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We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below!

About the German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding sheep. Since that time, however, because of their strength, intelligence, trainability and obedience, German Shepherds around the world are often the preferred breed for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and even acting. The German Shepherd is the second-most popular breed of dog in the United States and fourth-most popular in the United Kingdom. Average Height: Male in. Bred originally for herding, and later used heavily for police and military work, the German Shepherd dog requires a very special and balanced temperament in order to fulfill its purpose. Temperament, workability, versatility, drives, nerves and all other aspects of the dog can be assessed and verified via training, competition and judgement from officials. Even if you do not want to compete in any sports or work your dog, you still want a dog that is capable of it. Saying you "just want a pet, not a show or working dog" could leave you with an unsound dog who is not capable of doing the things it was bred to do. Just because your German Shepherd will be a family companion, doesn't mean you have to settle for anything less than a sound, healthy and trust worthy dog. We never breed for size, color, or anything superficial. We only breed our highest quality dogs. Call or text .Bringing happiness and love through puppies!! Some of my story…. I have been in love with german shepherds ever since i was 20 and got my first German shepherd dog named Elsa. I decided about 10 years ago that i wanted to start breeding. I work hard on breeding only from the best lines. I breed for health, temperament, workability, beauty, and many other things. I try to stick to long coats because those are my favorite. Our goal with our breeding program is to promote healthy, sound dogs, who are suitable for any situation and be gentle enough to able to be handled by families as well. I have a variety of drives and energies and each puppy goes thru temperament testing to make sure they go to the right homes, as well as being raised on the Puppy Culture Program. I do not promote the extreme roach back shepherds. Mine either have the proper gentle slope or a more straight old fashioned back. All my dogs are part of the family. We do not have kennels, and I will never keep my dogs in kennels. That would make them very unhappy lol. Every dog i own lives in the house with us and is part of our family. I have recently acquired a nursery shed! It was bought as a shell and I am building the whole inside into puppy rooms, and after the puppies are raised indoors in my bedroom for the first couple weeks, they are then moved out to the nursery shed! They will still be in the house all the time, but they will be in the shed and outdoors when nice for a majority. I am so excited for the addition and have been waiting a long time for it!!!! My goals for are to get ALL my dogs various titles! I implement the Puppy Culture Program into our litters! Its amazing, and so much fun! I love being able to give puppies the absolute best start in their lives which will impact their whole life! Its an amazing program! Puppies are raised for the first 2 weeks in our bedroom so we can watch over them carefully and someone is always with them during that time, and during that time we also do the Early Neurological Stimulation with them. Then we move them to their bigger whelping pens which will be the nursery shed now where we play classical music and other varieties including thunderstorm all the time except bedtime when its quiet time. They learn to use the litter boxes and play with toys. We introduce to new sounds, smells, and textures daily. They are raised in our home and underfoot most of the time, and are handled all day everyday, so they get the full family setting and used to daily family activities and noises and such. This is all a HUGE learning process for me. I do my best and try my hardest at all times. I do not claim to be perfect but I always strive for perfection. I want to produce the best quality dogs I can and I want everyone to always be happy with their lifelong companions. I may make mistakes along the way, but I will always try to fix them and do better next time and move forward and take each mistake as a learning opportunity. My goal is to provide happiness and love to everyone thru my favorite dog- the German shepherd. I also provide transport for my puppies and others as well. They change so often, I cannot give a set price at any time until its actually time to book. If transport is needed to meet you someplace or take a puppy to meet you at the airport, it is the same, 50 cents a mile round trip. I will start a list in the menu at the top, of websites, or breeder names, whom I feel are deserving of recognition. Ill try to update this list whenever I think of someone or something I may have missed! We can connect with our laptops or smartphones and buy things online instantly from the comfort of our own homes. First, the vast majority of adverts selling puppies online are fake. In most cases, the dogs never existed, and buyers are duped out of hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many of the puppies for sale on Craigslist have come from puppy mills. These places are run purely for profit and will cut corners to boost their income. They keep their dogs in basic accommodation usually kennels , which are often filthy. The puppies are often weak and sickly, and many die pretty early on. There have also been hundreds of cases where people have bought purebred pups, but these turn out to be mutts. The answer is clear: Avoid Craigslist when buying animals! If you find a reputable local breeder, they will welcome you to the site to visit with them and meet the parent dogs. Some may allow you to see the pups, but access is sometimes restricted to stop them from getting sick. Check out the breeder thoroughly, and be sure to ask questions. A good breeder will tell you to do this anyway, as they have nothing to hide and will be only too pleased to connect you with happy customers who will provide testimonials. Even so, these beautiful animals can be found in shelters across America, along with thousands of other dogs. Instead of buying from a breeder, why not consider giving one of these dogs a forever home? If you think you could provide a loving home to a dog in need, take a look at the following site: 1. They are simply two devoted dog-lovers who spend much of their time helping homeless dogs. All puppies can be a challenge. Like other dogs, the GSD will go through teething. It will need potty training and obedience training. They are very social animals that need company, especially human company. Without this, they become frustrated and sometimes aggressive. German Shepherds shed a lot! Your GSD pup can come in one of 11 standard colors , not just the classic black and tan you often see. GSDs have a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years, and they have a few health concerns to watch out for, including arthritis and hip dysplasia. All good breeders test for the main health problems, which is another reason to use them. In conclusion, the German Shepherd is a wonderful animal that deserves a home that can match its energy and intelligence. Related articles:. Prices may also vary depending on the place of purchase. Finally, some breeders offer discounts for first-time dog owners and military personnel. This can cut costs significantly. You can also check online directories or breed-specific websites. These websites typically have detailed listings of breeders in your area, as well as reviews from previous customers. Social media can also be a great resource for finding reputable breeders. Many breeders have active Facebook pages or Instagram accounts where they post photos and updates of their puppies. Take the time to read reviews and compare prices. And above all, be sure to ask lots of questions. This will give you a chance to meet the puppies and their parents, as well as ask any questions that you may have. Good breeders will always welcome potential buyers to their homes. They should also be willing to provide references, health certificates, and other documentation about their puppies. Unfortunately, many pet stores and other third-party dealers are in the business of selling sick puppies. Instead, they focus on selling directly to buyers who are ready to take proper care of the puppy. Good breeders will be happy to provide references from previous buyers. This is a great way to get an idea of the quality of the puppies and the level of care that the breeder provides. References can also help you determine whether or not the breeder is reputable. If a breeder is reluctant to provide references, move on. A breeder is an individual who breeds dogs with the intention of selling their puppies. Dog kennels are facilities that house multiple dogs at once without breeding them themselves. This will give you the opportunity to ask them questions about their experience with the breeder and the puppy. Good breeders will also have reviews on websites or social media pages. Take the time to read through these reviews before making your final decision. This typically includes a health certificate from the veterinarian, as well as documentation of any genetic tests that have been performed. This is because your puppy will need regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. A good breeder will be able to provide you with the contact information for their veterinarian. They should also be willing to let you meet the veterinarian and tour their office. When you visit your breeder, there are a few questions that you should always ask. Here are some of the most important ones: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any references from past customers? Can I meet some of your past customers? What genetic tests have been performed on the puppy? Is the puppy up-to-date on his vaccinations and deworming? Who will be responsible for training the puppy? You should also be able to determine whether or not they are knowledgeable about the breed Look Out for The Signs of An Unethical German Shepherd Dog Breeder in Ohio There are some red flags that you should definitely watch out for when buying a German Shepherd puppy. The prices seem too good to be true. If you see any of these red flags, it might be best to move on and find another breeder in Ohio. If this is the case, the breeder should be willing to let you know which of their dogs have been affected by these diseases and give you some information about how it affects them. They should also be able to provide documentation from a veterinarian that states the dog has been tested for these problems. If a breeder tells you that none of their dogs have ever had any health problems, they may not be telling the truth. You will need a crate, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, and a bed. Set up a designated area for the puppy to potty. This should be a spot where you can easily clean it up. Buy some toys to keep the puppy entertained. Make sure you have a vet appointment scheduled for the puppy as soon as possible. Puppy proof your home by removing any objects that the puppy could chew on or swallow. When you bring your new German Shepherd puppy home, make sure you take the time to get to know them. Spend time playing with them, training them, and taking them for walks. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things you need to do when you bring your German Shepherd puppy home is to start potty training them. There are a few things you can do to make this process easier: Take the puppy outside frequently, especially after they eat or drink. Reward the puppy for going potty in the designated area. It will take some time and patience, but eventually your German Shepherd puppy will learn how to properly potty. Here are some tips to help you train your puppy from Ohio breeder: Start training them as soon as possible after they get home. Use positive reinforcement and treats to reward good behavior. It might take a little while for you to train your German Shepherd , but in return you will end up with a well mannered dog that knows the difference between right and wrong behaviors. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. With beautiful coats and colors, like red, black, and bi-colors, German Shepherds are companions and show dogs. Their power and endurance also make them participants in K9 sports and Schutzhund trials. If you feel like you are still confused about how to choose the right breeder, create a checklist and check off the items one by one as you go down the list. The breeder that checks all your boxes is the right one! Start your checklist with customer reviews. Read online reviews to find out what people say about your chosen breeders. Look for reviews on Google, social media platforms, and third-party sites like Yelp. If the reviews are generally positive on all channels, you can be sure they are authentic and trustworthy. Moreover, you can also ask about the breeder in local Facebook groups, your circle of friends and family, and your vet. Customer reviews are the best way to determine the authenticity of a breeder. The second item on your checklist should be health checks; check if the breeder of your choice religiously follows health checks. To make sure that the health of your adopted dog is not compromised or the health of all the dogs overall is ensured, ask the breeder about the frequency of health checks and genetic testing protocols. Make sure the breeder you are adopting from gives you the vaccination card for your dog that has all the latest information. Lastly, check for valid certifications and registrations. The certifications and registrations vary from place to place and breed to breed. American Kennel Club covers most species in America, but smaller species-specific clubs are also active. Do research the valid certifications of the dog and breeder of your choice. German Shepherd Puppies in Ohio — Top 5 Breeders In conclusion, we hope you find the German Shepherd puppy of your choice from the breeders listed above. GSDs are the right choice whether you are a new dog owner or a veteran. Even though they require firm handling, they can be the most obedient pets with the right training and trainers. We also hope the tips mentioned above prove helpful in choosing the right breeder and wish you the best of luck in finding your furry companion! You will also like:. German Shepherd Tips and Resources German Shepherds have been a popular breed for many years thanks to their versatility. From service work to tracking to being the family pet, the German Shepherd can do it all. Although we have hand-picked the best breeders for this list, we always encourage you to do your own research and talk with the breeder of your choice. It is up to you to make sure they are a good fit for your situation and offer a type of dog with the characteristics you are looking for. This list will include ten carefully chosen breeders with a brief description of each, plus any testing and guarantees they offer, and what their buyers like about their business. They are also Degenerative Myelopathy negative and are certified to have good hips and elbows. Quality is a top priority for this breeder, and they price their dogs accordingly at a price point of around four thousand dollars. Puppies from Vom Buflod come with their first vaccines, deworming, and health records. They are bred to have a medium drive and be social and confident, so this is a happy medium for those who want their dogs to have energy but also be able to relax and lie around the house. Puppies from this breeder are required to be spayed or neutered, so look elsewhere if you want the option to breed your dog. Not only is Vom Buflod a high-end breeder, but they also offer training services for all breeds of dogs. They train dogs for personal protection, on and off leash obedience, and service work. This would be a great breeder to choose if you are looking for a service dog and the resources to train the dog all in one place. Purchasers of puppies from Vom Buflod rave about the training offered by Kathy and Hans and report that they are available for questions and are willing to give advice. They say their dog has a great temperament and is easily trainable and intelligent. Many would return to this breeder for their next German Shepherd.

Tips for contacting sellers Keep communication through our messaging system for as long as possible. Choose carefully what information you share about yourself in your messages. Do share info if you have a garden, young kids, or other suitable information to help the seller know you are a suitable buyer. Report suspicious activity to your local Garda Station and via the Report ad button. Note microchip IDs posted here , , , and check the microchip certificates important when you visit to make sure they match and the sellers details are on the certificate too see example microchip certificates. Do not purchase a dog without seeing a microchip certificate. It is illegal to sell a dog without a microchip that's fully registered info. Ask to see mother of puppies. Make sure the puppy is 8 weeks before taking ownership of the dog closer to weeks is even better. See puppies in their home environment. Do not purchase a dog from a seller in a parking lot or other business location. Ask sellers about the vet who has taken care of the dogs. Ask for the dog's vaccination certificate s. Use our contract template www. It's best not to bring young kids to first meetings, to avoid disappointment in the case you decide not to buy a dog. Frug Description The Frenchie Pug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Their mother is a brindle French Bulldog and their father is a fawn Pug. He enjoys play dates with his best friend Ginger who is a Corgi. They play for hours chasing playing tug of war and wrestling. Banx is a cuddler, and loves being by my side. What a gift, a true blessing. He was the best birthday present for me. He also thinks he is a guard dog, but warms up very quickly to the guests; he will even sneak a kiss in if he can. He loves to go rollerblading and running like a wild man with other dogs in the park, but his favorite things to do are eat and sleep. When he passes out, he snores very loudly, and there's no waking him up. She is very devoted, and hasn't got a drop of aggression in her. Very balanced dog. Very clever too. Robber the second-generation white and black Frenchie Pug puppy at 4 months old See more examples of the Frenchie Pug.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are proud to offer the finest AKC registered French Bulldogs available, both in standard and exotic colors! Frenchies offer a charming and clown like personality in a small package! Not to mention, the breed has an unique charm associated with their comical bat ears! The breed makes an excellent family dog with an even temperament and playful personality! We strive to raise our Frenchies to be able to not only go into any events offered, but also to be the loyal companions they are known to be! All of our Frenchies are members of our family. Each one receives the love and care they deserve! We work hard to offer our babies the best nutrition, supplements, and grooming care available! We feed Nutrisource diets combined with NuVet supplements to provide a balanced nutrient source for our dogs! We take what we do with our dogs very seriously. It's more than a hobby, it's a passion. We are devoted to provide the public with the perfect addition to their family, just as we were blessed with the many additions to ours! We do have puppies available from time to time. Visit our available puppies page. If we do not have any available, you can leave your name and number and request to be on our waiting list. You are also welcome to video chat with us and your prospective family member! Due to increased risk of theft and disease, we do not allow visitors to our home! However, we are more than happy to meet in a public location with older, fully vaccinated puppies for you to meet, as well as video chat with younger pups! We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause; however, our Frenchies are our babies and their safety always comes first! We are happy to work with any pet flight nanny or ground transport you have selected. Otherwise, we can arrange transport for you! Also, we can meet within reason depending on location and availability! It is our goal to make it as easy and safe as possible for your new family member to reach their new home! We love to hear all of the puppy stories and to see all of the photos that we receive daily. Many of the people who have purchased a Frenchie from us have become great friends, and many have came back for a second or third furbaby, or referred their friends and family to us! We are blessed to share our life and our family with them. We hope to be able to help you start your own Frenchie story, or to add another chapter to your existing one! Rarity What makes fluffy Frenchies so rare? Like we already mentioned, fluffy French Bulldogs are still hard to come by despite the huge demand in recent years. Why is that? Frenchies that carry only one LH gene have regular short coat, but they are still valuable for breeders. If such a Frenchie is bred to another carrier of the long hair gene, they are likely to produce fluffy puppies, although the chances of that are still quite low. Long-haired pups are only guaranteed if two visual fluffy French Bulldogs are bred together. Their size depends not only on genetics but on their lifestyle as well how many times you take them for a walk, do you have a backyard, do you have other dogs or pets and even the food that you give them. Male Frenchies are usually stronger and stockier than females, they have bigger heads and wider chests. Female Frenchies tend to be a bit smaller and less muscular. On average, they weigh about 5 lbs less than males: their adult size is around 25 lbs, while boys can go up to 30 lbs. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owner. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a fluffy Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. Even though fluffy Frenchies are most popular among French Bulldog breeders, any responsible dog owner can become the parent of one these amazing dogs. Another thing to consider is your financial situation. Buying a fluffy Frenchie is one thing, and maintaining them is a whole different story. Each pet has to visit the vet regularly to get the compulsory shots, which costs money. Not to mention any sickness, which can easily happen at any age. Vets are not cheap, but having pet insurance helps to lower medical costs. All French Bulldogs are prone to overheating due to their flat-faces, but fluffy Frenchies are in even more risk because of their thick long coat. So, if you live in an area with a hot and humid climate, you might want to opt for a regular short-haired Frenchie puppy instead. Their price ranges on a wide scale and is largely determined by their color and gender: standard colored fluffy puppies are valued around 10, USD while unique ones like lilac tan and merle can go up to 19, USD. Female Frenchies normally cost more than males. FAQ What makes fluffy Frenchies fluffy? Fluffy Frenchies have the rare long hair — LH gene also known as the Fibroblast Growth Factor which gives them their furry look. Do Fluffy French Bulldogs Shed? Regular grooming is recommended for them, especially during spring and fall. Why are fluffy French Bulldogs more expensive than other Frenchies? Fluffy Frenchies are much rarer and more unique than short-haired Frenchies because of the rare LH gene they carry, which makes them more expensive as well. When looking for a fluffy Frenchie, you will most likely come across cheaper offers than the prices detailed above. Make sure to do your research and get your fluffy Frenchie from a reputable breeder, and you will have a happy and healthy furry family member for at least a decade.

Dogs for Sale in Pensacola. Search for an English Shepherd puppy or dog. Bernard puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Learn more Breed standardView non-standard puppies available. There are often many great Jindos for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. He is extremely smart and has picked up on training like a champ. American King Shepherds is a Rare Breed that is still under development and consist of a blending of different breeds. To see more adoptable Maremma Sheepdogs in Pensacola, Florida, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We are Now Offering Shipping our Puppies to you. English Shepherd puppies and dogs in Pensacola, Florida. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. There are often many great Lakeland Terriers for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. Golden labrador florida, pensacola. German Shepherds for Sale in Pensacola. Search for a Belgian Laekenois puppy or dog. Why buy a German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of German Shepherd Dog puppies in Pensacola who need a home. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Below are our newest added Maremma Sheepdogs available for adoption in Pensacola, Florida. Pensacola German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Pensacola, FL German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Free online listings of cute German Shepherds. Have 6 purebred German shepherd puppies 3 boys and 3 girls. Her name is Junie B and she is about 7 months she has been spayed and she is up to date on her shots she is als. Must see to love mom and dad available to see. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable English Shepherd puppies and adult English Shepherd in Pensacola, Florida. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color Attributes. Pug puppies and dogs in Pensacola, Florida. This is Odin! Up to date on his shots!!! He is so so sweet, loves to cuddle, loves playing with water, and very smart. Bernard in Pensacola, Florida. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Belgian Laekenois puppies and adult Belgian Laekenois in Pensacola, There are often many great Sealyham Terriers for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. German Shepherd puppies for sale. M… more Over 4 weeks ago on Americanlisted. Ruskin House of Shepherds provides basic training classes at no additional charge for you and your new furry friend. To see more adoptable Pugs in Pensacola, Florida, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for German Shepherd Dog puppies in Pensacola, Florida. Maremma Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Up to date on their shots, super adorable, super sweet. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Lakeland Terrier puppies and adult Lakeland Terrier in Pensacola, Florida. Adopt a puppy or dog in Pensacola, FloridaShelters and rescues in Pensacola, FloridaSearch for a puppy or dogLearn more about dog breedsPuppies and dogs in nearby cities Adopt a dog in Pensacola, Florida These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Pensacola, Florida. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Pug puppies in Pensacola, Florida. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. St Bernard Puppies for Sale. Browse these German Shepherd Dog rescues and shelters below. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pensacola, FL from. He is so so sweet, loves to cuddle, loves. This breed is highly intelligent, beautiful and huge! Find German Shepherd puppies for sale German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .Nickname: Litter of 7 on PuppyFinder. Here are a few organizations closest to you:. Contact Us At cell If you are interested in buying one of our puppies, please complete an application for a puppy and email it to us at. Adopt an English Shepherd near you in Pensacola, Florida We don't see any English Shepherds available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. More pensacola for sale "puppies" - craigslist panama city, FL pfn southwest MS hez tallahassee tal tuscaloosa tsc. English Shepherd. Bernard puppies and adult St. Belgian Laekenois Puppies for Sale. He is potty trained and kennel trained. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable St. This is the price you can expect to pay for the German Shepherd breed without breeding rights. Beware German Shepherd signs. Bernard puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable St. German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Pensacola, Florida. Adorable full blood German shepherd puppies weeks old Thrusday the th. Why buy a Pug puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Pug puppies who need a home. Search for a Lakeland Terrier puppy or dog. Transportation to Pensacola, FL available. Pug puppies and dogs in Pensacola, To see more adoptable Maremma Sheepdogs in Pensacola, Florida, use the. Search for a Sealyham Terrier puppy or dog. Browse these Pug rescues and shelters below. Why buy a German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Pensacola, FL German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Try a different search below! Search Now Search for an English Shepherd puppy or dog. Below are our newest added Pugs available for adoption in Pensacola, Florida. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Anatolian Shepherd. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Pensacola, FL German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Contact Us At cell. Learn more Breed standardView non-standard. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Sealyham Terrier puppies and adult Sealyham Terrier in Pensacola, Florida. Looking for a Pug puppy or dog in Pensacola, Florida? Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees. AKC registered puppies. Click below to find a shelter or rescue in your area! Find an Animal Shelter. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. Goldador Puppies For. He would do best in a home without small dogs as he doesn't realize his size. German Shepherd puppies for sale from trusted breeders. Long Coat German Shepherd Puppies. Nickname: Litter of 3 on PuppyFinder. In addition, I begin potty and crate training early to ensure a smooth transition into your home. Pensacola, FL. Ready to go to their fur ever home. Have 3 beautiful 8 wk old pups. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Pensacola, …. German Shepherd Dog. Lakeland Terrier Puppies for Sale. If you would like to be put on the reservation list for our long coat German shepherd for sale, please email or give me a call. German Shepherd Puppies Pensacola, Fl are available from breeders that specialize in these dogs. Also, a good breeder will be more than happy to show you the pedigree of the dog, as well as a health clearance. Also, a good breeder will ask you for more things before he or she will ship you off with a pup. Besides, they are not in a hurry to send a puppy away. Another thing to consider when looking for a German Shepherd puppy is its personality. Because they need a lot of activity, German Shepherds need a lot of exercises. They also need a lot of attention. They can bite if they feel threatened. This breeder specializes in German Shepherds and imports them from Germany. They also offer training services. They are a great choice for those who want a companion and work in the community. German Shepherds are easy to train, and they do best in a structured environment. Another great reason to choose a German Shepherd puppy is because of its high intelligence and loyalty. While originally bred for herding sheep, German Shepherds now make excellent family pets and security dogs. The breeders of German Shepherds in Florida are specially qualified to offer the best service to your family. They have extensive experience with police dogs and specialized training for these animals. They use these techniques to breed their dogs to be the best in the business. And you can rest assured that your puppy will be healthy and happy thanks to the food the breeder feeds them. Each puppy comes with a warranty. Share this:.

Their environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys. They're a puppy or adolescent and don't have other outlets for their energy. They're a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig. They're an active breed who needs a job to be happy. They've recently seen you gardening or working in the yard. What to do Expand your dog's world and increase their people time in the following ways: Walk your dog at least twice daily. Lack of exercise is a leading cause of behavioral problems. Play with them using active toys balls, flying disks as often as possible. Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. Practice these every day for five to 10 minutes. Take a training class with your dog and practice what you learn daily. Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy when you're not around. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting. Hunting prey Dogs often dig in an effort to catch burrowing animals or insects who live in your yard. This may be the case if the digging is: Focused on a single area rather than the boundaries of the yard. At the roots of trees or shrubs. In a "path" layout. What to do Search for signs of burrowing animals, then use safe, humane methods to fence them out, exclude them or make your yard or garden unattractive to them. What not to do Don't use any product or method that could be toxic or dangerous to your pets or other animals. Anything that poisons wildlife can poison your dog too. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy Comfort and protection In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water. Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if: The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source. Your dog doesn't have a shelter or their shelter is too hot or cold. Your dog lies in the holes they dig. What to do Provide your dog with the comfort or protection they seek. Bring them inside more often and make sure their outdoor shelter is comfortable, protected against extreme temperatures and has access to water in an un-tippable bowl. If your dog is still a dedicated digger, try setting aside a digging zone. Attention Any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging in it. Remember, even punishment is attention. Your dog may be looking for attention if they dig in your presence or have limited opportunities for interaction with you. What to do Ignore attention-seeking behavior and give your pooch lots of praise for " good dog " behavior. Also, make sure your dog has enough walk and play time with you on a daily basis. Escape Dogs may try to escape to get to something, to get somewhere or to get away from something. Your dog may be digging to escape if they dig under or along a fence. What to do Figure out why your dog is trying to escape and remove those incentives. Make sure their environment is a safe, appealing place for a dog. To keep your dog in your yard: Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. Be sure to roll the sharp edges away from your yard. Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line. Bury the bottom of the fence one to two feet below the surface. Place chain link fencing on the ground anchored to the bottom of the fence to make it uncomfortable for your dog to walk near the fence. Work with your dog on behavior modification to stop their escape efforts. What doesn't work Regardless of the reason your dog is digging, don't: Punish your dog after the fact. This won't address the cause of the behavior and will worsen any digging that's motivated by fear or anxiety. Stake out your dog near a hole they've dug or fill the hole with water. Next steps: A digging zone If your dog is a dedicated digger, set aside an area of the yard where it's OK for them to dig and teach them where that digging zone is: Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. Or use a child-sized sandbox. Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items such as toys for them to discover. When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise. If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and firmly say, "No dig. Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive at least temporarily by placing rocks or chicken wire over them. If you've tried all these strategies and still can't solve your dog's digging problem, keep them indoors with you and supervise them during bathroom breaks in the yard. You may also want to consult a behavior professional for additional help. Tom Thorpe Blog Golden Retrievers are classified as a sporting dog breed. Usually, they are task to retrieve small animals. Yet, as the breed develops over time, there are still some doggy characteristics that remain intact. One of these is the digging behavior of the Goldies, but why do Golden Retrievers dig? In this blog post, I listed here some of the reasons behind the digging attitude of the Golden Retrievers. Also, included here are different tips and approaches that you should do in order to eliminate this negative trait of the Goldies. But, it may not be surprising because dogs, especially the Goldies really love to do it. Knowing the reasons behind the digging issue of the Golden Retriever is generally important in order for us to deal with this doggy problem properly. Check below why do Golden Retrievers dig: Instinct Tracing on their bloodlines, the Golden Retriever has an innate nature of being an excellent hunter. Along with the development of breeding the Goldies, their instinct in fetching small animals for their master is highly remarkable. Golden Retrievers will usually dig deeper to find the haven of small animals even without any training. Call the service of the Goldies if you have any rodent problems at home. For sure, they will definitely never fail you with that digging project. Boredom Another reason why do Golden Retrievers dig is because they are looking for ways to focus their attention. Dogs also get bored for some time and once they get into that state, they will find anything to make them preoccupied. If there is no source of stimulation that they may find, the Goldies will use their paws to do the exercise — the digging. So, it is actually always a good idea to take them out for a daily long walk at the park. Aiming for attention Dogs like the Golden Retrievers usually spend most of their time in the backyard. In order to deal with that, they will sometimes be settled with an angry shout. As much as possible, do not reward your Goldies digging behavior with negative attention especially if you need to leave them outside the house. Rather, it is very crucial to praise positive behaviors. Anxiety Why do Golden Retrievers dig? Well, it turned out that one of the reasons for Golden Retrievers digging is due to their compulsive behavior. If ever the Goldies become nervous, they will usually dig. They typically do that because, for them, digging is one way to relax and release their anxious energy. However, if you notice that digging is a new behavior of your Goldies, try to analyze if something from your routine has been changed. For example, there are new neighbors arrived in town. Because of that, the Golden Retriever is just trying to lay down their space. So, what they will do is to dig in your backyard. Overheating When the hot season is already in, the Golden Retriever may begin digging the soil in your backyard. They may be looking for a cool place underground. Normally, Golden Retrievers have thick coats making them feel warm during summer. Well, if the hole that the Goldies are digging has the same length of their body size, it is actually an indication that the dog is really wanting to cool down. Overfeeding One reason behind Golden Retrievers digging is feeding them with too much food. The hole will serve as their reservoir for their leftovers. This is another doggy behavior that may also be attributed to their instinct. For them, this is a good way to save food. So, if your Golden Retriever is burying food on the ground, it is a strong indication of overfeeding. Now, that you already have an idea about the various reasons why do Golden Retrievers dig, then resolving the digging issue would be fair and easy. However, some pet owners are having difficulty in stopping this damaging doggy behavior. This is primarily due to the absence of any clues why they are digging. This may be very helpful for those dogs that are not showing any clues at all. Consider playing with them within your garden or give them some toys to play with. In case you notice that your Goldies is trying to bury small toys, teach him that digging is a bad doggy behavior. Instead, praise him for playing the toy in a much pretty acceptable manner. Basically, doing that will result in reinforcement of good behavior to your Golden Retriever. Aside from that, you can also resolve the reasons behind your Golden Retriever digging issue. However, if they really need to be in the yard all alone, try to provide a small designated area for him outside. This area is where his digging attitude would be allowed. Another good idea is to make an area for them which is filled with loose soil or play sand. This way they can still do the digging and may bury their toys. Put a sandbox or a particular area of soft soil within your yard. Place some of your Goldies favorite toys into the sand. Make your Golden Retriever be familiar with this special digging area for them. Give them a reward the moment they use that area. Repeat doing this process and be consistent until they learn in doing so. Yet, doing that will permit them to reinforce their instincts. The good thing is that it will execute out in a safer approach. If the digging problem of your Golden Retriever persists, the best approach for this is to make the yard a little bit hard to dig for your dog. Consider putting some rocks on the ground or incorporate some chicken wire so that dog digging may be prevented. And if their digging behavior is one of the problems, worry no more as there are some training approaches that you may consider doing. Check them below and see which one would be helpful for you in eradicating the reason for your Golden Retrievers digging. It actually works by teaching the Goldies to connect any negative circumstances into a positive ones. For example, if your Golden Retriever will be left alone in your house, a treat or a toy will be given to him. The counter-conditioning approach is actually a big help for doggy diggers. Remember, most of them are anxious. And for every passing time, their stress will be reduced by those key situations because they already know to relate them into positive actions. Positive reinforcement technique usually depends on you to be in the garden even for a little while. Immediately give them praise and treats once your Goldies show behaviors in a manner that you really want them to do. In relation to the reason behind the Golden Retrievers digging attitude, consider giving a toy to your Goldies that they would most likely bury. This action is a good thing to do once you notice that your Golden Retriever is burying some items into your yard. Afterward, give them a command to sit or stay. In case, they refuse the drive to move away and bury the toy, it is a good indication to reward them. Eventually, reduce the frequency of providing treats. Do these until you get to a point that they totally comprehend the ways on behaving in the garden. Most pet owners are considering crate training for their dogs. The method goes by leaving the Goldies in the crate where they are allowed to relax and be safe. Proper crate training is generally important if you consider using the limitation method to your digging Golden Retriever. Make your way out to the yard with your Goldies and watch what they are doing there. Once you notice any signs that they are preparing for a dig the second time around, immediately call them back to you. Ball playing, praising them for a job well done, or providing a treat — all these rewards are generally good. Yet, regardless of the reward, try anything that the Goldies loves and, for sure, they will respond well on that. In case your Golden Retriever dig a hole without your awareness, remember not to punish them right away. Better to ignore your Goldies as you patiently fill the hole which is a result of their digging behavior. Afterward, take your Golden Retriever inside the house and let them out when you feel that you are ready for a new training session. Why do Golden Retrievers Dig? Boredom — Then Keep Them Busy It is discussed above that one of the reasons behind the digging behavior of Golden Retrievers is their boredom. There are times that the Goldies do not get proper stimulation during the day. Digging is one way for them to create their own fun and become active. But, for this doggy digger, digging is a great pastime for the Golden Retrievers especially the bored ones. Fortunately, there are things that you can employ to make your Goldies busy. Here are some of those: Daily walking and playing The adult Goldies really require even a single hour of daily exercise. Brisk walking or playing with them in the yard will do the work here. Teach them the nosework Aside from digging, one of the natural instincts of the Goldies is sniffing. So, to deal with this properly, introduce to them the nosework. Nosework is actually a group of simple games that aims for allowing your dog to bring out the most powerful senses inside of them. The bottom line here is to educate your Goldies to monitor various smells. If you opt to employ this game to your Golden Retriever, they will stimulate their brain and get all their energy intended for the hole-digging. Introduce this nosework game through the following steps: Initially, hold both fists hiding a treat in just one hand. Afterward, try to hide treats with a strong aroma around your house. Alter the level of difficulty in finding the treats. Hide some in easy to find areas and others in hard-to-find places. Instruct your Goldies to find them inside the house. Make some encouragement as they are searching for it. Praise them more as they sniff out lots of treats. Moreover, it is good idea to elevate the level of difficulty the moment your Goldies gets better at sniffing. Better to practice consistently here to reduce the anxiety of your Goldies. This will also be one way for them to get rid of their extra energy. A: Since it is in the nature of the Goldies to dig, one way for them to do this to their owner is to paw at you. Well, just like digging, their main reason for doing so is to get your attention. So, if ever you feel their paws touching you, feel very confident that they want you to stop from the things that you are doing. From there, it is better to direct your focus on them. A: Generally, Golden Retrievers begin to calm down once they reach the age of 2 to 3 years old. This is actually the stage when they are shifting from their puppyhood to the adult stage. And the moment they turn four, they tend to become much calmer. But, in terms of energy levels, the Goldies still have the high energy compared with the other doggies. Yet, there digging behavior still persists. Proper training is all you need to address it. A: The Golden Retrievers are considered full grown, when they reach a particular weight and height. For males, they actually grow up to 23 to 24 inches with a weight of 65 to 75 pounds. Their female counterpart can get as tall as .Once they reach the age of 1 year old, the Goldies already achieve their full height. But, it does not have any direct effect on their natural instinct for digging. Final Words The reasons why do Golden Retrievers dig can generally be traced back to their natural instinct of retrieving smaller animals. Aside from that, there are also other reasons that are linked to these negative doggy behaviors. Being their pet owner, it is our full responsibility to train them properly so that digging would not be as disastrous as it can be. In fact, some of the strategies needed here would likely create healthier and happier Goldies. Keep reading and we will list and address a number of reasons that can be motivating your golden retriever digging. Providing extra exercise is the most effective way to stop golden retriever digging. Attention seeking — Golden retrievers like human companionship and attention, more than most other breeds in general. This is more common than you might think, and be sure your dog probably realized how effective this was to get you attention, and will likely try it again when he wants your attention. Determining the ideal amount of food your golden wants is the best way to stop golden retriever digging, when is it motivated by saving food purposes. Temperature control — It is common to seek cooler places in hot days, because of this dogs will dig holes roughly their size, in the shade or under something that provides cover from the sun to cool their body temperature. Hunting instinct — Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve ducks and other small animals during hunting season and games, although this activity is usually initiated upon command by the hunter and owner of the dog. Den instinct — We all know dogs are driven in large part by instinct, and one of these instincts motivates dogs to dig holes under or facing shelter. Anxiety — Very much like us, dogs also experience anxiety triggered by many reasons, an expected walk on the park, a bowl of delicious treats, or on the negative side, some traumatic experience whose feelings were triggered by some recent event. In order to relieve it some dog will engage in repetitious behaviors because they often relieve stress. Either way, as general rule of thumb there is techniques and training to stop golden retriever digging. They focus on partially or completely removing the motives behind digging, and most importantly, adjusting your dog behavior with simple training and positive reinforcement so that he no longer sees digging as an positive and rewarding behavior. The most effective and easier approach to stop your golden retriever from digging is to direct his energy to other interests, they love to play games, ball throwing, fetching are among their favorites, join with your dog on these activities and others of this kind. After some times like this, he will learn that those times in the yard mean fun and playing, but not digging. Other things you might try is to fence the most sensitive parts of the yard, gardens and vases with flowers. You can also spray the areas he commonly chooses to dig, some people use the strongest pepper they can find instead, others plan a special kind of plant which smell is too strong for dogs to handle. Post navigation. Golden Retriever also by their nature love digging. The most common reason dogs dig is to bury or uncover bones or toys. So,Why Do Dogs Dig? Why Do Dogs Dig? On very warm days, some Golden retriever dogs dig and lay in a hole to escape the heat. Some breeds, such as terriers, were bred to dig up and kill rodents and other small animals, and they certainly haven't lost the instinct. In many cases, digging may be the dog's way of trying to escape confinement or boredom. While we know digging is instinctive in Golden retriever dogs , we often wish they wouldn't do it. Compulsive diggers are frustrating. Their owners don't want to punish the dog for doing what comes instinctively, but they also don't want their yards to be filled with holes. Fortunately, there are ways you can stop your dog from digging. Before you can end this behavior, you need to understand why dogs dig. If your Golden retriever dog digs only when left alone for long periods of time, the dog is probably trying to combat boredom. An exercise session before you leave will tire the dog out so that he will sleep part of the time you are away from home. Be sure to leave your dog plenty of toys that engage his mind as well as his body, so that he can keep himself occupied while he is alone. Pet supply stores have a large variety of chew toys and dog games. So, How to stop dogs digging? Reward you dog for digging in the assigned area. It is important to understand that digging is part of their nature and will take time to get out of this habit. Consistence training, however, can help them get out of their digging habits. Like all other dogs, Golden retrievers are also guided by a set of responses and if the trainer disapproves the habit of digging, Goldens will soon learn that the action is unacceptable and will restrain itself from digging. Lack of exercise, boredom, separation anxiety , and things like that could be the reasons for Golden Retriever digging habit. Solutions to these problems for example, if digging is due to lack of exercise then you may take your dog for a walk, engage it in other work, or play with the dog to help it come out of this feeling. By doing so, you may be able to stop the digging entirely. If the dog is digging because of boredom or separation anxiety, then you can buy some toys for the dog and can even spend some time with your Golden Retriever entertaining it. However, some Golden Retrievers dig without any particular reason, that is, they dig for the sake of digging. In that situation, you have to take care and train the dog out of the digging habit. To take Golden Retrievers out of digging habits you may restrict their access to the yard and invest in obedience training classes. Diverting the attention of Golden Retriever while they are in the garden, such as playing with them or giving them something to chew can help them come out of the digging habit. Great attention has to be paid when the Golden retriever dog is in garden, you have to look after it and immediately reprimand your Golden Retriever when it starts digging. It is important to make him realize that for what he is being rebuked. If you rebuke him after he has completed digging, it would not help. Another common reason for a Golden Retriever dogs digging habit is to get a relief from heat. Especially during the summer time in some parts of the world Golden Retrievers dig to stay cool. Through digging they try to cover themselves from dirt which is cool and moist as their coats are pretty thick. So, to stop your Golden Retrievers from turning to digging, you must keep your dog in a cooler place and plenty of water to drink. If you can give your Golden dog a pool where he can splash around can also keep them away from feeling the need to dig. You must know that a Golden Retriever loves water more than digging. Though there could be many aversive ways of controlling Golden Retriever digging habit, but the results for those are greatly varied. Supervising and obedience training classes are the most recommended methods when it comes to digging. You may have to make an extra effort with compulsive diggers. If your Golden retriever dog constantly digs in flowerbeds, you might need to put up a physical barrier to prevent the dog from entering the flowerbed. Remote punishment is a technique that seems to work well in this case. This can be as simple as a short blast of water that gets the dog's attention the moment he starts to dig, or any activity that will distract the dog when the digging begins. Why do Golden Retrievers Dig? My backyard is full of holes. Since bringing my Golden Retriever home, all he has done is dig, dig, dig! At the end of my wits, I did some research to find out why he keeps on digging. So, why do Golden Retrievers dig a lot? Digging is an instinctive behavior for every dog breed. Many factors can cause digging. Stress, overheating, and an urge to hide things can all lead to Golden Retriever digging. Finding out exactly why your Golden Retriever is putting holes into your yard is the only way to get them to stop. There are many reasons why your dog might be digging holes, and some of them may surprise you! Dogs dig for all sorts of reasons. But there are some more common causes of digging that you should look out for. Once you do, you can start to tackle the problem! Here are a few ideas why your dog might be digging up your yard: 1. Instinct Golden Retrievers are excellent at hunting. Years of breeding has given them the instinct to fetch small prey for their masters. Even without training, many Golden Retrievers will dig up the nests of small animals. If you have a rodent problem, your dog may be trying to help you with their digging! Boredom Bored dogs will find almost anything to occupy them. Your dog might have extra energy and be using digging to burn some of it off. Without enough stimulation, your Golden Retriever will take exercising into their own paws. Attention Many dogs spend the whole day alone in the backyard. Some of these dogs are desperate for attention, and will settle for an angry shout. If you need to leave your dog outside, try not to reward their digging with negative attention. Instead, praise their positive behaviors! Anxiety Some nervous dogs will dig as a compulsive behavior. Digging can be a relaxing way to channel anxious energy. If digging is a new behavior ask yourself if anything has changed in your routine. Have new neighbors moved in? Your dog may be trying to assert their space by digging at the boundaries of your house. Overheating In the hot months, your dog may start trying to dig a cool underground den. Golden Retrievers can get pretty warm in summer because of their thick coats. If you see your dog digging a hole the same length as their body, they might be telling you that they need to cool down. Many dogs have this instinct. It developed so a dog would be able to save food for later. If you notice your dog burying their food, you are overfeeding them. How to Stop Golden Retriever Digging So you know why your dog is digging, but you have no idea how to stop them. There are many ways to get your pup to leave your backyard alone. Occupy your dog with fun games like fetch or tug-of-war. Let your dog get used to being outside without feeling the compulsion to dig. Soon they will begin to see the yard as a fun place to play, instead of space for digging. Try to have lots of appropriate toys for your dog in the yard. Soon your dog will learn that digging is not appreciated. Introduce the digging area to your dog and reward them when they use it. Be consistent and keep repeating this pattern until they learn. If your dog is still having problems with digging, try making the yard less easy to dig in. Put rocks on the ground, or even use chicken wire to prevent your dog from digging. Research shows that negative reinforcement will not stop your dog from misbehaving. Instead, try to catch your dog before they start an unwanted behavior. You can then redirect their destructive urges into a more positive outlet. If your Golden Retriever is not active and engaged, they may decide to make their own fun. Unfortunately digging holes is the favourite pastime of many bored Goldies. Luckily there are all sorts of things you can do to keep your dog busy! Adult Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. Walks and games are great ways to get this time in, but there are also other ways to keep your pup active. If your Golden Retriever loves digging and sniffing in the dirt, why not teach them nosework? Nosework games are simple, and let your dog use one of their most powerful senses. At the core, these games are all about teaching your dog to track smells. Practice until your dog is able to find the treat on command. Hide strong smelling treats around the house. Make sure some are easy to find and some are harder. Give them lots of praise as they sniff out the treats! You can ramp up the difficulty as your dog gets better at using their nose. Try to give your dog fun tasks and stimulation every day. They will be happier and less likely to take out their stress by digging in the yard. Related Questions Why is my Golden Retriever digging on their bed? Dogs dig on their beds for comfort, or to mark their territory. Other dogs dig out of a nesting instinct, and will soon settle in for a nap afterwards. Why is my Golden Retriever chewing on things? Most dogs chew! Chewing is an important way for your dog to keep their teeth clean and strong. Some dogs can also chew to relieve anxiety or get rid of extra energy. If your dog is young, they may also be teething. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. Golden Retrievers are a highly active breed which needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. This includes playtimes and walks. So, the dog finds an alternative channel to take out his energy, that is, he digs up the yard. In this section of the blog post, we would like to go through a few ways in which you can stop your dog from wrecking your precious plants. Distract, Distract, Distract Dogs are instinctively driven to dig. However, you can still stop your furry friend from killing all if your plants by using the power of distraction. You can get him a ball, a rope toy, etc. Get a Sandbox: People with Golden Retrievers that love digging have found success with sandboxes such as the Little Tikes Turtle Round Sandbox which will keep your dog occupied while fulfilling his digging instincts You should try to exercise your dog to stop him from digging. This, too, works well and is a nice way to distract your dog from unwanted behavior. Here are some things to try out: Take him for a walk: Golden Retrievers love their walks! These dogs love going on long walks with their humans. You can tire your dog out by taking him out. If your dog likes to dig at the same place for some reason, the best way to get him to stop is by using certain digging deterrents. You can partially bury rocks or chicken wire in the area where your dog dogs a lot to make him stop Burying cayenne or citrus peels or adding some vinegar to the soil will make your dog stay away from the area You can have a motion-sensing sprinkler system installed to get your dog to behave Use thorny plants to keep your canine away! This includes rodents, squirrels, cats, etc. One of the biggest signs of this is when your dog is digging near trees. In this case, you should ask the pest control services to investigate the area to keep the pests out. Fencing your property is also another good idea which works. Positive Reinforcements Work! Positive reinforcement is something that increases the probability of a response from occurring again. In this case, when your dog stops digging holes, you should shower him with love and affection. Treats, too, act as excellent positive reinforcement. We highly recommend you try out the three techniques that we have mentioned above to try your Golden Retriever to stop digging. However, this activity can drive you nuts and ruin your beautiful garden and plants. There are a lot of ways in which you can teach your dog to stop digging. We recommend that you try distracting your dog as that works the best. Have questions? More Training. But rather than give up and pave over every lawn space around you, there is a range of things you can do to stop your Golden Retriever from making a mess of your much-loved garden. Digging Never Used to Be an Issue! Lots of puppies love to investigate every new inch that is presented to them, and for most dogs, this is where the fascination with digging will start. While smaller puppies will gently nudge plants and scratch under fences, as they get bigger…so will the level of destruction! Why Does My Dog Dig? There are lots of reasons why dogs dig, and thinking about why they might be doing it is a big step towards getting them to stop. Here are a few of the more common reasons Golden Retrievers dig: Instinct: Golden Retrievers were originally bred to help their owners during gaming season by retrieving small animals for them. If your dog senses new neighbors, they may also dig near fences to release stress and assert their territory with the new people and animals. Boredom: Golden Retrievers need lots of exercise and are a very active breed. A few inches below soil level can be a good couple of degrees cooler than on the surface, so if your dog is trying to dig a hole roughly the length of their body, they may be trying to cool down. This is instinctive behavior, so you may need to adjust the amount of food you feed your dog if they start up with this habit. You could play with them in the garden, and give them toys that they may instinctively try to bury, but teach them it is bad to dig, and praise them if they play with the toy in a more acceptable way. You will need to train them to only dig in the area you have set up, but it will allow them to indulge their instincts safely if you chose to go down this route. Training Methods There are a few well-established methods that have worked well for numerous owners with a digging dog. Counter-Conditioning The idea behind this training method is to teach your dog to associate negative situations like being left alone if you go to work with something very positive, like a treat or a favorite toy. This method can be a great help if your dog is digging because they are anxious, as over time, they can become less stressed by key events as they learn to associate them with the new positive actions. Positive Reinforcement This is one of the most common methods of training puppies and dogs, and can work really well when trying to stop unwanted behaviors. This method relies on you being around in the garden for a while, to quickly give praise and treats if your dog behaves in the way you want them to. If your Golden Retriever is burying items in the garden, try giving them a toy they are likely to bury, and then tell them to sit or stay. If they resist the urge to run off and bury their new found treasure, then reward them. Lots of owners choose to crate train their dogs, and this means you can leave your dogs in their crate, where they will be calm and safe until you can get back to supervise them. Supervision Whenever you can make the time, sitting outside with your dog is a great way to stop digging becoming an issue. Head out to the garden with them, and watch what they do…the second you see any signs of them getting ready to dig, call them over to you. If they respond well and come running, now is the time to praise and treat them. Spend time with your dog outside to observe them. Sit with your dog near places they frequently like to dig — if you see them circling, sniffing or starting to whine, then move to step 4. At the first sign of any digging, call your dog to you, and reward them if they come. If your dog digs in this area, remember to praise and reward them for digging in the correct place. If your dog manages to dig a hole, stay calm, fill it, and end the time outside until you feel ready for the next training session. The most important thing to remember with any type of training, is that you need to stay calm, and keep positive. Sometimes, dogs can have very complex reasons for digging that may not be as easy or simple to solve. Start by considering why your dog might be digging, and from that point you can work out which training methods might suit you and your situation. Your dog simply needs to learn the boundaries you want to put in place. You May Also Like.

It all started when we became empty-nesters and purchased our first lab, since then our Lab family has continued to grow. We strive to breed for great all around family Labradors that are healthy, calm, intelligent, and are of the beautiful English type Labs stocky bodies, square, blocky heads. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting! Healthy Parents We welcome litters a year with the goal of producing healthy family dogs, all purpose Labradors placed in loving homes. We strive for good temperament, structurally sound, intelligence and to improve the breed. Our Labs are sweet, intelligent, easily trained, and so eager to please. Our Labrador Retrievers have superior pedigrees with champion bloodlines from traditional English lines. We do recommended Genetic health testing. The puppies are also dewormed at recommended times. We keep puppies until 8 weeks of age. Labs take 2 to 3 years to develop mentally and physically, training is an important part of the development of your Lab. We strongly recommend you locate a Beginner puppy class, enroll and take several classes. Labs are very intelligent and require socializing, training and exercise. Labs do not socialize themselves. Commitment to the welfare of your dog is extremely important. This puppy will be with you the next years. It's important our puppies are placed in homes where they receive the type of care Lab puppies need. Striving for excellent quality with emphasis on temperament, conformation, intelligence and all around health. Our dogs come from top pedigree, filled with champion lines. Our goal is to produce calm, intelligent "English" Labradors who will provide wonderful companions to you and your family. We are a small kennel, located outside of Alliance, Ohio and believe in producing the utmost quality in our pups. Therefore, we are able to make sure all of our breeding stock and pups receive lots of attention and care. We believe that Labs are at their best when they are in the companionship of people, and where they have freedom to run and play. We take great pride in the quality of the pups we produce emphasizing temperament, conformation and all around health. Our dogs have great pedigrees, filled with champions, from traditional English lines. Our pups are in homes throughout the United States and have proven to be accomplished service dogs, therapy dogs, hunters and companions to many families. You can see many, many years of our dogs, growing from pups to seniors, as well as testimonials from puppy families, on our Facebook page at Maple Creek Labradors. Our Labradors are the 'English' type, meaning they have a square or 'blocky' head, a well muscled body and thick bone. Their soft, kind expression make them instantly lovable. They are not separate color genes. 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One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears. To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress. For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Cleveland had its beginnings in when Moses Cleaveland, a surveyor, picked his townsite on the shore of Lake Erie. Only three members of his group agreed to stay since most were ill with Malaria. The Ohio and Erie Canal was completed in .The name of Cleaveland was shortened to Cleveland when the local newspaper, The Cleveland Gazette and Commercial Register, had to shorten its masthead by one letter to make it fit. During the Civil War times, Cleveland was an important part of the underground railroad. The port on Lake Erie was important for those slaves seeking to go into Canada for freedom. Many large industrialists settled into the area, such as: Jephtha Wade with the telegraph company which later became Western Union, John D. The distance from Cleveland to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Ohio state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

You may find yourself on the dog food isle trying to make sense of all the ingredients, types of foods and categories. And all you want to know is… How often and what should I feed my Pug? Every dog is different, every type of food has its specific quantities and it even varies between brands. Start simple and figure out all the details and methods. I have collected information about the different types, brands pros and cons of dog feeding to try and give an unbiased as much as I can look, so you can make a better-informed choice which will be right for you and your Pug. Remember, people care deeply about their dogs and will often get very emotional about the health and feeding they chose. Having been the owner of a pet store, I have learned that although I have my personal preferences and very good reasons for them, others may have different choices and they believe they are the right ones for them. There are a lot of issues to consider. How Many times a day should I feed My Pug? A mature Pug can easily live a healthy life with one meal which provides all his nutritional needs. In most cases, it is more convenient for both us and the pug to split this to two meals. If your Pug had a full meal in the morning, be sure he will nag you like crazy in the afternoon. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need, relative to their size, a larger quantity of food so it is better to break it up to three or even four meals a day. If you are around your Pug all day and prefer to give 4 meals a day to a mature dog, there is no harm in it, as long as the overall daily quantity stays the same. Free Buffet or Set meals? Pugs are notorious for becoming overweight and need to be limited to a set amount. If your Pug is not typical in that sense, you are welcome to put the full daily portion in the bowl and see how long it lasts. One more reason for set meals is monitoring. You want to know how much you Pug eats. If you want your Pug to lose weight, you need to know how much he is eating in order to cut down. On the flip side, if your Pug is not eating the usual amounts it may be an indication of a medical condition. What food do Pugs Eat? Pugs love food. They love treats, dry food, wet food, table scraps, raw meat, cooked meat, spicy meat and meat gone bad. In rural areas and farms, they may have also got more meaty scraps. Our Pugs who grew up with Emperors and Royalty were probably treated to high quality scraps. Today, dry bagged kibble or canned wet food are the standard for most homes, although there is a growing number of people and companies promoting more natural diets of either raw or cooked food for dogs. Every type of food claims to be the healthiest, more appropriate, tailored and nutritional. Kibble Kibble is the most common dog food available and has become the staple for the average dog. Pros of Kibble The makers of dry food claim it has the most balanced and scientifically based formulas to provide the best nutrition for a dog. They also tailor these formulas to dogs of different size, breed, age or other needs. Even the most discerning dog owners should be able a composition to satisfy them. The ingredient list is unclear and misleading. There are numerous food recalls yearly. There are websites dedicated just to keep up with the recalls. Teeth are going to need cleaning. Wet canned food Aside from the meatier texture and the higher water content, there is little difference between kibble and the canned, wet counterpart. The ingredients can be similar and so are the health benefits. Some dog owners report that wet food makes for softer stools when fed exclusively. Many dog owners will give a combination of wet and dry food. Home cooked As with human food there is a growing number of people fed up Pun intended with commercial and over engineered food. Raw food Also called the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods , the idea behind it is that the dogs digestive system has not evolved as their behavior, and much like wild dogs or wolves, they should eat the equivalent to small animals they would pray on in nature. Since dogs are also scavengers this diet will include some vegetables, berries etc. The pros As with the home-cooked diet, you have total control of ingredients and quality No preservatives, additives, fillers etc. You need to learn how to make, takes time Ingredients like bones and internal organs may not be available in your area. Can be pricy. Even More expensive if buying ready and frozen. Takes freezer space Raw Disclaimer I am a little bias towards raw food. I used to own a pet food store specializing in raw food for cats and dogs and I have been feeding my own Pugs raw food for over twelve years. Obviously, I am very happy with the raw diet and its outcomes as switching to dry food would have been easy and cheap. I believe it is the better choice for myself and my dogs. I believe I have presented the facts fairly objectively as far as the other feeding options go. There is no standard or way to measure what natural is and what the added value of it is other then the origin of it. Natural color could come from some secretion of an insect. Special Needs Puppies These little ones need the most nutritious and high-quality food you can find. If you want to find an economic way to feed your dog, please do it later in his life. Allergies Pugs are relatively sensitive to allergies. In some cases, this is due to an external source such as home detergents, but more often than not it has to do with their diet. There are a few brands that you can try with low, or no grain. If you are feeding your pug home cooked food or a raw diet, taking the carbs and grain out would be easy. Our Pugs were and are on a raw diet from day one and we never had any issues with allergies, except for one time. We started noticing that Preston had pinkish skin around his paws and around the nose fold. Since we owned a pet food store specializing in raw food, at the time convenient, I know we tried different types of meats, but nothing helped. It took us some time to realize the cause. We had our baby daughter at the time, and since she was very close and intimate with Preston, and he was eating raw, we made sure to wipe his mouth and feet with baby wipes after every meal. The baby wipes were the culprits. We switched them both to hypo-allergenic wipes and the skin went back to normal… Hip Dysplasia Pugs are ranked as one of the breeds with the highest chances of suffering from Hip Dysplasia. This can lead to trouble in walking and running and arthritis may follow as well. If your Pug is suffering from Hip Dysplasia to any extent you may want to either supplement their diet with Chondroitin and Glucosamine or to choose a brand that is made for joint support. Vets and nutrition. Having said that, if I needed nutritional advice, I would go to a nutritionist and not to my Doctor. The nutrition training vets get in many schools is provided by agents of the commercial food companies who are bias at best. Skipping meals Dogs will sometimes skip a meal. It is natural for them as food is not something that was always available on daily base. It is not typical for Pugs but it may happen. If it happens it will probably be a one meal deal. If your Pug misses a few meals in a row you may want to consult a vet. Treats and snacks I try and think of treats and snacks the same way I think of candy for my daughters. If the amount of treats your Pug is rivals the actual food, in quantity, you should reconsider or at least re calculate it. If you are using kibble both at meals and as treats for training, and your stubborn Pug ends up consuming a lot of treats, just take it off the next meal. The same goes for snacks. They should be a part of the total daily feeding and not extra. How long can a pug go without eating? An adult Pug can probably survive many days without food, but no Pug would stand for it. Unless your Pug has a medical condition, he will surely let you know he is hungry. Do make sure that your Pug is not deprived of fresh drinking water at all times. More so if the weather is hot and if he is on a dry food diet and has no other source of hydration. What if my Pug is overweight? Pugs love to eat and have a tendency to eat too much. A chubby Pug is very cute, but at some point, it becomes a health issue. Overweight Pugs may suffer from a wide range of conditions and or aggravate others. Conclusion Food is an important part of your Pugs life and will directly affect his health and well-being. Do make sure you know what your Pug is eating, the quality as well as the quantities. Actually, yes. This is an actual condition called Eye Displacement or Proptosis. It is not a common occurrence but with extreme trauma or circumstances it may happen. In most cases the condition is treatable. More on the condition here… Are Pugs Loving? Pugs have been bred as companion dogs for over two thousand years. Being with people is almost in their DNA. So yes, Pugs love to cuddle, snuggle and just be in contact or as close as they can to their human friends. More on Pug Love here. Aug 25, Share An important part of taking good care of your Pug puppy is making sure that they are properly fed and that they get all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and if your Pug is like most, they seem to like anything that they are fed. Luckily, there are many commercial foods available on the market. There is also the raw doggy food diet that seems to keep getting more popular as time goes on. But what kind of dog food is right for your Pug? How much should you be feeding them? What will the dog not eat? Are there special considerations for a senior Pug? The answers to these questions and more can be found in our Pug feeding guide below. What you do decide to feed your pooch should be based on the quality of the food, no matter the type, and your personal feeding preferences. Here is what can be on the table for your Pug. Image credit: PxHere Commercial Dry Food Kibble Commonly referred to as kibble, commercial dry dog food is the most common and widely available option on the market. Manufacturers of this type of food work hard to balance the ingredients and create a completely balanced nutritional profile for dogs like your Pug. In fact, some brands, like Royal Canin, offer puppy and adult foods made just for Pugs. Whether you choose a dry dog food made just for Pugs or one made for dogs in general, it should include real meat or animal meal as one of the first ingredients on the list. The upside to commercial dry dog food is that it is affordable and easy to administer. It is also typically easy to store for the long term without worrying about it spoiling. The downside is that it tends to be dehydrating, so water should be available to your Pug throughout the day. Commercial Wet Food Commercially made wet dog food tends to be more nutrient-dense than dry food because it contains fresher ingredients and usually has fewer grains, if any at all. Most wet foods have real whole meat or seafood and broth as the first ingredients. Sometimes, veggies are thrown in for good measure, but many are meat-centric to meet the high protein needs of your growing Pug. Wet food is not as easy to store as dry food is, because it must be refrigerated after being opened. However, Pugs tend to enjoy the flavor and texture of wet food more than dry. Wet food is also a little more expensive than dry food, especially when trying to feed Pugs that are full-grown and in their prime. Raw Food A raw food diet is said to result in better digestion, a healthier coat and immune system , optimal dental health, and less susceptibility to allergies among other things. A raw food diet typically consists of quality meat, a source of calcium such as bones , animal organs, and a lower fat count than most commercial foods offer. Feeding your Pug a raw food diet will take commitment and a strong understanding of the nutrition that they need. This type of diet can be expensive and can require storage space in the fridge and freezer. It is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian to put together a complete meal plan to follow if you choose to go this route. It is a freeze-dried raw food supplement that is delicious and nutritious. The process requires about a day of cooking in the kitchen, but the time that you spend in your kitchen should yield enough food for your pooch to eat all week long. You will just have to store the leftovers in the fridge each day until the entire batch has been offered and consumed. Homemade dog food usually consists of whole meat like chicken, eggs, fish oil or flaxseed, brown or white rice, possibly vegetables like carrots and peas , and maybe even supplements of some kind. It depends on what kind of recipe you decide to follow. Any recipe that you consider feeding your dog should be approved by your veterinarian first. But you can quickly tell whether your pooch is being underfed or overfed by checking out their physique every day. If your dog is underfed for too long, you could notice signs like lethargy and an unwillingness to interact with family members. If your dog is overfed, they may succumb to problems like diabetes. If you find that your dog is getting underweight, start feeding them up to an extra cup of food each day. Reduce the amount by up to a cup if your dog is getting pudgy and out of shape. To help avoid under and overfeeding your dog, follow the feeding directions on the packaging of any commercial food you buy for them. If you decide to go the raw or homemade food route, your veterinarian can provide you with a feeding guide. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. Extra immune support is also typically present in puppy food. Once Pugs become adults, they are not as active as when they were pups, and they are not growing at exponential rates, if at all. Therefore, they need food with less protein than what puppies get. Pugs can typically switch to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12 months because much of their growth will be complete at this time. The tricky part is the actual process of switching your pooch from puppy to adult dog food. If not done slowly and intentionally, switching to a new food can cause digestion issues for your dog that could create messes around the house. Lethargy and nausea may follow. Finally, offer only adult food. There are many reasons why your Pug might seem like they do not have an appetite. The first thing to consider is whether you are overfeeding them. If your pooch does not want to eat their last meal of the day, they could simply be full and satisfied. However, other issues could lead to a pup not eating such as: Dental Problems. If your Pug has a toothache or some other kind of dental problem, they may not be comfortable eating. Check for red gums, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth. If something unusual is detected, consult your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Recent Vaccinations. Vaccines can cause side effects, including a lack of appetite. So, if your Pug does not seem to want to eat for a day or two after getting vaccinated, this is normal. Uncomfortable Surroundings. If your pooch goes on an adventure with you and is expected to eat their meal in a situation that is not familiar to them, they may pass on the meal altogether in favor of waiting until they get to what they feel is a safe space to eat. Even if your dog seems fine in every other way, a lack of wanting to eat could mean an illness of some kind is brewing. If you cannot find any other reason for a lack of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Adult Pugs will generally eat about a cup of dry commercial dog food each day or the equivalent, although certain differences might scale this amount up or down as time goes on. Here are the most important factors to consider. Active vs. Sedentary More active dogs will require more food than those that tend to be sedentary. If your pooch takes multiple walks every day, spends a great deal of time playing with kids throughout the day, or enjoys outdoor time with family members each afternoon, chances are that your dog will need a little more food than the average pooch. If your pooch takes only one short walk each day and spends most of their time lounging around the house, chances are that they should be fed as sedentary dogs. Spayed vs. Neutered Sometimes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered eat more than the average pooch. This is because they tend to be more active and excitable, which results in the need for more calories to support their energy needs. Pregnancy Pregnant Pugs need up to twice the amount of food that an adult dog would need. Instead of feeding your pregnant dog puppy or adult food, consider a food designed for all life stages that indicates its suitability for pregnancy. This type of food offers more protein and fat than adult food to support the extra growth they go through, but not as much as puppy food, which could make them overweight after the birth. What Foods Are Bad for Pugs? Image By: Momentmal, Pixabay There are a few foods that you should never feed your Pug to ensure their good health and to avoid serious problems like poisoning and even death. Here are a few food items that should be avoided at all costs: Alcohol. This feeding routine should be followed from 8 weeks to 6 months old. But how much food should that be exactly in each feeding session. How many cups of food should I feed my Pug puppy and adults? Before you check out this Pug feeding chart below, you may just want a quick reference to how many cups of food you need to feed a Pug. The common guidelines say you should feed a Pug puppy of 8 to 20 weeks different cup sizes depending on their weight and age. You can see the cup amounts in the chart here: Puppy feeding amounts This Pug puppy feeding chart explains just how many cups of food you should give them and the regularity. It will be 3 times a day, then twice a day as they get older. As your Pug ages, the number of cups of food you need to him or her will change, as will the regularity. Take a look at the guidance in the graphic below. Adult feeding amounts This is feeding chart for adult Pugs explaining how many cups and how often in the day the feeding times should be. The Pug feeding charts you see above have been scanned from the Royal Canin brand of dog food. This is a very trusted brand, and you will find it being sold in vets all over the world. It contains all the nutrients your Pug puppy will need and is great for starting out with and into adult ages. Almost every time, this happens by the age of 3 weeks; and puppies should not leave their mother until at least 8 weeks of age. They will be like eating machines at this age because they have so much energy to burn. You could also try to sit your Pug down on some scales, but good luck with trying to make them sit still. Instead you can weigh yourself if you have accurate scales, and then get someone to pass you your Pug puppy to see what the difference is. The age of your Pug You might find it hard to get your Pug used to commercial dry food at first. The commercial puppy food should be high enough in calories and nutrients to make up for what they used to get from their mother. In terms of adjusting for their ages, Pug puppies of 8 to 12 weeks old can have one and half cups of food each day, split into 3 servings. By the ages of 6 to 9 months, Pug puppies will be in a regular eating routine where they drop to two meals a day — and this is how it will stay as adults. The dangers of over-feeding Some Pug owners might decide to go to 4 meals a day, but still with the same amount of food. This is because tinier Pugs might find the half a cup 3 times daily, too much of a large meal. Overfeeding is something to keep a strict eye on. If you feed your Pug puppy too much, he could get gastric dilatation-volvulus see definition on ACVS. This is the medical term for a twisted gut and can actually be fatal. Feeding more senior Pugs As Pugs get older, they will start to get less active. With reduced levels of energy comes the need for a lower calorie intake. But only if they are reducing their exercise due to age. With an older Pug you might start to see them putting on weight. If you do see weight gain, start to pull back on the portion sizes. Sometimes your vet may even recommend you go to a higher frequency of daily meals albeit smaller portions , almost like they are puppies again. With senior dogs this can help with weaker stomachs. Overweight or underweight? The average Pug puppy will weigh between 2 and 4 pounds at 8 weeks. These are healthy weight ranges. If you do have a Pug puppy who is clearly underweight, start to add a little bit more food to each of the daily meals until they come back into the health weight range. With overweight Pugs you do the exact opposite but mix more exercise into their daily routines as well. Handy Hint: If your Pug is losing or gaining weight and how much food they eat makes no difference, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Health problems related to Pug feeding Not all dogs are the same, and all the guidance on this page is very generic towards how much you should feed a Pug. The bottom line is that your vet will be able to properly tell you how much your Pug should eat due to their age and weight. Raw food vs. I understand why people feed their dog raw food though; they say commercial food has too many additives plus preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and proteins. Consult with your vet for a professional opinion. Pugs that eat their food far too quickly You should also monitor how quickly your Pug is eating. Puppies are used to having to compete for food, and even when they are home alone with you, they will still have an instinct to wolf their food down. This can cause indigestion and vomiting, so there are a few things you can do to slow their intake down. Use a muffin tin evenly spread the portions throughout the tin. The best dry dog foods should have a high percentage of meats and fish in. Omega-3s are healthy fats, so those will also be a good sign if listed. All of the notes and guidance are based on my own personal experience of raising puppies, with exception to the feeding schedule which is from the Canin dog food brand. However, the Canin Pug feeding charts you see, are exactly how I have fed my puppies and adult dogs. Once your dog reaches adulthood, the best times to feed your Pug will be breakfast and dinner times. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Pug will stay at healthy as our dogs have! You might also like… If you have found this useful and are new to Pug ownership, you might find these other handy guides useful during the puppy phase:. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily. Email No living thing can survive without food. Pugs, with their hyperactive nature, would want to eat constantly. It is always ravenous and thirsty, and seemingly wanting to have something on its mouth. This small ball of cuddles and sweetness is quite prone to weight issues which may deliver debilitating health conditions. To take extreme care of its health, it is important to have a pug food chart handy. Source : mysweetdogs. Second to that is protein lean poultry and pork, and fish and then, complex carbohydrates pearled barley, sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, corn, and millet and fats, the unsaturated kind, filled with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. For lean meat like fish or poultry, another 25 percent should come handy. Remaining calorie count must be divided into healthy complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. This is part of the reason why some conscientious pug owners tend to prepare their own pug food. A quick check on commercial ones will either give you either too high in fat or too low in other nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy. Some households usually make a balance of commercial ones with home-prepared pug food. Others also use organic olive oil and other healthy oils to fully saturate a healthy diet for their pugs. But just how much does a pug need for its daily sustenance? As a first time pug owner, it is important to exercise caution during feeding. Whether you get a small puppy or a fully grown one, proper observations must be carefully done. Keep in mind that pug food charts usually provided on the label of commercial grade dog foods are often manipulated. Try filling its bowl with appropriate amount of pug food See below and check how much it consumes in one sitting. Do this in the morning and then, at dusk while giving pug biscuits or small bits of fresh fruits in between. Keep tabs of its progress or regression in terms of weight in a week or two. Add or subtract the amount of food given when your pug either loses or gains weight. While food portion quantity matters less for other dogs who know how much to eat, pugs can be endless eaters. Unless you give specific amounts, chances are your pug will grow obese very soon. Care should be taken to stick to recommended portions of meal suggested and not exceed even if your dog is urging for more feed. If you have got an adopted one whose age is below 45 days and has no living mother, you can feed the puppy milk replacers like Beaphar lactol, choostix petasure or royal canin babydog milk. Cow milk cerelac is not recommended. Not only human cerelac causes loose motion, it may result in stunted growth as well. After 45 days age, you can go for starter dry food of any brand like drools starter, royal canin mini starter, farmina puppy starter or a brand you like. Starter dry food can be fed to both mother and puppy till 3 months age. If starter kibble is too hard for your puppy to chew, you can add water in it, blend in a grinder and make a mixture that can be fed by feeding bottle. You can feed a pug puppy up to g of feed combined at this age. Home-made food can be fed as well. If you are feeding cooked meat, remove bones. Pug puppy months :This is the ideal growing stage of the puppy. Your puppy will gain the maximum in mass, length and height at this age span. You can feed junior dry food at this age of your choice brand or home-made food like chicken rice or curd rice. Feed the puppy not more than 3 times a day even if puppy acts like he. Make sure food is rich in protein quantity. Water should be kept available at all times while feeding dry food. Puppy weight needs to be monitored every month. Go safely for any kibble your puppy likes, brand should depend on budget. Some good choices are royal canin pug adult, farmina chicken pomegranate mini adult, orijen original, acana small breed adult etc. Pugs live longer years than most dogs like labs. A healthy diet at adult age is important to maintain immune functions and prolong life-span to the maximum extent. Feed no more than g a day divided into two meals. Quantity should be monitored closely depending on body weight. If fed home-made food, amount should be almost same a dry food, a home-made meal like chicken-veggie can be as nutritious as dry food if not more. A pug can also start eating the left-over food of other dogs if you have multiple dogs in the household, which should be avoided. Most reputable brands have different calorie concentration in their diet. So, recommended portions can differ to some extent across brands, you can also look at feeding instructions on packaging of food product for required amount or take advice from a practicing veterinarian. Whenever you are eating, pugs may act like they are hungrier now than ever and want some. Keep them away from human feed at all times. Also, keep yourself and those around your pug informed about things which can be poisonous and unhealthy for most dogs like chocolate or citrus fruits like orange and never feed your pug these. Help, my pug is fat and wants to eat all the time? You are not alone. Most pugs become obese even if owner tried to restrict food quantity. If your pug is fat, you need to go for less fat rich and more protein rich food. Stop giving starch-rich food like human biscuits. Keep your pug as active as possible. While pugs are not suitable for rigorous exercise, regular walking or mild sprinting can increase muscle mass and reduce obesity. Example: if you are feeding chicken rice, remove the rice and give only chicken. If you are feeding a regular dry food like Royal canin pug adult, opt for veterinary obesity food like royal canin satiety, drools vet pro obesity or acana light and fit. Protein-rich diet will help make your pug feel fuller with small quantities of feed. It is recommended to consult a practicing veterinarian in case your puppy is growing excessively obese for a better customized diet. Are you following any other diet for your pug and getting exceptional results? Do let us know in the comments below. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. But he cries alot for the same. Loyal Petzone says: You can give him dry food mixed with curd. I am sure he likes the curd, not the chappati. Moderate amount of unflavored curd can be mixed with dry kibble any time. Rishika Agrawal says: Have some mercy on the baby. .Feed less. .Ankit says: Hii. .My puppy is 3 months old…. .What should i give to her? Nayandharaa says: You can try curd rice, my dog ate it, I mived some crushed pedigree I. There and it ate it all up Deepa Rawat says: Hi, I have a Indian puppy, of around 45 days, can i give him milk in water with glucose biscuits, and if he is doing loose stool, can i give him mashed banana Loyal Petzone says:. But the sad part of the story is that just like any other dog, pugs get obese very quickly. As they say, you become what you eat. Since the pug is a tiny dog, even one extra pound will affect its appearance. For this reason, it becomes important to keep a check on what your pug is eating. The present article talks about the feeding guidelines of this adorable dog: How much is too much? It is very important to feed your dog the correct amount of food to ensure that the pug is getting enough calories for proper growth. Any deviation from the right amount will led to health problems in a pug. Age, activity, metabolism and build of a dog are the major factors on which the amount of food which should be given to a dog depends. Also, the type of food you are giving to a dog is another important factor. If you are feeding home cooked food to one pug and commercial dog food to another dog with same age, build and activity level, it is not necessary that both of them will consume the same amount. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy pug should be given 1 ounce of food per one pound of body weight. For adult pugs, the amount is halved. What about calories? A pug puppy which is in his growth phase requires more calories than adult and senior pugs. On an average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight while an adult pug requires 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Senior pugs need fewer calories because of slow metabolism and less activity level. Free feeding is not recommended to the pug. The following table illustrates the right feeding regime and meal frequency for pugs: Age Amount of food given at one time No. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development.

By Chris We dog parents know this all-too-well. German Shepherds are stoic, confident dogs, so what gives? Why do German Shepherds whine? Many dog parents always wonder what their dogs are whining about , especially working breeds like the German Shepherd. Dogs whine for a variety of reasons, but most often it is to communicate a need or desire. In this blog post, we will go over 7 reasons why your intimidating-looking German Shepherd might sound like a big baby every once in a while. Your German Shepherd Wants Something The vast majority of the time that your dog whines is because it wants something from you, whether it is to go out, to play, or for attention. The first thing to do is to identify what your dog is trying to tell you. So what does your German Shepherd want, and how do you tell? If your German Shepherd is whining to go outside, he might stare at the door and whine, or run between you and the door. Look out for the whining after your dog wakes up from a nap or a few minutes after he finishes his meal. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Your dog is bored German Shepherds are active dogs that require a lot of activity to burn off all of their energy. These intelligent dogs, in particular, require cognitive stimulation. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. A good run every day or a two-hour walk might keep a German Shepherd happy. Make sure that there are plenty of chew toys and puzzles to keep your GSD occupied when indoors, and if not, go for more walks! A hyperactive GSD is not a good idea. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. They are hugely bonded to their human owners and might be a little attention-seeking sook every once in a while. Your pooch is delighted to see you! Dogs whine from extreme excitement too. When you first arrive home, your German Shepherd will most likely whine because it is overjoyed to see you. Simply interpret this whine as a cheerful welcome, but if your GSD is prone to excessive whining and separation anxiety, you might need to wait for him to calm down before giving him the same greeting back. Your GSD is scared or anxious Although GSDs are known to be fearless, courageous dogs, they can be scared too, just like any other dog. Storms, stressful events, loud noises , and the unfamiliar can make a GSD anxious and scared. If your German Shepherd whines in almost the same presumably stressful conditions, it is probably scared and requires your solace. Because you are the pack leader, when your dog is terrified, it looks to you for safety and comfort. If your German Shepherd is whining because of a storm or another uncontrollable situation, simply soothe your dog as best you can in a calm, reassuring way. Relaxed German Shepherd lying on the floor. Your dog is sick or in pain Dogs who are in pain or sick will whine to express how they feel. Whining that is associated with other symptoms of illness, such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, and loss of interest should be checked out. If you believe your dog is whining because it is in pain or sick, make an appointment with your vet right away. Meanwhile, comfort and be affectionate with your dog to make it feel more at ease. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Other telltale signs of a doggy apology include the tail between the legs, ears flat, and droopy body. A whine usually means it is a BIG apology! German Shepherd approaching his owner. How Can You Reduce Whining? For most dogs, it is simply a way of communicating what they feel or need, in the absence of the spoken language. While some whining is normal, especially if they have a legitimate reason like wanting to be let out to go potty, excessive whining can be downright annoying. If your GSD is whining excessively, here are some ways to deal with it. Ignore it Is he trying to get your attention out of jealousy? Simply ignore him. If you give in to such behavior, he will continue to act in this manner, which will eventually become irritating. German Shepherd being curious beside his owner. This is especially true if the pain is chronic or persistent. So the next time your dog starts whining , take a moment to consider whether he might be trying to tell you something. A German Shepherd at the Vet. Training Training will not only help your dog burn off excess energy, but it will also teach your dog to behave the way you want it to. It is best to begin as early as possible, starting with very short durations for puppies and gradually increasing the length of each training session. German Shepherds are one of the most trainable dogs in the world, hence their popularity as working dogs. Use that working drive! Owner trains her train German Shepherd. It will keep them occupied and provide them with something to chew on. Your shoes and furniture will be forever grateful. German Shepherd plays with his toy at the park. But your dog has only you. Spending quality time with your dog will not only provide them with the attention they require but will also help to reduce their anxiety and calm them down. Set aside some time in your busy day for your beloved pooch. It means a lot to them. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Final Thoughts There are a number of reasons why dogs whine. Most commonly, dogs will whine when they want something — usually attention, food, or to be let outside. If a dog is bored, anxious, or frustrated, it may also start to whine, which in most cases, is perfectly normal behavior for dogs. However, if a dog starts whining excessively, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as separation anxiety or another form of stress. No matter the reason, dogs typically only whine when they feel they are not being heard. It just might save you both a lot of frustration. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Many dog owners endure the whiny vocalizations that erupt from their pup for seemingly unknown reasons. Dogs whine for many reasons The reality is, dogs whine for many reasons. Your dog may have trained you to give him a treat or a tickle when he whines. He may even whine when playing with other dogs or as a sign of appeasement. Dogs may whine when they are ill, in pain or are developing cognitive problems so any sudden symptoms or behavior changes should be brought to the attention of a vet. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will often whine when they know you are planning to leave them alone and will typically continue to whine, bark, and possibly get destructive when left alone. Is your dog afraid, excited, aggressive, or maybe begging for a treat? It will be helpful to get familiar with canine body language cues. If your dog is whining for a treat, obviously, you will not reward him for his whining. Rather engage him in some other form of training and treat after he does a good job. If you need to, crate your dog or separate him from the rest of the family during mealtimes until you can put a stop to his behavior. You can help your dog stop his whiny ways by engaging him in other activities, training, games, food puzzles, and anything else that will stimulate his mind and distract him from the trigger. For anxious or nervous dogs, you can practice exercises that will help teach him to be calm such as the down, place and stay command. Once the dog is in his place, redirect his nervous energy with a chew toy or a Kong filled with treats. Dogs that whine out of fear can be helped by helping to build their confidence through reward-based training. Dogs that suffer from low confidence do best when challenged with simple tricks that offer immediate rewards, such as touch, shake, find it, etc. For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, whining will be harder to stop since you will have to help your dog overcome his separation anxiety. Please read our article on separation anxiety and contact your vet or a trainer familiar in helping dogs overcome this condition if symptoms are severe. Never reward your dog for whining The bottom line is, training takes time and teaching your dog to stop whining is no different. If you need to, buy some earplugs but until then, in most cases, by simply ignoring your dog, refraining from petting, feeding, treating, or even talking to him will eventually send the message that whining will get him nowhere. Final Thoughts A German Shepherd is one of the most sociable and vocal dog breeds. While everyone knows that these dogs are intelligent, brave, strong, and protective, whining is the last trait that can come to your mind. However, if you ask any GS owner, they will tell you that their pets tend to whine a lot, especially when they are young. This high-pitched sound may be quite troublesome and frustrating. The causes of such behavior can differ. This article will describe them and tell you what to do to solve the issue. First of all, you need to understand that whining and barking are the main forms of communication for most canines. Since these dogs are very communicative, they use such sounds to make it easier to understand what they mean. However, before making these tight bonds, you may feel worried, upset, or even irritated. Being ill or Injured This reason is rather frustrating. Whining can start all of a sudden. You need to be especially concerned if it has started recently after something happened. For instance, your dog might have eaten something bad or was hurt in some way. Boredom and Need for Attention Things may not be as bad as that. Your German Shepherd can start to whine when it is bored. Look whether your pup has something to engage with. These dogs are very active, and they need at least one hour of exercise per day. If they do not get it, and they do not have any toys to play with or things to do, they whine and disturb you until you pay some attention to them. They may even follow you with a ball in their mouth if they want to go outside and play. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is quite a common characteristic of German Shepherd dogs. They hate being alone. We can explain it by their origins from pack animals whose nature was to protect each other. When you are about to leave, your puppy starts to whine as if it tried to persuade you not to abandon it. It whines because it does not understand how it can protect a part of its pack when they are not close around. The separation anxiety can also result from the inability to guard. For example, your dog hears some threatening sounds or moves far away. It wants to check how dangerous they are but cannot do it from the inside and starts whining. It can even get alert and remain still for a while and then begin to pace and whine. Yes, dogs, like humans, can also get stressed. If your dog has recently started to whine at night, something is likely to have happened to it. For example, you have moved to a new place, or one of your family members has left or died. Dogs can also experience stress when someone treats them badly. When your puppy is frightened, it becomes fearful and whines. When someone who is not good at it is around, when it sees lightning or hears thunder, sirens, or other loud sounds, it can also be afraid. That is why fireworks do a lot of harm to dogs, and your German Shepherd is not an exception. Excitement and Empathy Your young GS can get extremely excited when you or someone from the family comes home. Or you are going to walk it or play with it. When it is curious about something new or unusual, it begins to whine, too. This is normal, and if this whining does not get on your nerves , let it show its emotions in this way. Empathy is one of the sweetest things in your dog. If it feels that you are frustrated, in pain, or in trouble, it will commonly whine to support and comfort you. Let your GS know that everything is OK with you, and it will stop whining. Feeling sorry is another cause of whining. Your pup is very smart and, when it has done something wrong and feels that you are angry or upset about it, it starts to tuck its ears back, tuck its tail, avoid eye contact, and whine. You do not need to correct it. The only thing is that you should not feel angry with your puppy for a long time. Show it that you have forgiven that and give it a scratch or play with it as usual not to prolong its bad emotion of feeling sorry. A Need to Obtain Something Your German Shepherd may want something from you — playing with it, feeding it, giving it some treats, going for a walk , etc. Or it may just want to attract your attention. You should not give in because your puppy is very smart, and it will understand soon that the only way to get the desired object is by whining. Instead, you have to show your pet that whining does not work and you will give it a treat only if it stops doing it. There are different methods to make your GSD whine less. You may apply them according to the situation but they usually work very well. The most helpful tip is to give your puppy more training. German Shepherds are very active dogs. If they do not get just one hour of exercising per day, that may lead to some behavioral issues. Make sure that this exercise involves walking, running , swimming, playing fetch, and other activities that require a lot of strength and stamina. If you cannot do it yourself because you are too busy, get a dog walker to perform it for you. Positive reinforcement training can be quite efficient as well. Teach your dog to behave properly and obey all the commands needed for your perfect cooperation. Start with the basics, such as teaching it how to sit and stay. Choose a quiet environment without any distractors. Then, continue with more complicated things in the place with more distractions, such as a beach or a park. If you do not know how to train your dog properly, you may need help from an expert trainer. Remember that if your German Shepherd is not trained properly as a puppy, that will result in bad behavioral issues like whining, barking, anxiety, unmotivated aggression, and others, in adulthood. You should show your puppy that whining for a treat or walk is not the best way to obtain the desired thing. Instead, you may stop giving your dog a treat or attention when it whines. Though, you can give it something if the whining stops. Then, if the puppy starts whining again, show it that no treat is available until it stops. That will teach your dog that whining is a bad method to obtain desired things. Be Attentive to Your Dog If you feel that your GS whines because it does not get much attention from you, use several options to increase the amount of care. Play some interesting games with it. Tug of war usually works very well. This game is useful for providing both enough attention and exercise to your German Shepherd. Doggy daycare may be a great option. Acquire special toys to play with. Or get it focused on some interesting things instead of chewing your footwear or furniture. It is especially important during the teething phase when a puppy wants to chew everything it sees and constantly whines because of feeling discomfort. You can also offer your doggy some puzzle games. Your puppy will play with such puzzle toys to get the treat enclosed inside them. German Shepherds are very smart, so get them the toys that are not boring because they may lose interest in some simple things very soon and… start whining. Give your dog appropriate chews too. If it whines at night, there may be some serious health issues. Your veterinarian will have it tested and tell you what to do or prescribe some medical treatment. If there is some other issue, they also advise you on changes in diet , training, exercising, or overall care. Final Thoughts So, why do German Shepherds whine? There is no distinct answer. When you bring your puppy home for the first time, its whining may even sound cute. However, you will feel that you should do something about it because it drives you mad. Petting and cuddling may help a lot. Though, your dog also needs proper training and a lot of exercise. Train it to be engaged and not to feel lonely. Special practices for avoiding whining are not necessary. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 3, Share As a dog parent, you know that German Shepherds tend to whine at the most inopportune times. It could be several things, including the dog being sick or in pain. However, before calling the veterinarian, you can examine our list of seven reasons German Shepherds whine and how to stop it. Your Shepherd Needs to Go to the Bathroom The reason your German Shepherd is whining could be as simple as the dog needing to go outside to potty. The dog might whine, then run to or stare at the door, trying to tell you it needs to go outside. This whining usually happens right after your dog wakes up from a nap or just a few minutes after it eats. The dog could be whining because it wants your attention and is ready to cuddle or play. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 3. You can cure this by ensuring your dog gets at least 2 hours of physical exercise daily and providing it with many challenging games and toys. A hyperactive, bored German Shepherd will become destructive, aggressive, and whiny, so make sure your dog gets the exercise and mental stimulation it needs to be healthy and happy. The Dog Is Happy to See You Dogs, including German Shepherds, are usually happy to see their pet parents when they walk through the door in the evening. Your German Shepherd may whine when it first sees you out of sheer excitement. If the whining is accompanied by a lack of appetite, drowsiness, or other signs of sickness, you must take the dog to the vet for an examination. Until your appointment, it will help to comfort and love your pet to make it feel better. An illness or injury should never be ignored because it can cause other health issues if not addressed by a veterinarian and treated promptly. Your Shepherd Is Stressed Although German Shepherds are known for being fearless dogs , they get scared, anxious, and stressed. If your German Shepherd is whining and none of the reasons above apply, your dog may be stressed or afraid of something. Some events that could be stressing your dog and making it whine include storms, fireworks, and even a stranger in the home. Image Credit: Pxhere 7. There are a few other signs of a dog trying to apologize, including keeping its ears flat, its tail between its legs, and a droopy body. Ask your vet for recommendations Ignore the whining unless your dog needs to go potty Give your dog plenty of attention Train your pet not to whine professionally if needed Distract the dog Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Final Thoughts German Shepherds are known for being courageous, loving, protective, and loyal pets. However, they do tend to whine a bit. However, you should make an appointment with your vet if the whining continues to ensure your dog is not suffering from an injury or illness. Because dogs do not speak our language, they must use other ways to communicate their needs to us, and this includes whining excessively. Dogs can be taught to ask for things they want in a polite way, such as by sitting or giving some other visual signal that they need something, rather than rudely yelling for it. Depending on the severity of their illness, injury, or discomfort the whining could be quiet and slow, or it could be loud and frantic. Oftentimes if your German Shepherd is whining a lot due to being unwell, it is accompanied by other signs and behaviors that indicate a sickness or injury , such as heavy panting, pacing, hiding, or attempting to vomit or go to the bathroom and being unable to. Reason 3: They Need To Go Outside When your German Shepherd begins whining a lot, it could be an indicator that they need to go outside to use the bathroom. This is especially true if your German Shepherd is a puppy who is still in the potty-training process, you have a senior German Shepherd who must go outside more frequently, or your German Shepherd is suffering from a digestive or bladder issue that is causing them to need to use the bathroom more frequently. Because whining is a way in which a German Shepherd can signal their discomfort, this is one of the first ways they will alert you to their needs. Whining to go to the bathroom tends be softer in pitch at first, and you may also see your German Shepherd look towards the door or run back and forth between you and the door. If that initial request goes ignored, the whining will probably increase in pitch and intensity, or your pup may opt to just go to the bathroom in the house. You can also see this whining behavior when your German Shepherd has an upset stomach and needs to vomit. Dogs naturally start whining when in a high arousal state, similar to how you may bounce around in place or when kids start chatting nonstop when they are excited. German Shepherds in particular can be very affectionate with their owners , and their intense excitement about interacting with their owner can cause an increase in whining. If the whining is also accompanied by lunging, jumping, mouthing, or other high-energy or stressful behaviors , or you have neighbors who take issue with the noise, then you can work with a local trainer to help teach your dog to better manage his excitement and emotions. Reason 5: They Are Scared Dogs may also whine when they are scared or anxious, so if your German Shepherd is whining a lot, it could be because they are afraid of or anxious about something. If you can identify what is making them afraid or anxious, you can either try to soothe your German Shepherd and show them there is no reason for them to be upset, or you can move them away from what is freaking them out. While some whining is normal depending on the situation, at other times the excessive whining could be a cause for concern. If your German Shepherd suddenly begins whining excessively, it might be due to an underlying medical issue, and you should schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. In order to stop your German Shepherd from whining so much, you must first determine why she is whining in the first place. If your German Shepherd is whining due to wanting something like attention or a treat, work towards encouraging them to ask for what they want more politely, such as by sitting quietly in front of you or by laying down by their food bowl. German Shepherds have a reputation for being an easily trainable breed of dog , so provided you stick with a good training schedule it should be fairly easy to curb the excessive whining. If you reward them with what they want while they are crying for it, it will further encourage them to continue whining usually even louder and in more situations to get what they want, similar to a child crying for candy in the store. If the whining is due to fear, anxiety, or excitement, you can work with a local dog trainer to help your dog better manage his emotions. If you are concerned the excessive crying is due to your German Shepherd having an underlying illness or injury, then speak with your vet as soon as possible to get your pup checked out. Closing Thoughts Due to German Shepherds being such a vocal breed, the whining from your German Shepherd is probably nothing to be concerned about. If you suspect that the continuous whining and crying is related to an underlying medical or behavioral issue, reaching out to your veterinarian is probably the safest thing to do. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. May 21, by Charles Grey If you own a German Shepherd, you may find yourself dealing with a whining puppy. This is normal since a dog may be whining for so many reasons. So why does my German Shepherd whine so much? German Shepherds can whine for many different reasons, including wanting attention, feeling afraid, or being in pain, alongside many other reasons. Knowing the signs to look out for can help you understand why your German Shepherd whines so often. Be sure to read until the end not to miss a thing. German Shepherds may be whining for many reasons. Knowing how to handle the situation can be difficult for many Shepherd owners and lovers. Barking and whining are natural behaviors for a dog, but the frequency and intensity of these sounds may mean something is wrong. If you notice that your dog whines after going for a walk to indicate that he wants to walk again, this can be a sign of a bladder or digestive issue. Whining can be an indication that your dog is in physical pain. Paying attention to the activity that prompts the whining will assist in identifying the issue. This may include going up or down the stairs or jumping on the bed. Pain experienced from these activities could be a sign of arthritis. They want someone to play with them and engage them and may need more exercise and mental stimulation. A bored German Shepherd can lead to destructive habits such as chewing on the sofa or digging up your potted plants. Different situations such as thunderstorms or being surrounded by new people can cause anxiety in your dog. Make a mental note if they exhibit this whining response during specific circumstances and provide extra comfort during those times. If you leave your German Shepherd alone for long periods, this can be a reason for their whining, showing that they are lonely or insecure. A German Shepherd will hunch down and tuck his tail between his legs or pace nervously about if they are feeling insecure. It is their way of telling you that they want something or feel a certain way. They will make a special effort to let you know what they want, and it is entirely normal behavior. Because of a Medical Condition If your German Shepherd has begun whining recently, it could indicate that he is ill. Stomach sensitivity is a common issue among this dog breed, so monitoring is essential if he exhibits discomfort after eating. German Shepherds are unfortunately susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, which can occur as a puppy or after adulthood. If your dog begins to whine during certain physical activities, it could be a medical condition that needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian. Because They Are Lonely German Shepherds are a loyal dog breed and can develop a hyper-attachment to their owners. This attachment can create anxiety about being alone, and they will try to let you know with their whining. It is similar to them communicating a plea for you not to leave them. They love being with you and cuddling up more than anything else, and you are the highlight of their day. When you are gone, even for short periods, they become anxious thinking of when you will return. They are afraid you may not return, and this could be because they are left alone for extended periods or were separated from their mother at too early of an age. If They Are Left in a Kennel for Long Periods of Time As your puppy ages, his sleep routine changes too, which means fewer naps and less sleep at night. If your German Shepherd is wide awake when you put him in this kennel, then there is a good chance you will hear whining and crying. German Shepherds also need consistent physical stimulation. Too much time in a kennel can lead to boredom. A bored German Shepherd will be a whiny one, and his routine needs to be adjusted to fit in the right amount of exercise. Your German Shepherd may whine to show that he is excited and wants to play with your other dog. This is a typical interaction that German Shepherds exhibit with other dogs. German Shepherds were bred to work alongside humans daily doing intensive tasks. This means if they lack these things, they will try to let you know, which could be through whining. Due to Separation Anxiety Depending on the cause, separation anxiety can develop in your German Shepherd as a puppy or develop over time. There are various reasons that your dog can have this type of anxiety. Some dogs feel alone because they instinctively are a pack animal, and there is a fear of being hurt or lost when they are alone. If a dog has been rehomed for any reason, this can create a void and potential instability. Separation anxiety often occurs when a dog has been rescued from an animal shelter because it creates a fear of abandonment. They Are Bored If your German Shepherd does not have the physical and mental stimulation needed daily, they will likely whine to make you aware of this as they have plenty of time and energy. German Shepherds are very energetic and need regular playtime regularly. How to get your German Shepherd to Whine Less? They are a high-energy breed and need an outlet to expel it. Properly Socialize Your German Shepherd When your German Shepherd becomes anxious and fearful of something unfamiliar, he will communicate this with whining. It can also lead to aggressive behavior. Thus, your dog must meet new people and be exposed to new places such as a dog park. Provide toys and other activities to hold their attention and prevent whining unnecessarily. Reward Good Behavior Dogs thrive when they see they have pleased their owners. If your German Shepherd whines to get his way, ignore him and not reward that behavior. Then when he exhibits good behavior, show him that it is appreciated with words of commendation, extra playtime, or a special treat.