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Choose a name that is one or two syllables long. Your dog will learn it quicker, which means that it will be useful for training. But remember, if it is the nickname that you will actually be using, best put some serious thought into it as well. Plus, any human with a complicated name will tell you how annoying it is when people mispronounce your name all the time. You can help your dog distinguish their name from ambient noise by choosing games that start with a sibilant consonant or blend, such as an S or a SH, or a hard commanding consonant, like a K or C. So, for example, if you call your dog Shay, she may have trouble learning the stay command. This means that rude names, which may seem funny, soon become problematic. Overly cute names can also become a bit of an embarrassment especially if your son is walking the dog. First, be wary of names that are too trendy. If you are going to name your dog after a celebrity, pick a timeless celebrity like the ones on our list rather than someone who is currently popular. Imagine if some dark secret comes out of their closet as seems to happen these days and you have to have that association with your beloved dog forever. Draw inspiration from how your dog looks. What color are they? What breed? Are they big, small, or sausage shaped? Do they have any distinctive features like particularly sad eyes, very floppy ears, or feet that are a different color from the rest of their body? You can take a while to get to know their personality and see if that helps with inspiration. Perhaps an even early in your relationship will provide a but of inspiration, and a happy memory every time you say or hear their name. How else will they know that you are talking to them? Training your dog to recognize their name is like most forms of training — it requires positive reinforcement. So, have treats on hand when training: these could be edible, cuddles, or a fun game. First — familiarize your dog with their name. When they respond to you, give them a treat. Repeat this several times over the space of a couple of minutes, and every day for a few weeks. Second — teach your dog to respond to their name when they are not already paying attention to you. Take them out on the leash even if it is only to the yard and let them explore. Call their name, and if they turn and give you their attention, give them a treat. If they do not turn, lightly tug on the leash to get their attention while saying their name again. When they do turn, say their name yet again and give them a treat. With this kind of training your dog will quickly associate their name with good things. They will want to give you their attention when you call because they will be expecting something good. Wrapping Up Picking the right name for your dog is a big responsibility. This is going to be something essential about them for the next 10 to 15 years. It is something that you and your family will be using every day. You want to get it right. Sometimes inspiration just strikes. Other times, you hear a name and you just know that it is perfect for your pooch. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, nothing seems right. If you are struggling to find a good name for your female dog, the best thing that you can do is expose yourself to as many names as possible until you come across one that speaks to you. You can also ask yourself questions about how they look and their behavior that can give you ideas. Not too long ago we named our female Golden Retriever, Raven. Why Raven? We went with one of those reverse names like we mentioned earlier. Raven is an English Cream Golden Retriever almost white in color and of course a Raven is black…get it? So, what about you all? Did you already choose a name for your dog or do you have one in mind? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Pet names by coat color Finding female dog names that are both appealing to your family, and a little unusual, can be quite a challenge. From flowers to candy, and from colors to celebrities, in one of these lists is the perfect name for your new puppy. And a way to communicate with her and help her understand her human friends and new home. Two syllable names are easy for dogs to remember and respond to, so if you choose a long name, think about a nickname or shorter version that appeals to you too. Brainstorming Ideas By using simply brainstorming techniques, you can put together a shortlist of girl animal names that put you back in control of your search. Ideas that will stand you and your little puppy girl apart from the crowd, in a really good way! Grab a sheet of paper, a whiteboard or the inside of a magazine. Anything with space to write — wait for it — by hand! You are going to make what is essentially a mood board for words. Just pick up a pen, and go. Starting with a theme can help. I knew I liked floral names, but when I started to run through some ideas this extended in some more original directions. As you scroll down now through our list of creative female dog names, when you see one you like try to think why it appeals. And start a new mood board of names just around that topic. Top Girl Dog Names Common female dog names are an excellent beginning point for any pet naming journey. Starting with the most popular female dog names we will take a look at girly names that any female puppy would rock. Then move on to some more unique, cute and interesting ideas too.

Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

Lilac Haze Bendrix a. Benny is our family member and he's kind of a big deal, at least in his own mind. There's no other French Bulldog quite like him and we happen to think that's pretty cool. Litters Owned by the Female Owner We've partnered with the owners of each French Bulldog female to help promote their available puppies for sale because we want them to find their best possible forever homes. Each puppy belongs to the litter owner and all negotiations are ultimately their decision. All listed prices of puppies for sale are subject to change and each litter owner has the right to refuse sale. We carefully screen our clients and help them promote healthy French Bulldog puppies to improve the breed. See something you like? Each of the available puppies for sale should have the contact info of the litter owner. If you see something you like, contact them directly and make arrangements to bring that little French Bulldog home! Well done! He is on the smaller side with structure that Frenchie dreams are made of. His front end is straight and his proportions are perfect. He is priced according to his quality and potential. Her OFA hip results are good, as are her elbows. He leaves nothing to be desired. He is curious and confident, exactly like we like to see. He is also a cuddle bug and loves affection. Serious inquires only — this one is not one we want to let go. We could be persuaded with a stud credit… we have no doubt that he is phenomenal. Chocolate is also part of the new Isabella program and is responsible now for some beautiful new colors. These new colors, also known as new shade, or new shades are based on carrying either 1 or 2 copies of the Chocolate gene allele. We do work with some chocolate carrier females within our program, usually for purpose of producing Isabella. If you are searching for a chocolate french bulldog puppy for sale, check our available waiting list spots for Chocolate. Most of our French Bulldog Puppies for sale can be found on our website. Chocolate French bulldog puppies for sale While not always available, we do work with Chocolate carrying females and have beautiful chocolate pups from time to time. The shade of chocolate being a milk chocolate color rather than dark more often than not. From time to time we have brown shade and brown shade tan babies available as well. The chocolate color gene offers quiet a variety of differently shaded French bulldog puppies for sale. If you are interested in further exploring French bulldog genetics or French bulldog colors for rare French bulldog colors , feel free to check out the pages we have put together for educational purposes. We breed for shorter bodies and legs, not long legged giraffes. We are proud that all of our Frenchie puppies for sale are raised in our home with our children, under foot. Every single French Bulldog puppy are well socialized and you can expect a playful, smart, inquisitive and loving professional Snuggle Bug. Available Puppies Notification List. Sometimes just looking at pics online do not do them justice. See Chocolate Puppies! In order for your Frenchie to express chocolate on their coat they must inherit two copies of the gene. Chocolate is not a testable gene as of right now and the only way to know if your dog carries chocolate is to breed to chocolate frenchie or one who carries chocolate. Just as with the other color variations you can have brindling in the coat or solid. The gene that determines this is on the K-locus. If they inherit one or two copies of the brindle Kbr gene they will express brindling in their coat. If not copies of the brindling gene , then they will be solid. Chocolates may also have tan points which has to do with the A locus. If they inherit one or two copies of the tan points gene, At, they will express tan points. You can also have chocolate pied Frenchies which is located on the S-locus. The Frenchie must inherit two copies of the gene for the pied expression. We have not had a little chocolate Frenchie. Previous Chocolate French Bulldogs Oceana is chocolate brindle. One of our retired females. Beau Chocolate Male. Just look at that cute little white strip down his face! Fiona Chocolate Female! Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Read More Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Each of our Frenchies is raised underfoot in our home as part of the family. Our house is full of love, laughter, children, lots of children and dogs. You can learn a bit more about us here. If you are interested in one of our gorgeous puppies please feel free to take a moment to complete our puppy application and we will be in touch regarding our available Texas Frenchie Puppies for sale or upcoming planned breedings. Thank you so much for visiting our home on the web and please check back often as many of our pages are constantly being updated with photos, and info regularly. In the meantime, you can catch us on Instagram by clicking here , or on Facebook by clicking here. The remaining balance is to be paid by 8 weeks old. Our line of communication is always open to you to discuss whatever French Bulldog related questions you may have about your new puppy. You can ask any of our past puppy buyers yourself. We will be happy to provide you with references upon request while we find the time to complete our Testimonials page. Follow Us On IG.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. In , B2TR rescued bulldogs in need. We had adoptions, 64 were foster fails and 57 were previous adopters! We adopt to all U. We are based in NC. Please visit www. We are headquartered in North Carolina, in a pet supply store that is owned with the Rescue. We also have satellite offices in South Carolina, Alabama and we cover Virginia and Maryland as well. We are a c 3 corporation. We are in need of volunteers, donations, supplies and support. We rely solely on donations for the care and treatment of the rescued Bulldogs that are admitted to our organization. We provide our fosters food, treats, supplements, medical care, training and harnesses and leashes. Here is how you can participate: 1. Go to www. Create an account 3. You will receive an approval email from 32 Auctions with a link to acknowledge your account 4. It will take you back to the site 5. You can view some of the great items that will be in auction by selecting view items. During the Auction: When the auction is live you can bid on items through the online auction website. So… it will be harder for ninjas to outbid you without you knowing. You will receive an email with the items you won. You will then pay online via credit card or PayPal for the items you won. Your items will be mailed out to you in the next two weeks. FAQ: Q: Is there a shipping fee? A: Yes, there will be a shipping fee. A: Yes, you will need to create an account with 32auctions to be able to bid. We are excited for the support and partnership. Our passion for this unique and beloved breed is evident in every puppy that we raise. From their sparkling eyes, to their wrinkled faces, and their short, stocky legs, English Bulldogs are truly one of a kind. At Dazzling Bulldogs, we take pride in carefully selecting and breeding only the healthiest and most beautiful bulldogs to ensure that each and every puppy we raise is nothing short of perfect. Let us help you bring a little bit of dazzle into your life with one of our adorable bulldog puppies. Visit our website to learn more and find your new furry family member today. We are a family breeder, All of our bulldogs live inside our home and our loved as family pets. Every litter we have is hand raised inside from birth. Our Website was created to help educate animal lovers about our favorite breed, The English Bulldog. WE specialize in rare colors and Merle English Bulldogs. Dazzling English Bulldog Puppies for Sale We keep a waiting list for our puppies and have an application process to assure they go to a loving stable environment. Our English Bulldogs are all our pets and are our family members. The English Bulldog breeder you decide to go with can be the best or worst decision when looking at an English Bulldog puppy for sale. .We make sure to only feed the best food and breed genetically healthy lines. Pick your breeder carefully and as a result, you will be assured of the healthiest English Bulldog puppy having the least amount of issues. When you purchase a puppy from Dazzling Bulldogs, you will have lifetime advice and guidance any time day or night. Fur Ever Family Dazzling Bulldogs was created solely to unite loving companion puppies with owners who need them as much as they need us. If you have any questions please feel free to call us directly at the number below. We would love to speak with you and guide you in the fun and exciting process of finding your newest family member! Show me the Puppies Get ready to fall in love with Dazzling Bulldogs, the premier English bulldog breeder that is dedicated to providing the ultimate bulldog experience. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Florida A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. French Bulldog Rescues In Florida French bulldogs make excellent pets and deserve all the love and care they can get. They are small and adorable and have one of the best personalities among all dog breeds. This is why they have become a favorite breed for people who are looking for a new dog. For the people living in Florida, getting a french bulldog as a pet requires a bit of consideration. While they are quite playful, they do not do very well in hot climates as Florida has. This does not mean that you can not get a french bulldog as a pet if you live in Florida. It just means that you should take extra measures to ensure that they are comfortable, such as keeping a cool house and walking them in the late evenings when it might be cooler outside. If you are willing to make these concessions and are actively looking to adopt a french bulldog, this is the best place to start your search. We have curated a list of the best french bulldog rescues in Florida. We also provide you with the necessary information you need to know on how they work, how to adopt, as well as how to contact the rescue. These rescues are charged with taking care of these dogs and finding a good home for them. If you are in Florida and are looking to adopt a French Bulldog, this list is for you. Florida English Bulldog Rescue Odessa, FL This rescue is a nonprofit bulldog rescue dedicated to finding new forever homes for bulldog breeds. They have been rescuing bulldogs since .They have helped more than 1, dogs get new homes, and each of the bulldogs gets rehabilitation so that they can be a functional part of their new home. The thing about this particular nonprofit is that they do not focus on french bulldogs. In fact, on the surface, it looks more like their primary focus is English bulldogs. But they have stated that they are open to different bulldog breeds, including the French bulldog. The main difference between an English bulldog and a French bulldog is their size. Florida English Bulldog Rescue seeks out neglected and abused dogs and provides them with rehabilitation and new homes. They also provide a safe home for bulldogs who have no option but to leave their homes. They always have a bulldog ready for anyone who wants to take one home. You can view their available bulldogs here. If you are passionate about helping bulldogs get a better home, you can also help the organization through donations and sending supplies. They are always looking for volunteers. We are here to help! How much do Bulldog puppies cost? The beauty of looking for a Florida Bulldog on our network is having a lot of options! Not only will you have a better chance of finding the exact puppy you want but also at the price is within your budget. What if there are no Bulldog breeders near me? Our network of English Bulldog breeders in Florida is growing by the day so we are confident that you will meet someone with your dream puppy. We can help you search across the Lower 48 states then your chosen breeder can arrange to have you pick up your new puppy at a major airport in Florida. What is the vetting process for Bulldog breeders? All the breeders and businesses on our network went through a strict screening process where we took a close look at their experiences, knowledge in breeding, practices, and facilities. Why is Florida Puppies different from other networks with Bulldog puppies? Many websites are not careful about who they work with making it easy for puppy mills to take advantage of people who are looking for an English Bulldog puppy Florida. Florida Puppies was designed to prevent this from happening. All the Bulldog breeders Florida that you meet here are ethical businesses who take good care of their puppies until the day you take them home. What is a puppy mill like? In puppy mills, dogs are forced to breed their entire lives. Puppies from these places often run a higher risk of developing genetic health issues because their parents are poorly matched. When looking for an English Bulldog puppy for sale Florida, avoid puppy mills with cheap offers at all costs! Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale in Florida right now? What kind of dog is a Bulldog? English Bulldogs were first bred in the s to fight in a horrendous sport called bull-baiting. When the violent sport was banned, these fearless dogs switched careers to driving cattle and their aggressive tendencies were eventually bred out. Today, Bulldogs are pampered pooches who love to lounge all day. There are two knowns lines of this breed -- English and American -- and there is some difference between the two in terms of build. Our network can help you find English or American bulldog puppies Florida. How big does a Bulldog get? What is Bulldog temperament like? Bulldogs are classified as medium-sized and can reach a weight of pounds. They have a stocky build, low bodies, heavy chests, and hefty limbs. Bulldogs are typically low energy but they need daily exercise to stay healthy. They are sweet in nature and are quite friendly. And though these dogs are very brave, they no longer carry the aggression that their ancestors used to possess. Are Bulldogs good for apartments? How does Florida Puppies work? When you search our network for a Bulldog for sale in Florida, we will introduce you to a list of breeders in your city or state who are likely to have puppies ready for rehoming. When you find the Bulldog puppy that you like, contact the breeder, work out the details or pay them a visit! Bulldog's Available!

The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. 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. What are these milestones, and when can you expect them to meet them? We break it all down here, so you know exactly what to expect each step of the way. When you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it can seem like they just keep growing. A fully grown German Shepherd will stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. This manifests itself in many ways, but the most notable factor is their energy level. Puppies tend to have far more energy and be a little clumsier than fully mature dogs. German Shepherds leave their first puppy stage at around the 6-month mark, when they reach adolescence. When a dog reaches sexual maturity varies drastically depending on their sex. Male dogs tend to reach sexual maturity anywhere from 6 to 9 months, while female dogs tend to wait until adulthood. If you want to neuter a dog, you have a much smaller window to prevent puppies than with females. Their adult teeth are much larger and less sharp than their puppy teeth. Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Final Thoughts With so many age ranges that your German Shepherd can mature in various ways, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Related German Shepherd Reads:. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Weighing your German Shepherd at home can be quite a different story! Unless you have a pet scale at home, the easiest way to weigh your German Shepherd would be to use your own scale. Carefully pick up your German Shepherd puppy and make sure they are secure in your arms before stepping back on the scale. Make note of the combined weight of yourself and your puppy, and then step off of the scale and put your puppy down. Subtract your weight from the combined weight. The remaining weight should be close to how much your puppy weighs. For adult dogs, unless you can safely pick up an adult German Shepherd, it is best to contact your vet to utilize their scale, or a local groomer or pet store may also have a scale you can utilize. If you are needing to weigh your German Shepherd frequently for medical or sport reasons, you might invest in a high quality pet scale that you can keep at home. Get your measuring tape the ones used for fabric and clothing measurements are the best option and your puppy. Depending on how active your puppy is, you may need a helper to hold them in place so you can get an accurate measurement. Make sure your puppy is standing squarely and with their weight evenly distributed amongst all four paws. You may need to place a small object on top of the end of the tape to keep it in the correct place. Record the measurement usually in inches or centimeters on your German Shepherd puppy growth chart. You can either measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail or, more commonly, from the front of the chest to the rear end. If you have an active puppy, enlist a helper to keep them still so you can get an accurate measurement. Make sure the puppy is standing squarely and has all four paws on the ground. There should be no leaning forward or backward which can affect your measurements. This area is generally just a few inches underneath their neck and is where the blade of the shoulder sits. If you are concerned that your German Shepherd puppy is not growing as he should when compared to the average German Shepherd puppy, then a vet visit is probably in order. Your vet can conduct tests to make sure your puppy is not suffering from an underlying health condition. Genetics also play a role in how a German Shepherd puppy grows, and if your puppy does not appear to be growing as he should then it could be due to poor breeding practices or parents who were of abnormal sizes as well. Runts of the litter also tend to develop slower than their litter mates. Your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist will be able to help you set up a weight loss and exercise plan to help bring your German Shepherd back down to healthy weight, and your vet can also eliminate any health reasons, such as diabetes or a thyroid issue , that may have caused the weight gain. If your German Shepherd weighs less than he should for her age and activity level, you may need to increase his calorie intake or provide additional weight gain supplements following the advice of your veterinarian. Some German Shepherds have a higher metabolism than others, so your German Shepherd may just need an increase in food to bring them back up to a proper weight. You should also have your veterinarian conduct tests to make sure there is not an underlying health issue, such as heartworm or malnutrition , that is causing the weight loss. While a hot button topic, there is new research and evidence that spaying or neutering your German Shepherd puppy too soon can impact their growth plates and how their bodies develop. Large breed puppies should not be extensively exercised while they are still growing, and they should especially avoid any heavy impact on their joints even jumping out of the car or off of the couch can impact them! Since their growth plates are not yet closed, German Shepherd puppies should receive physical exercise in the form of light walks or playtime. While hiking and dog sports like agility may be an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd puppy, at this young age the impact from that much exercise might cause issues with their growth plates. A good low-impact way of exercising your German Shepherd puppy is to go swimming! As your German Shepherd puppy nears maturity and their growth plates begin closing which generally occurs between 12 and 18 months of age , you can gradually add in more intensive exercise and impact. 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.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd to tire them out so you can stop feeling worn out and stressed? So, how do they do it? They use essential dog skills, which you can learn easily right here. Below, I will show you exactly how to exhaust a German Shepherd even a puppy to not only tire them out… But to calm them down, too. German Shepherds have one of the highest exercise needs and are considered not only athletic but highly intelligent. These two traits, coupled together, make for a breed that may seem hyper and overactive. Some might even refer to their dog as having ADHD. Instead, they probably need a more creative daily routine to help them meet their breed-specific needs. Can you teach your German Shepherd how to be calm? Calm is hard to train a German Shepherd to perform on command. Being calm is a learned behavior that takes time to master and requires daily interaction and ongoing training to perfect. How to Exhaust a German Shepherd Learning how to tire out and exhaust a German Shepherd is a process that you can learn. But it does require time, effort, and grit. Stick with the program for a few months to see the best effects. Your German Shepherd is a well-muscled athlete whose body structure is designed for endurance. Think you can outrun and outdistance your German Shepherd? Never forget that your dog is first and foremost an athlete and must be challenged regularly and exercised in a variety of ways daily. Instead of focusing on walking your German Shepherd, consider all of the options you can introduce to your working breed dog. Follow these steps for a rounded exercise plan: For puppies, let them enjoy off-leash exploration in your yard or use a long line leash in a safe area and encourage them to explore at least 20 minutes daily For adults, try hill walking to increase muscle, or using fallen logs, tree stumps, and other natural obstacles and having your dog move around and jump over them to improve coordination and balance Find a physical game your dog loves, such as tug, and play it for an extra 15 minutes in the morning and evening Offer them mind games, described below, to have them use up their mental energy Find new activities to enjoy together with your German Shepherd, such as backyard agility or dog parkour You can create a breed-based exercise program that includes a variety of physical movements, like the German Shepherd exercise routine found here , to help you learn new exercises that engage your dog. When they master one of the mind games, you can increase the difficulty with a different and harder challenge. Exhausting their mind through mental challenges encourages calm, thoughtful play. Playing mind games also includes: reduces boredom are great for small spaces are perfect for bad weather days increase confidence and problem-solving skills Mental stimulation and mental exercise are best played 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes each session. Add in a mental enrichment session in the morning before you leave for the day and after their last walk to help calm them down for the evening. Wondering what mind games your dog will like? Or, how about learning how to play these fun mind games for German Shepherds to reduce boredom? You can always find new toys your German Shepherd will love for some exciting games together! Step 3: Let them sniff to calm themselves. Are you guilty of pulling your German Shepherd along on their leash outside, rushing them through the routine, and hurrying them along? Did you know that sniffing is exhausting work for your German Shepherd because they have to mentally process the source of the smell? Compared to the meager 5 million olfactory receptors in our human nose, German Shepherds have around million scent receptors source! Sniff to Calm Routine Try adding in more time to simply let your dog sniff and enjoy the smells around them. Try this sniffing routine to help calm a hyper German Shepherd: Set aside at least 15 minutes of your walk for sniffing. You can split this time during the beginning, middle, or end of the walk as you see fit. You can even visit a new path or trail to allow your dog to follow their nose for different scents. If you want to let your dog off-leash to sniff but keep them safe and close, then consider using a long line leash that allows your German Shepherd to sniff around freely while staying safe and nearby. Step 4: Encourage appropriate daily chewing. Chewing is actually beneficial to hyper, overexcited German Shepherds that need to calm down. Kong toys to the rescue! When they become too hyper, focus their attention on the Kong toy. I love to keep multiple stuffed Kong toys in my freezer. Freezing the Kongs increases the time it takes for my German Shepherd to earn her meal, so she stays calmer for longer, and working for her food tires her out. Feed your German Shepherd from a Kong toy for at least 1 of their daily meals to give them an outlet for their hyper energy. This is one of the daily essentials that I use to help exhaust my German Shepherd. Kong toys for German Shepherds are an essential item when tiring out your dog. The guide not only shows the most durable Kong toys, so you spend less money, but also the exact ways to use the Kong to prevent and lessen unwanted behavior issues. If you want an even more chewing variety, then choose from this list of German Shepherd Toys for Bored Chewers. Step 5: Build and practice new tricks and training skills. Or, do they only know their commands inside the house? Do you train your German Shepherd daily? Spend at least 10 minutes a day, preferably broken up into smaller minute fragments spread throughout the day, working on polishing up their old skills and learning new tricks. If you need a refresher on the basics, you can get step-by-step instructions here: German Shepherd beginner obedience at home. Even more tiring for your German Shepherd? Take them to different, safe areas on a leash, work on what they know, and see how well they perform. Start in your home, then try different rooms, in the backyard, front yard, or while on your daily walks. You can then see what you can polish up or add to their skill set. The German Shepherd is a dog built for endurance, athleticism, and tireless work. Every week, you add just a few more minutes of running to your routine. The same is true for trying to tire your German Shepherd through physical exercise alone. What adding more exercise does is simply build a more powerful and athletic German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd is more than a well-oiled athletic machine. Give all their senses a workout to truly tire out your German Shepherd. The best way to exhaust a German Shepherd depends on their age, health, and unique personality. But, as a general rule, you can use the following exercise formula to help you exhaust and tire out your German Shepherd. Adult healthy German Shepherds need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise, but most adult German Shepherds do best with minutes of exercise, split throughout the day. This time should include about 15 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity, such as tug or off-leash running. Also, include at least 15 to 30 minutes of mental activity and brain training, a daily chewing session preferably with a food-filled frozen Kong. And last but definitely NOT least, set aside 15 to 20 minutes of your day or longer to enjoy one-on-one time with your German Shepherd to help them bond with you. Exhausting and tiring out your German Shepherd means a complete and balanced routine that you perform daily over a long period of time. Consider that your German Shepherd puppy might not need you to exhaust them if they seem too hyper and wound up. Puppies need lots of sleep and rest and may act wild, crazy, and uncontrollable when what they really need is a quiet place to rest and get a nap. Always give your puppy the opportunity to find a place where they can rest, away from the bustle of the family. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have had success feeding their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or beds when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them to tire while in their resting place. Try giving your hyper German Shepherd puppy a frozen Kong to help with teething and give them an outlet for their hyper energy or a way to help calm themselves and drift off to sleep. Running your puppy while their bones are not fully fused can cause lifelong damage and put them in pain. Your German Shepherd puppy needs the right amount and type of exercise for their age. Examples of good exercise for German Shepherd puppies include: playing with other dogs and puppies of similar energy levels while supervised self-directed play indoors and out in safe areas short walks that gradually lengthen over time, preferably on grass As your puppy grows, you can slowly introduce more activities, such as going up and down stairs, jumping onto soft surfaces, and swimming. Try the following routine when looking for safe exercises for your German Shepherd puppy. The workouts listed in the post work on the essential physical movements your puppy needs to master while protecting his or her soft joints. There are more fun games to tire out your German Shepherd here you might miss out on! A properly stuffed and frozen food-filled Kong can keep a dog busy for minutes or more while tiring out their minds. And puzzle games will provide your German Shepherd with a way to work out when the weather is less than ideal to release some of their energy and improve their problem-solving skills. In other words: Tiring out and calming a German Shepherd requires a healthy balance of both mind and body exercise. Knowing how to exhaust a German Shepherd means thinking smarter, not harder. Spend time not only with physical movements but also with mental enrichment, as well as their innate desire to chew and sniff. While it takes some time to see the benefits of adding these tips into your daily life, the new routine will give you more freedom with your German Shepherd and help prevent annoying behaviors. They might seem tired the first few days, but German Shepherds have extraordinary athletic abilities and are known for their quickness to adapt. The end result of all your running and jogging? A German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything, even being calm. How awesome is that? Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Mar 10, German shepherd dogs are an active breed. If you live with one, you know what we mean. As working dogs, they are high energy and have lots of brain power, too. And even then, as long as they have the ability, they still love to have fun and play well into their senior years. Since German shepherds were bred to work all day, they have lots of stamina. Built for herding and guarding livestock, they have plenty of energy to burn. They can easily get destructive, frustrated, develop anxieties, and even get depressed. Bored German shepherds are unfulfilled, unhappy dogs. The age a German shepherd begins to slow down is unique to the individual dog. The energy level expended in these sessions will lessen as the dog ages, their physical condition declines, or they develop orthopedic problems, etc. By the time a German shepherd reaches 8 — 10 years old, they are usually content to play, roam around the yard, go for a short walk, enjoy the outdoors, or go for a car ride. Taking them out for several short sessions several times a day is better than 1 — 2 long sessions. Some experts suggest exercising your puppy 5 minutes for each month of age several times per day. So, if your puppy is 4 months old, you would go for a minute walk several times a day rather than one power walk for an hour. Training Training your puppy will also help tire them out. You can also burn off energy by reinforcing training throughout the day. By doing things like having your puppy sit and wait for food, sit at the door before they go outside, or sit before you hand them a toy, you can work in the type of training that will also help calm them down. By exposing your puppy to new people, places, scents, noises, and animals, you will help them grow up into a confident dog that is free from fear and anxiety while burning up some of that puppy energy. Things like stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, chew toys, snuffle mats, games, problem-solving like finding treats , scented toys, and more are all fun and help burn off steam so they can relax. Teach your Puppy to Relax or Settle Down Did you know you can also teach your puppy to relax and settle down? But, at the end of the day, your puppy can learn to chill out for a while. You can do this by marking calm behavior with a verbal command. Other tips for calming a high-energy puppy include: Crate training Confining to an exercise pen Mental games, such as sniffing and finding things Treat dispensing toys Switching out toys Calming the environment To recap, German shepherds, are working dogs that have lots of energy. They will be active from the day they come home and remain so well into their adult years years old. The age they begin to slow down depends upon the dog, their overall health, breeding, drive, etc. You can expect your adult dog to start becoming calmer around 6 years old. But even senior dogs continue to enjoy activities that they are physically able to do. After all those needs are met, you can teach your puppy how to relax and be calm. We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Engaging in rougher play than usual. Excessive barking, yipping and snarling. Even in hyperactive ways. To stop this bad behavior, curb it as soon as they display it. Try doing it when you come home. If they jump at you, turn away from them. Then walk away. Another scenario to ignore their bad behavior is meal time. You know how it is most of the time. They may knock the bowl out of your hand and scatter food everywhere. Frustrating, right? Use meal times to teach them manners and self-control. As soon as they jump all over you, go back to what you were doing. Ignore them until they calm down. Wait a few seconds, then go back to the dog food. If they display the same behavior, ignore them again and wait until they calm down. If you have reached the part of pouring the food before they jump, put the bowl out of reach. Then go back to what you were doing and ignore them. Repeat until you can give the food without them jumping all over. You can do this for other bad behaviors such as excessive barking. Follow the same steps above. Or, you can teach them to sit and wait for their food. Do this when they have calmed down from jumping and barking. Their meal would serve as their reward. Can you imagine all 80 pounds 36 kilos of them jumping all over you? Your German Shepherd puppy is not far from that. Would it make them hyper again? One of my friends owns a dog named Oreo. She was worried that rewarding Oreo with attention might make the dog jump at her. She tried it on Oreo, and the dog simply looked at her with the tongue out. The dog even calmly lay down for a belly rub. If it worked on this dog, you can try doing it on your own dog. Reward them with attention and see if your dog remains calm. I do not guarantee that they will always remain calm. But if they become hyper in response, go back to tip 1. Aside from attention, you can also reward them with treats. Note: A calm dog is a happy dog. Your dog can do this up to twice a day until they are fully grown. For example, 3-month old pups can take a minute walk. Or you can divide it to walking 10 minutes and fetch 5 minutes. Gradually increase the time while the puppy grows. But as owners found out, not all German Shepherd puppies are the same. How long puppies can walk depends on their limits. Some can do minute walks times a day at 2 months old. Others can only do one minute walk together with other exercises. At first, you can do minute walks twice a day. Or you can add another minute walk. Caution: Do not push puppies too hard at a young age. If they get tired, stop the walk and let them rest. In addition to walks, do short play sessions in the park or mental exercises at home. Then build on these walks and play sessions as your puppy grows. By having a job, hyperactive behavior is slowly eliminated. So their energy is redirected to more productive things. An example is putting away their toys. It might take a few tries. But with the right motivation, German Shepherds will learn it. Remember, they are smart and can learn tricks in a few tries. Another example is playing scent games. German Shepherds are very good at this. So good that police use them to sniff and identify bombs and other dangerous items. Let them prove their skill at home. Hide items such as anise and clove. If you have a yard, you can do it there. If not, right inside the house will do fine. Another job you can give them is carrying things. German Shepherds love to please their owners. So carrying things for you will be a very important job for them. They can learn carrying things through the Fetch Method. Repeat until they pick the item every time. Then reward them. Move a few feet away and have them bring the item to you. Reward them accordingly. Have them carry the item as you walk around the house or outside. Always reward with praises and tasty treats. Or firewood from the shed to the house. Let your German Shepherd carry their own water and treats in a small backpack. The extra weight will help tire them out. Now, different scents have different uses. Rose is good for reducing anxiety. Rosemary, on the other hand, works to reduce tension and fatigue. Lavender and Roman chamomile will work wonders for your hyper German Shepherd. Lavender promotes relaxation and sleep while chamomile puts the mind at ease. Caution: Scents are not applicable to dogs that have allergy to a particular scent. Consult with your yet. Ask your vet for recommendations for ones that can calm a hyper dog. Does music work the same way in dogs? Will they relax once they hear Beethoven or Mozart? Apparently, yes! Particularly ones where they can sing along. This research observed shelter dogs exposed to classical music, heavy metal and altered classical. Dogs exposed to heavy metal display body shaking, suggesting nervousness. Another study has the same findings. This one observed 2 groups of dogs. One group was observed with classical music. The other was observed in silence. The study found out that when exposed to classical music, the dogs were calm. Their stress levels decreased significantly. Not only that. Dogs were in a relaxed state not standing up and not barking while listening to music. But why classical music? The answer lies in the tempo. Music with long, continuous tones beats per minute is relaxing. Think of classical, reggae and soft rock. This was proven to relax dogs. On the other hand, music with short, choppy tones is excitatory. That includes hard rock and heavy metal. These have a faster tempo that caused an increase in anxiety and agitation among dogs. In addition, heavy metal music has loud percussion that can frighten dogs. Some dogs love to chew on shoes all the time. Or they destroy blankets or the fabric of your sofa. This chewing obsession can drive anyone crazy. If your German Shepherd is a puppy, they could be teething. Chewing relieves any pain and discomfort associated with it. On the other hand, older dogs chew to keep their jaws and teeth strong. This is what dogs in the wild do as well. However, it becomes a destructive behavior if they direct it toward inappropriate items. In situations like this, dogs chew out of boredom or frustration. Caution: Do not punish your dog when they chew inappropriate things. Never place them in their crate as punishment. Teaching them what is okay to chew and what is not is one way to solve the problem. Another is to give them toys and chew bones. In doing this, take note of the kind of toy they chew for long periods of time. If they love chew bones, then keep offering those. However, here are a few reminders when your German Shepherd a bone: Give them raw meat bone. Let them chew on it for minutes. Then store it in the refrigerator. Discard bones after 3 or 4 days. Always supervise your dog when chewing a bone. If your German Shepherd is an adult, give them a large bone. They could chip their teeth while chewing. These might cause blockages or damage the intestines. Your German Shepherd needs interaction to avoid boredom. This way, they redirect their energy to productive things. Play can be in the form of physical or mental exercises. Play games such as Frisbee or fetch. Or teach them the shell game. You can also involve members of the family in the games. For instance, you need to go to work. Your German Shepherd has to know that the crate is their safe haven. Such as a punishment. Caution: Leaving your puppy in their crate longer than 6 hours is not advisable. It will only make them anxious. Staying in the crate too long will end up in pent up energy. And once out of the crate, they are bent on releasing that energy. When crate training your puppy, remember these: Ignore them when they cry while in the crate. Wait 20 minutes until they calm down. If they are just starting the training, it may be difficult at first. There are times when they cry in the middle of the night. But this gradually stops when they reach 3 or 4 months old. It is flattering to some extent. That level of attachment says a lot about the time you spend with them. It only becomes a problem when they learn to crave for your attention. To prevent this, let them play on their own for a while. This teaches them not to crave for your attention all the time. German Shepherds are basically tireless furballs. Lack of or insufficient exercise is one reason why they are hyper. Take them walking early in the morning and late at night. Or take short walks throughout the day as long as the weather is good check out tip 4 for more info. They can also socialize and play with other dogs. If you have a lawn, take your puppy out for some games. Play fetch or tug of war. No yard? No problem. There are games you can do inside the house. Swimming is also a fantastic exercise for your puppy. Let them swim in your pool or somewhere that allows dog swimming. Aside from swimming, running will tire them out. However, there are important guidelines when doing this activity. First, make sure your German Shepherd is 15 months old or older. By this time, their bones and muscles are fully developed. Second, ensure that they are trained well. Basic commands such as sit, stay and stop go a long way for their safety. Third, get them a clean bill of health by checking with the vet. Physical exercise and mental stimulation give you a tired, calm dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. Help them work their brains by giving them mentally stimulating activities. Hide and seek is a fantastic example of this. It promotes physical exercise and reinforces the recall command. To do this, distract your dog long enough for you to hide. You can throw a ball and have your dog run after it. Then find the best spot for hiding and call your pooch. Just look at this adorable German Shepherd looking around the house for the owners: As you can see from the video, the game is an opportunity for an exercise. The dog goes from room to room several times until they find the owner. The dog has to work harder to find where the scent of the hiding owner is. This game is also a nice way to teach your puppy their name. This is mentally stimulating as your dog uses their nose to find each treat. Note: Spend 30 minutes or more for mental exercises. You can also give them interactive toys to keep them busy. You may unknowingly be feeding them with food that has unsafe ingredients. Many dog foods are made with additives, preservatives and colorants. These have no nutritional value at all. If anything, these only make hyperactivity worse. According to an article by canine nutrition expert Dr. Conor Brady , several things answer the question. Many dog foods are made with chemicals to make them last longer. These are not safe. Another reason is the high dose sugar and low dose protein. High dose sugar can spike blood sugar in humans. Imagine what it can do to a dog. In addition, dog foods contain only the minimum amount of protein. Why is this so, when protein is the building block for serotonin and dopamine? Serotonin and dopamine are the happy and calming chemicals. Lastly, dog foods contain low levels of vitamin B complex. This is responsible for energy levels and behavior. Also, B complex contains vitamin B6, which produces dopamine. Of course, you need to teach your puppy first to love riding a car. Then switch off the engine. Do this until your dog becomes comfortable riding a car. This is also a huge opportunity to mentally stimulate them and tire them out. During a ride, there are a lot of things for them to process. New smells, new faces. This could be a whole new experience altogether. You can drive to new places where you can run, walk or just explore. And by the time you get back home, your German Shepherd is hopefully spent. Because your dog is only a puppy, avoid exposing them to dog parks immediately. Some dog diseases are highly contagious, such as parvovirus. Also, dog parks are open to all dogs of breeds, sizes and temperaments. Some dogs could be rough or simply violent. This could lead to a traumatizing experience for your puppy. Caution: Ensure that socialization is a fun experience. But take them out of situations that frighten them. What you can do, though, is to slowly introduce your dog to others. If not, then perhaps a neighbor or a friend has a dog your puppy can meet. Arrange playdates if possible. Or barking right in their face. One way to prevent this is to instill some manners in them. Teach them impulse control. Impulse control teaches your dog how to engage with you. That is, without lunging, nipping or excessive barking. Make them sit before you open the door or clipping the leash. Before you give them dinner, wait for them to sit. And when they do just that, reward them with what they want. They will associate sitting with getting what they want. In a big way, this teaches them to calm down before they can have the good stuff. Remember to be consistent on your part. It comforts them. So when you have to leave, give them something such as a used shirt. When they are alone, having your smell will feel as though you are with them. For your puppy, the stinkier, the better. Some days going outside for walks or runs is not permissible. Puzzle toys will keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. The only downside is that they will tire of it after they have figured out how it works. That will get them through obedience training. That way, it can prevent behavioral problems later on. This was exactly what this research found out. It studied dogs divided into 4 groups: puppy class, puppy party, adult class and no class. The puppy and adult classes underwent an hour of training each week for 6 weeks. The other 2 groups did not undergo formal training. The findings showed that the groups that attended training responded well to commands. The puppy class group also showed positive responses to strangers. The study concluded that this could prevent behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers. That being said, spend at least 30 minutes each day for their training. Train them young starting with basic commands. These are useful commands that you can use at home or when outside. Also, get them busy with leash and off-leash training. This is particularly useful for when you are taking walks or running. Think agility, flyball or disc dog. Getting involved together in sports can strengthen your bond. In addition, these sports provide physical and mental exercise at the same time. A word of caution, though. Formal training can be expensive and time-consuming. But if you do, you can do the sports for fun. Daily running, check. Puzzles and toys, check. Most of the time, exercises, training and activities solve the problem. But if your German Shepherd is still hyper, it could be a medical condition. So check with your vet because the problem could be thyroid dysfunction, allergies and even ADHD. Yes, you read that right. ADHD is common in human children. Apparently, the same symptoms could be seen in hyper dogs. One study in found out that social and physical factors were associated with ADHD-like behavior. ADHD-like behavior refers to inattention and increased motor activity. The social factors mentioned were: Number of social contacts. The duration of the period of separation. On the other hand, the physical factors were: Frequency and duration of walking. The amount of playtime as puppies. For your peace of mind, have your vet run tests to rule out any problems. Either way, it will help toward calming your German Shepherd. Some owners and dogs thrive on routine. For instance, your German Shepherd eats their breakfast at 6am and 6pm. On the other hand, structure is for people who dislike strict schedules. You can set a schedule for activities without being strict about the time. For instance, your dog knows you will take them for a morning walk when you wake up. And not necessarily at 6am. This is great for days when you feel like sleeping in. Take some time to reflect on yourself. There could be problems at work or other stressors that keep you agitated. Without you knowing, all these reflect on your body language and tone of voice. You reflect energy that your dog catches on. One can easily give in to frustrations when training a puppy. But yelling and punishment will only make your puppy more hyper. Also, be consistent. Stick to the rules you set for your hyper German Shepherd. So fixing it will not happen overnight either. But committing to do the right thing will get your dog to the result you want. Related posts:. If a hyper dog gives you anxiety, it could make your dog even more agitated. Some of the things you can do to signal your calm demeanor are as follows: Lower your voice — Speaking in a low baritone makes your calmness more noticeable to a German Shepherd. Minimize physical movement — Do not wave your arms or move too much when getting your GSD to calm down. Your physical stillness can inspire internal peace in your dog. The goal of you being calm and showing it to your German Shepherd is to get him to control the excess energy. But if you do this step right, step 2 will be safer. In either case, your dog is not in an ideal state to exercise around the public. As long as you have a backyard, you can let the German Shepherd Dog run around, exhaust at least some of his pent-up energy, and then take him on a long walk. But if you have the German Shepherd as an apartment dog and neglect his exercise, getting him to calm down safely can be rough. Look into getting him a physically engaging dog toy and let him play with it while you sit next to him, calm as a cucumber. Do Not Reward Hyper Behavior German Shepherd puppies are cute and manageable, making owners inadvertently condition them to be hyper. When you come back home, your dog is likely to be excited. Your puppy might jump on you, and you might pat him. This transaction rewards the dog for being hyper, reinforcing the behavior. And as the puppy grows, you have to reckon with the consequences of having a large dog trained to be over-energetic. Treat your German Shepherd puppy as a fully grown large dog when setting boundaries. And regardless of whether your GSD is a puppy or an adult, you can always start holding back on rewarding behavior when the dog is hyper. Usually, attention is the unintentional reward humans give when a dog is hyper. To avoid rewarding a German Shepherd for being too energetic, you should ignore him when he starts acting up. Reward the Dog With Attention For Being Calm If you ignore your German Shepherd unless he is barking or displaying hyper behavior, you might unintentionally incentivize him to be more excitable. Even negative attention can be satisfying to a GSD that is usually ignored. And when a large dog crosses a certain threshold of hyperactivity, you cannot afford to ignore it. When All Else Fails: Use Calming Products As mentioned earlier, rewarding the dog while progressively getting calmer can instill the importance of being relaxed in your canine. If all of the previous natural techniques fail, you can try calming products. Usually, these products are meant to help the dog feel less anxious around loud noises like thunder or fireworks or help with separation anxiety and travel sickness. Some of the most effective calming products on Amazon for GSDs are: Zesty Paws Calming Dog Chews — Calming chews work unbelievably on German Shepherds because they have over 40x the scent perception capacity as humans. These soft chews help with hyperactive and aggressive behavior. It releases oxytocin and helps the dog calm down when it is anxious. This study of 32 dogs found that aromatherapy diffused lavender odor for canine travel-induced excitement calmed the dogs down. Speak with a low baritone voice and drawn-out words to soothe the dog and reward him for calming down. You may use products like a calming jacket, scent, or calming chews if needed. Above all, the most healthy way to calm your GSD is to spend time with him and give him plenty of exercise to exhaust that excess energy. They are most commonly brought home from a breeder at the age of 8 weeks to 6 months. This is also the juvenile stage when they start acquiring negative or positive habits. German Shepherd puppies can be hyper because of the following reasons: Lack of Exercise German Shepherds were bred to carry out tasks that require a lot of energy, such as herding. Therefore they need exercise to stimulate them. Puppies are always full of energy and therefore tend to run all over the place. They are also naturally built as strong, athletic dogs, and hence require a lot of exercise. Rewarding Bad Behavior When your German Shepherd puppy is hyper, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down, encourages bad behavior. The puppy learns that to get what they want, they have to exhibit excited behavior. Boredom Hyperactivity in German Shepherd puppies can result from boredom. In most cases, dogs are left home alone as parents go to work and children go to school. An untrained puppy will end up re-arranging the house and not like an interior decorator! Lack of Training A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. Therefore, regular training is essential to teach your GSD puppy discipline from a young age. This will help your puppy to know the difference between playtime and when to listen. Feeding the Wrong Food Dog owners tend to be overly kind to their puppies and may share food with them. However, certain foods may lead to their hyperactivity. Apart from causing hyperactivity, some of these foods, like chocolate , can be toxic to puppies leading to illness or death. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German Shepherd puppy , consult your vet. Separation Anxiety German Shepherd puppies often suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave for business trips or vacations without them. This can also happen when the owner simply leaves for the day to go to work. They can express themselves by being destructive or peeing in the house while you are away. Getting Wet German Shepherd puppies who run around outdoors, just like a child, have to be bathed. This dryer comes with adjustable heat settings, a wide selection of air speeds, and a great warranty to boot. How to Calm Your German Shepherd Puppy As much as you love your puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. The following are ways to calm a German Shepherd puppy. Properly Train Your Puppy Training enables your puppy to obey your commands. While you can train a German Shepherd to follow complex commands, only the basics are necessary. Make sure to always train your puppy in an area where there are few distractions, such as in your home or yard, and then progress to more distracting environments. This slow acclimation will also help to properly socialize your German Shepherd , which is essential for your puppy to grow in to a well-adjusted adult. When giving commands to your puppy, be sure to use an authoritative voice and issue them in a slow-low pitched voice. High-pitched commands which are spoken rapidly will only serve to over-excite your puppy. Below is a YouTube video showing you some simple and effective ways to train your German Shepherd puppy: Give Your Puppy Enough Exercise German Shepherds have more energy than most other breeds, and walking by itself as exercise will not be enough to keep excess energy at bay. Playing games such as fetch, going for runs, walking on hilly areas, and teaching your puppy to swim are healthy ways to wear your puppy out and curb hyperactivity. If you do not have adequate time to exercise your German Shepherd puppy, consider getting a dog walker. Did you know that German Shepherds are great frisbee dogs? This fact escapes most GSD owners, and because of this they often miss out on some great fun to be had with their dogs! Read this great article all about German Shepherds and their ability to play frisbee. Socialize Your Puppy As we mentioned above, a great way to calm your puppy is by regularly socializing her with other puppies, adult dogs, as well as other people and animals in general. Socializing your puppy will tire her out both physically and mentally, while at the same time making her the well-adjusted dog that you want her to be. This is because your German Shepherd puppy will learn that to be rewarded, she will have to behave appropriately, and that bad behavior will only result in being ignored. Aromatherapy Essential oils such as vanilla, ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, and chamomile can be soothing to your dog. Test some of these on your German Shepherd puppy to see which one works best. For more information on aromatherapy and its benefits and potential harmful effects on dogs, check out this great article below: Is Aromatherapy Bad for Dogs? Setting up a good routine for your puppy is your responsibility. Make sure to not feed her too late at night, and always make sure that your puppy gets at least a moderately long walk before bed. A useful practice is putting food in a dog toy when your puppy becomes hyper. This will enable her to shift focus from hyperactivity to concentration. One great toy for this is a Kong Treat Dispensing Toy. This toy is designed to be filled with any number of goodies, and will keep your GSD puppy occupied for a long time! Some great examples of treats that you can put into a Kong are: frozen mashed banana and yogurt mashed potatoes and rice frozen Xylitol free peanut butter pureed and frozen watermelon and strawberries pureed and frozen turkey and cranberry mixture Essentially, if you can dream it, and it is safe for your puppy, you can stuff it into a Kong and keep your puppy occupied. Additionally, there are a number of other treat dispensing puzzle toys that will work to accomplish the same goal of reducing hyperactivity in your puppy while increasing mental focus. Stay Calm Reducing hyperactivity in you German Shepherd puppy begins with you. Puppies pick up on the energy you put out. If you become excited around them, they will copy you and start running around or barking loudly. To them, they are doing nothing wrong. In fact, a puppy will think that it is doing a great job by imitating you, the pack leader. So it is important that you set a good example for your puppy through your own behavior. It will take time to train and calm your German Shepherd pup because they are naturally energetic, strong, and athletic dogs — they love activity! Always use positive reinforcement as opposed to punishing your German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are loyal, courageous, make excellent guard dogs, and bred as herders. German Shepherd puppies are generally hyperactive from the age of 3 months to 3 years. Later on, they become more mature and calm. Training puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months enables them to acquire and retain positive habits. Dog owners need to properly socialize their puppies, play with them, and use toys not only to challenge them mentally but also to require their full concentration, thus reducing their hyperactivity. Consistent training is also essential. If you are unable to do this on your own, we strongly suggest reaching out to a professional dog trainer. This will be a great long-term investment, and save you the difficult task of teaching an old dog new tricks. This gives you a visual guide to how you can teach your dog to master the same types of skills. This helpful YouTube video by a positive methods dog trainer walks you through how to train a German Shepherd to calm down on a mat or inside a kennel using clicker training, As part of this method, they also use treats and playtime for rewards. This German Shepherd owner forum clearly highlights just how surprised some new, first-time GSD owners can be when their puppy keeps on growing up and the energy level stays at puppyhood level! Herding dog breeds are accustomed to putting forth high energy output often for many hours at a stretch. Their job duties include keeping a herd of livestock together and accounted for and defending the herd against predators. The dog always needs to be on high alert against stragglers or predators. It is true that an older GSD may experience a natural slowdown due to advancing age. But with German Shepherd puppies, you can expect them to exhibit the characteristic intense focus and drive to work that this breed is known for. While some ranchers still do employ dogs in this type of job, the vast majority of herding dogs are now in demand in other types of fields. For the German Shepherd, the main types of jobs these dogs do today include the following: Police and personal protection duty. Guard dog and military dog duty. Search and rescue duty. Nose work and scent work. Hunting and tracking. Guide dog and service animal work. Other great avenues to give your GSD an outlet to burn up that considerable daily drive and energy include these: Canine athletics such as dock diving, herding, agility. Schutzhund training a perfect choice for German Shepherds. Obedience, Rally, and show dog competitions. You can also simply involve your German Shepherd in your own athletic activities. If you lead an active lifestyle, your dog will enjoy accompanying you for sure. However, here you need to keep in mind that, as a large dog breed, the German Shepherd dog can take longer to grow up and mature than a smaller dog breed will. It can take up to 14 months or longer for these plates to close permanently. You will need to wait for a confirmation X-ray to know for sure that the growth plates are closed and it is safe to enroll your dog in vigorous sports or go on extended adventures with you. How to Help Your German Shepherd Puppy Stay Calm Hearing that it may take up to 14 months for your GSD puppy to fully grow up may feel disheartening if you are coping with the all-go, no-stop activity level of the typical German Shepherd puppy! The STAR program is one such program. STAR teaches both the GSD puppy and their owner how to manage the exuberance and energy levels of a German Shepherd puppy by setting up a daily activity and exercise schedule. This is not to say you have to use this particular training program to achieve these results. Instead, it is simply to suggest that, if the current schedule your GSD puppy is on is not providing the results you hope for, you can sit down and create a different activity and exercise schedule to see if your puppy naturally becomes calmer. Sometimes there may also be environmental issues that are triggering excessive activity, crying, whimpering, barking , or other undesirable puppyhood behaviors. Teething Teething is very painful to go through no matter what the species. If your German Shepherd puppy is going through teething , you can absolutely expect more chewing, play-biting, nipping, whining, crying, and demands for attention. Giving your teething puppy ice pops or frozen chew toys can often help to ease the discomfort and also the behaviors. Separation anxiety Just as some dog breeds are more energetic and active by nature, so too can some dog breeds be more prone to developing separation anxiety. German Shepherds fall into both categories. But the two conditions are not necessarily linked. While having high energy is just a hallmark of the GSD breed, developing separation anxiety is more a function of putting a high-energy, high social-needs dog in a situation where there is not enough of either. Sometimes abuse, re-homing, and other factors can also trigger separation anxiety. For many years, separation anxiety in dogs was not well understood. Today, we do know that separation anxiety is potentially preventable and very treatable. But how can you know whether what you are experiencing with your German Shepherd is simply excess energy or separation anxiety? The behaviors only start to occur after a big change a move, divorce, new job, etc. You see your German Shepherd pacing, panting, drooling, or exhibiting other behaviors that are closely correlated with separation anxiety in dogs. Your GSD whines, cries, barks, howls or makes other noises the moment you leave direct line-of-sight. While you are away, your dog is extremely destructive and may destroy household furnishings, eliminate inappropriately in the house, or try to escape repeatedly. As the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue organization points out, German Shepherds can develop any number of health conditions that may cause your dog to become or remain over-active. This is always the right time to take your dog to the veterinarian for a health checkup. In fact, sometimes it makes sense to do this first before you look at possible behavioral or boredom issues. This way, you can at least rule out any underlying health issues that may be triggering inappropriate or destructive behaviors in your dog. Here are examples of health conditions MAGSR gives that are known to plague German Shepherds that may cause your dog to act out: Skin allergies The itching and irritation of skin allergies can cause excessive scratching, licking, rubbing, and similar behaviors. Usually, these types of issues are controlled through diet changes or medication, or both. It often disappears on its own but a veterinary visit is always warranted. Perianal fistulas Perianal fistulas are every bit as uncomfortable for your dog as the name suggests. As Science Daily points out, there is now increasing research to suggest that dogs have evolved to closely mirror human emotions in every way. This can be a tougher challenge to track down. But it may help to start by keeping a journal on paper or on your phone, noting times when your dog becomes especially hyper and noticing how you are feeling during those times. If this does end up applying in your situation, learning more about deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, yoga or tai chi and other relaxation aids can help both you and your German Shepherd calm down quickly and effectively. Great At-Home Activities for Hyper German Shepherd Dogs You may be reading through this article and thinking there is no way you have any extra time in your daily schedule to try all these things. Breaking up the day with short focused walks, treasure hunts, play sessions, or training sessions also gives your dog more to look forward to all day long. In these ways, you can make small changes for big results to help your GSD calm down.

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These cheerful dogs are the ideal pet for a family! Doodles of Louisiana not only cares about the mother of the puppies and the puppies themselves, but they also provide owners with lifelong assistance as they embark on their new adventure. This breeder, based in central Louisiana, ensures the well-being of its puppies through rigorous health exams. They are given their first shots, are dewormed every two weeks, and are screened for genetic conditions. They offer Labradoodles in different sizes, which you can choose depending on your lifestyle. Doodles of Louisiana guarantees that it will provide the best service possible to all its clients. They do not produce in masses; rather, they breed dogs times in their prime years. This family-run breeder provides a loving atmosphere in which the dogs and puppies can live with their families. They only breed from their parents a few times in their lives to protect themselves and their offspring. They make certain that the puppies are cared for and whelped with their parents until they are adopted. After that, the puppies are examined by veterinarians and given immunizations, microchips, and worming. From birth until they depart with their forever family, our home-based dog breeding business in Saint Amant is committed to preserving the health and well-being of our puppies. Your puppy will be highly socialized and ready to be adored when you get him! All of their puppies are CKC registered, have undergone a wellness check, and have received all necessary immunizations. For your records, a personal medical pamphlet is given. This breeder combines AKC-registered Labradors with highly competent pedigree Poodles to produce the most flawless litters. Meadow Lake Labradoodles only breed from their sire and dam times in their lives to assure healthy puppies and parents. Before going to their new homes, the puppies are given a thorough health examination, worming, and vaccines, as well as a vet-approved health certificate. The puppies also come with a 2-year genetic health guarantee. They breed and raise Labradoodle puppies in a safe and warm environment near New Orleans. Southern Cross is a legitimate breeder who cares about the welfare of all of their dogs, from Labradoodle puppies to their parents, as members of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America. In Louisiana, all of their Labradoodle puppies are multi-generational. This means that they have parents that are closely related. Only the most healthy and well-behaved Labradoodle puppies who will be a great addition to your family will leave their kennel, and only with the Southern Cross Australian Labradoodles health and genetic guarantee. All of their dogs can trace their lineage back to Australia. Location: Near New Orleans. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Gray Louisiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Louisiana? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Louisiana. Say it with us—no sneezing, no sniffling, no hair tumbleweeds blowing through your house every time you wake up. Life is easier with a Labradoodle. Friendliest Dispositions Do you find yourself wishing you had a partner on your morning jogs, or maybe wishing you had a cuddle buddy for your weekend naps? Life is better with a Labradoodle at your side, because these dogs just love being around people. The Uptown Family Our top-of-the-line food, supplements and training materials are designed to help you and your new Labradoodle live life to the fullest. Everyone who takes home an Uptown Puppy becomes a part of our family, and we want to help you bring out the best in your Doodle! Perfect Family Pet What do retirees, big families with lots of kids, and outdoor adventurers have in common? And the best part about working with Uptown is that YOU get to pick! Better for our dogs, better for us, and better for you! 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Failure to gain weight Causes There is a genetic predisposition in some dog breeds, particularly brachycephalic breeds, but pectus excavatum can occur spontaneously in any breed. The condition may not be obvious until several weeks after birth unless it is a severe form. Raising puppies on surfaces causing poor footing may also predispose these animals to developing such a condition. Diagnosis You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your dog's health, any information you have of its parentage and genetic background, and the onset of symptoms. Routine laboratory tests will include complete blood tests, biochemical profiles, and a urinalysis. Your veterinarian will conduct multiple X-rays of the thoracic cavity to confirm the diagnosis of pectus excavatum. These X-rays will reveal the actual deformities and related structural abnormalities. In some patients, the heart may be shifted from its normal place on the left side of the thoracic cavity due to the abnormal shape of the bones. Abnormalities and concurrent diseases related to the respiratory system will also be visible on X-rays. Echocardiography, a sonographic image of the heart, will be used to further evaluate the heart, its functioning ability, and possible cardiac defects. Treatment Surgery remains the only treatment option for repairing this deformity. However, if the disease is mild and your dog only has a flat chest, then it may be improved without surgery. In such cases, your veterinarian will instruct you in manually compressing the chest in such a way that will encourage the sternum and costal cartilages to take on a more convex shape. In some dogs, a splint application will work to reduce the mild defects. However, in cases of moderate or severe inward sinking of the sternum, surgery is indicated for correction of the defects. The technique used by your veterinary surgeon will depend on your dog's age and the extent of the problem. Dogs with respiratory problems that are directly related to this condition, meanwhile, generally improve substantially after surgery and will start breathing more comfortably. Living and Management Prognosis is very poor for severely affected patients, but a timely intervention and reparation at an early age may help improve the prognosis. Follow your doctor's guidelines for physical therapy at home if your dog has a mild form of the condition. After surgery, your dog may feel sore and will need proper rest in a quiet place, away from other pets, active children, and busy entryways. You might consider cage rest for a short time, until your dog can safely move about again without overexertion. Trips outdoors for bladder and bowel relief should be kept short and easy for your dog to handle during the recovery period. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a short course of pain killers until your dog has fully recovered, along with a mild course of antibiotics, to prevent any opportunistic bacteria from attacking your dog. Medications will need to be given precisely as directed, at the proper dosage and frequency. Keep in mind that over dosage of pain medications is one of the most preventable causes for death in household animals. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? References 1. Clinical and pathological effects An understanding of the anatomy of the normal spine of the dog is useful in understanding this condition. The spine or spinal column of dogs is made up of many bones, called vertebrae and it is divided into 5 different regions. There are 7 bones in the neck cervical region, 13 in the chest thoracic region, 7 in the lower back lumbar region and 3 fused together to form the sacrum at the hips. Lastly, there are the tail coccygeal bones, and their number varies. In Pugs and other screw-tailed dogs there are relatively few coccygeal vertebrae. Vertebrae are numbered according to region of the spine, starting from the head and working towards the tail. Thus the first cervical vertebra is called C1, the second C2 and the first thoracic vertebra is T1 etc. Intervertebral discs are found between the vertebral bodies. Figure 1. The regions of the spine. The body of each vertebra is positioned ventrally towards the lower side. Dorsal towards the back of the dog to the vertebral body each vertebra forms a hollow tube of bone, called the vertebral canal. Through this tube created by the column of vertebral canals the spinal cord passes, connecting the base of the brain with peripheral nerves. This tube of bone protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of delicate nerve tissue which transmits the messages between the brain and other parts of the body excluding the head. Figure 2. Diagram showing the shape of normally-formed vertebrae in the spinal column and how the spinal cord runs through them. Each vertebral body develops in the foetus from two separate parts which fuse together and then ossify turn to bone. Hemivertebrae occur when this fusing process fails to happen correctly so that the vertebral body of one or more vertebra is malformed and wedge-shaped LeCouteur and Child .Often the fusion or ossification is asymmetrical Jeffery et al .The malformations vary, with the apex of the wedge pointing dorsally, ventrally or medially towards the middle of the animal across the midline LeCouteur and Child .These abnormally-shaped vertebrae often lead to alterations and deformities in the shape of the spine such as kyphosis curving upwards of the central spine , scoliosis deviation to the side in the central spine or lordosis curving downwards in the central spine LeCouteur and Child .This angulation of the spine is often moderate to severe and can lead to displacement of the vertebrae LeCouteur and Grandy .The deformity or instability in the spinal column can then narrow the vertebral canal, compressing and damaging the spinal cord, and this can lead to serious clinical signs LeCouteur and Child .This spinal deformity and the consequential clinical signs often progresses as the dog grows or, sometimes, happen secondary to mild trauma because of the spinal column instability LeCouteur and Grandy .Figure 3. Abnormal development of vertebral bodies results in formation of hemivertebrae. Unlike the normal shape of vertebrae shown in Figure 2, in which the opposing faces of adjacent vertebrae are at right angles to the line of the spine, wedge shaped vertebrae as shown here can lead to distortion of the spine with health and welfare effects. Figure 4. Radiograph of a hemivertebra in the thoracic region of a Pug. The wedge shaped vertebra has caused lordosis of the spine, which in turn can cause compression and damage to the spinal cord. Image property of Helen McDonald, to whom we are grateful for permission to reproduce it here. Hemivertebrae can occur in any breed but are most common in brachycephalic, screw-tailed dogs such as Pugs also English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. This is because the kinked tails in these breeds result from hemivertebrae in the tail region of the spine and these breeds have genes that tend to cause the formation of hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column as well as in the tail LeCouteur and Grandy .The commonest region of the spine to be affected by hemivertebrae, in Pugs, is the thoracic area LeCouteur and Child .Figure 5. Hemivertebrae is the cause of kinked or screw tails in some breeds of dog, such as the Boston Terrier and Pug shown here. This condition makes them prone to developing hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column also. Image sourced from Wikipedia at www. Hemivertebral abnormalities commonly occur without clinical sign of disease Done et al .However, if the spinal cord becomes damaged or compressed signs appear. Signs include posterior paresis abnormal functioning of the hindlimbs , muscle wastage, abnormal shape to the back and back pain. If the problem is severe then the dogs can lose all use of their hind legs and can have urinary and faecal incontinence inability to control passing urine or faeces. Signs can be gradual or rapid in onset and sometimes are progressive Colter .In a number of cases, however, signs may be mild and non-progressive and stabilise once the dog has stopped growing at about 9 months of age Jeffery et al , though the deformity will remain. In these cases no treatment may be necessary. Skin disease in skin folds can also occur if the tail is very tightly coiled. In severely affected individuals the only hope is major surgery of the spine to attempt stabilisation and to stop the spinal cord being compressed. This is not straightforward, needs specialist veterinary treatment and may not always be successful. Some dogs which are completely paralysed in their hind legs may not recover use of them after surgery. Paralysed dogs have long-term care needs which many owners find difficult and some dogs will be euthanized because of this. It is an ethical dilemma whether these permanently paralysed dogs should be euthanized or if their quality of life may be sufficient to justify supported living with paralysis and incontinence. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Some dogs with hemivertebrae show no signs, however, others have major welfare problems such as pain, loss of function of the hindlimbs and incontinence. Pain from spinal cord compression can be significant and severe and difficult to control using drugs. Along with pain, the spinal cord damage in severely affected individuals leads to the need for rapid veterinary treatments including major surgery. Some animals may not recover and may need to be euthanized. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact The condition is usually manifested in young dogs as the condition worsens as growth proceeds. In a case study by Jeffery et al , all three dogs described were less than 7 months of age. Though some may be mildly affected, all affected animals will have permanent deformity unless surgical intervention is used. Signs can develop rapidly over hours or more gradually. Though some dogs with hemivertebrae do not develop signs, others develop severe problems which will not improve unless surgical intervention occurs. Some dogs with severe signs may not improve after surgery and may need to be euthanized. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The numbers affected are not known, but it is considered a common problem in Pugs and other brachycephalic short-nosed breeds that have screw-tails, as the deformity is connected to the screw-tail phenotype physical shape which is a breed characteristic. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are pugs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 30, Return to top 5. Diagnosis The condition may be suspected in any Pug with spinal deformity or with the characteristic clinical signs because it is commonly seen within the breed. A diagnosis can be made using plain and contrast radiography x-rays, with or without dye, which shows up on the x-ray being injected around the spinal cord , however, Jeffery et al believe MRI magnetic resonance imaging scans are needed prior to surgery to help decide on exact surgical requirements. The presence of hemivertebrae seen on x-rays may also be a confusing finding when older Pugs have spinal disease from other causes and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Return to top 6. Genetics The exact genetics of this condition have yet to be worked out; however, Pugs are considered to be predisposed to hemivertebrae because of the breed having a screw-tail Jeffery et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All Pugs are potentially prone to the problem because the breed has a screw-tail. Without x-rays of the spine, definite absence of hemivertebrae cannot be confirmed. However, a mature animal without signs has a lower chance of developing clinical problems than a puppy which has its growing stage ahead of it. Currently no advice can be given on how to ensure a healthy individual, free from the condition, is not a carrier. This may become clearer when the genetics of the condition are better understood. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Not known, though whilst the breed standard includes a screw-tail the condition seems likely to persist. It seems likely, since the screw tail is caused by hemivertebrae in the tail, that out-breeding to dogs with straight tails, then selection for a straight tail might be a way forward to eliminate this welfare problem. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Colter S Congenital anomalies of the spine. In Bojrab, M. Ed Disease mechanism in Small Animal Surgery. In Ettinger, S and Feldman, E. Eds Textbook of veterinary internal medicine. Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections Difficulty sustaining physical activity Heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds Cyanosis a blue or grey cast to the skin In addition to the above-noted signs of pectus anomaly, a condition known as swimmer syndrome may sometimes be present in puppies with PE. Puppies with this condition have their back legs, and sometimes front legs, placed in a more lateral or abducted position. While chest bone deformities in dogs may result in either mild symptoms or a lack of symptoms altogether, it is also possible for severe cases to lead to debilitating abnormalities of the heart and lungs. In canines affected by PE, respiratory distress, or difficulty breathing is the symptom noted most frequently by owners. This may be due to the displacement of organs within the chest cavity, or impaired ventilation secondary to the inward protrusion of the chest wall. Additionally, life-threatening compression of the heart and twisting or crimping of the blood vessels surrounding the heart may occur secondary to this deformity. The aforementioned dangers are primarily discussed in the veterinary literature as secondary to PE, as opposed to PC. However, self-limiting difficulty breathing during exercise has been documented with the latter condition. Pectus anomaly may be diagnosed by your veterinarian during a physical exam. Chest radiographs may be recommended to better evaluate the severity of the condition, and to determine whether any other abnormalities of the heart or lungs are present. An echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart, can also be considered to more accurately identify any concurrent cardiac abnormalities. What are treatment options for canine chest bone deformities? Treatment may be pursued for canine chest bone deformities depending on several factors, including the severity of the abnormality, and the presence of symptoms. For dogs with mild PE, treatment may not be needed, as the condition may resolve on its own. When treatment is indicated, the specific procedure used is often dependent on the age of the animal. Younger dogs will typically have a more flexible chest, and an external splint may be used for a period of 3—4 weeks to correct the abnormality. Older animals may require more invasive surgery, which involves the removal of part of the costal cartilage cartilage that connects the sternum to the ribs , and placement of an internal splint along the sternum. With regards to PC, the use of an external, compressive splint for the correction of the deformity has been documented in one canine patient ; however, this resulted in cyanosis and difficulty breathing, and was promptly removed. The prognosis for chest bone deformities in canines may vary depending on the severity of the abnormality. Overall, PE is considered to have a good prognosis in young animals , and even severe cases can do well with surgical correction. In humans, PC prognosis is considered to be excellent, with many affected individuals remaining asymptomatic. Similarly, symptoms in affected dogs tend to be mild, if noted at all. As such, a good prognosis is expected. Conclusion In summary, while uncommon in canines, chest bone deformities can occur and may be noted with higher frequency in brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs. If you are concerned that your dog may have a pectus anomaly, a consult with your veterinarian is recommended for further evaluation. While a diagnosis of PE or PC may be startling, as a whole, these conditions have a good long-term prognosis and most affected canines will be able to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

German Shepherds will start to calm down around 2 to 3 years of age. And this will continue as they get older. Then at 7 or 8 years old, owners might see significant changes in their behavior. The dogs will still be active, but not as hyper as before. So this is when their playfulness will begin to show. Phase 2: 2 to 4 months Next, German Shepherds at this age will be more active than before. So aside from being playful, they may also show other behaviors, such as: Humping. Being aggressive. Phase 4: 2 to 6 years German Shepherds might reach maturity at the beginning of this stage. Either at 2 or 3 years old. So as adults, their attention span will start to increase. And they may also calm down a bit. German Shepherds were reported to have calmed down at 7 or 8 years old. Note: This is generalized. So your doggo can experience it earlier or later. As there are other factors that can affect this. What are they? Scientists found a certain allele a type of a gene in German Shepherds. Which is linked to hyperactivity in dogs. As well as impulsiveness. Which are known for having heaps of energy as well. You may know this already. But the 1st registered German Shepherd was a sheepdog. Their ancestors used to run and control thousands of sheep before. This is why being active must be in their blood. And from then on, German Shepherds were trained more as working dogs. Which is a wider category and has many roles. Such as assisting people in need or doing search and rescues. Wanna know more cool trivia about them? Conclusion Hyperactivity in German Shepherds By definition, hyperactivity stems from the inability to be calm or completely relaxed. Still, you might have wondered if the absurd humping would ever end. This hyperactive particularity and their herding capacities affect their relationship with humans and also explains why they always have the knack to lead, rather than the other way around. They indeed display a lot of hyperactive currents. Still, their level of hyperactivity can vary depending on their age. What age is that? Follow closely to find out. There are a few reasons why your German Shepherd might be a little hyperactive. Here are some common reasons: Childhood Although German Shepherds have rapid-fire physical growth, it takes time for their internal appreciation to measure up with the outside growth. In other words, while they grow fleetly, they have low internal development. The active energy at utmost times is a result of a retarded internal growth. Nevertheless, there are situations of hyperactivity particularly common to German Shepherds. It humps and peaks as they grow older. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. Historical Background The hyperactive nature of a German Shepherd, as it is with any other breed, has been attributed to their ancestral descent or history. The antecedents of German Shepherds contended in packs and were always victorious over other contending creatures. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. Need for Attention Now, this is another reason for the hyperactive actions displayed by your German Shepherd. A German Shepherd left unattended can become overwhelmed and put up a largely reenergized front. German Shepherd being curious beside his owner. Minimum Engagement German Shepherds are trained to stick to routines. These routines may involve exercises that gauge for at least 90 twinkles daily, as well as violent cardio conditioning once a week. German Shepherd in its kennel. Signs That Point to Hyperactivity in Your German Shepherd Although it might be confusing to decipher if your dog is simply happy or hyperactive, there are some physical signs you can look out for that point to a display of hyperactivity in your canine. One of their happiest moments is when you gently pet them or give them treats. A hyperactive canine, on the other hand, may display some aggressive actions like biting on effects unnecessarily, smelling, gratuitous jumping, and nipping. Other actions can be running around, engaging you in a chase, jumping , spinning around, and submerging. German Shepherd runs on the water. Generally, German Shepherds are anticipated to calm down during their early times as puppies, which generally ranges from 6 months to 3 years. The fact is, like kids, they just want to be merry. Also, studies have proven that German goatherds can be calm when fixed. Altering your canine reduces the aggression position and the inherent nature of being territorial. Although the primary purpose of neutering is to help with severe health conditions when they grow old, it also calms the jitters of your legend. That is like killing two cats with one gravestone, right? On a final note, when your canine is in its early stages, you should prioritize helping your canine to interact and connect with its new terrain. At that moment, they must be given acceptable training in obedience during this critical moment of their life. What this does for your dog is that it helps him understand the place of respect in your relationship, as he also learns how to manage his feelings more and keep calm in needed situations. Relaxed German Shepherd lying on the floor. Black German Shepherd running. Engage them in challenging exercises The exercises you put them through must be more challenging than those of average dogs. You can also encourage their inner athletic spirit on a walk by removing the leash on them so they can run freely, or put up hoops for them to jump through. Neutering If administered early enough, this might be another way to help with that super surge of energy. Revisit the routine timetable If your German Shepherd still exhibits signs of absorbing hyperactivity, then you might need to recheck the routines you set up to measure up with their level of energy. That way, he drains his energy, and, rather than display aggressive traits, he might want to tone it down after doing so much. Daily walks, fetch and catch games , sports, etc. The owner and German Shepherd go for a walk. Give commands in low-pitch Do not give commands in a fast, high-pitched tone. Rather, in a low-pitched and controlled manner. Trust me, you also do not want to correct your dog with anxious and high-pitched tones; it only regurgitates their surge of excitement and energy. Owner trains her train German Shepherd. The calming therapy of scents Another trick is aromatherapy. You should calm down. The scintillating fragrance has its undoing, hiking nerves and adding calmness. It can work for your German Shepherd too. This is another trick you can use to calm your German Shepherd. Be sure to place fragrance diffusers around your home. Essential oils like vanilla, chamomile, sweet, and lavender do the job perfectly. You can try multiple scents to find the ones that are most effective in soothing your dog. Essential oils can help calm your dogs. Try a treat trick You can distract your dog with food. When your German Shepherd becomes extremely hyper, using this tricky way of giving them treats engages them mentally. It helps. Try it. German Shepherd plays with his toy at the park. Conclusion There are levels to the hyperactivity trait common to German Shepherds. With this hyper-active nature common to them, German Shepherds need owners that can keep up with their physical and mental requirements. With their fast-going and hyperactive nature, German Shepherds need owners who are patient and who can keep up with the intense physical and mental requirements. We hope you find this helpful. 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. I know that was something I thought all the time when Allie was a young pup. Unfortunately, every German Shepherd is different so there is no exact answer that will work for every GSD but this article can give you a guide. Working line German Shepherds especially are made to have a job, thus they require a lot of exercise and activity or they will be hyper. Ways to help your German Shepherd to calm down 1. Proper Exercise Exercise is key to helping your German Shepherd calm down. A daily exercise routine will help your GSD burn off energy which will help them to be calmer. Check out this article on 21 ways to exercise your German Shepherd for ideas. Exercise is also important because it helps to prevent destructive behavior. A tired German Shepherd is less likely to be mischievous and more like to quietly lay on their bed and rest. Because German Shepherds are working dogs, you should aim to give your adult German Shepherd at least one-two hours of exercise each day. Puppies should be exercised multiple times a day but for shorter durations. Check out this article on how long to exercise a German Shepherd puppy for more detail. Training Training is important for two reasons. One it helps you have more control over your dog when needed in everyday situations; and two, it is a form of mental stimulation that will tire your dog out. Participate in some type of training with your dog and you will find your dog is exhausted afterwards. For a puppy try a basic obedience class, for an older dog maybe try agility or Schutzhund. Many forms of training also involve exercise which is a win-win for you! You can also teach your dog new tricks at home at any time. Tricks training is a great way to bond with your dog as well as calm them down. Mental Stimulation German Shepherds aim to please and love to work. They also love to learn new things, in fact, they need to learn new things. Training is one form of mental stimulation, but puzzle toys are another. These toys usually involve the hiding of a treat in a manner where your dog has to figure out how work around the device to get to the treat. If you are interested in some great puzzle toys for German shepherd click here. Dogs should be socialized sufficiently as a puppy. The extra benefit of socializing your dog with other people or animals is that those other parties will tire your dog out for you. If you set up a doggie play date, the dogs will play and play by the time they get home they will pass right out. Some options for socialization include, doggie daycare, taking your dog to the dog park, doggie play dates, field trips to new places, or having a friend or family member who has time to spend the day with your dog. Trust me all that socializing is exhausting! Of course, when I got her home I suddenly realized I was in over my head with my first German Shepherd. She was hyper and I never seemed to be able to tire her out for long. A short rest and I do mean short and she was back to being bananas! My beautiful Black Germa Shepherd! I asked her vet when she was about a year old, when will she calm down? I was told around 5 years old! I was thinking 4 more years! I noticed the calming down process began around age 7. She was and is still is very active, but she could rest longer and be content. Some of the activities I used to do with her at age 1 where she would bounce right back in 10 minutes would tire her out for a longer time period. Now, at 9 years old — she is still NOT a super calm dog. However, she is the calmest around me. We can be active or relax together. Let other people come around and she is back to being a crazy young puppy full of excitement jumping up and down ready to play. Final Thoughts So when do German Shepherds calm down? German Shepherd calm may not be the type of calm you are thinking. They will calm down somewhere between the age of but may never be a full couch potato. Each dog is different and some may calm down earlier or later. Keep in mind that German Shepherds may never be as calm as another dog breed but they will get calmer over time. When I look back at it now, life would have been so much more boring with a calm German Shepherd: When did your German Shepherd calm down? Let me know in the comments. This is actually one of the most popular questions we receive from German shepherd owners! This article will explain everything you need to know on this important topic. German shepherds calm down after years. This is the most common age range when most German shepherds mature and calm down a little. How do GSDs have so much energy to begin with? To this day, German shepherds remain to be one of the top working dogs, if not the no. To perform at such a high level, German shepherds have adapted to have impeccable endurance, stamina, attention, and energy levels. I personally noticed a change in hyperactivity and energy level after 3 years with my GSD. The best way to get a calm German shepherd is to manage their energy levels appropriately. A quick word on Training! Results show improvement in obedience and behavior quicker than we thought possible! Definitely check it out. Stick to a routine The power of routine and sticking to set times is not spoken about enough! Dogs, especially highly intelligent breeds like German shepherds, absolutely need daily routines. Having set times for everything will instantly reduce stress, anxiety, and can even improve obedience. Eating, exercising, training, playing, socializing, and even brushing, should ideally be around the same time every day. Your German shepherd will learn to expect these activities at certain times, allowing them to remain calm during all other times. Exercise twice per day and first thing in the morning Although most owners exercise their German shepherd once per day, exercising them twice per day is extremely beneficial. Along with exercising twice per day, exercising your GSD first thing in the morning is a game-changer. German shepherd adults over 1 year should ideally receive minutes of exercise per day. Split this up into two sessions, once in the morning and another in the evening. German shepherd puppies, under 1 year should stick to a set puppy exercise routine to ensure their joints and bones can develop properly before receiving too much stress. Important read: German shepherd hip dysplasia information 3. Increase socialization activities Socialization is a hugeee one. Perhaps the most potent form of mental stimulation comes when two dogs sniff, play, and interact with each other. In most cases, socialization and mental stimulation are not focused on enough in daily routines. To increase socialization, you can stay longer at the dog park, visit doggy play groups, find Facebook groups online in your local area for the purpose of dog socialization, or visit friends that have dogs more often. Use puppy pens for cool down periods Puppy pens are an excellent tool when used correctly. Not only will they keep your puppy safe and contained, but they can act as a place where your puppy learns to calm down. Puppy pens are essentially like crates, but far more liberating and comfortable. By placing your pup in the pen, it will limit their movement and encourage them to calm down. If your pup considers the puppy pen as a punishment, it will not work to calm them down. Spend a week or so building positive associations with the pen. This means spending time with your pup around the pen, throw toys in there, treats, and give plenty of praise. As long as your puppy enjoys being in the pen, then this will work wonders for whenever you need your pup to calm down quickly. Related: Why are German shepherds so dramatic 5. Puzzle toys usually require your pup to figure out a simple or hard challenge in order to receive the treat. Some puzzle toys are better suited for when you are there to assist, and others are set-and-forget, perfect for when you leave the house. As explained before, providing more mental stimulation for your German shepherd will without a doubt reduce their energy and hyperactivity. Keep up with daily command training! Of course, any German shepherd owner knows just how important training is… But still, I speak to so many owners who stop command training way too early! With a little creativity you can make each training session different and more complex. Try to incorporate minutes of dedicated command training on a daily basis ideally at the same time! This will keep their stress and anxiety levels down, prevent bad behavior and reduce the chances of hyperactive behavior. If you are leaving your GSD home alone for a few hours per day, then ensure they have had some exercise before, and provide them with a puzzle toy, or training prior to leaving them. This could certainly be the case for German shepherds too, considering just how much they crave their owners attention and time. If a German shepherd starts to feel alone, understimulated, or disengaged, then many unwanted behaviors can be the result hyperactivity being just one of them. The 8 tips above all work to help keep your German shepherd calm because they are all stimulating and engaging. Working dogs like German shepherds absolutely need to be stimulated physically, mentally, and socially. The tips above accomplish this in one way or another. By adjusting your GSDs daily routine to include these tips, not only will their hyperactivity reduce, but their overall behavior, happiness and stress levels will improve. Prioritise what your German shepherd needs when they need it, and their behavior and temperament will be exemplary. German Shepherds Are Energetic Dogs! This last section is just a reminder that German shepherds are energetic dogs after all! These dogs are not couch potatoes, and will have energy way into their senior years. As long as we raise a friendly, obedient, and happy German shepherd, their energy levels will be manageable with fairly little effort. Thank you for reading! If you have any questions please message in! The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. They are strong, intelligent and full of unbridled energy. A German shepherd puppy will be curious and find mischief where mischief is to be found. He will bite, chew and eat everything he can get his paws on and teeth through. That is his nature and even with training, he might not fully shed that tendency. His coat on the other hand, he will shed all day, every day. You can ensure that they calm down by exercising and training them. German Shepherds Have Strong Protective Instincts Genetic predisposition: It is ingrained in them, ingrained in the genetic code passed on from their ancestors who were herders, hunters and guard dogs, to protect and take care of their pack—you and your family in this case. Your German shepherd is the product of his kind. Some of it is just him being a big puppy, but most of it is his instincts flaring up mixed with caution. This is what makes him a great guard dog, as long as his instincts and energy are honed by training to become a skill and not end up being a nuisance. They are sociable as well, which makes them wonderful friends and champions for your children. Again, what you think of as aggression: excessive chewing, eating your socks, barking boisterously and bounding about in an over-enthusiastic manner, is part adolescent pent-up energy and hormones—yes, even dogs can act out—and part him trying to be a good guard dog to you. He might growl at some strangers and bark at the pigeons, but he will be fiercely loyal to you and your children. The usual way—barking, whining, zoomies, prancing, jumping and in general, being hyper-active albeit in different ways. Chewing, Biting, Scratching I hate to be the one to tell you this, but all dogs chew, bite, scratch and then eat up what they bite, chew and scratch. Why is he chewing or biting so much? Sure, your German shepherd might just be an active pup, but a dog actually starts teething when he is three to four weeks old, and by the six to eight week stage, all his deciduous teeth baby teeth will have erupted. His adult teeth usually come in when he is 6 months old. Teething, and the consequent chewing and biting, will and should stop around that 6 month point when all his baby teeth fall out and adult teeth set in. Teething can be uncomfortable and painful for your German shepherd, and equally hard on your toes, socks and furniture if he decides to chew on them. What you can do is give them alternatives to bite, chew and rip. Consider investing in some chewable toys like this one for aggressive chewers , rawhide bones and a scratch post or board. Also buy some interactive toys to keep them occupied and away from your socks, shoes and furniture. In addition, frozen treats will not just keep him occupied, it will also cool down and soothe his gums. German Shepherd Barking and Howling This, too, is characteristic of German shepherds who love nothing more than to howl at the moon if you let them; so the point is to not let them all the time. If you think you have it bad with a GSD, a husky will be a shock to your system. A GSD puppy, especially under six months, who is just finding his voice will whine and yowl more than a dog who is a year or older. They should calm down a little at this age, especially since they can be trained not to as they mature. You want them to alert you to an approaching intruder, or to growl at someone who comes off as a threat to either of you. These vocal warnings are often enough to turn away most threats. The only way to get them to stop annoying the neighbors by barking at passing cars, cats and birds, and to instead bark only when necessary is to train them, starting early and doing it systematically. Running or jumping all over the house: When you give your German shepherd the playtime and exercise he needs, he will not be so active and hyper all the time. All of the above are signs of an active and hyper dog. Some of them outgrow it at the one year mark and some take longer and require more training, exercise and attention than others. But in the end, you can calm your German shepherd down. What can you do? Affordable, no price hikes, and a complete dog attitude change. So here are the basics of how you go about it. First, stay calm. Bark on command: Teach your German shepherd how to bark on command! Get your dog excited, a definite way to get him to bark. The minute he does, mark the bark. Remember to praise them. You, in return, must learn to recognize his concern and act accordingly. Give him a treat and praise him when he alerts you to real threats. Soon, you and your dog will be in tune with each other and he will alert you to trouble by barking at the right time. Give Your German Shepherd A Proper Diet Every breed requires a different kind of diet, suited to their age, activity level and their dietary requirements. A vet can chart up a good diet plan for you to follow if you are so inclined. A balanced diet will give him just the right amount of energy he needs—no more and no less. Make sure your German shepherd gets enough protein to build his muscles and keep up his energy. But too much protein in his diet will not only make him excessively energetic, but it will also affect his kidneys. The same goes for his sugar and carb intake. When you castrate your dog, you are effectively removing the glands that provide their system with hormones. These glands are responsible for the amount of testosterone and other hormones that make him overly hyper, rouse his libido and have him acting out aggressively. So, while neutering or spaying your German shepherd does help regulate his hormones —completely remove them, rather—and that in turn subdues them to an extent, he can continue to be an energetic dog if he is so inclined. It is not a quick-fix solution to hyperactiveness. Concluding Thoughts A combination of good training, a balanced diet, plenty of exercises and yes, even neutering, is necessary to effectively calm your German Shepherd down. When that will happen varies from dog to dog, but in the end, a healthy, happy and well-trained dog should and will calm down and be well behaved. Give it exercise German Shepherds are a breed that need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. They were bred to do energy-intensive tasks every day for hours at a time. So, if your German Shepherd is not currently getting much exercise then it will naturally seek to expend more energy causing it to be less calm. An easy way to give your German Shepherd more exercise is to teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to get your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period. It can be difficult to teach your German Shepherd how to do it at first but the link above will guide you through the process. Another way to give your German Shepherd a lot of exercise in a shorter time frame is to walk it with other dogs. By walking it with other dogs your German Shepherd will play with them and expend a lot more energy in doing so. Training Another way to give your German Shepherd a lot of exercise is to give it lots of training. By doing so you will be able to teach your German Shepherd to be more responsive to your command and you will be able to get it to be better behaved when you want it to be. Ignore it when it gets hyper Since your German Shepherd might act hyper around you in order to get attention from you one option you have is to ignore it when it does so and then to reward it when it starts to behave well. Try a calming chew You could also consider giving your German Shepherd a calming chew or toy. By doing this you will be able to channel its attention into the toy and away from everything else. Reasons it might not be calm There are a number of things that might cause your German Shepherd not to be calm that I will try to mention below. Boredom As mentioned earlier German Shepherds require a lot of exercise Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you Separation anxiety Another thing that can cause your German Shepherd not to be calm is separation anxiety. It can also cause it to be more hyperactive when you are around. Attention One reason that your German Shepherd might not act calm is because it wants to get attention from you. If you think that your German Shepherd is doing this then you can try the ignore method above when it acts hyper and you can also make sure to give it lots of attention throughout the day. Things to consider There are a handful of things that you should consider that I will mention below. How old it is The age of your German Shepherd can have an influence on how it behaves. If your German Shepherd is still young then it should calm down a bit as it gets older. When done correctly it gives your German Shepherd a secure place that it can go to and be calm. They will be able to diagnose the cause of its actions and will be able to give you tailored advice to deal with it. When you punish it your German Shepherd will think that it is being punished for the last thing that it did which is coming to you and not the thing that you are actually punishing it for. It can cause other problems as well such as distrust, being less responsive to your command and aggression. Related questions Will my German Shepherd puppy ever calm down? German Shepherds and most other dogs will normally calm down as they get older. Despite that, you should still take measures to train it now so that it is well behaved and easy to manage as an adult. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link.