked Serge to hold a newborn puppy in one hand and a puppy of 8 weeks in his other and took a picture for comparison. It was just amazing to see! All our neonatal care happens in those eight weeks and there is such a tremendous difference! When our puppies leave from our kennel home they average at 12 lbs. When we are updated with images and weights, it is absolutely incredible to see how fast they grow! If you think of it: a newborn puppy is typically a pound and by their first year they often weigh around 80 pounds for a male and about 65 to 70 for a female! If you think about it, that is a phenomenal amount of growth for anything to go through in just one year! Many people just take it for granted but we think it is amazing. This baby would be about the size of a school bus by the time it was a year old! That is crazy! Finally, we want to once again address the size of a German Shepherd Dog as an adult as it is listed in a breed standard. An allowance of 2. German Shepherd Dogs will slow their growth after 12 months, but they will continue to grow up until 24 months. At 24 months old they will stop grow in size but will fill their body and especially chest with muscles. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good starting place to keep in mind since German Shepherd development can vary so much from dog to dog. Please, feel free to leave your story in comments. Shares are welcome. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Goldendoodle coloring pages provide the perfect canvas for you to unleash your creativity. These charming canines, born from the crossbreeding of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, offer a unique blend of characteristics. From their friendly disposition to their wavy, allergy-friendly coats, Goldendoodles are truly one-of-a-kind. Just like you and me, they crave love, companionship, and affection. Poodle Intelligence and Allergy-Friendly Coats On the other side of the genetic spectrum, Poodles bring intelligence and unique coats to the mix. Their high intelligence makes Goldendoodles quick learners and adaptable companions. Plus, the hypoallergenic quality of their coats means less sneezing and more cuddling for us dog lovers. Conclusion In closing, Goldendoodle coloring pages are not just sheets of paper; they are gateways to a world of creativity, relaxation, and a deeper connection with these charming hybrid dogs. As someone who knows the joy of coloring and appreciates the unique qualities of Goldendoodles, I encourage you to grab your coloring tools and embark on this colorful journey with me. Through these coloring pages, we can express our love for these delightful dogs and celebrate their wonderful blend of affection, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats. Happy coloring, my fellow art enthusiasts and dog lovers! Please rate 5 hearts to help the author of GBcoloring Submit Rating.

Welcome to ReiMur Labradors! Reilly and Murphy at the Oregon Coast in .They were my first two Labradors and ReiMur was named in their honor. I am dedicated to the All Around Labrador, and actively show, work, and health test my dogs to ensure I am producing Labradors that exude breed type, have natural desire to do the job for which they were intended, and make healthy, happy companions. My dogs are all beloved family members who live in the house, and I breed only when I am ready for my next generation. We became active in obedience competition, which introduced me to dog shows. They introduced me to our local breed club, PSLRA, as well as field work and the world of conformation shows. I later became involved in Agility. When it came time to breed my first litter born in early , they generously offered to co-own Magic, a beautiful bitch line-bred on CH Monarch's Black Arrogance, with me for a litter. As they say, the rest is history. ReiMur is proud to produce dogs that are versatile enough to successfully compete in multiple venues and have the temperaments that make wonderful family members. I am also a member of the LRC, Inc. Darlene with Luna, Dreyfus, Fergus and Larson .According to the registration statistics compiled by the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular pure bred dog in the Seattle metropolitan area. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the Sunshine state. Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have shipped more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily ship our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Seattle. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Labrador Retrievers Make Good Therapists In recent articles, a licensed professional counselor with thirty years of experience, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children and seniors. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Taking care of a dog gives one a great deal of joy and satisfaction. Older people greatly value their friendship with their dogs. This greatly improves their emotional health. Furthermore, it helps people to overcome one of the greatest nuisances of old age, boredom. The responsibility of taking care of the dog who is dependent on them gives the older adult a reason to live life meaningfully. As far as the dog, having such good companionship from an owner is very good for their overall pet health. Dogs are especially responsive to conversation—specifically, tone of voice. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Some families opt to have their puppy fly with a professional chaperone to their nearest major airport, while others choose home delivery so that their pup can greet them at the front door. No matter what method you choose, your new furry friend will be with you in no time! Uptown Puppies has a breeder network that stretches from coast to coast. Whether you're looking for a Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Seattle, WA or a puppy from outside of your state, we can help you find the perfect pup. And if your ideal dog isn't within driving distance, don't worry - we can arrange transportation to an airport near you, or even home delivery. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today! Do partners in your network have a health guarantee? There is no doubt that the Uptown Puppies network offers the best Labrador Retriever puppies Seattle has to offer. This is because our partner breeders have an excellent year health guarantee on their puppies, which is one of the best in the nation. This guarantees that ethical breeders like these will stand by their puppies and provide you with the peace of mind you need. How do you screen breeders? At Uptown Puppies, we only work with ethical breeders that meet our stringent standards. We believe that all dogs deserve a happy and healthy home, free from puppy mills and backyard breeding operations. For more information, please read our Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Labrador Retriever puppies for sale? Seattle has the best! However, you can't always trust online search results, especially when it comes to finding a reputable breeder for your new puppy. We've done the work for you by reviewing businesses and breeders based on our own ethical standards, so you can feel confident knowing you're getting a quality puppy from a trustworthy source. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are inhumane dog breeding facilities where operators mass-produce dogs for profit, often with little regard for animal safety or wellbeing. This often results in genetic illnesses and health problems for the dogs bred in these conditions. As a result, puppy mill dogs are often sold at a lower cost than ethically-bred Labrador Retriever puppies for sale near Seattle. Are Labrador Retrievers good family pets? If you want a lovable, loyal and obedient dog that is great with kids and families of all types, look no further than these Labrador Retriever puppies in Seattle, WA! These pups are close to perfect - they have all the qualities you could want in a family pet. And their patient, kind hearts make them ideal companions for children. So if you're looking for a pup to add to your home, Uptown can help find the best Labrador Retriever for sale Seattle has to offer. What is the origin of Labrador Retrievers? You may be surprised to learn that the original ancestors of the Labrador Retriever breed hail not from Labrador, Canada as you might expect, but from Newfoundland back in the s. This versatile breed was perfectly adapted for working in the water, thanks to their water repellent coat and webbed paws - perfect for swimming. Looking for a water dog that can go with you on adventures? These Seattle Labrador Retriever puppies for sale are looking for their forever families! How does Uptown Puppies work? Looking for Seattle Labrador Retrievers for sale? Uptown Puppies can help! We work with reputable breeders who have current and upcoming litters. You can browse through puppies and choose the perfect one for you. We will then put you in touch with the breeder so you can make arrangements for pickup or transportation. What are some common Labrador Retriever health problems? As a dog lover, it's important to be aware of the potential health problems that your pup may face. Some breeds are more prone to certain conditions than others, but all dogs have the potential to develop genetic illnesses. In Labs, these conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia. However, these issues can be made worse when you choose a puppy from a dishonest or inexperienced breeder. Luckily, Uptown can help you find the best Labrador Retriever breeders near Seattle! Do Labs need a lot of exercise? Labrador Retriever puppies are known for being high-energy dogs. They are a working breed, and as such, will need anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. Proper exercise is key to having a healthy and relaxed relationship with your Lab puppy. What other dogs are similar to Labrador Retrievers? Labs are big, energetic, friendly, and intelligent dogs that make great pets for almost any family. And, since they share many characteristics with Golden Retrievers, they are often thought of as the perfect family dog. Nowadays, some people even cross Labrador Retrievers with Poodles to create Labradoodles. These dogs share the same characteristics of Labs but with the addition of a non-shedding coat.

Lifespan Sociability The Maltipoo is a mix between the gentle and playful Maltese and the active and smart Poodle. They can have any mix of these traits. They may be brilliant or have more average intelligence. Their exercise needs can vary a bit as well, depending on how active they are. Most of the time, these dogs are decently smart and typically train pretty quickly. Of course, this can vary quite a bit. Some may be smarter than others. Usually, Maltipoos are friendly. Early socialization and training ensure that they are accepting of strangers and other pets as well. These are not typically aggressive in the least. Maltipoos are described as 1st generation or 2nd generation. These are one of the few mixed breeds that are sometimes bred past the 1st generation. Colors vary greatly. Maltipoos can look very different from each other. They come in a variety of different colors. You can find a puppy in just about any color. Size depends on the size of the Poodle used. The Poodle used in breeding has a large role in the size of the puppy. Usually, toy Poodles are used, and this is the size we have used when writing this article. However, rarely, standard Poodles are used, and this results in an enormous puppy. They are affectionate and usually gentle. Puppies can be playful and quite active. However, they tend to calm down as they age. Some may stay relatively active into adulthood, like their Poodle parent. They are well-suited to families with children who like to play as well as snuggle. These dogs are a bit loud and vocal. They can make good alert dogs on some occasions, depending on their specific character and training. Maltipoos tend to bark at anyone who passes by. Related Read: Maltese vs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are playful and cuddly, so they fit in with many different people. They are usually very friendly with strangers and friends alike. Sometimes, these dogs are not particularly good with children, though. They are smaller and can be more easily injured by toddlers and preschoolers. This can cause them to snap and be more fearful of children. This dog is not incredibly territorial, nor does it have a significant prey drive. Of course, dogs that are properly socialized and raised around cats and other pets usually see them as part of the family. Puppy classes and socialization are essential for raising a well-meaning dog. They can eat any other high-quality food that any other dog eats. Of course, we recommend a high-quality dog food that contains quite a bit of meat and protein. These dogs are not particularly prone to food allergies, but they can happen. Some dogs are quite active and need a lot of playtime. Others prefer to lounge around. It is usually better to be on the side of too much exercise than too little. Plan on taking your dog on at least one walk a day. Playtime in a backyard may be necessary as well. They are typically smart and eager to please. They are not particularly stubborn or anything of that sort, so they usually take to training well. Because of their intelligence level, they need a bit of mental exercise every day, or they may become destructive. Training is an easy way to do this, so many dogs enjoy it immensely. They do not shed much, but their coats are high-maintenance otherwise. Their wooly coat requires daily brushing from a young age. Luckily, most dogs get used to regular brushing. They typically need a bath at least once a month on top of whenever they get visibly dirty. They will likely need a bath after running through leaves, for instance. Or, at least, a good brushing. Clippings every few months are required, though their faces and paws may need trimming more often. We recommend scheduling them a monthly grooming appointment unless you are willing to learn how to groom them properly at home. Their nails should be trimmed every month at the very least. They need their teeth brushed quite a bit as well. Daily is best. These dogs are particularly prone to dental problems, so brushing is essential. They are not prone to many different health conditions. Minor Conditions. Their coat is somewhat hypoallergenic, although not completely hypoallergenic. This is because they trap more dander than other breeds. If you are an allergy sufferer, make sure you spend a lot of time with your Maltipoo before you bring them home to ensure you are not allergic to them. We will go into more detail about grooming your Maltipoo further on. Color While the breed standard color of a Poodle is white, a Maltese can come in many different colors. This means that your Maltipoo can also come in many different colors and, as they are a designer breed, most likely will be unique in their colorway and design! You Maltese Poodle Mix could be black, blue, grey, brown, cream, silver or white, although the most common colors are a light beige or white. Temperament The Maltese Poodle is a true companion dog who loves to be around people and thrives on human attention. They are very loyal to their owners and will care for you as much as you care for them. That being said, they love all people they meet and will want to be friends with everyone! Fortunately, separation anxiety can be helped with socialization from a young age. The Maltipoo is also a playful dog. Although they do not have a high activity level, they are very intelligent and require mental stimulation. They will love to play with you and have known to be mischievous from time to time! Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Maltipoo is around 12 to 16 years. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, as with any dog, the Maltese Poodle mix can develop some health issues. They inherit these health problems from their parent breeds and can, therefore, be more susceptible to issues the Maltese and Poodle are. The most common health problems with the Maltipoo are set out below: White Shaker Syndrome — this is a syndrome that is common in small dogs and causes the whole body to shake. It is caused by an inflammation in the brain which is idiopathic. Some owners mistake this for their dog just being cold but if you suspect they are suffering from white shaker syndrome, you should take them to the vets. Patellar Luxation — this is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Epilepsy — this seizure disorder can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Buying from a reputable breeder will help to reduce health issues in your Maltipoo. You should also watch out for any signs of the issues about and take your pup for regular health checkups. Daily Life Now we have learnt all about the characteristics of a Maltese Poodle Mix, it is time to take a look at what everyday life with one of these pups is really like. Below we cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. The general rule is 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, which can average out to around calories or one cup of food a day. However, you should always check the bag of the food packet to see the exact amount of that particular food you should be feeding your pup based on their size. It is recommended that you do not feed your Maltese Poodle in one go and instead break up their food into three to four meals a day. The food you give them should be high-quality dry kibble that is formulated for smaller breeds of dog, so you are sure they are getting the correct amount of energy, protein and fat. Your dog will function at his best with enough protein. Without adding any grains, their recipes are created with the assistance of doctors to provide your dog the ideal ratio of protein and fat. Each batch is checked to ensure it meets our high standards, and high quality ingredients are mixed in the USA for quality control. These pups should be getting between 30 to 40 minutes of exercise everyday. This can be split over games, walks and runs to keep them engaged and entertained. Your Maltipoo will also benefit from mental stimulation. Because they love to spend time with you, playing games with you indoors will be their favorite pastime. Family Compatibility The Maltipoo is a pup that adapts to any situation and makes the perfect family pet. A loyal companion, they are also excellent with couples, seniors and individuals. Because they are a little dog, they are also great for apartment and town living and their exercise needs are small they do not require a large yard to run around in. These dogs get on very well with other animals and will do well in a home with other pets. They are easy to train and socialize too, which means they are a good dog to have if you do not have experience with pups. The Maltipoo does well with children, but because of their size they are very vulnerable and delicate. You will need to teach your young children to be careful with this hybrid dog otherwise they could hurt them! The Maltese Poodle Mix is a lap dog that requires a lot of attention and you must ensure you have the time to spend with your Maltipoo before you buy them! They do not do well when they are left alone and like to be around people. When they are left alone for too long they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors, so you must make sure you have time to curl up with them on the couch or, even better, take them with you wherever you go! Training and Socializing Both the Maltese and the Poodle are intelligent dogs who love to learn. Therefore, the Maltipoo is a dog that is easy to train. You must be patient and consistent with them, but they will pick up basic commands very easily. You should always use positive reinforcement with your Maltese Poodle hybrid. This includes verbal praise and treats. Never use punishment with them. Because they are so devoted to their owners, they will not understand and be hurt and confused, which can lead to destructive behaviors. You should do it from a young age and introduce them to lots of different sounds, sights, places, smells and people. Luckily, this breed of dog love both humans and other pets. Grooming The Maltese Poodle Mix is a generally easy dog to take care of, although they do need to be groomed often. This is because of their beautiful coat! Whether they have the curly coat of a Poodle or the longer coat of a Maltese, you will need to brush their fur almost every day. This is especially important if they have the curlier hair of a Poodle because matting can occur and this can become uncomfortable for your pooch. Their coat will need to be professionally groomed every 6 weeks or so to keep them looking their best. Their ears will also need to be checked and their nails should be clipped by the groomers. Dental hygiene is also important for your doggie to prevent gum disease and dental decay. Try to brush their teeth as often as you can to keep any health problems at bay. Regular grooming from a young age will reinforce the bond you have with your Maltipoo. Maltipoo Breed Traits. The Maltese poodle originated in the United States around , with the breeders intending to create a more low-maintenance lap dog for companionship. The intelligence, affectionate nature, and easy trainability of the Maltese are combined with the low shedding and more hypoallergenic nature of the poodle to create this designer dog. Maltese poodles are small and bred to be fun playful lap dogs. While Maltese poodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or other purebred dog kennel clubs, there are several organizations hoping to help Maltese poodles obtain recognition with the American Kennel Club by adhering to certain breeding and appearance requirements. However, this is still a work in progress as reputable breeding organizations work toward creating a crossbreed with desirable traits and a consistent appearance. They are affectionate, fitting well into families, and they are a perfect apartment-sized dog, which makes them a perfect addition to the home for people in more urban areas. Plus, Maltese poodles come in a range of colors and coat patterns due to their crossbreed heritage, making each dog as unique as their loveable nature. Since Maltese poodles are a cross between the Maltese and toy poodle dog breeds, they have a similar small stature. They stand between 8 and 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, depending on lineage. Most Maltese poodles will have medium to long hair that is very soft, fluffy, and may contain a wavy pattern. Maltese poodles are available in a number of different patterns such as bicolor, tricolor, tuxedo, sable, and merle, and the colorations of Maltese poodles range from black, brown, and grey to red, blue, cream, white, gold, and fawn. What Size Is a Maltese Poodle? They grow between 8 and 14 inches tall, though occasionally, you will find one as small as 5 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds. This breed has a single-layer coat that will continually grow, hence the increased grooming needs of this pup, but is less likely to shed as much as a double-layer coat would. The Maltese poodle is known for being a sociable, friendly, affectionate, and loyal pup. For the most part, Maltese poodles are gentle and love to receive attention from their family as much as they love to give attention. Maltese poodles are quite alert, a trait that comes from the toy poodle in their genetics. However, they are not prone to aggression or a high prey drive. Your Maltese poodle may bark more when they are bored or anxious, but these behavioral issues can be fixed with proper care and training. Are Maltese Poodles Affectionate? Maltese poodles are highly affectionate pups. They love to sit with their humans and spend time lounging around in addition to spending time playing outside, taking walks, or visiting dog parks and dog-friendly areas. Maltese poodles have a need to receive lots of affection from their families, and they will certainly give just as much affection back. You should remember that because the Maltese poodle is such a people-loving and affectionate pup, they can be prone to separation anxiety and may not handle long periods of separation from their families well. Maltese poodles are good with kids, thanks to their relatively gentle and calm nature. They can be playful and affectionate and easily get along with children who want to play or spend time properly petting them. It is important to note that children who play rough with your Maltese poodle may hurt the dog due to their small and more fragile size, so older children and children who know how to treat animals properly are likely a better match for this pup. Maltese poodles are generally good with all other animals that they may meet or live with. They are outgoing and sociable and unlikely to become aggressive, though they may bark at first if they see the other animal as suspicious. Larger dogs may not be the best choice for a companion for Maltese poodles, as this dog breed can be easily injured by rough play or accident. Are Maltese Poodles Aggressive? They may bark at things that frighten them or find suspicious, but they are unlikely to bite, growl, or nip unless they are being directly threatened or accosted. Do Maltese Poodles Bark a Lot? Maltese poodles can be quite the barker in certain situations. This breed tends to bark at things they find frightening or suspicious, but they will stop after they see what the item is clearly or the unfamiliar person is proven to be friendly. Maltese poodles can develop anxiety and behavioral issues when left alone for long periods of time, which can result in excessive barking; proper training and care can reduce the amount of barking and make this pup happier. Are Maltese Poodles Intelligent? Maltese poodles are reasonably intelligent dogs due to the genetics of the toy poodle. Toy poodles are known for their above-average intelligence and the ease at which they pick up basic obedience training or more advanced skills. Are Maltese Poodles Easy to Train? Maltese poodles are fairly easy to train thanks to their average to above-average intelligence. They pick up basic obedience commands quickly and may even be suited for more advanced skills and commands. They also love to show off to their owners and spend time with their families, which makes training them a good time for all. Are Maltese Poodles Energetic? Maltese poodles are quite an energetic dog, but their exercise needs are moderate. They love a quick minute playtime with their toys inside or outside the home, and they require a 15 to minute walk at least twice daily to stay happy and healthy. You should also take your Maltese poodle to dog parks regularly in order to get them to socialize with other dogs in a safe, contained manner. Maltese poodles are one of the best breeds for apartment living. They may bark from time to time when hearing noises from other apartments or seeing things outside, but with proper training and care, your Maltese poodle should not cause too much noise or disruption in an apartment. Are Maltese Poodles Good Watchdogs? Maltese poodles are pretty good watchdogs; they are alert, bark at anything suspicious they see, and are fiercely loyal to their family. You can expect your Maltese poodle to bark at unfamiliar strangers or things they perceive as threats which can be helpful when you want a small dog that can alert you to potential trouble around your home. Maltese poodles may be good service dogs in certain situations. This dog is quite small, so they are not suited for mobility or guiding-related service tasks, but due to their trainable nature and constant want to help out their families, they can make good medical alert or emotional support dogs. The Maltese poodle is pretty emotionally perceptive, something that helps them relieve conditions such as anxiety and depression, and they can pick up medical alert commands easily, in addition to learning more advanced skills such as fetching medications, phones, and water. How to Care for a Maltese Poodle Caring for your Maltese poodle requires spending time with your pup exercising them, loving on them, and providing them with the nutrition they need. You should take your dog out on walks at least twice a day and spend time playing with them and their toys whenever possible. Regular visits to dog parks and walking in public can help socialize your dog, and you should always remember to stay up to date with veterinary care. Your Maltese poodle will likely need regular bathing and grooming services to keep their hair clean and free of mats. You will also need to feed your Maltese poodle two meals a day, supplemented by treats and other highly nutritional additions. You should remember not to leave your Maltese poodle home alone for long periods, as this can cause behavioral issues and upset your dog. Maltese poodles do need to be groomed. Their hair grows constantly, and since it is on the longer side, it can become matted and dirty easily. Brush your Maltese poodle several times a week, bathe them approximately once every month or so, and take them to a groomer on a regular basis to get their hair brushed out and trimmed so that it stays clear of their eyes and out of the way. Do Maltese Poodles Shed? Maltese poodles shed a small amount, but they are considered a low-shedding and more hypoallergenic dog breed. This lack of shedding is attributed to their single-layer coat that continually grows instead of shedding small hairs all over the place like a double-layered coat often does. What Should a Maltese Poodle Eat? Your Maltese poodle should eat high-quality dog food divided into two to three meals daily. Like many crossbreeds, the Maltese poodle may present health issues inherited from its parents and health issues resulting from being bred into a small-sized dog. Maltese poodles are prone to health problems such as mitral valve disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, bloat, and allergies. Proper care of your Maltese poodle and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your pup stays in top shape and may help you to catch a developing health problem before it turns into something more serious or life-threatening. Maltese poodles have a life span that ranges between 10 and 13 years. In order to give your pup the longest, happiest life possible, you should be taking proper care of your dog, ensuring that regular vet visits are maintained, and keeping an eye on your Maltese poodle for potential emerging health issues. Are Maltese Poodles Expensive? Maltese poodles are considered a designer breed and can be more expensive to purchase as a result. How to Find a Maltese Poodle Breeder? To find a Maltese poodle breeder, you can perform internet searches for both local and national reputable breeders. Most of the time, you will be put on a waiting list for a puppy, and the breeder will keep you updated on when your puppy can come home. Keep in mind that you should attempt to gather as much information about the breeder, their licenses, and the conditions in which the dogs are being bred to ensure that you purchase from a breeder that properly cares for their animals. Can You Adopt a Maltese Poodle? While you can adopt a Maltese poodle from a shelter, this breed may not often turn up at local and national organizations. This is because Maltese poodles are considered designer dogs and are typically purchased directly from breeders; owners who spend money on a dog like this are unlikely to rehome them. That being said, there may be several rescue organizations dedicated to rehoming this breed when they have been given up due to unfortunate circumstances; keep an eye out on the websites of local and national organizations to see if any have Maltese poodles available for adoption. Are Maltese Poodles Purebred? Maltese poodles are not purebred dogs. They are a crossbreed, created from a mix of the Maltese dog breed and the toy poodle dog breed. Can You Show Maltese Poodles? You cannot show Maltese poodles as they are not official purebred dogs and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They may be recognized by specific mixed and designer breed kennel clubs; you will need to search for these organizations and see if show opportunities are available. Maltese poodles are usually a pretty good choice for new dog owners. This breed is gentle, friendly, and affectionate and is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They love spending time with their families and are quite playful, in addition to fitting well into apartment-style living. The only things new dog owners may be overwhelmed by are the higher grooming needs of this pup and the fact that they are companion dogs, meaning they cannot be left alone for long periods. Deciding whether or not the Maltese poodle is the right dog for you can be a difficult choice. Below, we make a list of points about when this dog may or may not fit into your lifestyle; review these items carefully to determine whether or not the Maltese poodle is the best dog breed for you. The Maltese poodle might be the right dog for you if: You want a friendly, loving, and sociable dog that loves to spend time with you and give affection as much as they receive it. You want a dog that is easily trained for basic tasks and has a playful, more energetic outlook on life. You want a dog that fits in well to apartment-style living. The Maltese poodle is not the dog for you if: You plan on leaving your dog home alone for long periods of time; Maltese poodles need social interaction and plenty of time spent with their families to stay happy and healthy. You want a dog that will mix well with any larger breed dogs in your home; Maltese poodles are generally too small to play well with larger dog breeds, though it is possible. You want a dog that can spend plenty of time outdoors with you hiking, hunting, or generally being active; Maltese poodles are playful and energetic, but they are too small for labor-intensive outdoor activities. Once you review these items and our complete dog breed guide, the decision of whether or not to add a Maltese poodle to your family should be clear. And, no matter which dog you decide to adopt, as long as you take proper care of it and provide it with ample love, you and your pup are sure to live happily together for as long as possible. March 15, Table of Contents Maltipoos — Adorable designer pups Maltipoos are dogs that result from crossing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with a Maltese. The Maltipoo has yet to be recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club and other organizations across the world. Most dogs have a fluffy and wool-like coat, though, which is one of the features they are most appreciated for. How big does a Maltipoo get? This is a relatively small breed. Adults get to a height that ranges from 10 to 12 inches, depending on their gender and genetic inheritance. Most have a weight between 10 and 20 pounds, also depending on their gender, whether they were spayed or neutered, and if their parents were smaller or larger. If you are looking for an especially small Maltipoo, you should pick a female and also ask your breeder for a cross of two smaller parents. If you are looking for a larger dog however, make sure to pick a male puppies from parents that are on the larger side. Genetics are strong when it comes to size! Temperament The best thing about a Maltipoo is that it usually inherits the personality of its parents. However, like any other breed, whether mixed or not, this one needs to be socialized as early as possible. Another Maltipoo personality trait that dog owners love is that they can be quite affectionate. They do tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for many hours during the day, so if you tend to be away from home for more than 10 hours on a daily basis, this might not be the right dog for you. Are Maltipoos easy to potty train? Most Maltipoos are very easy to train, especially if some of the training was done by the breeder. Praise and repetitive routines offer the best results when it comes to potty training a Maltipoo. For more information on house training your Maltipoo, talk to an experienced trainer. Is a Maltipoo a good dog? Most dog parents seem to agree that Maltipoos make not good, but great dogs. On top of everything, a Maltipoo maintains their puppy temperament even in their senior years, which can be very refreshing. Are Maltipoos barkers? Some Maltipoos can cause problems if they are adopted from inexperienced or irresponsible breeders. All puppies have to be trained to some extent in order to maintain good behavior, especially in relation to other animals and people. As we previously mentioned, they do not do well when they spend a lot of time alone. Unfortunately, that can be a problem for most pet owners unless they live in a house and have a yard where the dog can have some fun while they are away. On the other hand, they cannot be considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. They do shed several times a year, and their coat should be groomed every months depending on whether it is curly or not. Some Maltipoos have fluffy or curly hair around their eyes, so the latter can sometimes get irritated. If you ever try to cut some of the fur around the eyes, make sure to cover them with your hand first. Others prefer a lamb cut or a fancier style such as the Miami cut. Do Maltipoos have health problems? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes.

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. Keep calm! German Shepherd puppy training is fun and a great time to bond with your new dog! Instead… Follow these puppy training tips to break down your training into manageable steps that are easy to teach and train. German Shepherd puppies are brilliant! And as they grow, they become the most loyal canine friends. Teach Them Handling Skills While your dog may enjoy gentle caresses and hugs from you they will also need to learn other important handling skills. Think about the grooming your dog will need and how the vet might handle your pup in the future. These are all areas where they will be touched in the future. Handling skills involve intentional, purposeful touch that acclimates your dog to uneasy situations in the near future. Ignoring fear and stress signals such as cowering, lip their lips multiple times, turning their head away, even shaking will only teach your dog to fear that object. Fear can cause your dog to become aggressive or suffer from anxiety. Never, ever try to become the alpha! Instead, learn to become their favorite teacher and speak their language. It also prevents undesired behaviors. Think of positive training in terms of showing, teaching, influencing, and trusting. These terms build trust. Focus on the Good Things Some puppy owners all too often think about punishment and discipline as their first steps in training. What you want is to focus on catching your dog behaving well — and reward that! If you see your puppy chewing on the right chew toy, then praise them. When you see them look at you, offer them a treat for paying attention. When you find your dog lying down being quiet and calm, pet them gently and offer them verbal praise. The more you focus on the good things, the less your dog concerns itself with doing bad things. Call them to you or offer them a better option that is what you prefer, then praise them for choosing the right thing. Pick one skill at a time to practice, and build upon their success. Think of the easiest way for your dog to understand the command and stick to the same word. You can begin basic German Shepherd obedience commands from your own home, even! Small bits of training, spread out in multiple sessions throughout the day, is better than an hour-long session. Aim for the 5-minutes worth of training using 4 to 5 sessions daily. This is where brain games and brain training come into play. You can make up your own brain games for their mental exercise or, even better… Signup for an online course that teaches fun Brain Training for Dogs using that positive, reward-based training you read about earlier. Using the unique intelligence of your German Shepherd puppy this brain training program helps your dog to learn not only their basic commands but also to play fun games that work on good behavior. Training games help your dog to learn impulse control, basic commands, and to watch and listen to you. What games do you play with a young dog? Try these great German Shepherd puppy training games to give your 8-week-old puppy a head start! Include different games throughout the day in between your training sessions to give your dog a break and have fun with them! There are 5 critical focus areas in which you must train your 8-week old German Shepherd appropriately. Here is the most important training that you need to teach your new puppy so they enjoy a successful life with you. Keep in mind, your young dog is unable to hold its bladder for more than a couple of hours at 8-weeks-old. They simply lack the muscle control to hold their bladders any longer. Instead, opt to train your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy using positive methods and watching for the natural times that your dog chooses to eliminate. Adjust the times as necessary to avoid any accidents in your house and help keep your puppy to their unique schedule. Early morning: Let your pup outside first thing every morning to let them relieve themselves. After breakfast: After its morning breakfast meal let your dog back outside. Let them walk around and sniff to help encourage them to explore and let them stretch their legs. Before and after lunch: Let your puppy outside before and after their lunchtime meal. Eating stimulates the bowels and your puppy needs to got outside at least every 2 hours. Before and after dinner: Remember that eating stimulates the response for your puppy to eliminate. So, before and after every mealtime your puppy should be let outside for a walk and sniff. Before bedtime: Your puppy needs to relieve themself before they settle down for the nighttime. This is a good time to let them have a long sniffing exploration and to really explore a safe area. During the night: Yes, your puppy will probably need to go potty during the night. You might hear them whine and cry to get your attention. Remember, they cannot hold their bladders for more than 2 hours! After naptime: Take your puppy out for a potty break after naptime, as soon as they wake up. Keep repeating the same routine. Your puppy will soon catch on, but this generally takes weeks or even months. The more diligent you are about preventing accidents the quicker your puppy will learn housetraining. Never, ever punish your puppy or rub their nose in it for punishment. This may stress them out and cause even more accidents. Socializing your 8-week-old German Shepherd means that you must provide your dog with interesting and positive interactions where they feel safe. This helps give your young dog confidence in its environment. German Shepherd Dogs are extremely loyal and have a tendency of apprehensiveness with strangers. Socialization helps ensure that your puppy not only grows a strong bond with you without developing over-protectiveness but also learns to trust that you have their best interest in mind and will keep their experiences as positive as possible. German Shepherd puppy socialization training tips: Without their full set of vaccinations, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases. However, consider taking your young dog to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized. This reduces the risk of becoming sick and helps your German Shepherd become a confident, well-adjusted, and friendly dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization source , even before your dog receives its full set of vaccines, as lack of socialization is detrimental long-term. Every new interaction or must be followed with a reward — a tasty treat! This ensures your puppy has positive associations with new experiences, people, and other dogs. With the proper socialization training, your puppy should become eager to explore new places and meet new people and animals. Taking your German Shepherd puppy to new places exposes them to different people, dogs, sights, and sounds. As a puppy, you can help teach your German Shepherd important social skills through intentional training moments that are positive and allow your puppy to develop their confidence in social situations. This is where bite inhibition comes in useful. Bite inhibition helps your puppy to not only control what they bite but also how hard or soft they close their jaws. It teaches your dog how to properly apply force with its mouth without hurting you or anyone else. How to Teach Your Puppy to Bite Without Hurting You To teach your puppy not to hurt you with their nipping and biting do your best to not let them get to this energy level. If you know your puppy tends to bite you when you play with them too long, then cut your playtime short. If they tend to bite and nip you when they are tired, then have them go to their nap area sooner to rest. Puppies also tend to bite you when they are cranky from not eating soon enough or when they want attention. You can get up and leave the play area for a few moments. Return once they are calm. Never use only your hands for play. You should have a few puppy-safe chew toys around to grab quickly to offer your puppy during play. If your puppy nips or bites any of these areas, the game is immediately over. Get up slowly and calmly and leave. Only return when they are calm again. Offer your puppy their chew toy when they are too excited to play softly with you. Encourage them to find their toys and bite them instead of you. Never yell or punish your puppy for play-biting and nipping. Doing so can lead to anxiety, aggression, or your puppy fearing you. Even though German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs, learning and teaching bite inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. You might even walk to walk around with one of their toys in your pocket to help reinforce the right behavior offering them the chew toy when they decide to nip your ankles or bite your legs. Continue with your bite-inhibition training as long as it takes for your dog to learn to use its soft mouth. This could take months, but soon they will master the art of a soft bite. But, crate training your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy can improve the speed of their house training and accustom them to times they may need to be in their crate such as during travel or at the vets and groomers. Crates are also a useful area for your dog to have their own private space when they want alone time or are stressed and need some quiet. Choose a crate that gives your dog enough room to turn completely around, stand comfortably, sit upright, and lie down easily on their side with their legs stretched for rest. The best crates grow with your German Shepherd and allow you to partition the space off to suit their size. Offer them a treat or even their meal in their crate to help them develop positive associations with it. Start closing the door when they are inside for just a few seconds at first. Then, open the door and let them out calmly. Continue to increase the time your puppy stays inside the crate, working up to longer and longer times. This may only encourage them to cry and whine harder and louder when they want out. Instead, wait just a couple of seconds for them to be quiet, and let them out only when they are not crying and whining. If they appear too stressed or panicked, let them out immediately! This also encourages your dog to seek out the crate when they want their private space and time alone, as they will know where to find their crate. Avoid placing a blanket over the crate since puppies chew and are extremely active. Your pup could accidentally pull the blanket inside and hurt themselves by either wrapping it around their neck or choking on it. Place the crate in an area away from drafts and out of the direct sun so they get too cold or too warm. The best way to do this is to practice leash skills at home first. After they are comfortable wearing their leash around the house, you can work on the skill in the backyard, front yard, or on the sidewalk outside. A good time is during their favorite meal. Only leave them on your dog for a short time to gauge their reaction. If they seem fine, place your puppy into the harness and attach the leash. Offer them praise and a reward for letting you leash them. Now, let your puppy drag the leash around the house so they know how it feels to wear it. You can play with them a bit, or even better have them follow you around which simulates an outdoor walk but indoors. Remove the harness and leash if your GSD puppy becomes too upset and agitated! Keep it upbeat and positive! Now, introduce your puppy to a short walk outdoors in the safety of your backyard. Let your puppy wander around while you hold the leash. They may begin to pull. Get their attention by calling their name and showing them a treat to lure them back to you gently. Reward them every time they come to you while on the leash. Should they ignore you then offer them the treat to lure them to you after giving the command. Try kneeling or squatting down to get on their level when you give them the command. It seems to get their attention better. You can even slap your leg or clap your hands to entice them back to you. Always ensure that your puppy is not stressed by their new harness and leash. Some owners prefer to use a collar for leash training. If this is your choice then only choose life-saving break-away collars since your puppy could get hung up and seriously injure themselves if their collar catches on something during their outside walk. Your dog can learn the basic commands with a bit of training. If you have time to train basic commands and are still focusing on the core areas of raising your German Shepherd puppy, then follow these helpful articles that will put your puppy on the right track to obedience training. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Check Price on Amazon 7. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If a command is not executed the first time, show your puppy what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they can learn to obey the first time the command is made. Unless he is born with a hearing defect that is detected by a vet, your German Shepherd puppy has a perfect hearing ability. If you do, you will train him to be anxious or eventually create the idea that shouting is the norm. Otherwise, your poor puppy will be confused about what you expect and will not know how you want them to behave. Eventually Wean Your German Shepherd Puppy off Training Treats At some point, your puppy needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when the time is right. The AKC Pet Insurance advises that this should be done when your dog has repeatedly performed the behavior or trick that you are training him in and mastered it completely. Nonetheless, your German Shepherd puppy is still a dog in training, and you need to replace the treat with some emotional reward. With these ten principles, you can now apply them to the key areas that your German Shepherd puppy needs to be trained in. It might be training for a sport in their early adult years or training to cope with an age-related life change. But, as a puppy, there are five key areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week old German Shepherd. In the next section, I tell you what training entails for each of these areas. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to train a German Shepherd , I have just the article for you. Humans become social through socialization. Canines become social with training. Humans who are well trained in the first years of life will be well behaved as adults. If you want some scientific proof to the rule that training your German Shepherd young is important for their adult life, here are two key findings from this study: Dogs that are well socialized as puppies will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. These dogs learn better how to play games with humans than those without proper socialization as puppies. Your dog will learn social skills throughout his life, depending on the situations that he gets exposed to. As a puppy, however, you can teach your German Shepherd socialization through intentional training moments in the family, in public places, or by sending the pup to socialization classes. Taking your German Shepherd out often to social places like parks exposes him to other people and dogs. This helps the canine to be less wary or aggressive around strangers. Being among other puppies also helps your little furry friend build confidence. The earlier mentioned study indicates that puppies can learn social skills better when put in socialization classes with other puppies. So, what does that mean? Usually, dogs will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and once they have had their meal. Use that natural rhythm as a reference for his daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing up their sleeping space and will usually hold it. Nonetheless, young puppies might be unable to do so. If they learn that a relief walk happens first thing in the morning, though, they will eventually make an effort to hold it. Walk your dog after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to give him time to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. In addition to this for dogs that have had their shots , a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent your dog from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you are out, find someone to help you stick to the routine. The best dog crates will give your pet enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, you might go for the standard metal model with either a single or double door. I like the double door one as it gives you more options where you can place it in your home, and this one has a carrying handle which makes it easy to move around. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel check Amazon for the latest price are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog, and this one even meets the cargo specifications for airlines. Here are five key things you should practice when crate-training your German Shepherd puppy: Keep your puppy in the crate at night always. Letting him into your bed should be a complete no. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets the idea that there are other options. You will likely hear your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy cry during the first night, but after that, he will be just fine. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house and for his own safety, such as cooking in the kitchen or in exceptional situations like when you have visitors. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate. A blanket and some toys will offer some comfort for your dog. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained to. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Contrary to the widespread idea that we should yelp like a puppy and quickly withdraw our hand or clothing when a puppy bites, the best way to teach your German Shepherd puppy that his bite hurts is to cry like the human that you are. If you watch the video, you will see what I mean. Do the same when they bite your clothing and other parts of the body like ears or hair. While doing this training, let your dog differentiate between a bite that hurts and one that is soft and part of playing. Also, training your puppy to soft bite is best initiated early in the first six weeks and continued until 4 to 5 months, or when they have mastered the art of soft biting. The best way to do this is to practice at home first before going out for walks with your pup. Consider the following steps: Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to a harness or collar and leash by first allowing him to get used to it gradually. You can play with your puppy for a while and give a treat before or soon after removing the leash. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your puppy to short walks outside on a leash. Your puppy will get distracted during the walk and may try to pull. Do not pull back; instead, stand firm until he gives up and walks back toward you. Timing is crucial here. Reward every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of walking on a leash is perfected. You can learn how to stop a GSD from pulling on the leash in this article. Final Thoughts 8-weeks-old is a good time to train a German Shepherd puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, leash training, and not biting. To successfully train your puppy in these areas, you must train them young and follow other good training principles like not shouting at your puppy, being consistent in your commands, and rewarding obedience to commands, among others. Always bear in mind that a puppy is just starting. So, be patient and begin with basic commands before introducing the more complex trick commands. Good luck with your new friend! Related Posts You May Like:. Can a German Shepherd puppy start training at 8 months? How to Potty Train Your 8-week-old German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your 8-week-old German Shepherd can be stressful at first, but with a bit of persistence and patience, your puppy will learn correct behavior in no time. The potty area can be outdoors or indoors. Having a designated potty place will help your dog understand that this is the only place they should go to poop or pee. Watch Out for Signs One of the first signs is usually an increased awareness of their surroundings. You may notice that your puppy starts sniffing around more often or seems particularly interested in certain places of the house. Watch out also for changes in behavior. If your pup suddenly starts having accidents inside or seems antsy and restless, they may be trying to tell you that they need to go outside. Use Cue Words One way to help your new puppy understand what you want him to do is to use cue words. Cue words will help your German Shepherd puppy learn the connection between the words and the action. You can also use cue words when rewarding him for going in the right spot. Give Training Treats When potty training your puppy, use treats as a form of positive reinforcement. Doing this teaches your puppy that good things happen when they go outside to do their business. When choosing treats for potty training, select something small and easy to eat. This way, the puppy can eat the treat quickly and then get back to playing. It would be best if you also chose training treats that your puppy finds irresistible. Otherwise, they may not be motivated to keep trying. Puppy Crate It is an enclosure to confine your new puppy for short periods. It is also helpful in transporting puppies from one place to another. German Shepherd owners use it for crate training as they can also help with separation anxiety and boredom. Puppy crates usually have a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleaning. They also have wire, plastic, or fabric as the primary materials, and they typically come in different sizes to accommodate puppies of different ages and breeds. When buying a crate, it must be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down but small enough so that the puppy does not have too much space to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other. When used correctly, it can provide a safe, comfortable space for your new furry friend. Early Morning: Bring your Puppy Outside When your German Shepherd is a still puppy, he may have trouble holding his bladder throughout the night. If you do not let your puppy out early enough, it might create potty accidents because he cannot control their bladder. Morning: Time for a Nutritious Breakfast Puppies need a lot of nutrients to grow up healthy and strong. A nutritious breakfast helps them get the energy they need to start the day. Even though puppies spend most of their time sleeping and cuddling, puppies require several daily feedings. Place your puppy on your lap and snuggle while sleeping. It would be best if you also let them rest throughout the day. Afternoon: Lunchtime Take your puppy outside after lunch to relieve themselves. Allow your puppy time to exercise and release any built-up energy. Feeding your puppy .Between naps, you can do playtime and training activities to help release energy, encourage physical activity, and develop a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd. Evening: Last meal of the Day During the evening, feed your puppy their fourth and last meal. Afterward, take your puppy for a short stroll. Before returning, have your puppy go potty outside, then snuggle up on the sofa for some quality time. Night: Potty Break Before Bedtime Take your puppy out for one more potty time before putting him to bed. Remember that you should establish a reasonable bedtime for your puppy early on. Moreover, an 8-week-old German Shepherd may develop a better appetite for other solid meals. These include constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem that many German Shepherd puppies face. This condition has several possible causes, including dietary indiscretion, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious concern and will resolve itself within a few days. However, seek veterinary care if your puppy displays other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Constipation A young German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to constipation due to their large, muscular build and fast metabolism. If your puppy is constipated, you may notice that he has difficulty passing stool and seems uncomfortable or restless. If your puppy is constipated, take him to the vet for treatment. The vet may give him a laxative or enema to help relieve constipation. Bloating Bloating occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to swell. German Shepherds are especially prone to bloating because of their deep chests. There are several possible causes of bloating, including eating too fast, drinking too much water, and exercising immediately after eating. Stress can also be a factor. To prevent bloating, feed your German Shepherd several small meals daily instead of one large meal. It is also important to avoid exercising immediately after eating and ensure that your dog has access to fresh water. Yes, a German Shepherd puppy can start training at eight months. But remember that every puppy is different and will learn at its own pace. Consistency is key, and with patience, your puppy will get the hang of obedience training in no time. Training should be a bonding experience for you and your pup! Remember to have fun and keep it light. At eight weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy sleeps for around 18 hours daily. It may seem like a lot, but puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. As they get older, German Shepherds will sleep for less time each day. German Shepherd puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs and people. In addition, puppies typically start teething around eight weeks old, which can cause them to bite more as they try to relieve the discomfort caused by their emerging teeth. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a way for them to learn about their environment. In addition, puppies may bite out of excitement or frustration, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. If your puppy is biting excessively, provide him with plenty of chew toys and opportunities to run and play. Also read:. Leash training Avoiding undesirable behaviors So. There are no taking chances with a puppy: leave the room for even a moment and you might come back to a mess, however accidental. Concentrate on the basics: teaching your pup where it is okay to do their business and establishing a routine for the appropriate times to do so. Puppies are a big commitment! Use treats as a positive reinforcement when they do so in an appropriate place. Below is a basic schedule for puppy potty training. Push on with the same routine, providing them a safe spot in an area where they can be away from other dogs if they need to. Puppies, especially young ones, may be frightened to go to the bathroom around older pooches, especially bigger ones. You will also notice that eventually, your dog gives certain cues or behaviors to indicate they need the bathroom, like standing by or barking at the nearest door that leads there. This is the best way to ensure they will pay attention to what it is you want them to do. Every day your puppy is exposed to new sights, smells, sights, sounds and sometimes even tastes if you turn your back for long enough. You need to keep them reassured that everything is okay and remove them from anything that appears to be overstimulating. The primary concern here is to make sure your dog feels safe and secure, and that the experience will be positive as much as you can anticipate. Therefore, they might be a little aloof and resistant the first few times you interact with somebody. This means checking that those you are introducing to the puppy know how to properly handle and treat one, especially any children who happen to be around. Likewise, you should also ask in advance whether any animals you might come into contact with have proven they are able to stay relatively calm and behave appropriately when spending time with other dogs. When it comes to spontaneous street interactions, you should try and work out if the other dog and human are friendly, bearing in mind anything you know about your pup and any time they have spent with animals and people before. Other owners are not your concern, the safety and welfare of your dog is. Adventure: Go to new places and check out new things! Likewise, as long as they have enough room to fully stand, sit completely upright and lie down comfortably with their legs outstretched, most dogs quite like being in a crate. It offers them a safe, comfortable, private space to relax if stressed or have some alone time. Like us humans, your pup might just want to hang out by themselves for a bit! Worried about accidentally doing something neglectful, or just stressed about crate training in general? Here are some tips to follow that should help you succeed and keep your German Shepherd happy at all times. Gradually begin closing it, just for a few seconds and then longer, increasing the amount of time they spend in the crate little by little. However, whilst they still seem calm, offering up a little snack — potentially even a meal — inside the crate will create positive associations with spending time in there. You can start teaching them some basic commands like sit, stay, lie down, and shake as soon as they come home! Use your voice: it is, after all, your primary method of communication. You might be surprised to learn that tone is more important than what you say until those certain words and their meanings have been learned and understood. When giving commands, use a neutral, authoritative tone; save the high pitched cooing for tummy rubs. Keep it short and sweet: a couple of minutes at a time, every once in a while or at least once a day, will be far more effective and rewarding than an hour straight of saying the same word over and over to no reaction. Finish positively: always try to finish with a command that your dog knows and has successfully completed a few times, as this will ensure they end on a treat and remain positive about the possibility of more training in the future. Focus Five: Leash Training When your dog is all vaccinated and ready for walks, they should be prepared! Initially you should show your puppy the harness and leash — allow them to smell both items, place them in the area or on their backs and give them a treat, so they learn to associate their presence as a good thing. Then consider popping the harness on for a minute or two to see how they react — if they get upset, remove it and try again another time. Otherwise, offer them a treat and some praise for the successful time spent leashed and harnessed. This will allow them to get used to the sensation of being controlled whilst still inside and feeling safe. Every time they return to you, they get a treat! How to discourage your German Shepherd puppy from biting, scratching and jumping up If they bite, jump up or scratch you and it hurts, even if it only hurts a little — but it probably stings quite a bit! Stick to the most basic of commands and only do a couple at a time, though never all at once. The simpler the request, the quicker and easier it will be for your dog to understand it. At first, go somewhere with few or no distractions to train, then gradually introduce new stimuli over time, though nothing too loud. Stress signals like shaking, constantly licking or smacking their lips, cowering away or turning their back to you suggests something is the matter. Crates can be very useful in this situation! Making your dog anxious will throw a spanner in the works and prevent successful training. Get an appropriate toy and play tug of war! You should also use the same words for commands, and ask others to do so as well. Too many variants of the same command will only be confusing, so keep it simple and advise everyone of what to say. A couple of short daily sessions will serve you much better than an hour a week, as well as give your pup plenty of time for snoozing, eating, playing and, of course, getting lots of fuss, attention and cuddles. Consider mental training — not just physical Yes, getting enough exercise, learning commands and being taught how to walk appropriately is important, but your clever and capable German Shepherd needs to do some brain training as well. There are plenty of toys that encourage your dog to work out a variety of puzzles to be rewarded with a treat, stimulating their mind and allowing for a cognitive workout. Make it fun Much like with little kids, there are plenty of games you can play with your dogs that are both highly enjoyable for all involved, but also teach your dog skills and encourage good behavior…covertly. Check out these suggestions from the American Kennel Club for inspiration — you could even make up your own! This is especially important for German Shepherds, as remember, they are especially wary of strangers. Have patience and stick it out It can be disheartening work at first, but training a puppy is one of the most rewarding, satisfying experiences you can have when you get it right. It secures your bond, enables you to have a whole lot of fun and avoids them developing negative characteristics like aggression, fear of strangers or other animals, or running off in public. The more you follow the advice laid out in this guide and continue the same hard work, the better your German Shepherd will respond to you. Check out this video for more great advice! Need more support? There are steps you can take to make things a little easier or give you and your German Shepherd a helping hand. First of all, take a breath and think about it — has it really been a considerable amount of time since you started working with your pup? For instance, toilet training requires at least four to six months of training on average for a puppy to completely stop having accidents altogether. Overexcited dogs can be calmed down in time, but a serious issue with anger needs to be addressed by a professional. A general rule is to allow for five minutes of exercise for each month they are old, so a six month old puppy can do around half an hour of continuous walking in total. This should help avoid any destructive behavior, acting out, accidents or other puppy shenanigans — you may even want to give them a puzzle-based treat like a Kong filled with peanut butter or something more intelligent, to serve as a distraction when you make your exit. Remember, attempts to reprimand or redirect by punishing or shouting will either serve as giving your dog the attention they want, or make them anxious and eventually scared of you. This could even cause them to develop aggressive tendencies. There is no shame in seeking the assistance of a puppy training school or dog expert if you find yourself at a loss for what to do — we all need a little help sometimes and certain dogs can have their misbehavior explained.