german shepherd puppies for sale in toledo ohio

Dietary Issues Dietary issues are a common cause of diarrhea in German Shepherds. Some dogs enjoy rummaging through the trash, which increases their risk of consuming contaminated or moldy food. This includes old food they might find on their daily walks. German Shepherds also frequently have a wide range of common food allergies or intolerances to particular ingredients in their diets. Did you know you can get an at-home pet food intolerance test? Runny poop can be a sign of digestive issues, such as eating too much food or treats too quickly. Typically, this could be: the stuffing from a favorite toy pieces of plastic from a rubber chew anything they put in their mouths! German Shepherd puppies, particularly prone to eating inedible objects, are the best example of this. Stress and Anxiety Despite their intimidating exteriors, German Shepherds are susceptible to the effects of stress, which can show up in a number of ways, including diarrhea. You might be surprised to find their bowel patterns react to changes in your lifestyle! Medications A German Shepherd may experience diarrhea and episodes of runny poop from certain medications that irritate their stomach and intestines. Some examples of drugs that may result in diarrhea as a side effect Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs : These drugs are generally given to relieve pain, such as in the case of arthritis, but can cause stomach irritation. Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer are not well-tolerated in some dogs and have side effects, such as diarrhea. Antidepressants: Some dogs on antidepressants to help with anxiety and stress issues may experience bouts of runny poop while on the medication. If your German Shepherd exhibits any unusual symptoms while taking medication, call your veterinarian right away. They may suggest switching to a different drug or adjusting the dosage. Bacterial and Viral Infections German Shepherds can develop diarrhea from two common infections: parvovirus salmonella If your dog consumes contaminated food or drinks dirty water, she could become ill with salmonella. Salmonella levels are higher in stagnant bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. These are the same places that many German Shepherds enjoy sipping from and swimming in! In addition to being extremely contagious in dogs, another virus called parvovirus can be fatal if not treated quickly. For German Shepherd puppies, it poses a particular risk. These parasites can affect the digestive system and harm the gut lining, resulting in diarrhea, stomach aches, and inflammation. They might also obstruct the intestines, which might result in episodes of runny poop. Giardia, on the other hand, is a protozoan parasite that attaches to the gut lining and causes irritation and inflammation, which can result in diarrhea. As long as your dog is eating and drinking and otherwise seems like their normal self, then treating them at home is generally safe source. Temporarily withhold food. Withholding food for a short period of time is one of the most recommended treatments for German Shepherd diarrhea. This allows the digestive system to rest and lets the stomach recover from irritation. Many dogs will naturally be reluctant to eat when their stomachs are upset, but some will continue to eat almost anything you put in front of them. Your German Shepherd needs access to clean, fresh water to avoid dehydration while experiencing diarrhea. Give them small, bland meals. This allows their stomachs to gradually adjust to processing food once more. Your German Shepherd can be fed a bland diet for up to 3 days. After 3 days, start gradually weaning them back to their regular food. A bland diet is an easy-to-digest homemade food that helps German Shepherds with diarrhea by promoting stomach healing and easing the signs of an upset stomach. There are generally two main ingredients: boiled, skinless, boneless chicken and cooked unseasoned white rice. The main objective of feeding your German Shepherd a bland diet is to give them easily absorbed protein and carbohydrates while keeping them away from any ingredients that will worsen their diarrhea. After your German Shepherd starts passing solid feces, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food over the course of a few days by blending small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet food. Add daily probiotics to their diet. A probiotic supplement may be beneficial for some German Shepherds because it contains healthy bacteria that can balance the gut microbiota and support digestive health. Probiotics for German Shepherds PetHonesty makes this delicious probiotic for German Shepherds available as chewable, simple-to-take tablets that contain various probiotic strains. Giving probiotic supplements to your German shepherd may also have the following benefits: Improved digestion. They are every inch perfect. But did you know that unethical breeding is the result of GSDs predisposition to 50 diseases? Breeders were more focused on their physical features than their overall health. This explains why GSDs have very sensitive gut. These hereditary diseases can be mild, severe or even fatal. What is Diarrhea? Diarrhea is the most common digestive problems of GSDs because they are born with sensitive stomach. But how do we differentiate diarrhea from other gut illnesses? Here are some facts about diarrhea. Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose, watery or liquid stool It is a symptom of an underlying illness or a simple intestinal infection Condition may arise from the small intestine or the large intestine May cause dehydration if left untreated It is the result of how the digestive system protects the body from irritants and other dangerous organisms by eliminating them out. The colon flushes water to the stomach, thus the watery stool. Acute diarrhea in German Shepherd puppies is very common. Onset is sudden and may last for a few days up to a few weeks. It may or may not be fatal. In mild cases, it may even resolve on its own within 24 hours. What are the symptoms of Acute Diarrhea? German Shepherd diarrhea with mucus can be seen in acute diarrhea. Weight loss can affect GSDs due to the loss of appetite and nutrients. Gas pains and bloating may cause lethargy to GSDs. It may also be the onset of dehydration. Chronic Diarrhea Recurring German Shepherd diarrhea for a week or more is called a chronic diarrhea. The volume of feces may be more than usual. It may be caused by severe underlying illnesses. What are the symptoms of Chronic Diarrhea in German Shepherds? Symptoms may differ according to the area where diarrhea originated. Although it is more seen in puppies due to their underdeveloped immune system. Here are some possible causes from mild to severe. IBD is a hereditary disease that causes the stomach and the intestines to react to constant intestinal irritations. GSD puppies are very curious of their surroundings. They will lick and taste anything their nose can smell including spoiled food, foreign objects and even garbage. Allergic reaction to some substances and medication will result in diarrhea. Distemper and Parvo virus in GSD puppies are viral by nature. Both are potentially fatal. In EPI, the pancreas fails to produce enzymes for digestion. Liver, pancreas and thyroid diseases can also cause chronic diarrhea. Intestinal Cancer in German Shepherds is very common. Most GSD intestinal cancer victims are male, ages between 6 to 9 years. The key is preventing GSD puppies and dogs from dehydration. For mild to moderate diarrhea, home remedies can be very effective. It should be given in small amounts. Iced cubes can be good, too. After 24 hours, reintroduce solid food like boiled boneless chicken and white rice in small portions. Wait and observe for 2 hours after giving food. If your GSD did not vomit, then you can gradually increase the portion size and the number of feedings until the stool is formed. It contains soluble fibre that can help form firmer stool. Giving bone broth can also help in soothing upset stomach and rehydrate GSDs. Just make sure to use probiotics especially made for dogs since GSDs are known to be lactose intolerant. Ask your vet for the best dog food for German Shepherd with diarrhea. Dog food for GSD with diarrheas have a special formulation that can help stop diarrhea while supplying necessary nutrients. Prevention German Shepherd diarrhea is impossible to avoid, especially that this breed is prone to gastrointestinal diseases. All dogs can get diarrhea at least twice in their lives. Prevention will at least lessen the frequency of experiencing diarrhea. Always clean your surroundings. This can prevent your GSD puppies from eating garbage and other things. GSDs have the reputation of having sensitive gut, so feeding them with raw food may endanger them from developing life-threatening diseases. Always follow vaccination and deworming schedules according to your vet. It is good to check dog food labels before purchasing. This can help you identify if your dog will develop allergic reactions to the particular food. Never give your GSD leftover food. Identifying the causes will help you treat and prevent it from happening over and over again. Although diarrhea is just a symptom, dehydration must be prevented. Watch out for signs of dehydration like dry and sticky gums, panting and sunken eyes. Diarrhea with blood in stool, lethargy, vomiting and loss of appetite in German Shepherd puppies may easily weaken their bodies that might become life threatening if left untreated. Immediate medical attention should be given to such situations. Vets may require tests for proper diagnosis in some cases. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Dietary issues or consuming rotten or toxic foods are the main causes of diarrhea in German Shepherds. The best way to help your GSD is with a temporary fast if appropriate before following a bland food diet. Bouts of diarrhea will certainly happen to most German Shepherds throughout their life, at least a handful of times. Diarrhea is a standard reaction to sudden changes in their GI health or even reactions to stress in the world around them. Each cause requires a different treatment approach, making it essential to get to the bottom of their troubles! Dietary Issues German Shepherds are extremely curious, meaning they often try to eat anything that may seem edible. Not only do they scarf up any food that crosses their path, but they can get their paws on human food as well. Dietary issues in dogs refer to eating anything outside of their normal diet. This can include getting into the trash, eating a greasy piece of bacon, or even eating something rotten found outside. When a dog eats something outside of their normal kibble, this can cause a sudden shift in the bacteria in their gut and intestines. This is made much worse by any high-fat content that could be in the food, along with any dangerous bacteria that could be present as well. Whether your vet suggests a new food or your pup no longer likes their kibble, an occasional diet is sometimes needed. A sudden change in diet can cause a shift in this balance, leading to GI irritation. A change of diet that is not done over a gradual period will likely lead to diarrhea, and even vomiting in some cases. Stress Just like you and I, our German Shepherds can experience stress and in severe cases, even depression. While they may have different triggers than humans, their struggles are just as real. Dogs can react to this stress in multiple ways, one of which being diarrhea. There are many factors that can cause a GSD to become stressed. They may react to changes in their normal routine, new people in the home, the sudden absence of someone they love, or any other change that impacts their life. This is extremely common in dogs that are boarded while their owners are away, so much so that kennel owners know to be on the lookout for any sign of diarrhea. Bacterial Infections Our German Shepherds are exposed to different types of bacteria all the time. Bacteria live in the soil they touch, the bowls they drink out of, and even some of the toys they play with. Because of this, dogs can fall victim to bacterial infections that cause an upset stomach. Most dogs with a bacterial infection will experience diarrhea, vomiting, change of appetite , abdominal pain, and more. Bacterial infections often require veterinary care, as most pups will need antibiotics to get them back on track. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites are foreign invaders that cause serious GI upset in our German Shepherd friends. Shepherds with intestinal parasites may experience diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss , abdominal pain, distended abdomens, and more. The best way to prevent intestinal parasites is to have your pup dewormed from the moment you adopt them, and then offer them monthly heartworm prevention. Most heartworm prevention contains ingredients that stop worms in their tracks. Serious Illness Diarrhea can be a symptom of serious illness in German Shepherds. This combination can cause diarrhea for many dogs, especially if it is a GI illness in particular. Be sure to keep a log of all the symptoms your dog is currently experiencing, so you can help your vet make an accurate diagnosis. While any diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours should be seen by a vet, there are a few at-home options to try. Withholding Food Withholding food for hours is an option that can be practiced in certain dogs. If you know that your dog is having diarrhea due to something they ate, this can be a successful way to let their stomach calm down. Fasting should only be practiced in healthy adult dogs, and when approved by your veterinarian. You should never fast a German Shepherd puppy or senior dog, as this can lead to more complications. Switch To a Bland Diet Switching to a bland diet is one of the most successful ways to combat diarrhea in your canine companion. When a dog is experiencing an upset stomach, it can be challenging to properly digest their normal food. The most popular bland diet option is boiled chicken breast and white rice, but you can also purchase a bland diet from your veterinarian. Some vets do approve pro-pectalin for use at home, but this should always be approved before giving it to your furry friend. Your vet can also prescribe antibiotics that help with diarrhea, along with medication to firm their stool. Diarrhea is often a result of some type of irritation in the GI tract, making probiotics useful in many cases. Probiotics are packed with beneficial bacteria that helps to promote digestive health. Adding daily probiotics to a bland diet can help your pup get back on track. This is especially important for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs, as they may be easily triggered by certain changes. The general rule is to always seek help if their diarrhea does not resolve within 24 hours. However, there are a few special circumstances that require veterinary care much sooner. Final Thoughts As you can see, German Shepherds can experience diarrhea due to multiple causes. Be sure to review the information that we discussed above, and you can help your pup at the next sign of diarrhea. 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. Signs of worms in poop Your vet will treat diarrhea depending on the cause, and further investigations may be required. Never give your German Shepherd any anti-diarrhea medications e. How to Prevent Diarrhea in German Shepherds It would be impossible for your German Shepherd to never suffer from the odd case of diarrhea. But there are some things you can do. To prevent diarrhea in your German Shepherd, feed a complete and nutritious diet, and avoid table scraps and titbits that your dog is not used to. Avoid anything toxic and ensure your GSD does not get into the garbage. Ensure worming treatment and vaccinations are up to date. Follow these simple guidelines to prevent diarrhea: Make sure you know all the dangerous poisonous foods for your German Shepherd. Ensure your GSD keeps to its usual diet. Prevent guests to your home from feeding titbits, especially toxic foods that they may be unaware of, for example, grapes or chocolate. Be wary of feeding bones , as they must be raw and be of the correct type and size for your dog. Keep all toxic substances out of reach of your dog. The Pet Poison Helpline has a complete list of these. Consider a muzzle when you are out in the woods or park to prevent your dog from scavenging if they are that way inclined. Keep worming treatment up to date. Vets recommend every three months — but check for your breed. Keep vaccinations up to date. Exercise your German Shepherd regularly, especially if they suffer from stress. Refrain from exercising your dog immediately before or after a meal. I like to give my German Shepherd a good hour on either side, which also helps prevent bloat. Acute diarrhea, which is the most common type, usually lasts for one to two days and can sometimes last up to two weeks. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts for at least four weeks. The duration of diarrhea in German Shepherds can vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, a temporary change in diet may be recommended by a veterinarian to help manage the diarrhea, but this should only be done under the guidance of a professional. Feed your dog plain, easily digestible food such as chicken and rice to get him back on his feet again. I hope you found the above prevention tips helpful, which will minimize the risk of this unpleasant and messy occurrence! Related Posts You May Like:. What Is Diarrhea? Diarrhea refers to a condition where a dog passes soft or watery stool during bowel movement. Doggy diarrhea is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying issue. The stool will usually occur in large amounts and in greater frequency than normal. Physiologically speaking, diarrhea occurs due to fecal matter passing too quickly through the intestine while the absorption speed of electrolytes, nutrients, and water is decreased. Symptoms of Diarrhea in a German Shepherd Diarrhea can appear on its own, but it can also have other accompanying symptoms. The most common symptoms are bloody stool red or black , a low-grade fever, lethargy, flatulence, loss of appetite, and vomiting as in gastroenteritis. In cases wherein these symptoms also appear alongside diarrhea, it is best to bring your dog to the vet immediately. What Causes Diarrhea in German Shepherds? Throughout the lifetime of your German Shepherd, she will most probably experience diarrhea at least a few times. The most common causes of diarrhea in GSDs are the following: Viral infections, such as one that is caused by parvovirus or canine distemper virus , especially in young, unvaccinated dogs Stress brought about by a change in environment or traveling Abrupt change in diet or treats Poor diet Food allergies or sensitivities, such as dairy products Intestinal parasites which can come from raw meat Ingesting poisonous substances, spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects Antibiotic medication In rare cases, tumor s in the digestive tract cancer Types of Diarrhea in German Shepherds Diarrhea is a general term, but there are several different types of it. Acute and Chronic Diarrhea Depending on the underlying cause, diarrhea in your GSD can be acute short-lived or chronic happening intermittently over course of weeks or months. Sudden acute diarrhea can appear if your GSD ingests something that does not get along well with her intestines. GSDs have a higher prey drive than most breeds, making them susceptible to chasing rodents and squirrels when left to their own devices. If your dog ingests the meat of these animals, the bacteria in the meat can upset her stomach. German Shepherds and larger breeds in general are more predisposed to this chronic disease than smaller dogs, especially during middle age. Oftentimes, veterinarians prescribe medication to manage the symptoms, as this is an incurable condition. Small intestinal diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial and viral infections, parasites, food sensitivities, IBD, ingested garbage, poison, or foreign objects. In this type of diarrhea, your GSD may pass large amounts of stool about three to five times per day, without straining. Your dog may also vomit, pass gas frequently, and lose weight. On the other hand, large intestinal diarrhea also known as colitis is often caused by whipworms, colon ulcers, colon cancer, IBD, and stress. Colitis is characterized by more frequent passing of stool more than five times a day in smaller amounts, and your GSD may strain in the process. Blood in the stool may appear bright red, and mucus may also be present. Unlike small intestinal diarrhea, large intestinal diarrhea does not always cause vomiting or weight loss in dogs. In some cases, your dog may exhibit a combination of these two types of diarrhea. For instance, the problem can start in the small intestine and then proceed to the large intestine. However, always provide plenty of fresh water nearby to avoid dehydration. After the hour fast, feed your dog a bland diet. Opt for skinless, boneless boiled chicken and broth. You can mix in a few small spoonfuls of mashed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or potatoes, but make sure that they are unseasoned and unsalted. Rice can be added, too, as long as your GSD is not sensitive to it. These foods will help to firm up the stool. Start with small meals every two hours, then gradually increase the amount of food and the time in between meals. Be very cautious when transitioning your GSD to her previous diet. The transition should be spaced out and gradually done over a few days. If this successfully resolves the diarrhea, you can get her back to her regular food. You may be tempted to give your dog some medication to help ease her discomfort and cure her diarrhea. It is important, however, to understand the risks and to follow proper instructions before you do so. Imodium Imodium is a common over the counter medication that many people give to their dogs to treat diarrhea. Imodium, known generically as Loperamide, is effective in slowing down the movement of the intestines, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more slowly. As previously mentioned, and this bears repeating, you must be very careful when administering Imodium to your GSD. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog Imodium. Imodium Loperamide is a synthetic opioid, and it is possible to overdose your dog if you are not careful. Never give Imodium to puppies, pregnant and nursing GSDs, senior GSDs, and those with other medical illnesses such as liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Some of the side effects of Imodium may include: Constipation.

Jersey, Channel Islands What I'm going to say might sound really negative, but I feel that I have to say it for the benefit of the puppies.It's really not a good idea to get two puppies at once. Very occasionally, it can work out ok - but it is never optimal. Puppies need a lot of individual time and attention. IMO it simply isn't possible to give the puppy the same amount of individual time and attention they would receive in a household where they were the only puppy, if they are homed together. Puppies homed together tend to be seen as one homogenous unit - 'the puppies' or 'the girls' or 'the boys' or 'the dogs' - and not invested in, as individuals, as they would be if they were the only dog in the home. There is such a thing as 'littermate syndrome' which is quite common amongst puppies raised together - as a behaviourist, I see several cases a year of it. The last case I saw, there ended up being one confident dog and the other dog was very timid, especially when her sister wasn't with her. She had attached to her sister and didn't feel safe when she wasn't around. The owner had taken them both out together to 'socialise' them, and together she hadn't even noticed that one pup wasn't really interacting with the world and she seemed fine when her sister was with her. The reality is that her sister had received most attention and the timid pup had been able to fade into the background more and not to be 'noticed'.The case I saw before that, someone had gotten two puppies which just played together the whole time in rough play. They had taken them out to 'socialise' them, but they weren't very interested in looking at the world and learning about it - they just wanted to get to each other all the time and play. The case I saw before THAT, was two siblings which had been fine together during puppyhood but had now started to fight in adolescence. The owner returned home one day and found one puppy with a bite wound dripping blood. On adolescence, dogs enter sexual maturity and if dogs are too 'similar' in age - particularly if they are the same sex - they can start to fight because they experience each other as more of a threat. With puppies of difference sexes, it's almost going to force early neutering on you to prevent unwanted matings and puppies - not ideal. And finally, the other end of life: It is likely you will lose both dogs close together in time, because they are the same age. And if one dies before the other, the one that is left is heartbroken because their main attachment figure has gone.And so on and on and on. As a very occasional breeder, I would never place two puppies in the same home and, if anyone asked for two, that in itself would count against them because I would consider them to be a home that hadn't done their research and fully understood what is involved in raising a puppy. As a trainer, I won't take two puppies in the same household, into the same class - because they need that precious time to be alone without their sibling, to learn how to focus on their 'person', to learn how to socialise with other breeds that are not their own - and not to spend the entire class attempting to get to each other. If I manage to reach people before they have actually brought the puppies home, I am sometimes successful and they tell the breeder they only want one. If I reach people after they have the puppies, I am almost never successful because people don't want to take a puppy back after they have begun to bond, and can't choose which one to keep. But one can try.Enjoy your one pup and give them all the time and attention they deserve to get - your full quote of time and attention.We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Puppies are a handful, and raising two of them at the same time can be a joyful yet demanding experience. This is especially true if they are sibling puppies. The question for non-breeders is whether raising two Lab puppies together is something you should set out to do? Raising two Lab puppies together is generally not a good idea. Multiple puppies tend to not bond with owners as well as single puppies. Having multiple puppies can have a negative impact on training, and create conflict leading to behavioral problems. There are other challenges related to raising two Lab puppies together that also need to be considered. However, in some circumstances an owner may not have a choice in the matter. For those situations, there are strategies you can use to reduce some of the challenges presented when raising multiple Lab puppies in the same home. For example, they get to play together and keep each other company while you are away. So why is doing so not advisable? This is especially true if they spend a lot of time together. Unfortunately, this deep bond can affect their bond with you. As a result, they may ignore you, which can be detrimental to their training. A strong bond is necessary for successful training. However, it can only happen if you have the puppy's undivided attention. Raising two puppies means that their attention gets divided between each other and you. Your only choice is to keep separating them, which brings us to the next challenge. They Might Display Littermate Syndrome Littermate Syndrome describes potential behaviors that could arise when a pair of puppies become overly dependent on each other due to their constant companionship. The puppies, usually drawn from the same litter, might exhibit certain behaviors. For instance: They are often pretty nervous, aloof, or fearful of people or other dogs. They become overly engrossed with each other, expressing little or no interest in other dogs or their human owners. They become highly distressed if separated even for a short while, making exercise, training, and vet visits difficult. This problem is not limited to puppies from the same litter, though. It could also happen to similar-aged puppies or those close in age. This is when they learn basic commands, how to live well with people, use a leash, and how not to nip. However, it's not easy to house train one puppy while the other one is distracting him or jumping all over him. Besides, puppies are generally full of mischief and require close supervision, which is an almost impossible feat when you have two. For effective training, you need to make time to train each puppy separately until such a point when the puppy can join other dogs for training. This could take months, so you need to be sure that you can commit to the time and energy it would take to train both pups. They Are Prone to Conflict Littermates tend to fight a lot. They fight over food or your attention, and this could worsen as they grow older. Same-sex puppies are often more competitive, so they might get into conflict a little more often. Also, one puppy's bad habits could rub off on the other. They Need Their Own Space It's good for each puppy to have their own space where they spend most of their time, apart from when they have scheduled play-time. Having personal space allows the pups to function independently and develop separate personalities instead of turning into half-dogs who are utterly dependent on each other. You cannot crate train two puppies together, as each puppy needs to have its own crate. This is especially so if you are not available to keep watch over them throughout the day or during night time when they are asleep. You should also walk, feed, and socialize with each pup on its own. Crate training helps keep your puppies safe, prevents damage, is handy when traveling, and is necessary for housetraining. You should continue to keep them separate until each puppy learns to pay attention to you, listen, and obey your commands. Once they do, you can gradually allow the puppies to go on walks together. Establishing a proper foundation through training is crucial as the puppies can get out of hand while outdoors if you fail to do so. You can also get someone to help you walk the pups if you prefer to take them out at the same time but use different routes. While the puppies don't have to stay separately throughout and can still spend time together, you ought to give each equal quality time and attention. Tips on How To Raise Two Lab Puppies Successfully Bringing up two pups has its advantages , but be warned, this takes time, space, money, and loads of patience. If you don't have any of these, you might be better off raising one pup till they are about one year old before getting a second pup. By then, both of you will have a strong bond. But if you are willing and up to the task, here is what you need to do: Enroll them separately in puppy training classes and make training consistent. If it's hard to separate the pups initially, consider placing the individual crates next to each other so they can see and smell each other. Then, gradually move the containers further apart. To make them used to staying apart, have the puppies engage in individual activities. Dogs are social animals, so make time for play, fun, and being together. Final Thoughts If you want to have dogs in your life, it's best to start with one puppy, unless you are experienced at this and can house a pair of pups separately. Otherwise, it can be a considerable challenge. To raise your pups into complete, confident, and well-trained individual dogs, follow the valuable tips outlined here. Tweet on Twitter It is not unusual for people go to visit a litter of Labrador puppies to choose their pet, and come home with not one puppy but two! Two puppies usually settle in together very happily. After all, leaving home with your brother or sister is a great deal more fun than leaving home all by yourself! It may seem that bringing two Labrador puppies home together is great. That the two dogs will be good company for each other whilst you are busy, growing up to be great friends and playmates. But is this really a good idea? In this article we are going to look at the challenges involved in raising two puppies. Helping you to decide whether this is the right decision for your family. There is clearly a lot of appeal to the idea. You might disagree with your family about which puppy is best and think it will sort the argument out. You might think two are equally adorable. Or even be concerned about him feeling lonely when you need to leave the house. But there are a lot of factors you need to take into account to make the right decision. Bonding With Your Puppy Two puppies of the same or a similar age, form a terrific bond. Unfortunately this bond is often at the expense of a bond with the owner. Your littermate pups may be so besotted with each other that they will have little time for you. Why Does This Matter? It matters because building a bond between you and your dog is very important if you are to be successful in training the dog. To have a great relationship with your dog, you need to be the centre of his universe. If you have two puppies at once, this is hard to achieve without constantly separating the dogs. Littermate Syndrome Littermate syndrome is the name given to certain behaviors shown by a pair of puppies from the same litter. It is not a condition that has been extensively scientifically studied, but more one that has been born from observation in these scenarios. Littermate syndrome describes two dogs who are overly fixated on each other. They show little interest in their human family or other dogs. They will often be very nervous and insular. If allowed to bond to this degree, dogs can become very distressed at being separated even for short periods of time. This can make living with them very challenging in terms of training, exercising and when dealing with enforced separation for example veterinary visits. Littermate syndrome is not a definite result of taking on littermates, nor one which has been studied beyond anecdotal evidence. However, it does describe behaviors that can potentially occur when two puppies at allowed to become constantly dependant upon each other. Raising Two Puppies From Different Litters You might hope to avoid littermate syndrome by raising two puppies from different litters. Unfortunately, this is not a guaranteed solution to this problem. Two puppies of similar ages can become just as co-dependant as two from the same litter. Nor does it avoid the other more practical pitfalls of buying two puppies at once. Such as the trouble with training sessions. Even family pets need to learn basic commands and house manners. They need to be taught not to nip, not to jump up, to walk nicely on the leash. They will probably also need to learn to sit and stay, not to mention coming when they are called. You cannot train a dog in the early stages whilst his brother is leaping all over him or attracting his attention. Dogs have to be trained singly, away from other dogs, until the training reaches a point where they can be trained together. This happens much later, often months if not years down the line. Two puppies are an incredible distraction to each other. In order to teach even very simple skills, you will need to have one pup well out of sight and sound. You will need to ensure that you have time to train both dogs if you want to commit to bringing home a pair of puppies. Puppies are a lot of work, and two puppies can be more than twice the work of one. Your pleasure in the early weeks of having a puppy may be greatly reduced by having to divide your time between the two. Think hard about the other commitments in your life and whether you have not just the time, but the energy. Can you logistically deal with two sets of potty training? Do you have the patience to calmly work with not one but two chewing, biting, crying puppies? Walking Two Dogs At Once When considering raising two puppies, you will have to decide what to do about walking them. Walking two dogs at once can be a joyful experience when they have good recall and can walk to heel off-leash. But this will not be something you can reliably do until they are well past the proofing stage of training. Early walks are all about establishing good behavior and focussing on training. If you take on two puppies at once, they will need to be walked separately. Or at least managed by two different individuals on the walk. They might also find the sight of each other terribly distracting and need to be walked on different routes initially. My Breeder Recommends That I Take Two Puppies No reputable and experienced dog breeder will ever sell two littermates to one family, unless the buyer is an experienced dog trainer who is going to house the dogs separately. If the breeder you have chosen is recommending you buy two puppies at once, I am afraid that she is probably doing so for one of two reasons: Because she needs the money. Because she is unaware of the problems it will cause you. Either way, you may want to have another think about whether this is the right breeder for you. They might not have the ethics or experience that a good Labrador breeder requires to help a new puppy parent make the right choices. Raising Two Puppies Successfully Raising two puppies successfully will take time, patience, space and money. Unless you have a lot of free time and some experience in dog training, two puppies at a time can be a very challenging experience. Whilst the first few days might be easier, the next six months could have you tearing your hair out. So do think hard before you do it. For most families, it is far easier to wait until your puppy is over a year old before introducing another dog into the household. That way they will each have your full attention when they are small, and form a good bond with you that is more powerful than the bond they have with each other. You will also probably get a lot more enjoyment out of them in the early days too. How about you? Have you already brought home two littermates? What do you think are the pros and cons? Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. But what if you have a Lab that has recently given birth to only 2 puppies? Is that normal for Labradors, or should it be a cause for concern? The larger the breed, the more likely the litter will be bigger, but a healthy Lab can also have a small litter. The rest of this article will go into Labrador litter sizes in greater detail. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting subject! The breed of the mother is another factor to consider. Make sure to keep your puppies warm during the first few weeks. If the mother has previously had larger litters, she may be confused or distressed due to having such a small litter this time around. You should also stay close to her if she seems highly distressed. Littermates Are Important for Puppy Development During the first few weeks of life, puppies learn basic social skills by playing and play-biting each other. The mother will scold puppies for being too aggressive and teach them manners. Feeding your Lab a healthy diet will also increase the chances of a big litter. After seven years old, having a small litter becomes more common in Labradors and all dogs. Although it may not seem like it, keeping your Labrador healthy and active will also increase its chances of having many puppies. A healthy Labrador will have a more muscular body, so carrying a big litter will be easier. Litter Size Occurs Naturally You can do certain things to make it more likely for your Labrador to have a bigger litter, but it may not always work. Or she may be too young or too old! Many small dog breeds are likely to have small litters, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers. Typically, Labs will always have many more puppies than a Pomeranian. Jack Russels, for example, are a small breed, but their average litter size is six. Six is a big number, considering how tiny Jack Russels are! A healthy Labrador between 2 and 5 years old has the best chance of having a big litter. Smaller litters need extra help to stay warm due to the lack of warmth from littermates.

Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are a rescue based out of Memphis, Tennessee with fosters and chapters in various parts of the United States. Rescue Me! Stacker compiled a list of dogs available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee on Petfinder, ranging in age, breed composition, temperament, and needs. Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious. Dogs Available for Adoption in Knoxville. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area. Rescue Services Fire Departments. East Tennessee Boxer Rescue. Vision A home for every pet. East Tennessee Boxer Rescue currently does not have pet listings. Knox County Knoxville, Tennessee. Thank you for helping homeless pets! The Sponsor a Pet program is handled by The Petfinder Foundation, a c 3 nonprofit organization, to ensure that shelters and rescue groups receive donations in the easiest way possible. I have made the decision to find him a more conducive home. Chattanooga, TN Phone: Email: adoptions thalppc. For directions, please call .East Tennessee Boxer Rescue earlier this month took in the dog. Adoptable dogs, information about Border Collies and Border Collie Rescue, and fundraising items for sale. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Knoxville, Tennessee. Roughly half of those will be euthanized, not due to poor health or aggression issues but simply due to lack of resources. He is housed at Young - Williams Animal Center. Knox County Knoxville, Tennessee .If you'd like to start an order, call Bob at or email borderlandtees gmail. Pet Classifieds TN Tennessee. Amanda Asbury, ETBR's director and founder, soon discovered the reverse brindle pup suffered the worst case of anxiety she's. Part of the J litter also posted in our rescue. Each year approximately 6 million dogs and cats enter shelters nationwide. He is the sweetest happiest boy ever! ECBR strives to find the perfect home for every dog that. Meet Layla, Lisa, Lizzy and. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home as many homeless pets in the mid south as we possibly can. Tennessee Boxer Rescue View other Boxers for adoption. Knoxville, TN .The adoption fee includes all age appropriate. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by IRS law. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Have you seen a more perfect Dog -. Animal no longer available Visit a different page: Tennessee. Tennessee Boxer RescueView other Boxers for adoption. Program Humans and Animals Learning Together provides a therapeutic intervention for at-risk adolescents through dog obedience training in Knoxville, TN. East Tennessee Boxer Rescue is a non-profit organization that strives to rescue, medically rehabilitate, and re-home unwanted and abandoned Boxers within the greater Eastern Tennessee area as well as providing education to pet owners. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Meet Layla, Lisa, Lizzy …. These adorable sweet babies found themselves dumped in a car lot in a rural part of Tennessee. Boxer puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. He and my small dogs have started having disagreements at feeding time. Bringing home a new family member? Get prepared with the new pet parent checklist on The Wildest! Bringing home a new family member? These are the people who care for the homeless, abused and unwanted boxers because they have a love and passion for the breed and believe they all deserve a second chance. Every dog in our care will be vet checked, brought up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, heart worm tested and treated , and is spayed or. Dogs For Adoption In Tennessee. Since our incorporation BARC has grown in. We watch perfectly healthy, well adjusted. Rescue , Inc Rescue Services Website .East Tennessee Boxer Rescue, is c 3 non-profit organization. Furry Friends of Knoxville. Email ECBR at : eastcoastboxerrescue gmail. Tennessee Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. My foster mother rescued me from a bad situation, but she can't keep me. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Knoxville, TN. Most orders can be completed without visiting the shop. Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. Animals for adoption at East Tennessee Boxer Rescue in …. Believed to be approximately 5 weeks old and these guys and gals are just adorable. Rescue Me ID .Get prepared with the new pet parent checklist on The Wildest! We were founded in by six individuals with nothing but a strong vision and unwavering hope that we could make a difference for the unwanted boxers in our community. These tiny babies found themselves dumped in a shelter in rural in Arkansas. Believed to be approximately 7 weeks old girls are everything puppy. Our group is made up of dedicated volunteers. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 4. Search for boxer rescue dogs for adoption near Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee Doberman Rescue Knoxville The Tennessee Doberman Rescue is an animal rescue organization that specifically focuses on rescuing Doberman dogs across the south. Their only faultthere are just too many. The adoption fee includes all age appropriate vaccinations, neuter procedure, But we'd also be happy to meet in person -- sometimes that is easier if you have a lot of questions. They are fostering in pairs in Memphis, TN where they are learning socialization skills and getting and giving lots of puppy love. Best Dog Rescues in Tennessee. I am approximately 8 weeks old. Search for boxer rescue dogs for adoption near Nashville, Tennessee. Please click a new state below. If you've been considering bringing home a furry companion, be sure to keep reading. It's important to note that pet adoption is a huge responsibility and requires available savings for. We rely on the good hearts within the rescue community, regional community and local community. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home as many. Bob and Kris Lynch, .Boxer puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted breeders. Meet Layla, Lisa, Lizzy and Lucy a …. Tickle is a very sweet older boxer. Here are some nearby pet listings. The Boxer Rescue, Inc. Fluffy Puppies!! Our goal at Young-Williams Animal Center is to find long-term homes for all our adoptable animals. Maltese Puppies can be Delivered to you in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you are unable to find your Pug puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Pug Dogs for Adoption. Olga Polednik Knoxville, TN .Small dogs are not only adorable and cuddly, but they can also be a great addition to any family. We are located around Knoxville in East Tennessee. Sweet, fluffy, and completely adorable, Pomeranian puppies are here to reward your love with joy and blissful companionship. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Mutts combine the best qualities of all the breeds in their lineage and are often the best behaved and most lovable pets to own. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Knoxville who need a home. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. If you live in the Knoxville, Tennessee area and are looking for a dog to adopt, your best. Here are some of the top benefi. Except the puppies are not allowed outside until they have had all the vaccinations. Why buy a puppy for. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN. Knoxville, TN .For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Also, be sure to check the Dachshund. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Knoxville. The puppies and their parents go through regular check-ups and health. Additional pictures of Chihuahua puppies. Puppies for Sale from Knoxville, Tennessee Breeders. Rip is a Merle boxer baby, he is not a standard color, he is Ckc registered, he is unique, if you have any questions please feel free to call or text anytime XXXX. Young-Williams Animal Center on Division Street is the holding center for Knox City and Knox County animal control, so there are many animals in our care that are not yet ready for adoption, either because they have not yet completed their state required legal stray hold time 3 days without identification, 5 days with identification , or. Golden Retriever Puppies. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. The best breed of dog to own is a mutt, according to Business Insider. We are a small organization who relies solely on adoption fees and donations from the public. Our puppies are sold as family pets, and are all raised in the house with us. We have many different colors including chocolate, English cream, dapple, and piebald miniature dachshunds. Knoxville Find Rottweiler puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Rottweilers sometimes get an unfair rap as aggressive, but they're really just a loyal breed with protective instincts. Checklist for New Adopters Help make the transition, as smooth as possible. We strive to continue to breed wonderful pets and believe in top quality not quantity. The average weight for female Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies in. At Premier, our Pomeranian puppies come with a passion for cuddles, love, and a year health guarantee. The labor process includes the first stage, where uterine contractions begin; hard labor, in which the puppies are born; and the final stage in which the mother dog passes the placen. How much do Rottweiler puppies cost in Knoxville, TN? Good Dog makes it easy to discover Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies for sale near. We strive to make the best match possible for each individual or family. Treatments for Canine Arthritis. If you are unable to find your Dachshund puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dachshund Dogs for Adoption. They are slightly spoiled and very very very loved. Morgan's Miniature Dachshunds. The Benefits of Owning a Small Dog. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. German Shepherds for Sale in Knoxville. We have many different colors including chocolate, English cream, Dogs for Sale in Knoxville. For dogs currently in a foster home, please apply here to schedule a meet and greet with the foster parent. When a dog is ready to have puppies, it will not be interested in eating for 24 hours before, it will lick its vulva and it will have tighter contractions in its stomach that may or may not be noticeable to the owner. Looking for a Maltese puppy in Knoxville, Tennessee? Adopt yours from our reputable breeders at Premier Pups. However, there are options available to allevia. We are a small hobby breeder producing beautiful Cocker Spaniel puppies with great health lines and excellent temperament. Young-Williams Animal Center on Division Street is the holding center for Knox City and Knox County animal control, so there are many animals in our care that are not yet ready for adoption, either because they have not yet completed their state required legal stray hold time 3 days without identification, 5 days with identification , or …. They're highly trainable, intelligent, docile, and become extremely bonded to their human companions. We are a non profit organization with the goal of providing better quality of life for homeless senior and special needs pets near Knoxville. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. These beautiful, foxlike pups thrive in a setting where love and cuddles are plentiful. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Monday - Saturday am - pm. Available Knoxville, TN .At Premier, our Pomeranian puppies come with a passion for cuddles, love, and a .At Premier Pups, we are a family of four-legged dog lovers that raises happy and healthy Maltese puppies. Find your puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN Puppies. Our team is knowledgeable and passionate about puppies and is dedicated to providing excellent care and support to both our puppies and their new owners. They have been raised in a home with so much love a… english bulldog puppy for sale .What Are the Seven Classifications of a Dog? Why trust us? Start in plank position, hands under your shoulders and feet hip-width apart, with your body in a straight line from h. Dogs go into labor when it is time to have their puppies. All our pups are health-tested, pampered, and raised with love. Browse thru our ID Verified. We breed our dogs to get the best possible combination in a puppy. Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are making a difference together. Jack Russell Terrier puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Here, at Premier Pups, we align ourselves with the nation's most reputable and responsible breeders to offer you happy and healthy Shih Tzu puppies for adoption near Knoxville. If you adopted within the last 30 days and need assistance, please text our adoption team at. We are proud members of the American Spaniel Club, and show our dogs on the conformation circuit. Free Classifieds Puppies for Sale in Knoxville, Our puppies are sold as family pets, and are all raised in the house with us because they are our family, and of course are handled endless times every day. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. Miniature Dachshunds. The subspecies of dogs is Canis lupus familiaris, which includes feral and domesticated dogs. Join the movement to ensure equitable health for all. They have been raised in a home with so much love a english bulldog puppy for sale. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN from trusted. Home Morgan's miniature dachshunds. Adopting a pet is an important, lifelong decision. Our puppies are raised with the utmost care and attention, receiving plenty of love and socialization from the moment they are born. Our Shih Tzus are raised with passion and care by our dedicated and loving staff members. At Young-Williams Animal Center, our vision is to find a home for every pet. Cane Corso puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN from trusted. The valley is one of the most beautiful places you will find in the United States. Pets for Sale in Knoxville. With a state of the art location providing you and your family with a fun and a hands on approach to learning about pets and their required needs. As with humans, canines tend to develop arthritis as they get older. Partnered with the nation's most reputable breeders, Premier Pups offers cute Pomeranian puppies for sale in the Knoxville area. The typical price for Cane Corso puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy. Find your puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN. Puppies for Sale near Knoxville, Tennessee. If you have any questions concerning adoptable animals or our adoption policies, please contact us at .Jack Russell Terrier Boston Terrier. Pet Classifieds Knoxville. Petland has variety of dogs and puppies for sale in Knoxville including. Are you thinking about getting a pet? If so, you may want to consider the many benefits of owning a small dog. Learn more about how Purina and. What Is the Best Dog to Own? Knoxville nonprofit rescues 10 dogs from large 'hoarding. Dogs typically live within households and are owned by people as pets or as working dogs, which makes them domestic for the most part. Shorkie Puppies! Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua. Adopt yours from our reputable. See our available Pomeranian puppies for sale near Knoxville, Tennessee. We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. All of our breeding dogs are AKC registered. AKC Boxer Puppies tennessee, knoxville. Briard Location Age Any Briard puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. Transportation to Knoxville, TN available. This breeder has met specific Boxer Puppies. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN. Our puppies are born indoors in a temperature controlled area. Boxer Puppies for sale in Knoxville, tn from top breeders and individuals. Fawn female Boxer with black mask and white markings. Boxer Puppies for Sale. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Greyhound puppies in Knoxville, Tennessee. PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. Check out our boxer puppies for sale! Akbash puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is a happy, goofy puppy who is always ready to play and bounce. Boxer puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted …. To see more adoptable Lhasa Apsos in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! To see more adoptable Miniature Schnauzers in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! He is the sweetest happiest boy ever! Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. To see more adoptable Akbashes in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Petland Knoxville , TN. Boxers for Sale in Sevierville, TN. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. White boxer puppies for sale. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Briard puppies and adult Briard in Knoxville, Tennessee. Puppies will be ready for new. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Boxer Puppies in Tennessee. Fun loving, and a total goofball that loves to play in the grass. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Knoxville, TN. All our puppies visit the vet a minimum of 3 times before going to their new home. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Beautiful Boxer Puppies for sale in Knoxville, Tennessee. All puppies have had their tails docked, Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. She would be a great family dog. Browse these Greyhound rescues and shelters below. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Below are our newest added Salukis available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. If you are looking for Boxer. Our love for the breed inspired us to become breeders ourselves. Jameson's adoption fee covers his vetting, vaccinations, neuter, and microchipping. Puppies had tails docked and dew claws removed. This is the price you can expect to pay for the Siberian Husky breed without breeding rights. All puppies have had their tails docked, dewclaws removed, have been wormed, Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. Henley's personality is as big as her ears. To see more adoptable Salukis in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We work closely with our vet to ensure the health and well being of the puppies. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Adopt a Greyhound near youGreyhound in cities near Knoxville, TennesseeOther pups in Knoxville, TennesseeSearch for a Greyhound puppy or dog near youBrowse Greyhound puppies and dogs in nearby citiesBrowse related breeds in Knoxville, TennesseeGreyhound shelters and rescues in Knoxville, TennesseeLearn more about adopting a Greyhound puppy or dog. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 4. Our first boxer was added to the family nearly 9 years ago. Walkers Boxers in Tennessee. Location: Hermitage, TN. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Knoxville, Tennessee. She loves playing with other dogs and self-entertaining with toys. Puppies are ready for their forever homes! Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Availability Puppies available now Litter expected Applications open. Boxer Puppies for sale in Knoxville, Tennessee. Boxer, Tennessee » Knoxville. Dogs for Sale in Knoxville. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. Miniature Schnauzer Puppies for Sale. We love and thrive for the Boxer breed. Knoxville Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville TN. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville TN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. These pups are in Knoxville, Tennessee too! Below are our newest added Lhasa Apsos available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Petland Perks; Boxer Puppies for Sale. Fawn with black mask and white markings. Region: Tennessee Category: Boxer Remove all. Tales docked and dew claws removed. Adopt a Samoyed near you Samoyed in cities near Knoxville, Tennessee Other pups in Knoxville, Tennessee Search for a Samoyed puppy or dog near you Browse Samoyed puppies and dogs in nearby cities Browse related breeds in Knoxville, Tennessee Samoyed shelters and rescues in Knoxville, Tennessee Learn more about adopting a. Boxer puppy for sale TN km northwest of Atlanta, Georgia, miles km southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, miles km southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, miles km east-northeast of Huntsville, Alabama, and .Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Tennessee. Click below to find a shelter or rescue in your area! Find an Animal Shelter Want to learn more about adopting a Basenji puppy or dog? Boxer Puppies For Sale. Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Dam on site and Sir close by for viewing. Avoid scams by acting locally or paying with PayPal. If you're interested in a puppy from Walkers Boxers, please apply. Once you apply, Lindsay will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Samoyed puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Below are our newest added Miniature Schnauzers available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats i have a litter of akc boxer puppies 3 males left. The American Boxer Club was established in .Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Boxer For Sale in Knoxville 4. AKC Boxer Puppies. Saluki puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Below are our newest added Akbashes available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee Pit Bull Rescue. Pit Bull mix She is precious and wants nothing more than to be loved and petted. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! States For Sale. Boxer puppies for sale in Chattanooga TN. These Boxers are available for adoption close to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Americanlisted has classifieds in Knoxville, Tennessee for dogs and cats. I have 6 AKC Boxer puppies who are looking for their forever homes. I have 1 boy remaining in the litter. Due to past issues a non-refundable deposit is required to hold a particular puppy. Please email, call, or text for more information. Boxer puppies for sale Chattanooga Tennessee. Briard puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Boxer puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted breeders. Now after a few weeks in foster care the whole family including Mom Summit are at YWAC looking for their forever homes. Boxer puppy for sale near me. Knoxville pug for sale Knoxville dachshund for sale Knoxville boston terrier for sale Knoxville bulldog for sale Knoxville free kittens for sale Knoxville rabbits for sale Knoxville kittens for sale Knoxville chickens for sale Knoxville boxer puppies for sale Knoxville teacup yorkie for sale Knoxville guinea pigs for sale. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. We monitor closely the mother and her puppies for the first eight weeks. Basenji puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Boxer puppies for sale in Chattanooga, TN from trusted. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville TN. He is the sweetest happiest boy ever! The American Boxer Club was established in .We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. Boxer puppies for sale in Nashville TN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Tennessee Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxers for Sale in Sevierville, TN. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. She's a fun-loving little pup who loves to be the center of attention! She always ready to play and is super food motivated! Boxer puppies for sale in Chattanooga TN. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Boxer Puppies for Sale .Chattanooga Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Chattanooga, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Cleveland, TN. We love our boxers and wanted to share this wonderful breed with others. They are fullbred akc registered fawn boxer with white markings. We love and thrive for the Boxer breed. She is a marshmallow-… more 2 weeks ago on Adopt-a-Pet. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Shots are up to date and dewormed done. They have received their first shots. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Memphis, TN. We have 10 boxer puppies in total, 6 males and 4 females ready for their forever home just in time for Christmas. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Cleveland, TN. Big Mac Boxers — For work, play, or show! Boxer puppies sale Nashville TN. All our puppies visit the vet a minimum of 3 times before going to their new home. She loves playing with other dogs and self-entertaining with toys. Should be about lbs when full-grown. We are AKC boxer breeders. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted …. The right Boxer is worth waiting for. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Region: Tennessee Category: Boxer Remove all. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Kingsport, TN. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville TN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Our puppies are born indoors in a temperature controlled area. Already have tails docked and dew claws removed and have been wormed. Excellent on a leash as long as she is on your right side. Boxers for Sale in Sevierville, TN 1 - 15 of Rip is a Merle boxer baby, he is not a standard color, he is Ckc registered, he is unique, if you have any. He was then imported to the United States in .We monitor closely the mother and her puppies for the first eight weeks. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Boxer puppies for sale Chattanooga, Tennessee Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Chattanooga, TN. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN. She would be a great family dog. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Tennessee Dogs and Puppies Classifieds Hoobly. Be sure to check out the available pups link to see available boxer puppies for sale or past litters. Boxer For Sale in Tennessee .We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Chattanooga boxer puppies Blountville boxer puppies Powell boxer puppies Columbia boxer puppies Spring Hill boxer puppies Johnson City boxer puppies Algood boxer puppies Cookeville boxer puppies Bloomingdale boxer puppies Lenoir City boxer puppies Athens boxer puppies Harrogate boxer puppies Clinton boxer puppies Sardis boxer puppies. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Boxer puppies for sale Jackson, Tennessee Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. She is a happy, goofy puppy who is always ready to play and bounce. We take great pride in our dogs, our puppies, and our program. Boxer puppies for sale in Jackson TN. Mount Juliet Boxers in Tennessee. Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. Boxer puppies for sale in Cleveland, TN from trusted breeders. Dewormed, dew claws clipped and tails clipped. Unregistered full bloode. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Save this search and we'll notify you when. Please call me if you're interested. Dewclaws removed and tails docked. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Tennessee. She is a marshmallow-NOT a mean bone in her body. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Boxer puppies for sale in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. AKC registered boxer puppies for sale. Monday - Saturday am - pm. Boxer puppies for sale in Nashville, TN from trusted breeders. Boxer puppy for sale in Cleveland, TN. Knoxville, TN .Due to past issues a non-refundable deposit is required to hold a particular puppy. Teacup Yorkie Puppies For Sale. All puppies have had their tails docked, Briard puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Saluki puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. This is the price you can expect to pay for the Siberian Husky breed without breeding rights. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Browse these Greyhound rescues and shelters below. These Boxers are available for adoption close to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Henley's personality is as big as her ears. Briard Location Age Any Briard puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN from trusted breeders. Boxer Puppies for sale in Knoxville, Tennessee. Lhasa Apso puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. To see more adoptable Akbashes in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Our puppies are born indoors in a temperature controlled area. Boxer puppy for sale near me. These pups are in Knoxville, Tennessee too! Below are our newest added Lhasa Apsos available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our first boxer was added to the family nearly 9 years ago. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Knoxville, TN. AKC Boxer Puppies tennessee, knoxville. Jameson's adoption fee covers his vetting, vaccinations, neuter, and microchipping. To see more adoptable Miniature Schnauzers in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Adopt a Greyhound near youGreyhound in cities near Knoxville, TennesseeOther pups in Knoxville, TennesseeSearch for a Greyhound puppy or dog near youBrowse Greyhound puppies and dogs in nearby citiesBrowse related breeds in Knoxville, TennesseeGreyhound shelters and rescues in Knoxville, TennesseeLearn more about adopting a Greyhound puppy or dog. He is the sweetest happiest boy ever! Americanlisted has classifieds in Knoxville, Tennessee for dogs and cats. Dam on site and Sir close by for viewing. Check out our boxer puppies for sale! Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN. Knoxville Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. All puppies have had their tails docked, dewclaws removed, have been wormed, Puppies had tails docked and dew claws removed. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Boxer puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted …. Please email, call, or text for more information. Female Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats i have a litter of akc boxer puppies 3 males left. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Knoxville, Tennessee. Greyhound puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Availability Puppies available now Litter expected Applications open. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Greyhound puppies in Knoxville, Tennessee. Beautiful Boxer Puppies for sale in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is a happy, goofy puppy who is always ready to play and bounce. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Briard puppies and adult Briard in Knoxville, Tennessee. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! States For Sale. Fawn female Boxer with black mask and white markings. She loves playing with other dogs and self-entertaining with toys. Boxer puppies for sale in Chattanooga TN. Avoid scams by acting locally or paying with PayPal. Boxer Puppies For Sale. Boxer puppies for sale Knoxville, Tennessee. Click below to find a shelter or rescue in your area! Find an Animal Shelter Want to learn more about adopting a Basenji puppy or dog? I have 1 boy remaining in the litter. Below are our newest added Miniature Schnauzers available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Puppies are ready for their forever homes! Boxers for Sale in Sevierville, TN. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Boxer Puppies for sale in Knoxville, tn from top breeders and individuals. Basenji puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Below are our newest added Akbashes available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Below are our newest added Salukis available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. Boxer puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted breeders. Boxer, Tennessee » Knoxville. Fawn with black mask and white markings. Briard puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Once you apply, Lindsay will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. This breeder has met specific Boxer Puppies. Transportation to Knoxville, TN available. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. Petland Perks; Boxer Puppies for Sale. Boxer puppy for sale TN km northwest of Atlanta, Georgia, miles km southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, miles km southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, miles km east-northeast of Huntsville, Alabama, and .Samoyed puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville TN. Boxer puppy for sale in Knoxville, TN. If you are looking for Boxer. Boxer For Sale in Knoxville 4. Dogs for Sale in Knoxville. The American Boxer Club was established in .AKC Boxer Puppies. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Puppies will be ready for new. I have 6 AKC Boxer puppies who are looking for their forever homes. Boxer Puppies for Sale. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Fun loving, and a total goofball that loves to play in the grass. Adopt a Samoyed near you Samoyed in cities near Knoxville, Tennessee Other pups in Knoxville, Tennessee Search for a Samoyed puppy or dog near you Browse Samoyed puppies and dogs in nearby cities Browse related breeds in Knoxville, Tennessee Samoyed shelters and rescues in Knoxville, Tennessee Learn more about adopting a. We work closely with our vet to ensure the health and well being of the puppies. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Now after a few weeks in foster care the whole family including Mom Summit are at YWAC looking for their forever homes. Pit Bull mix She is precious and wants nothing more than to be loved and petted. To see more adoptable Salukis in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! All our puppies visit the vet a minimum of 3 times before going to their new home. Location: Hermitage, TN. White boxer puppies for sale. If you're interested in a puppy from Walkers Boxers, please apply. Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Knoxville pug for sale Knoxville dachshund for sale Knoxville boston terrier for sale Knoxville bulldog for sale Knoxville free kittens for sale Knoxville rabbits for sale Knoxville kittens for sale Knoxville chickens for sale Knoxville boxer puppies for sale Knoxville teacup yorkie for sale Knoxville guinea pigs for sale. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 4. Tennessee Pit Bull Rescue. To see more adoptable Lhasa Apsos in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Petland Knoxville , TN. We monitor closely the mother and her puppies for the first eight weeks. Boxer puppies for sale in Knoxville TN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Boxer Puppies in Tennessee. Boxer puppies for sale Chattanooga Tennessee. Boxer puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. We love and thrive for the Boxer breed. Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. Region: Tennessee Category: Boxer Remove all. Our love for the breed inspired us to become breeders ourselves. She would be a great family dog. Akbash puppies and dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Walkers Boxers in Tennessee. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. Tales docked and dew claws removed. Welcome to the Tennessee state page on TrustedPuppies. Famed for its rich musical history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Tennessee is a fantastic place to find and raise your new Boxer companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Boxer breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our Tennessee breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the vibrant dog-friendly scene in Tennessee, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Nashville Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Boxer canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated thousand dogs residing in the state, Tennessee ranks 27th in the nation for dog ownership. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Boxer breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Tennessee. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Boxer puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. Their loyalty, courage, and intelligence have won your heart. Not to mention, they are beautiful! There are so many things to like about this breed. Here are 14 amazing facts about them. Established in Germany As the name suggests, the German Shepherd dog was established in Germany in by Captian Max von Stephanitz and other breeders who wanted to create a dog known for its courage, confidence, loyalty, and intelligence. One of the most popular breeds in the US German shepherds are adored by their fans and for a good reason, these dogs are simply amazing. But do you know just how popular they are? According to the AKC, for the past 10 years they have held the 2nd most popular dog spot, and have been in the top 10 spot for decades. Recognized everywhere The regal appearance of German shepherds makes them highly recognizable. They have athletic bodies, a long nose, and pointed ears. Super Family Dogs Despite being bred to work, German shepherds make excellent family dogs. They form super strong bonds with their people and love nothing more than to be close to them and do great in active family homes. When socialized around kids, they love children. Clever brainiacs German shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Because they are so smart, they love to learn and are easy to train. Since they are always thinking, they need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy. They also love to please their humans, which makes them a joy to teach. Superb sniffers German shepherds are very curious and love to sniff everything. But not only do they enjoy sniffing, they excel at it. They have millions more scent detectors than humans, which is one reason they are so great at assisting law enforcement and the military in search and rescue, and with drug and explosives detection. Naturally protective As a herding dog, German shepherds are naturally protective of their humans. As such, they do require lots of socialization and training to teach them to be comfortable around strangers and other pets. Owners have a level of responsibility to raising them right and when they do, they are the best dog ever. Close companions German shepherds love to be close to their people. If given the chance, they will stick to you like glue. They enjoy following their humans around the house, going on car rides, going on adventures, and snuggling up as close as possible. But twice a year something special happens. Born to work German shepherds were bred to work and are good at many jobs. Most are only limited by the amount of time their owners can spend training them. Some things they excel at include police and military work, service dogs, therapy dogs, protection sports, agility, obedience, and teaching them tricks. Independent thinkers As herding dogs, they can and will think on their own. They will make decisions and choices when left to their own devices. They need lots of training to teach them was is acceptable and not and strong guidance from their owners. They also need lots of time and attention to keep them from getting board. Athletic stars German shepherds have lots of energy and are strong and athletic. They need lots of exercise to burn off their energy. When not given enough exercise, they can become frustrated. Mouthy and nosy Another trait of these herding dogs is that they are mouthy and nosy. They will nip and poke you with their nose when they are trying to lead and guide you. As puppies, they are notorious for their puppy biting. They must learn that they cannot chew on people or furniture and be provided with lots of chew toys. Most loveable Their companionship and loyalty makes them one of the most devoted breeds. They fill their owners heart and lives with lots of love and will happily be your best friend until they take their last breath. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed. An average lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. The official name of the breed in English is the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund is a sport created especially for German Shepherds. They were the stars of the 20th century, both in cinema and on battlefields. Read on to find out how these fantastic dogs made history. The German Shepherd was introduced in the early s. Vom Geliebten Haus The first German Shepherd was actually a Thuringian Shepherd, used to develop the breed by being bred to other herding dogs. Max von Stephanitz is the man who bought and named the first German Shepherd in .He wanted a dog that is loyal, easily trainable, intelligent, and able to perform many tasks. He found all that in one dog and used it to create many more like it. During WWI, they served only in the German military. They primarily served as messengers but also performed the roles of guards, ammunition carriers, and rescue dogs. The number of German Shepherds that were a part of the team is unknown, but some sources say that there were roughly present in NY after the attacks. Additionally, a German Shepherd named Trakr was the only dog that found a survivor in the rubble. His DNA was later used for cloning, and 5 Trakr clones were born in .German Shepherds were among the most famous stars in the silent film era. However, the highest-grossing star in Hollywood at the time was actually another German Shepherd — Strongheart. He eventually became a multi-millionaire and was generally considered more widely known. A German Shepherd was the very first guide dog in America. Many were skeptical, but helping her new owner cross a busy street in New York proved her skills very quickly. Interestingly, the trainer of that dog was also an American living in Switzerland , Dorothy Eustis. German Shepherd Features We all know what German Shepherds look like, and a lot of other breeds have a similar physique developed by the breeders. Keep reading to find out more fascinating German Shepherd facts. The breed has a lot of predispositions to different health issues. MAGSR Some of the most common illnesses they can have are degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, bloat, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, and hip dysplasia. They also often suffer from thyroid diseases, skin allergies, and many other problems depending on their genetics and lifestyle. Some of the best service dogs are German Shepherds. CertaPet They are excellent service dogs because of their loyalty, intelligence, and easy trainability. They work as guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, medical alert dogs for people with epilepsy, mobility assistance for people with disabilities, and lastly, as psychiatric service dogs. They are one of the most active dog breeds. PitPat, Ready, Set, Puppy! German Shepherds are among the most energetic dog breeds. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Adult German Shepherds need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy. Puppies and seniors need a bit less. Puppies should exercise only for five minutes for each month of their age. If over-exercised, they can start developing hip dysplasia earlier than normal. German Shepherds belong to the herding dog group. American Kennel Club They were created from different herding breeds and were first used for herding sheep. Today, many of them are used for guarding, protection, and police purposes. Like other herding dogs, they have a strong herding instinct they might also use on their owners, especially kids. There are both mini and giant German Shepherds. Giant German Shepherds, also called King Shepherds, are also a hybrid breed. Besides these two, there are also dwarf German Shepherds, which are purebred German Shepherds that suffer from pituitary dwarfism. German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed in terms of obedience and working ability. Because of their size and potential health issues, the average age they reach is .When they reach 13, they can be compared to an year-old human. In rare cases, they can reach the age of 18—20, but not more. American Kennel Club Independent of the fur color, the tip of the nose cannot be of any other color. In other words, if a German Shepherd is born with a nose of any other color, it would be disqualified in a breed dog show. However, it could still compete in agility events, work as a service dog, and be an amazing pet. There are two lines of German Shepherds. German Shepherd Shop The line can either be working or show, and the dogs are usually bred to fit the line. Show line dogs are bred to have more sloped back, broader shoulders, and lower energy levels. They are also friendlier and less intense. However, some of the physical requirements also make them suffer from more illnesses. Working line German Shepherds are bred to be healthy, strong, active, fearless, and enduring. These clubs celebrate the dogs that reach the age of .The official English name of the breed is the German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the US as of .American Kennel Club Among officially recognized different breeds of dogs , German Shepherds are always in the top three in the United States. In , they went from second to third place but are still equally loved. There are eleven standard colors of German Shepherds. Canine Weekly Although the most famous German Shepherds come from the bi-color group, there are more standard colors to choose from. They can be: Black Black with either red, tan, cream, or silver, Blue White Sable Keep in mind that not all colors are acceptable for breed shows. For example, liver, blue, fawn, spotted black, pure red, and white are considered faults and cannot compete in breed shows. However, as the price depends on the breeder and location, it can be much higher too. Buying from a reliable breeder is also a must, because German Shepherds can change color from puppyhood to adulthood. It tests the following features: Endurance. Post by: Heather M. They are often used as guide, therapy, search-and-rescue, police, military, and narcotics and explosives detecting dogs. While they can come across as aloof to strangers, they are known to be wonderful family dogs. History As the name suggests, these dogs were originally bred in Germany as shepherd dogs. Max von Stephanitz was the first official breeder of German Shepherds. He was a Captain in the German Calvary who was looking to create a breed that would be an unsurpassed herding dog. Size and Shape These dogs are long and can measure around 22 to 26 inches in length. On average, they weigh about 75 to 95 pounds. They also have strong upper bodies and an elegant stride. Coat and Coloring German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that can be straight or a little wavy. Their coats are medium to long, although longer hair is less common since it is passed on through a recessive gene. The outer coat sheds year-round and requires regular brushing. However, they can have other colorings, including black and red, black and silver, gray, blue, and liver. Personality Dogs have unique personalities that depend more on their lifestyle and environment than their breed. German Shepherd personality traits that they are famous for include being highly intelligent, loyal, courageous, and protective. While they can be suspicious of strangers at first and may come across as reserved and aloof, they are typically very caring and devoted dogs once you get to know them. He brought the pup to Los Angeles, where his movie career began. Rin Tin Tin had a famous predecessor named Strongheart, one of the earliest dog celebrities after starring in silent films in the early s. They changed it back to German Shepherd in .The breed has been called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe. No doubt—German Shepherds have a rich and fascinating history. How to Care for Your German Shepherd German Shepherds need the same kind of care as most canines, such as proper nutrition and regular veterinary visits. Still, they can also benefit from special attention in areas like grooming and socialization. Grooming To help keep your canine looking and feeling good, it is essential that you establish a regular grooming routine. Some grooming items that are necessary for German Shepherds include, Brush their coats regularly German Shepherds have an outer coat that sheds year-round. Brushing your dog at least once a week can help minimize shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. Brush those teeth too Regular tooth brushing along with an annual dental cleaning can help them avoid periodontal disease and other health issues. Clip their nails These dogs tend to love being outside, which can help keep their nails worn down from rubbing on rough surfaces. However, you should keep an eye on their nails and trim them carefully when they get too long. Bathe as needed Avoid bathing your German Shepherd too often because it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy. You can also spot clean them by wiping debris from the ears and face with a soft cloth or cotton ball. One of the best ways to get your dog used to and comfortable with grooming is to begin as early as possible. By familiarizing your dog with each item, they will continue to grow more comfortable with their routine. Health and Nutrition There are many steps you can take to help ensure that your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life, including, Get an annual check-up German Shepherds are prone to heart issues, which makes it especially important to schedule routine exams so they can be detected early. These visits are also a great time to ask your doctor about preventing bloat , skin conditions , and other common issues. Give them lots of exercise German Shepherds need plenty of exercise to help keep them in shape and avoid boredom or frustration, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing. They typically love the great outdoors, so you can take them for long walks or fun romps in the park. Provide safe chew toys Like all dogs, German Shepherds love to chew. Chewing is natural for dogs and helps keep their teeth and jaws strong and healthy. You can help avoid coming home to chewed-up shoes, carpet, or couch cushions by giving your dog safe chew toys. Here are a few recommended steps to help make sure that your pal gets along well with other dogs and people. Crate training can help address this issue since it gives the dog a safe and comfortable retreat. However, a crate should never be used as punishment or for very long periods. Socialize them early You can help ensure your German Shepherd gets along well with others by providing them with plenty of positive experiences with puppies, dogs, and a variety of people at a young age. Train them well German Shepherds need to be trained to learn how to behave properly and respond to your commands. They can also be very vocal dogs because of their herding background. It can be painful and cause lameness. It can also make the dog more prone to arthritis later in life. Bloat and Gastric Torsion — This is a life-threatening issue that affects deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. It can cause the stomach to twist and impede blood flow to the heart. Learn how to help prevent bloat. Allergies — German Shepherds are prone to environmental or food allergies. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, speak with your veterinarian to help determine the source of the problem. Degenerative Myelopathy DM — DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord, which can result in a loss of the ability to move the back legs. It can typically be managed with proper diet and medication. It can cause uncontrolled bleeding that requires immediate medical attention. Heart Problems — As a bigger breed, German Shepherds are subject to heart issues, such as valve problems, murmurs, or enlarged hearts.

Categories Dog Training German shepherds make incredible pets! However, the German shepherd is a large and muscular dog that can potentially do a lot of harm to smaller animals. So if you have other pets, such as a cat, you may wonder if they can coexist. German shepherds can absolutely get along with cats. However, this depends on how you raise the dog and the effort you put into socializing them. Whether you have a German shepherd or plan to get one soon, there are things to consider if you also own a cat. Read on to learn how to ensure the two animals will get along. To say a German shepherd naturally dislikes any animal would be a mistake. Though they may look a little scary, GSDs can be as friendly as any dog breed. Also called a prey drive, this refers to how dogs may naturally want to chase or hunt smaller animals. Now, it might be seen as an inconvenience for anyone who wants a dog besides hunters! This natural drive can encourage your German shepherd to see smaller animals as things to chase. This could be bad news for your cats. However, this only serves to highlight the importance of socializing your German shepherd. Depending on how well you socialize your dog, it very well could be the reason your dog sees your cats as friends rather than potential food and prey. Both animals are obviously different species and will have different habits, tendencies, and approach to others. We need to remember this natural inclination when helping our German shepherds get along with cats. German shepherds are smart: Wicked smart. They are consistently ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds. This means proper training is all they need to get along fine with cats or other animals. German shepherds are loyal: When you treat a German shepherd well, it will want to please you. It will respond quickly and happily to any training, which is best for everyone involved. This breed is particular protective, especially when it comes to the people or animals that they love. In other words, they look after their pack. The Personality of Cats It takes two to tango, or to get along. A lot of cats tend to be quite aloof, while others can be surprisingly affectionate. However, if you have an impatient cat or one that does not like affection, it might not get along with a dog. After all, dogs tend to be quite physical with their affection. So a cat might end up losing patience over being licked or bothered. In a study, researchers found the five main personality traits of cats, dubbed the Feline Five. The five include neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness, and agreeableness. Why Cats and German Shepherds Are Similar And according to the five feline traits, German shepherd and cats are more similar than you may think. In fact, I would argue that these dogs have all five traits too. Plenty of owners believe that German shepherds are neurotic and sensitive dogs. As a result, they can grow neurotic over small sounds, digging, or scratching. German shepherds can also be very extraverted dogs, depending on your dog. And if properly trained or socialized, they have a better shot at being extraverts. Dogs are all innately friendly animals and the GSD is no exception. Given the sheer size and power of these dogs, is it really a surprise that German shepherds possess a dominant personality too? And because German shepherds are some of the smartest dogs , they tend to do well with obedience and training. This makes them very agreeable dogs if properly trained. Their loyalty goes deep and the dog will take every opportunity to please their owners. Unless your dog has been socialized with cats, they make act aggressively. However, German shepherds that are raised in a home with cats tend to get along just fine with them due to their unwavering loyalty and devotion to the pack. In fact, Rover calls them one of the top five most loyal dog breeds! German shepherds also have a natural protective instinct , which makes them much more likely to keep the cat safe than to do harm to it. But of course, the dog must be very familiar with the cat and see the animal as a pack member. Because of these two signature traits that define the German shepherd, it can be easy to make the two get along. Or at the very least, cohabit in a civil manner. Of course, there are plenty of variables, including the personality of your cat. And a lot of it depends on how well and often you socialize your dog with the cat. However, often it is up to their owners to shape their temperament and behavior. But any breed can learn to get along with cats, and German shepherds are no exception. However, there are a few steps to take to get your German shepherd to like cats. Start Socialization Early One of the best ways to ensure your German shepherd gets along with cats is to socialize them from when they are puppies. A German shepherd that is around cats from a young age will see them differently from an adult that has never been socialized. According to the American Kennel Club, socialization should start as young as 3 weeks of age. That early window of development is going to be crucial to seeing good results. Socialized dogs enjoy a much calmer and happier life than those that miss out on it. In fact, with how intelligent German shepherds are, they can quickly learn how to get along with cats. Below are a few tips to help you along your way. And, the results may not always be what you might ideally want. However, remaining patient and understanding with your German shepherd through it all will only make things better. Keep the Rewards Flowing: German shepherds are brilliant, and rewarding them only serves to speed up any learning. By rewarding positive behavior , you can see better results far sooner than without an abundance of rewards. And by rewards, we of course mean treats! Focus on the positive and keep up the treats. Your attitude toward the process will have an effect on how your German shepherd responds. They can reads moods quite easily. Does Age Matter? Generally, introducing a puppy German shepherd to a cat will go more smoothly than doing so with an adult GSD. During this period, both animals are more adventurous and willing to explore. But again, this mostly depends on socialization. An adult or adolescent German shepherd that has been socialized early on can pull from prior experience. It likely already feels comfortable and safe around others, so will be less likely to show aggression. Still, we should cover a few tips that will be important regardless of what age you introduce your German shepherd to cats. Introducing Your German Shepherd to Cats We have put together some key tips and suggestions for ensuring your German shepherd and cat have a safe and productive introduction. While there are plenty of ways to do this, these suggestions come from real owners with success. We believe these are important, regardless of whether your German shepherd is a puppy or adult, or has been socialized or not. Supervision Is a Must You will want to have as much control over the situation as possible. Though the chance for aggression may be low, it is always better to play it safe. So we recommend being present from start to finish. We even would suggest continuing to be present for all future interactions, until you are absolutely sure your German shepherd and cat get along. In a lot of cases, you may scare the two animals from wanting to play with each other. This will just give you the opposite of what you wanted. Instead, start with short meetings. Maybe even just a minute at first. Our goal is to get your GSD and your cat acquainted with one another, not to become fast friends from day one though that would be perfect! Remember — patience is key! With that said, below is a quick outline for a natural progression of getting your German shepherd and cat acquainted with one another. After all, both animals rely heavily on their sense of smell. We recommend that both your German shepherd and cat have recently been bathed. Multiple scents can make for a confused sensory experience for both pets. While they are swapping scents, watch for any changes in behavior. Is either party showing signs of aggression? Then call it a day and separate them. Separated Awareness: A good next step is to let your German shepherd and cat be aware of each other, but have a barrier between them. This can be a baby gate or whatever you see fit. Just make sure the two can see each other through the barrier. This can let them grow used to each other without the risk of one chasing down the other. Always be sure to reward any calmer behavior or even signs of gentle curiosity. Make sure to bring out the good treats during this process! Try doing this for about minutes for a week or so, and decide if you can move on to the next step. If there has been no aggression, your pets might be ready. Together At Last: But not forever. For the first face-to-face meetings, we still want you to have complete control over the situation. Even if the two are finally familiar with one another, anything can happen at any moment. To be safe, we recommend still having a leash on your German shepherd. That way, if anything escalates, you can maintain control quickly and easily. Again, try this for about a week for only a few minutes at a time. Friendship Unleashed: Only once you are sure that there is no aggression or chasing from your German shepherd can you let them spend time together without a leash. Still, we strongly advise supervising from start to finish. Only once your pets have spent several peaceful months together can you possibly leave them alone together. Have you had luck getting your GSD and cats to be friends? If so, what steps did you take to foster their friendship? Share your experience in the comments below. Things can get crowded quickly, especially if you own a cat too! Read more here. However, there are different things to consider, along with training, when bringing the two together. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Not only for your kids, but other pets such as cats. Post navigation. Aug 4, Share Although the rivalry between dogs and cats is a tale as old as time, it is normal for dogs and cats to get along with early socialization. The trick is finding a dog breed that will either ignore the cat or love it naturally. If you like German Shepherds, you might be wondering if this big breed gets along with cats. Instead, be proactive in socialization and temperament selection to find the right German Shepherd and cat. Read on to learn more about how German Shepherds react to cats and learn tips about early socialization. In comparison to more aggressive breeds, German Shepherds are naturally good with cats. That being said, individual German Shepherds may act uneasy around cats or act out right aggressively. In other words, it can be hard to predict if a German Shepherd will get along well with cats since individual personality is the biggest determiner. Because they are less aggressive than some breeds, you have better luck socializing German Shepherds. Naturally, German Shepherds are really loving, but they were originally bred as herding dogs. Their herding background means they have a natural instinct to chase, herd, and protect. Even if German Shepherds are not meaning to be aggressive, cats may often interpret their behavior as such. Luckily, German Shepherds, especially when they are puppies, respond to training well. With early socialization, German Shepherds have a great chance of getting along with cats. Only through socialization efforts can you trust that a German Shepherd will get along with your furry feline friend. Background As their name suggests, German Shepherds were originally used as herding dogs. It was their job to help keep herds together and defend them from predators. Today, German Shepherds still retain this herding drive. When around cats, they can chase and even nip at their tail or heels. If your cat takes off, the German Shepherd is especially likely to behave in this way. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Personality German Shepherds are known for having one of the most lovable personalities. Today, this dog is considered one of the most popular breeds because it is intelligent, courageous, and responds very well to training. Additionally, German Shepherds are known for being sensitive and lovable, which is why they make perfect guard dogs for families. They get along great with children, but they will protect if necessary. With the right owner, German Shepherds easily become one of the most socialized and lovable dogs. Trainability In terms of trainability, German Shepherds are considered one of the best. They have a high desire to please their owners, and they are very intelligent, which makes it easier for them to pick up on commands. Especially in the first 3 months of their lives, German Shepherds have a great capacity for being trained. Because German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, training these dogs is not as difficult as it could be with other breeds. The earlier you socialize your German Shepherd, the better. The best time to socialize your German Shepherd is during the first 3 months of its life. If the German Shepherd is socialized sooner rather than later, it is much more likely to be kind and gentle around cats. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock Factors That Affect Socialization To get the best result out of socialization training, there are some factors you need to consider. Age and temperament are the two most important. Age The most important factor to think about when you are socializing your German Shepherd is its age. The younger your German Shepherd is, the easier socialization will be. If you already have a cat in your home, it is best to get a German Shepherd puppy as opposed to an adult German Shepherd. Start training your German Shepherd how to properly behave around cats as soon as possible. Temperament Think about the temperament of both the dog and cat in question. If you know that your German Shepherd is aggressive around other animals, bringing it into the home will not be a good option for the cat. Step 1. If the German Shepherd is not yet trained, the meeting can go bad, even if the German Shepherd is not trying to act aggressively. Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Step 2. Have two clean cloths and rub one along the back of each animal. Then, bring the cat cloth to the dog and the dog cloth to the cat. Allow them to discover the cloth on their own. Pay attention to how the animals behave. Does either animal seem anxious or overly excited? This will give you a good clue about how the animals will respond to one another. Continue this process until both the cat and dog are calm around the cloth. Step 3. Allow Them to See Each Other Once the animals are comfortable around the scented cloths, allow the animals to see one another but not be in the same room. You can do this by putting one animal on a side of a glass door and the other animal on the other. Do this a couple of days for 5 minutes at a time. Separate Them With a Pet Gate After the animals get accustomed to seeing one another, you can bring them both inside, but still keep them separated with something like a pet gate. This ensures that both pets are safe, but they also have the opportunity to see and smell one another. Step 5. Leash Meeting Once you are ready, you can let the German Shepherd smell the cat while on a leash. As both you and your cat get more comfortable around the German Shepherd, you can select a longer leash and eventually take the dog off the leash completely. Take your time with this process and give both pets treats for good behavior. Final Thoughts If you want to have both a dog and a cat, German Shepherds can be a good choice, but you need to take the time to slowly introduce the two animals to one another after extensive training. With early socialization, most German Shepherds get along great with cats. Some dog breeds are better suited to be kept around cats, which is why it is so important to do your research into the characteristics of each dog breed before making the big decision. No two dog breeds share the same personality, so it is vital not to make any pre-judgments about a particular breed of dog before reading the facts. In this article, you will see the background and characteristics of a German Shepherd while also answering the big question of whether they are good with cats. German Shepherds are renowned for being one of the highest-energy dogs out there, which comes with a lot of work for the owner. You must have a pretty big garden for them to exercise in, and daily walks are a necessity. The personality of a German Shepherd is usually aloof but not aggressive. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a guaranteed best friend and will leave you as a happy dog-owner. German Shepherds and cats A tale as old as time itself that possibly outweighs all hatred felt in the past: cats vs. If there were to be one dog that could rise above this battle, it would be the German Shepherd. Sure they may be big, but German Shepherds are intelligent enough to know the difference between playtime and protecting their owners. But does this gentle behavior mean German Shepherds can rise above this war that has appeared to be unstoppable for so many millennia? The answer to this question depends on how you raise your German Shepherd and whether they are correctly socialized. The term socialization is thrown around a lot in the world of dogs. It essentially just means exposing your pup to different people and animals from a young age. However, check out the next paragraph to figure out in more detail how to properly socialize your German Shepherd and some other relevant factors that contribute towards their social awareness and ability to deal with cats. How to get your German Shepherd to resist the instincts While some dogs seem to prefer meeting new humans and animals more than others, all of them can be trained to respond to these situations appropriately. Everyone gets scared or worried when doing new things or meeting new people, including your German Shepherd. The longer you spend completing an activity and getting used to it, is how you begin to relax when partaking in it. This is exactly what socializing is when introducing your German Shepherd to new animals, people, and settings, preferably from a young age. To do this, you must expose your German Shepherd at a young age to the other previously mentioned things that they are not used to being around. You can begin to socialize your German Shepherd and cat by putting the bowls close to one another. You could also put your puppy on one side of the door and your cat on the other. The first interactions Before you even introduce your puppy to your kitten, it is vital that your German Shepherd can follow the sit, stay, and leave it commands. These three commands are needed so that you will still control the situation when the face-to-face interaction finally happens. The first interaction between your German Shepherd and cat should hopefully be short and maybe even peaceful. Put your pup in a kennel, and once they are on a leash, place the cat in front of him for no more than 10 minutes. If the aggression is still going, then it is recommended you pick up your cat and walk away. Your puppy really enjoys your presence, so they will associate this loss of your company with them not being kind to the cat, which will hopefully alter future encounters. Follow these steps for a couple of weeks daily, and gradually increase the interaction time between them, so it slowly becomes more and more familiar. When each pet can comfortably spend at least a half-hour with one-another, then it is time to repeat the process without a leash on your dog. You must keep a very close eye on your dog in this stage to avoid any injures to your cat. Sign Up We only send quality info with absolutely NO Spam Other helpful tips to strengthen their relationship German Shepherds are one of the most energetic dog breeds and love to run around and just generally go crazy. If your pup gets plenty of exercises, then there is less of a chance of them irritating or possibly harming your cat. If you are adopting, make sure to ask the shelter if your German Shepherd was raised around cats. It is vital to either spray or neuter your German Shepherd before hitting puberty at around six months. German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement through things like pats and dog treats due to their intelligence. They need to know when they are doing good. Frequently Asked Questions If you have any remaining questions about German Shepherds and cats in general, feel free to consult below. Can a German Shepherd harm my cat? If you do not follow the steps mentioned above, then yes, a grown German Shepherd could undoubtedly harm your cat as they might see them as a threat. If your pup is well socialized, they will have formed a healthy relationship with your cat, and you will have nothing to worry about. My German Shepherd is now old, and I am thinking of purchasing a cat? Although it is tough to socialize an adult or senior dog, it is still possible. To undergo this, it is recommended that you take your dogs to a school instead of attempting to teach them this at home as it is too risky to put a kitten in the environment of an un-socialized German Shepherd. If the trainer deems your German Shepherd as a lost cause regarding socialization, then it is advised that you do not purchase a cat for the sake of its safety. What to do if my cat is causing the issues and not my German Shepherd? However, if this is the case, you can simply follow the previous steps but replacing your dog with your cat. Your cat might not show it, but they do love your presence! Use these same tactics to get your cat to understand that they must become best friends with your new puppy. I have tried all your steps, and nothing is working. What should I do? It is better to do this sooner rather than later so that your pets are socialized from a young age when it is easiest to learn new skills. The only set-back of this is the price, as this challenging job can often set you back a fair amount of money. Are German Shepherds good with cats? Animals can also sense your energy, so if you stay positive and forward-thinking, so too will your German Shepherd and cat in their first few meetings. Relaxed humans usually mean relaxed animals. You can imagine if you introduce a cat to your large German Shepherd that has never even seen another animal before, it will not be a fun meeting. But if your German Shepherd is well-equipped and has dealt with cats and other animals before then, they are bound to become best friends. It just depends on you and how you follow the previous steps when socializing them. Similarly, if your cat has never seen a dog before, they are bound to be cautious and afraid, which is why you must expose them to all these things from a young age. Finally, for the safety of your cat and dog alike, if your pup has grown too old and can no longer be socialized, it is a wise decision not to purchase a cat. No matter how much you want an adorable furball crawling around your house, it is likely that an unsocialized German Shepherd will react terribly to this and will put your cat in danger. Posted on Last updated: June 5, The battle between cats and dogs is as old as time itself. And German Shepherds and cats are no different. They are very different species, and both view the other as potential prey. But cats and dogs can get along — it is all about how the process of bringing these two species together is managed. The breed can also impact how difficult it or easy it is for cats and dogs to get along. But are German Shepherds good with cats? The short answer is that they can be. More About German Shepherd Dogs Different breeds of cats and dogs have different temperaments or tendencies. Individual temperaments will play a role as well but are more likely to affect how long it takes the two to get on or how well they get on rather than whether they can get on at all. These versatile dogs are intelligent and courageous. They are working dogs and tend to do very well at anything for which they are trained. They are very affectionate family members and good with kids as well as strangers. GSDs are also high-energy and love to play. They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and minimize bad behavior. I have a series of articles on how different dog breeds get along with cats: Can Poodles and Cats Get Along? As working dogs, it is in the genes of a GSD to help herd and keep the flock in line. Indeed, they will nip at the ankles of any lamb who strays from the group. In this way, their behavior can be similar to terrier dogs like Jack Russells , who are bred to chase and catch animals. So when a GSD sees a fluffy cat making quick moves, it will have a strong instinct to chase that creature and nip at its ankles. This is also why some GSDs can become a bit obsessed with a cat and follow them around. However, GSDs can be trained to manage this natural instinct to prey. This can be achieved through socialization. Without socialization, a GSD will only know a small number of people. When it encounters others, it will potentially be scared and uncomfortable. Learning how to deal with new situations helps them to develop belief in themselves — just like humans. Each new socialization experience should make the one after easier. Socializing a German Shepherd dog can take many forms. It can include things like introducing your dog to new sounds, new sights, new objects, and new places. Critically, this should include different people and different animals. Age Do German Shepherds get along with cats? Age has a big role to play in whether German Shepherds are good with cats. The younger both animals are, the more likely they will be able to get along. Kittens and puppies, like humans, are far less set in their ways. There is always the potential for older pets to get along or to mix an older pet with one that is younger, but this is usually an easier process when both pets are younger. If your German Shepherd dog is older, ask the shelter owner or previous owner if it has had any time around cats. And also, ask if they have had any bad experiences with cats, as this could have a major impact on their ability to get along with your cat. Temperament Do German Shepherds like cats? That all depends. How sociable are both animals? How much exposure has each animal had to other animals? However, those animals with more experience in sharing and being around other animals may adjust more quickly. Cats tend to be far more cautious than dogs — but of course, all cats are different. What is your cat like in new situations? Is it quite bold or timid? Prey Drive As a working breed of dog, German Shepherds have a high prey drive. They will have a strong instinct to chase after fluffy objects, particularly if they make sudden moves. A German Shepherd with a higher prey drive will find it more difficult to get along with a cat, and vice versa with a lower prey drive. If the GSD is a bit older, you or its owner will probably have a sense of how strong their prey drive is based on how they react to other animals on walks etc. A GSD that has been spayed or neutered will feel less need to show dominance to a cat. If your dog is neutered or spayed, then German Shepherd and cat friends become more of a possibility. Introducing a German Shepherd With Cats The first step is to feed the two animals in close proximity to each other. However, put your puppy on one side of a closed door and your kitten on the other. Once your puppy is at this stage, try a 5-minute meeting while your puppy is in its kennel. Keep this up for a couple of weeks, and each time gradually increase the amount of time that the animals are together until you reach 30 minutes. The next stage is to do the same with your dog out of the kennel but on a leash. Continue the same process as before until reaching 30 minutes. Then follow the same process with your dog off the leash. If your dog becomes aggressive at any point in this process, remove the cat and yourself from the situation so that your dog learns that type of behavior means it is left on its own. Carve out some space for the cat, such as a spare bedroom. Make sure this space is a safe place for your cat and also contains water, litter, toys, and other things that help a cat feel comfortable. Start with total separation between the two animals. There is no point introducing your German Shepherd to a cat until it has been trained. It needs to be able to stay, and importantly it needs to be able to stay calm when it meets the cat. The first and most important step in a controlled introduction is the swapping of scents. Have one clean cloth for your cat and one for your GSD. Run the cloth on the areas of each animal where there is the most scent. For cats, this is the top of their head, cheeks, and chin. For dogs, this is their armpits and on their sides. They should be left to discover this cloth themselves rather than you giving them the cloth. Watch how each animal reacts to the new scent. Does your cat become nervous? Does your GSD become over-excited? Each day, do scent fresh clothes again and leave them near the animals. Ideally, keep this up until both animals are calm around the scented cloths. Then you are ready to move on to having the animals see each other in a controlled way. Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten , 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options, and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options Have your cat inside the house and your dog outside with some type of door with glass on it between them so that they can see each other. Do this daily for about 5 minutes at a time. After a few days, do the same thing but inside the house. If they behave well, give both pets treats. The final stage is interaction with no barriers. However, your GSD should be on a leash. Start off with a very short leash. Then extend the leash as your cat gets more comfortable and if your GSD behaves. Treats should be incorporated here as a reward for good behavior. Remember that your GSD will only chase a cat that is running. So it is important that your cat remains as calm as possible. Take your time to remove the leash completely. Allow your cat to lead the process here — is it comfortable? And make sure you stay in the room the entire time. Puppy School can be a great option for a new GSD that is struggling with its behavior. They are only acting on their instincts. Give your German Shepherd lots of attention. They can get jealous if they see you spending lots of time with the cat and less time with them. Stay positive even if it takes some time to move between the different stages. For different temperaments, the stages can take different amounts of time to complete. If one of the animals starts reacting badly to the other, move back to the previous stage. If you have been trying to introduce the two animals for a considerable length of time without success, consider taking them to a cat or dog trainer. Ensure that each animal has their own space and that it can get away from each other. For dogs, this could be the backyard or a large crate. It is key that both pets are able to leave a stressful situation and go somewhere safe asap. Do respect the animal which has been in the house for the longest. The older pet will have the hardest time adjusting to this new situation. The short answer is yes but. German Shepherd dogs and cats absolutely can get along, but they are not guaranteed to do so. Much will depend on the temperaments and past experiences of each animal. However, as an owner, there are many things you can do to encourage their relationship. Start by following a set introductory process as above and following our key tips as you move through the different stages. Your pets will be best friends before you know it! That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not affect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this. But, keep in mind that GSDs are intelligent, highly trainable, and incredibly social. Just as with other dogs and any other animal they can share a home with a cat peacefully. German Shepherds can be good with cats, but it depends on your particular German Shepherd. Many German Shepherds can get along fine with a cat with proper socialization and training. Keep in mind that individual dogs could react to their feline counterparts differently. Many German Shepherds share their homes with cats and are actually friendly with one another. But, here are some of the critical factors that might make your German Shepherd more likely to integrate well with cats: 1 Age The younger your GSD is, the more open they will probably be to living with a cat. It also helps if the cat is young so that neither of them is already set in their ways. Growing up together just tends to make things easier. Are they wary of or playful with new animals they encounter? Keep in mind that if they tend to be nervous around other animals, their instinct to protect themselves might drive them to be aggressive. Have they had plenty of exposure to cats before? Your dog could have had plenty of exposure to other animals without incident, but is their personality suited for sharing a home with a cat? Do they insist on always being the center of attention? How do they feel about sharing their space as well as their toys? That means they have an instinct to chase after cats, especially those who make sudden movements and run away very quickly. Generally, a higher prey drive may make it more difficult for your German Shepherd to love a cat. Before you begin, your GSD should have at least gone through basic training and already responds to your verbal cues obediently to make this introduction easier. Then, use the other towel on your cat, paying special attention to the area around the face. Then, place the cat-scented towel near your dog and vise versa. Pay attention to how each of them reacts. Even better, give them a treat or praise them when they sniff the towel in order to develop positive associations with the scent. Step 2: Expose Through Glass Anywhere you have a glass door is a perfect place to do this. Start with 5-minute sessions and increase the length of time in subsequent sessions. This way, they get some contact and can sniff each other while keeping them both safe from any possible aggressive reactions. Keep the leash short and maintain control, then increase the slack little by little as they show positive behaviors. Throughout this process, make sure that you give plenty of praises or treats for actions that you want to reinforce. While you maintain control over your GSD, keep an eye out for your cat and lookout for signs of stress and discomfort. If they walk away, let them and try again another time. Use your judgment to determine how quickly you can go through each of the steps. Observe both animals and proceed as you see fit. Your German Shepherd might instinctively lunge or even growl at the cat when they first meet. Similarly, the cat might hiss and scratch. Stay calm. Your pets will always be able to sense your energy. Sometimes, the best you can hope for is a safe and peaceful co-existence. The short answer is I doubt it. At her very first vet appointment a couple of days after I brought her home at 8 weeks old, we came out of the examining room and there was a lady sitting in the waiting room with a small crate on the floor. My dog went up and sniffed at the crate then jumped back and growled. That was my first clue. Allie also has a very strong prey drive and whenever she sees a cat she wants to pounce and chase and sometimes she growls. However, I know many other German Shepherd owners, whose dogs have a different temperament than my girl, and their dogs do wonderful with cats. I know one person who has 3 German Shepherds and 2 cats and they have no problems. The temperament of the German Shepherd and the temperament of the cat is key to their ability to get along or simply co-exist. This varies on a case by case basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can get along with cats, but it all depends on the individual dog and cat. Each situation will be different. Apart from the right temperament and proper socialization, it takes a good introduction for cats and dogs to be friendly with one another.

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. However, picking the right puppy from a litter can be overwhelming and stressful. So, what is the easiest way to pick a golden retriever puppy from a litter? An excellent way to see how your potential puppy will turn out is to take a look at his parents. Most importantly, ask the breeder a lot of questions before adopting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! A responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthy puppy. A dog breeder like this will cut corners and overbreed in order to get as many viable Golden retriever pups to sell to unsuspecting puppy buyers as possible. Even if the price for a golden retriever puppy appears to be less initially, the potential long-term health and behavioral problems involved with a puppy from a genetically unhealthy litter will quickly surpass the cost of a puppy from a good breeder. Some of the best ways to find a quality golden retriever puppy breeder is to get referrals from your local veterinarian, a good friend, or a local golden retriever club. You can also find an excellent golden retriever breeder by attending professional dog shows. When you look each puppy over, you want to look specifically at their eyes, coat, build, and skin. Look at their eyes. They should look focused and clear. You want to keep an eye out for any golden retriever puppies that rub their eyes or appear to struggle with their vision, such as squinting. Touch their coat. The coat of your new perfect puppy should be shiny and healthy. Examine their build. Take a look at the overall shape of each puppy. Check to see if they are favoring one foot more than another foot. These could be signs of a more serious health issue. Check their skin. You want to keep an eye out for any flaky skin or skin with bald patches. Look for redness or signs of irritation. There are also instances when a puppy with anxiety will chew or scratch at their skin until the fur falls off. Things to look for when choosing a puppy from a litter. Even the runts are going to be bigger than a lot of other breeds. Many people wonder if the runt of the litter is a good choice when choosing a golden retriever. The runts are typically the pups who are weaker and smaller than the others in their litter. The mother produces the nutrients the litter needs to survive. The runts will be at greater risk of having weaker immune systems and getting infections. Choosing a medium-sized puppy will reduce your chances of getting a runt, an overeater, or a bully overly dominant pup. When it comes to temperament and size, there are differences between females and males. The most significant difference is going to be their size. A male dog will get slightly longer and taller than females, but they will also weigh more. There are also small differences in their faces. They can also come across as more territorial, but this is a very slight difference as well. While the females will still love you unconditionally, the males will be twice as doting and loving. Watch the way each member of the litter interacts with the others. This will tell you how your puppy will react to the other dogs or animals in your home. Extremely shy puppies may not have been socialized well so far, and could grow up to become distrustful dogs that are full of anxieties. Speak with the breeder or the owner of the litter. Ask them tons of questions about how socialized the puppies have been with other dogs and pets so far in their young lives. Make Sure the Golden Retriever Puppy Is the Correct Age Golden retriever puppies should stay with their mothers for eight weeks before being adopted and taken home. As mentioned earlier, the mothers produce vital nutrients that a new puppy needs to survive. If the puppy is taken away too soon, it puts them at greater risk of infections and other complications. It can also increase their anxiety, aggression and make them over-protective of their toys and food. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Before seeing the litter, research what a golden retriever puppy of eight weeks looks like. It will vary depending on the dog, but this will help you establish a clear idea of what the puppies will look like when you see the litter. The size and temperament of the parents are passed down to their offspring. What is the temperament of the parents? How does the puppy in question behave around dogs outside their litter? What kind of food are the puppies used to eating? Have the puppies all been dewormed? Are the puppies socialized with other animals besides dogs, such as cats or birds? Summary Adopting a puppy is a significant milestone for a family. But simply picking a Golden Retriever from the litter might not be quite as easy as it seems, remember, this pooch would be with you for the rest of its life, so you have to be sure that the Golden Retriever pup you are selecting is just right for you and your family. There are a lot of things to consider, and lots of questions to be answered: What color should I pick? What temperament would I want? Should I pick a male or female Golden Retriever? Lots of questions that require answers. Your experience with the beautiful Golden Retriever should be enjoyed. First off, is Golden Retriever the right dog for you? I assume that you probably did a lot of research on the Golden Retriever breed before picking a reputable breeder to patronize or work with. The Golden Retriever is quite energetic and clingy, and as such does require a lot of time and attention. It requires a lot of exercises to keep from being destructive and for an adult Golden Retriever, an average of hours would be required daily to properly exercise the breed. And for those allergic to dogs or dog coats, the Golden Retriever might not be the best breed for you. This is because the Golden Retriever is a moderate to heavy shedder during shedding season. You might want to consider a Labrador Retriever, checkout our comparison for more detail: Golden Retriever Vs. When trying to decide what sort of Golden Retriever is best for you, answers to these questions would be needed. Male or Female Golden Retriever? This sort of decision might be quite easy for some and incredibly difficult for others. This is because to some, any gender is good enough they have no preferences , while for the rest, specific reasons or purposes could cause them to favor a particular Golden Retriever gender over the other. Both the male and female Golden Retrievers are very lively and equally playful at this stage of their lives. The only slight difference, however, that might occur or might be noticeable between both breeds might be size, as the male Golden Retriever is only slightly bigger or larger than the female when looking at the same litter. As both Golden Retrievers approach their individual sexual maturity, you might begin to notice a lot more differences. A lot of generalization is done between both, the male and female genders of the Golden Retriever breed. Some might say that the male Golden Retriever is a lot more hyperactive and could be harder to train than the female Golden Retriever, or that the female Golden Retriever matures quite faster than the male Golden Retriever, but again, these are all generalizations and speculations. Another popular generalization or myth is that the female Golden Retriever is a lot more independent and affectionate than the male Golden Retriever, again, it could still just be a myth. What Size of the Golden Retriever should I pick? As we already stated earlier, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a huge impact on the size of the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever males are bigger than Golden Retriever females when comparing two Golden Retrievers from the same litter. What style of the Golden Retriever should I go with? Deciding on what Golden Retriever style you would like is equally important. Are you looking for an athletic Golden Retriever or a slim Golden Retriever, or are you in search of a more stocky and blocky-headed Golden? What Color of Golden Retriever should I go with? Of course, the Golden Retriever has a variety of different coat colors that you could be interested in. Some of these colors are; red-gold or dark gold, or perhaps, maybe a cream-colored Golden Retriever. Either way, there are some interesting Golden Retriever colors to choose from. What sort of personality should I look for? This is yet another decision that can only be made by you. The personality of the Golden Retriever you choose is quite important, so you definitely need an answer to this question. Are you looking for an energetic Golden Retriever dog or a calmer and more gentle companion? You might be searching for a friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever or perhaps a shy or reserved Golden Retriever. The breeder should know them best, being that they have spent approximately 8 weeks with the puppies. The breeder should be able to tell in each litter which of the Golden Retriever puppies is more dominant, which is shy, which is, which barks a lot, which is calmer, and of course, which of the Golden Retriever pups is most energetic. So, by simply telling him what exactly you are looking for in a Golden Retriever, he should be able to make helpful suggestions and recommendations. This is quite common in breeders today, they usually do the picking for you based on the requests and information you give them, which I personally feel is better. These 6 tips would be quite beneficial in deciding which Golden Retriever puppy is best for you. Does it dominate the other Golden Retriever puppies or is it a more submissive puppy? Try to notice the energy levels of each Golden Retriever pup A great way to figure out the temperament of a Golden Retriever pup would be by checking out their energy levels. A Golden Retriever pup that spends half its time barking and the other half running around is a clear indication that it is anything but calm. Notice how your chosen pup reacts or interacts with people In addition to watching how your pup reacts with other littermates, you also have to watch how they react with people. When you interact with them, how do they react, also watch their interaction with the breeder and basically strangers? Do they react in a curious manner? Are they quite fearful? Or are they the outgoing and friendly type that seems to be quite interested in interacting with humans? Try tossing a toy or your keys at the pup This is a great way to identify how alert your Golden Retriever puppy really is. Once you toss your keys or a toy at the pup, try to notice how quickly your Golden Retriever reacts to it. Does your pup run after it? Or does it follow the toy or keys with its eyes? Try putting the Golden Retriever pup on its back As you pick and cradle the Golden Retriever pup, you could try placing it on its back while in your arms or placing it on its back while on the floor. For a dominant Golden Retriever pup, it should squirm or struggle a bit, while for a more submissive and calmer puppy, it should also struggle for a bit but shortly relax. Try Caressing your Golden Retriever puppy You could try caressing your chosen Golden Retriever pup by gently rubbing its ears, tails, paws, and mouth. A calm Golden Retriever puppy should be cool with it. Note: Be sure to check the health of your chosen pup before choosing. Also, your Golden Retriever might pick you. This is not new, as some dog owners have shared their various experiences. Some pups could run up to you all sweetly and cute looking for a cuddle, some could pee on you while others might even go as far as peeing on you, but all in all, when a puppy picks you, you would know. Final Thoughts Picking a Golden Retriever puppy that is just right for you and your family is not an easy task, but it is quite important as this dog would be with you for a huge part of its life. So do ensure you stay attentive when choosing. Ensure that your chosen pup is quite healthy, ensure they are well tested and strong. Following all the steps listed above should be enough to help you when selecting a Golden Retriever pup. In all you do, please ensure that you shower your new Golden Retriever with so much love and care. Drink a lot of water, eat well and of course, always stay devoted to dogs. While the puppy mills and commercial breeders almost always have puppies available and will let you take your pick, the people you really want to buy from are the hobby breeders who are breeding for themselves. Hobby breeders are always looking for great homes for dogs but they sometimes cannot let you know until the puppies are about 8 weeks old who is available. And the good breeders often have waiting lists. My comment to people who are puppy shopping is that if you can walk in and get a puppy, be alarmed. The AKC has a breeder list on its website but you should be advised that there are no criteria for quality used by AKC or most other websites. The Golden Retriever Club of America grca. So the standards may vary but there are standards. It's a good place to start. Go to some dog shows or obedience trials and watch people to see how they interact with their dogs. Plan to talk to multiple breeders to choose the one whose values are in line with yours. If the people you meet are not people you want to have a 12 plus year relationship, then keep looking. Because when you buy a dog from a reputable breeder you are entering into a relationship. This dog will live with you and your family for many many years. This is not a decision to take lightly. Indian Trail Golden Retrievers breedings produce a sweet and loving disposition in a puppy. We breed for conformation, as well as personality. We take special care in matching our stud dogs with our dams to produce beautiful, healthy, and long lived dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy should have bright eyes, a thick lush coat, a black wet nose, and clean ears. A puppy should have several puppy shots and be wormed by the time they are ready to go to their new homes. A Golden Retriever puppy should have both parents cleared by OFA for elbow, hip, eyes, and also have a heart clearance. These are weaknesses in Golden Retrievers created by over breeding and breeding too closely. Regardless of what you want your puppy to be- an obedience dog, a show dog, or a loving pet, you as a buyer need to make sure that the breeder follows strict breed guidelines. At Indian Trail Golden Retrievers, located in Connecticut, we take extra care to have all our breeding dogs screened and cleared for any possible health or hereditary problems, which will provide new puppy owners the best puppy available. Your puppy should reflect your family. Active families should choose an active and outgoing puppy that will thrive in a busy household. A puppy needs plenty of activity, and your puppy should be inquisitive, playful, and not shy. All new puppy families should plan to bring their puppy to puppy classes, it is as important for the owners as for the puppy. The investment in puppy school will reap endless benefits. Consistency in training, both for the owners and the pup, will make your pet expedience most fulfilling. Each puppy has an individual personality, and the fact that our puppies are home raised, helps us match pups with their prospective families. We have found that many pups choose their new families. Puppies just love children, and the bond will last for your dogs life. Remember that puppies are puppies, and they will pull on shirts, pants, hands, and your house will have to be puppy-proofed before you new puppy arrives. Puppies will be teething. They will need plenty of chew toys. Puppies will chew furniture, toys, shoes, whatever they are allowed to chew. Damage to your belongings is not the puppies fault, but the owners. Training and correct confinement, such as crating when they are not with you, will help to give a positive experience. Plan to spend time with your puppy. They will require a lot of exercise. The more positive activity you give your puppy, the less time and energy they will have to get into trouble. Our puppies love to retrieve. We take hikes, and just spend time outdoors playing tug of war. Consider how an Indian Trail Golden Retriever puppy will complete your family. You're looking for a dog that's healthy in both mind and body. Let's see how we can help you pick that perfect pup. Time To Buy a Puppy! It's the day you've all been waiting for. Golden Retriever PuppyYou finally get to visit that new litter of cute Golden Retriever puppies and make your selection. The ideal time to do that is when the puppies are around five weeks of age. That's when they're beginning to explore their world and love being around people. You won't be able to take the pup home for awhile. But at least you can figure out how to pick a puppy at your leisure. The first question you need to ask yourself is, would you rather have a boy or a girl? There are some minor differences in size and temperament between male and female Goldens. But it really boils down to your personal preference. If you're positive you want to buy a female puppy, for instance, ask the breeder to take the males out of the bunch for now. If you're dead set on buying a Henrietta, you don't want to lose your heart to a Henry. Golden Retriever Puppy With ChewieIn most Golden litters, the coat colors usually vary between shades of cream and gold. If you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy for his color, check out the ears. A puppy's ear color is the best indicator of the color of his future adult coat. His ears are often slightly to moderately darker than the rest of his coat at this tender age. Distended stomachs could indicate a problem with worms. When you pick up one of those cute Golden Retriever puppies, he should smell nice. It's a "newborn thing," just like with human babies. And when you stroke him, his coat should be clean and plush, with no signs of fleas or other parasites. You're also checking to make sure there's no evidence of scabs under the coat on the skin. His eyes and ears should be clear, with no runny discharges from either place. His nose should be jet black. At this stage, a Golden Retriever puppy's eyes will be gray, but they'll gradually change to a permanent dark brown. Your prospective pup shouldn't have any bald spots or apparent sores. You should not see any evidence of adverse reactions to recent puppy shots. Are you choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to show him in the ring? Then you need to make sure there are no obvious markings or conformation problems that would disqualify him. But health and soundness is more than just clearances. Golden Retrievers are often known for skin problems, and the parents in question should be trouble free with no apparent allergies or susceptibility to hot spots. You should ask the breeder about the overall health of the parents, and how long ancestors in the first two or three generations have lived. The answers could indicate the quality of life your new pup can expect throughout his life, and how long you might be blessed with his friendship. Consider Personality When Choosing a Golden Retriever Puppy Sarah Cuddles PuppiesWhen you first see the litter together, they should mob you, absolutely thrilled at the sight of people--and new people at that! Peaches's puppies always enjoyed their play time with my daughter, Sarah seen here. Every puppy has an individual personality, and each litter contains a range of personalities. It's up to you to match your family's needs with your perfect pup's personality when selecting a Golden Retriever puppy. You can do this with the help of puppy temperament testing. Golden Retriever PuppyIf you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to take hunting, bring a duck wing or pheasant tail with you when you visit the litter, and tease the puppies with it. Some pups will immediately be fixated on the feather and chase it around constantly, even picking it up when you toss it. Other pups won't care one way or the other what's tickling their nose. Look for the pups that like to hold things in their mouths or carry them around. All Golden Retrievers have a natural retrieving instinct, but some have practically a compulsion to have something in their mouths at all times. There's your hunter pup. Now is the time to buy puppy supplies, make the veterinary appointments, check back with the breeder to make sure the puppy is up to date with his vaccinations, and spend time puppy-proofing your home in preparation for the canine invasion. In general, puppies should stay with their mother until sometime between the eighth and tenth weeks. By this time, the puppies have learned critical canine socialization skills from their mother and littermates. They're also weaned off their mother's milk, are eating puppy food, and are old enough to pass Beginning Housebreaking with flying colors. That means you've been blessed with a wonderful new best friend who will give you many years of unlimited, unconditional love. What more could any mere mortal want? Similar Articles :. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research. Hunters looking for an intelligent, shorter-coated retriever that will hunt from dark to dark need to research field-bred goldens. By Tony J. Peterson With a charming, eager-to-please personality and looks to match, the golden retriever has plenty to offer. Yet its skyrocketing popularity is the reason golden retrievers have become victims of their own demand. It's also why those in search of a hard-working golden need to be very careful when choosing a pup for hunting purposes. Advertisement A Rich History Among the many reasons for the golden retriever's popularity is the rich history of the breed, which, according to the American Kennel Club, dates back to the early s. Europe is responsible for a good number of our current sporting breeds including goldens, which came into being in England and Scotland well over years ago. During that time, a medium-sized sporting breed was an asset for obtaining food both in the waterfowl and upland gamebird worlds. Throughout the s the breed became even more desirable, and in it was recognized by the AKC. Goldens soon became one of the go-to breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run a dog in an obedience or field trial. They also started showing up in television shows, as well as print and television advertisements, and one needs only look at a single golden to understand why. Very few breeds are as photogenic or as easy to work with as goldens, which contributed further to their popularity. This also led to division in the breed, with an ever-increasing portion of the litters born each year to less stringent standards. Show dogs with their long flowing coats became much more common and they were bred to field-bred dogs as well as other show dogs. Advertisement It has been a couple of decades since the breed hit its high-water mark and since then we've witnessed a decline in the health and hunting-drive of the breed overall. That's not to say that excellent pedigrees don't exist, because they do. They just aren't as easy to locate as a run-of-the-mill, mystery-bred golden. If there is one person that understands this more than most, it's Jackie Mertens. Mertens has owned and operated Topbrass Retrievers since and is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the world of golden retrievers. Every once in a while, I get to meet someone who was put on this earth to work with dogs, and Mertens fits that category. From her schoolgirl days, Mertens knew she'd work with animals, and as soon as she could she got her first golden. That dog, Ch. Mertens recalls, however, that she almost lost Torch before it all started. Advertisement "Torch had a lot of desire, she was fearless, and she was a good producer — and she did it all on three legs after getting caught in a fox trap," Mertens recalls. She had survived by eating snow and pawing up any plants she could reach. Since then, Mertens has been at the forefront of field-bred goldens, and when someone wants a great housedog, a great hunter — or both — they go to her. And it's all about the breeding. Hunters looking for a waterfowl and upland dog will often steer toward Labs for obvious reasons, but the right golden will fill the role just fine. A field-bred golden with a proper water introduction will bring ducks to hand all day long. They look a bit different and they will exhibit the right drive and retrieving desire. Now, I hear people say all of the time that their dog was the best ever, but they are comparing it to maybe a few other dogs they've owned. To have the best chance of getting a truly good hunting dog, it's field-bred or nothing. There are so many issues that can come up with poor breeding, that it's a process to ensure a healthy litter these days. For us that means looking at all health clearances like hips and elbows, of course, but other things. We use a canine ophthalmologist for eye clearances, a canine cardiologist for heart clearances, and also conduct a litany of DNA tests to ensure proper breeding. Having gone through the heartbreak of losing a golden to kidney failure when she was only six years old, I am particularly sensitive to proper health clearances. All breeds can suffer unfortunate medical issues, but goldens are exceptionally prone to them given the amount of unchecked breeding. Another golden retriever expert I asked to weigh in on this issue is Theresa Bilava, who operates Platte River Retrievers with her son Nick. She started with goldens as a child and has been raising and breeding them for 22 years. Having over two decades of experience devoted to the breed has given Bilava a unique perspective on the current state of the golden retriever, and she was more than willing to offer advice to anyone looking for a pup. Like Mertens, Bilava makes sure all of her Platte River dogs are health checked in all manners. Now people think they can pick up any golden puppy and it will hunt, but that's not the case. With us, we're breeding for athletes, not models. Our dogs are field-bred, and quite frankly, a lot of the people that contact me about getting a dog don't even know what a field-bred dog is. We want dogs that want to play the game and that will have the right temperament. All of our dogs will be companion dogs, and some will be used for agility or therapy, but many of them end up being upland and waterfowl hunters as well. As long as they are well-bred they'll become people-pleasers that will take to training and look to make you happy. A good sign of a dog that is working for you not for itself is if the dog checks back often and looks you in the eye. Goldens are well known for this trait, especially in the field where it matters most. They aren't wired the same as a Lab that might be able to run the same drill times in a row. They are different, and have to be trained differently. When I asked him why he chose to hunt with goldens he responded by saying, "The golden is a gentleman's dog. He will give you percent if you are fair to him. And he can turn it on and turn it off, which is something other breeds struggle with. When a good golden is asked to hunt, he'll give you his all. When the hunt is over, he'll transition back into that lovable housedog. They need to be introduced to water properly, and if you do it wrong it's like pushing a rope — it doesn't work. Goldens will work for you, but if you lose your cool they'll shut down. It has to be fun for them, and you've got to work with their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive. They respond to teaching, not pressure. Finding a well-bred golden puppy that has all of its health clearances and is a true hunting dog is a different story. The right pedigree takes time to locate, and it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill dog. The upside? You'll get an amazing hunting and family dog. Nick Bilava has spent plenty of time hunting South Dakota roosters for himself and for clients while he was guiding, but his dogs can do much more than hunt ringnecks. They can hunt anything and handle any new hunting situation provided you've got them prepared. I hunt doves with my dogs, ducks, everything. They can do it all, and will, if you ask them with respect. When my pheasant opportunities disappeared with the loss of habitat, we switched gears to ruffed grouse, doves and eventually ducks. And just for fun, I threw in shed antler hunting to see how she'd do. As long as my golden got to retrieve something for me and earn a little praise, everything was just fine. This willingness to please is without question one of the greatest reasons to own this breed. Nick Bilava got into golden retrievers in no small part because his mother, Theresa, has been breeding field-bred goldens for years. Together they operate Platte River Retrievers, where they focus on producing a few litters each year that are bred to be smart, athletic and will hunt everything they are asked to hunt. For the hunter looking to have a rock star in the field and a good-looking house pet all in one dog, they are the ideal choice provided they come from a breeding program that has focused on health concerns and strong hunting instincts. Picking A Golden Puppy When shopping for that perfect golden pup, here are some things that prospective owners should be mindful of. That's the going rate, and it is worth it for the peace of mind you'll have from getting a truly high-quality, healthy pup. Your job doesn't end with research and writing a check, however. Trust Your Breeder After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her to pick the right dog for you. Jackie Mertens stressed this by saying, "I don't let people pick their puppy. I pick it for them. Some people don't like this, but I've already spent seven weeks with the puppies and have watched how they act, and interact, so I know their personalities well. Too many people want to pick their own puppy, and they often take the first dog to run up to them but that is often a bad deal because that puppy might be the most dominant in the litter. It's better to put your faith in the pedigree and the breeder to match you up with the best bet out of a litter. You won't regret it. More Articles From How-To.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! Prince: house trained, great with other dogs and loves kids; very friendly, happy, affectionate dog Prince is an unbelievably gorgeous 5 year old boy that has been surrendered to our kennels. He is house trained, great with other dogs and loves kids. He does not know cats. He can do with some more leash training. He is a very friendly, happy, affectionate and loving dog who loves to play and be with his human. He needs a good size garden, daily exercise and a warm bed inside the house at night. He must be a very special family member! He has the biggest smile and will always warm your heart and brighten your day with his beautiful temperament. He enjoys his toys and loves to play with his ball! He will make an unconditionally loving companion and such a special friend. He would love to join you on outdoor activities and fun adventures! Availability: Kindly understand that a dog's availability can change in seconds. They can ONLY leave for their new homes at 9 weeks of age. All healthy puppies and dogs will only be ready for adoption after they have had their 1st vaccinations, micro-chipped and sterilised. Procedure: If you are interested in adopting, we will email you an adoption application. Once completed we will arrange a home inspection. Puppies ' Please contact me for cost of puppies. We screen adopters and they need to agree to our puppy policy. About us ' Our dogs are a part of our family they live with us in our home and share our lives in full, our puppies are raised with love and care in our home. Golden doodles are an extraordinary friendly loyal breed created by crossing Golden Retrievers to poodles. Golden doodles are highly valued for its low shedding coat and fun loving personalities that makes it an ideal house mate and family pet. We occasionally have Golden doodle puppies for sale and if your choice for your next best friend is a Golden doodle the best place in South Africa to adopt a puppy is from GoldendoodlesZA where our dogs are fully health tested, ensuring you a healthy companion for life, have super friendly temperaments and are bred out of quality imported bloodlines. GoldendoodlesZA are expecting puppies available for adoption — please contact us for more information. F1 standard puppies Puppies expected August ready to go mid to end October Puppies have arrived!!!

Conclusion Best Pug Breeders in Illinois Illinois residents should always remember to check with local and state laws before obtaining a pet so they know what the limitations are when owning an animal. You will also need to remember that you must have a fence that is secure and will keep your dog on your property. Here are some of the best pug puppies, dogs, and pug breeders in Illinois in case you are looking for one in the area. You can purchase puppies and pug puppies for sale in these groups. They offer show quality pugs and are AKC certified. Sharp Pugs www. They are a home-based breeder and have been around for over 25 years. Sharps Pugs offers a variety of different colors and styles of pugs in Illinois to choose from. They also offer a health guarantee on all of the pugs that will be going with you home. This group is a small family breeder in Southern Illinois and is one of the most reputable breeders in town. If you want to find pug puppies, this is the place to go. They are a small group so their pugs have lots of attention and love to give by the owner. AJ Pug Ranch is an AKC registered farm and makes sure all of their pugs are healthy before they send them home with you. They offer financing options if that would help ease the transaction process when buying your new pet. Dreamcatcher Hill Puppies and Rescue www. They are one of the most reputable pug breeders in town. They are an AKC registered breeder and strive to breed healthy happy pets that you can love for many years to come. This group aims to provide house training and health testing before they send the pug puppies to their new families. This organization was founded by a group of dog lovers that strive to educate the community about how to take care of dogs and breed responsibly. They offer a variety of pugs that you can see on their website. They have a small farm and pride themselves on taking care of their dogs as if they were their own children. Windsor Pugs offers a variety of pug kennels to choose from, so you can pick your favorite pug that will become a part of your family. They offer a lifetime health guarantee and are always available if you have any questions or would like to come visit them at their facility. They are always taking applications for new foster parents to help save more lives because they can only rescue as many pugs as they have room for. The organization is run by volunteers and offers a variety of services to the public. Conclusion There are many benefits to owning a pet as a companion animal as well as an assistance dog. If you decide to get your new best friend from one of these recommended breeders, you will be able to enjoy all the love they have right from the start. You may also see if there is any type of assistance available in Illinois for those who need it so that you can provide for your new pug as a pet and give them lots and lots of attention. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Pug puppies for sale What can I expect to pay for a Pug puppy near me? Pugs for Sale in Lancaster, PA. They're great for families with kids and perfect for seniors and any dog lovers. Pug puppies adapt quickly to their new environments and are just as quick to bond with their new families. Boston Terriers are eager and easy to train, and are excellent with children. Similar Pug Puppies. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Short and stocky, with that cute curly tail over the back. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Two Black male pug puppies and One Fawn male puppy available. We have 2 girls pugs and 2 boys pugs to sell, they are 5 weeks old, mum and dad are available to view, pups will be health checked, microchipped and first vaccinations will be done before pick up. Pugs are true joy bringers from the moment they are born. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. If you find anything suspicious. Report this Listing Sellers are not affiliated with Lancaster Puppies. The puppies are very excited to meet you! Call today to adopt one of these precious puppies into your home! Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and. He is as sweet as they come. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug puppies. Pug Puppies For Sale No puppies available at this time. Indiana, New York and other states. Despite their tiny size, they have the biggest hearts. Location: Lancaster, PA We have adorable pug puppies available. View our Available Puppies. Say hello to these adorable Pug puppies! These beautiful pups will bring so much joy and happiness to your life with their sweet and friendly personalities! Rockvale Puppies are specialists in rare color, purebred Pugs. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified. Share this listing: Breed: Pug. Pug Puppies in Pennsylvania. Although this breed is most commonly called a Jug, they are sometimes also referred to as a Jack Pug or a Jack Russell Pug. Trotter - Pug Puppy for Sale in. Delightful Pug Puppies For Sale. They can all be viewed on our website along information on each individual puppy! Please contact us for more… Pug Puppies!! Greenfield Puppies has been finding loving homes for puppies for over a decade. Breeders on our site are located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. As the leading source of cute puppies for adoption from responsible pet breeders in Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas look no further than the team at Homemade Puppies. Pug puppies for sale in Lancaster, PA from trusted breeders. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Pugs for adoption in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area come with a year health guarantee. Location: New Florence, Pennsylvania. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Say hello to these charming Pug puppies! Their sweet, inquisitive personalities win over the hearts of all who meet them. Family and Companionship Thanks to their sweet, goofy, and kind nature, Pugs make fantastic companion pets for any type of owner. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Their motto is that they "raise right, raise well, and raise for you". Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Why buy a Pug puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Pug puppies in Lancaster who need a home. She has a white triangle patch on her chest and a white front paw. Find your new puppy here! Pug puppies for sale! Lancaster Puppies has your Pug puppy. Pug Puppies for Sale in Pennsylvania. All of our puppies will be seeing a vet at 7 weeks old. Call now to bring this darling puppy home with you! At AKC Marketplace, we connect you with only AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, as well as supply you with the tools you need to bring home the perfect puppy for you! She is as sweet as they come. Pug Puppies for Sale in Lancaster Pennsylvania. We expect every breeder to comply with all state laws and follow strict guidelines that we have put in place. Lancaster PA, Phone: Email: rockvalepuppies gmail. Interview the Breeder Contact the breeder and learn more about the puppy you are interested in. Pug Puppies for Sale in PA. Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near Lancaster Township , Pennsylvania? Size: Lancaster Puppies advertises puppies for. Browse our listings today to find your new pet or contact us about our breeding and puppy listing services using our web form. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Date Available: May 5, .Schedule Your Puppies Adoption Arrange a time to personally meet and adopt your puppy or schedule safe delivery to your home. Pugs for adoption in the Lancaster Township , Pennsylvania area come with a year health guarantee. Lancaster, PA Puppies for Sale. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. Black and Fawn Male Pug Puppies available .As they are very active pups, they love exploring the outdoors and will make great playmates! If you're looking for a loyal friend and protector to keep you. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the. Pugs are in the "companion dog" category. Pug puppies for sale in PA. Puppies for Sale from Lancaster, Pennsylvania Breeders. Find Pug puppies for sale Near Lancaster, PA Smart and playful with a short muzzle and expressive eyes, the Pug's low-key lifestyle makes them perfect city dogs. Browse our listings today to find your new. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. Once the companions of Chinese royalty, their distinct faces are complemented by sweet demeanors. Browse our selection of reputable breeders. Will have shots, be wormed and have vet check. About Us. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to. It may turn out to be your lucky day if you live in Illinois State as I have done my research on some of the best Pug breeders of this place. I have made a list out of it to assist you. My list contains the top 7 Pug breeders of Illinois State. I have been cautious to include only the experienced, reputed and quality Chinese Pug breeders of Illinois State. So, go through the list and choose wisely. It is located in the Southern part of Illinois in a small town named Carmi. Jannie has 20 years of experience of raising pedigree Pugs. There is a separate stand and broad enough room for all the Pugs of the ranch. Once the pups are 8 weeks old they are good to go at their new homes. AJ Pug Ranch provides 3 months health guarantee which covers the hereditary issues of the fur babies. They also make sure the pups are worm free. Their website contains the beautiful pictures of the Pug babies. If you have any queries contact them at their website directly. You can also call them or email them as per your convenience. It is located in Brighton, Illinois. They have experience of 30 years of raising purebred puppies. In they added Pugs to their breeding program. Besides breeding, they also rescue dogs and horses. Breeders of this program make sure to deworm, vaccinate and microchip their pups before sending to your doorstep. They also provide the service of dog sittings only to the pups and dogs that are purchased from them. The breeders of Dream Catcher Hill Puppies highly discourage you to not buy puppies if you are even a bit confused. They provided their wise suggestions on their website about this matter. Their website also contains the adorable Chinese Pug puppy pictures. You can visit them only with an appointment. For more information, contact the owner, Laurel Grench at the given telephone number or email address. Brighton, Il. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Research your breeder of choice thoroughly. Take part in conversations online about the breeder. A reputable and ethical breeder will have health records for their dogs. Reputable breeders have the pedigree certificates from the AKC proudly listed. If they breed and raise their dogs in a healthy environment, they are bound to be happy and well-tempered. Be prepared to wait a while. For this purpose, they have waiting lists. Sometimes, you may have to pay a premium to be higher on the priority. The breeding schedules of the breeders may govern the availability of the puppies. It would be a wise idea to contact them and enquire about their breeding practice before you list yourself on the waitlist. Remember, the right breeder will prioritize the health and happiness of their dogs and be committed to producing only the best quality puppies. Pugs are prone to several health problems. Some common health issues in Pugs include: Breathing difficulties: Pugs have historically had breathing difficulties. This comes from their short snouts and flat faces. An ethical Pug breeder should prioritize health over this vanity-based malpractice. Eye problems: Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including corneal ulcers and inward-turning eyelids. A good breeder should not breed a dog that already has more of these problems. Skin allergies: Pugs are also known to be prone to skin allergies, which can cause hair loss and infections. A responsible breeder will be happy to share this information. Above all else, they should prioritize the health of their dogs. More Information About Pugs in Wisconsin Pugs are small dogs known for their distinctive wrinkly face and playful personality. They were originally bred in China. They are lovable and very affectionate and love human companionship. They are big people pleasers, so they are a very easy breed to train. But their little hearts are easily broken, so they love to be handled with care and sensitivity. They come in many colors—all black, fawn and black, or silver. They can make a range of expressions; perhaps this makes them so popular amongst dog lovers. They are a small but stocky breed, squared off in the body and full of muscle. With proper care and attention, pugs can live long and happy lives, making them doting family members. Frequently Asked Questions How can you tell if a pug puppy is good quality? Generally if they look skinny, they are not fullbred Pugs. What did pugs used to be called? The Chinese who bred Pugs called them the lo-chiang-sze or the foo dog. Are pugs hard to potty train? These dogs are intelligent but stubborn. Have many breeders to choose from, all of whom have a different breeding program. Some like to produce family dogs, while others focus on show dogs. Choose a breeder with a paper trail of all health tests and screenings performed on your future Pug. The breeder should also be able to provide a guarantee. Remember, Pugs are susceptible to many health problems, particularly breeding issues, due to short snouts. Thus, have meaningful conversations about the breeding program with your prospective breeder before taking the plunge. Take the time to research and find a breeder who prioritizes the well-being of their dogs and maintains ethical breeding practices.

We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Print When to start training your retriever to hunt As a professional retriever trainer, I am often fielding calls from people who need advice regarding dog training. One question that I hear the most is: At what age should I start training my retriever puppy to hunt? My answer is always the same — start now! Everything you do with your puppy from the time you pick him or her up from the breeder is technically training. Who can I jump on or step on? Is it okay to steal food off the table or counter? What things in the house are okay to chew and which are not? Even this most basic training can substantially impact the ability for your retriever puppy to transition into a hunting machine. What age to start training retriever as gun dog or duck dog? There is no specific age that you should start training your dog for bird hunting. These traits will determine how fast or slow you are able to progress through hunting training. But the good news is, you can help shape and develop these traits in your new puppy! During this time, and ongoing through that first year, you can and should do some essential training. And the more socialization you do, the better. How can I socialize my hunting dog? Socialization is simply the process of introducing your puppy or young dog to new things and teaching him or her how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. As a hunting dog, your retriever is required to adjust quickly to new locations, new terrain, and new hunting situations. You will expect your dog to hunt well and consistently regardless of the day, the weather conditions, or the type of bird you are hunting. To do this, your dog must be very well socialized. Like young people, young dogs are eager and ready to learn new things. So, while you can socialize an older dog, it is much more difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to socialize your hunting dog: Take your dog to new places. Expose your dog to different terrain, weeds, or cover. Expose your dog to water — both dirty weedy and clean. Put your dog in new situations. Walk your dog in the rain and snow. Attend family gatherings where your dog will be exposed to new people, young and old. Walk your dog in the country or on a dirt path, through a weedy field, anywhere there will be many new scents. Introduce your dog to new people, noises, and equipment. Have your dog sit in a boat or hunting blind with you. No shooting! We are just looking for exposure! Expose your dog to noise from cars, trucks, ATVs and other loud noise. These are just some ideas. Every new experience will help your dog learn and adjust. The importance of socialization cannot be understated. Learn more about preparing your dog to be a hunting dog in this post. If you want your dog to be well-adjusted and quick to adapt, socialization is how you do that. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Housebreaking and crate training Even if your dog is going to be an outside dog, I highly recommend house breaking your hunting dog. Because you will never regret having a clean dog! House broken dogs tend to keep their kennels and runs clean because they have learned that there is a right place to empty go to the bathroom and a wrong place. Outdoor dogs do not always learn this lesson. Crate training is also an essential step for preparing your dog for hunting and home life. I know some people think using crates is cruel, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Dogs are den animals. They like small, confined spaces because these spaces make them feel secure and protected. Introduced your dog to a crate when he is brought home from the breeder. Our dogs often go into their crates to sleep on their own. We leave the crate door open during the day and they willingly go into the crate to sleep or just have some time alone. Manners Teaching a dog manners while they are young is critical. By setting up rules and boundaries, you will be teaching your dog to handle pressure, a trait that is vital to teaching a dog to hunt. Some behaviors are cute when a dog is a puppy, but these same behaviors can quickly become problematic as the dog grows. Learn more about these behaviors in this post. Use the OFF command with a correction to keep your dog from jumping on you. Yes, even when they are only months old. In fact, especially then. If your puppy learns at this young age that jumping on you or others is not acceptable, you are less likely to have a jumping problem as the dog ages. A few other ways to teach good manners include making your pup SIT before he is allowed to eat and SIT before you allow him to go through the door to outside. Your corrections do not need to be harsh, but they do need to be firm and consistent. Getting used to a collar will take some time, that is okay. This is also a good time to get your pup used to a leash. Every once in a while, pick up the leash and hold on to it. Each dog will react differently to this type of pressure. Some may throw themselves on the ground in a full-blown temper tantrum, others will think nothing of it. This would be the worst thing you could do. Rather, just remain calm and hold or step on the leash until the dog settles down. Once they settle down, let go of the leash and repeat this exercise often so that your dog learns to handle pressure and not throw a fit. There is a correct process of working on these first retrieves, and it is important that you follow it. For complete details on how to do this properly, check out this post. Lastly, you should remember that your puppy is growing, so do not do too much running or exercise during these first two months or you could damage or injure your pups growing bones and muscles. After socialization, the next most important trait we look for in hunting dogs is high prey drive or desire. High prey drive is not something you can create in your dog. It is something that is handed down genetically through the pedigree. But there are things you can do, to help develop the drive and desire provided the dog already has a genetic inclination in this area. Many high-quality breeders will introduce the pups to a pigeon or bird wing while they are still in the litter. Even if this is the case, you will still want to do a live bird introduction with your pup. We will discuss this more in the next section. Hunting dog training age months You should start obedience training for SIT and HERE when your pup is around 3 months old, but around the 5—6-month age, your dog is ready to learn formal obedience. Obedience is always the first step. All our programs here at Otter Tail Kennels begin with obedience. In my opinion, a dog can never have too much obedience training. It is the foundation on which all other training will rest. Even older dogs can benefit from obedience tune up drills. Teach these commands on-lead, with a chain collar, and in short sessions minutes each day. Taking your dog for a short walk and stopping frequently to make him or her SIT is a great way to get obedience work in each day. Doing obedience work with a flat collar will create more problems than it will help. Your dog needs to learn how to handle the pressure of a chain collar and you will get much better heeling results. Introductions to hunting equipment and situations In addition to obedience, if you have not already, now is the time to start introducing your dog to various hunting equipment and situations. If the weather is appropriate, this is the best age to introduce your dog to water. Make sure that you find a shallow area and allow the dog to enter on his own terms. You can encourage him or her to get into the water using a rubber bumper or other toy. You should also take time to introduce your dog to a hunting boat, a hunting blind, decoys and live and dead birds as we discussed previously. Lastly, you can start working on gun introduction at this time. Gun introduction MUST be done slowly and correctly. The last thing you want is a gun-shy dog. For more information on how to properly introduce your dog to gunfire, check out this post. If your dog is not firm on the HERE command, make sure you do all retrieving on a long check cord. We do not want the pup to get away with not returning to us with the bumper. That is a bad habit that we do not want to start. With a long check cord, you can gently direct the pup back to your side. Do not get carried away throwing retrieves with your young dog. Too many people love to play fetch with their dog so much that they throw a bumper dozens of times — resulting in the dog getting exhausted or bored with the game. This can cause other issues to pop up. Limit the amount of retrieves you do each session to three or four and work instead for quality — a good retrieve and a good delivery. This is where the real hunting training begins. This is also the age, if you are considering having a professional train your dog that you would want to make that decision. What age to send my dog to a professional trainer? If you are considering sending your dog to a professional trainer for retriever training, generally trainers accept the dog any time after the adult teeth have come in. Formal training ideally should begin around the 6—7-month age, but, generally, any time under 2 years is considered acceptable. Preparing your dog for hunting Up until now, the training has been generic — the training focused on making your pup a good citizen and family dog. But at this age it is time to dig into preparing your dog for his future hunting career. It is also at this age that many retriever owners get anxious, or impatient, and decide they can jump right into actual hunting. Training beyond obedience will depend largely on what you plan to use your dog for. Moving to e-collar pressure Hopefully, you have been doing the obedience work with a chain collar as previously recommended. If you have, your dog should be obedient on-lead and now its time to start working with an electronic collar. If you are using an electronic collar, make sure you take time to properly collar condition your dog. Not sure how to do this? We have a series of posts on this topic. If your need help understanding electronic collars and training with them, check out this post. Finish up hunting equipment introductions If you have not completed the introductions suggested in the 5—6-month-old training, now is the time to work on that. Gunshot exposure should be ongoing during these months, but make sure that you are doing this correctly. This is one area that can quickly spell disaster if it is done incorrectly. Learn how to do it correctly here. Do I have to force fetch my retriever? I am constantly getting emails from people who have dogs that recently stopped retrieving. They wonder what they can do to fix this problem, and I will admit it frustrates me. I know that if they were following a proven, reliable training plan for their dog, the dog would never have gotten to this point. Force fetch is a controversial topic, but as a retriever trainer for over 30 years I can attest to the importance of the process. Learn more about force fetch in this post. Lastly, force fetch will clean up mouth and delivery problems you might be having with your dog. If your dog is dropping the bumper on return and not delivering it to hand, force fetch will fix that problem. Retrieving with a 7—month-old dog Around age months, your retriever should be retrieving consistently and bringing the bumper back to you. Now is the time to really put some energy and focus into setting up marking scenarios for your hunting dog. There are limits to how far you can throw a bumper and it is rare that a bird would approach you from your back and fly directly in front of you. By using another thrower, you can set up marking scenarios that more closely represent what your dog might see while hunting. Vary the distance and direction of the marks, and preferably take time to learn about marking drills and how they can help your retriever. Now is also the time to set up simulated hunting scenarios. Think about how you hunt, and then do marks with your dog that mimic that. If you hunt from a boat, incorporate that. Or if you hunt from a blind, or sitting on a bucket, add those elements to your training. Try to make the scenarios as close to reality as you can. Specific training for bird dogs During age months is also the time to start working on field and hunting blind manners. If you are strictly an upland hunter, this may mean working hard on control and keeping the dog quartering close to you while walking through a field. It may also include enforcing a HERE command under exciting and difficult conditions so that your dog does not keep chasing after a bird that you missed shooting. For waterfowl and duck dogs, blind manners could include working on noise issues so that you can hunt without your dog whining or barking. It can also mean just getting your dog to sit still for long periods of time in the boat or blind. When can I take my dog to the field? At this age, I understand if you are anxious to get your dog out in the field or blind hunting. And if you have been following these guidelines, you are getting close. You will notice I call it on-the-job-training and not hunting. Tips for that first hunt No matter how many simulated hunts you do, simulated hunts cannot exactly duplicate the experience of actual hunting. So, you need to make sure that your first hunts will produce quick success for your dog. If you do this, you will be on the right road to helping your dog develop into a super hunting machine. Learn more about how to introduce those first few hunts and why this is so important. Reasons to skip that first season While I understand being anxious to get your pup hunting, I cannot overstate the importance of waiting until your dogs training is at the point that your first hunt will likely be successful. If your dog is not ready, if you have skipped some training steps and are seeing issues like startling at gunshot, or not picking up or delivering birds, your dog is not ready to hunt and you would be wise to back up and hold off until your dog is ready. Here are a couple other reasons to skip that first season if your dog is not ready. Bad habits are often extremely hard to break if they have been allowed to go on for any time. You very well may have to go back to earlier training to fix issues that arose due to hunting a dog that was not ready. Risking bad experiences This one is even more important. You cannot always control the experiences your dog runs into while hunting. What if your inexperienced dog gets bitten by a goose? Or, severely startled by several guns going off all at once? These are only a couple examples of bad experiences that can ruin or severely delay your dogs hunting education. If your dog is not quite ready, you are better to wait. Keep training, keep socializing, keep exposing your dog to new situations, but make sure that the first hunts you go on are controlled and produce easy success and learning for your dog. What if I am not starting with a puppy? Older dogs can be taught hunting too. But the key is to start training an older dog as if they are a week-old puppy. Skipping steps is how you get a dog that is afraid of gunshots or even birds. And those are very difficult problems to address without the help of a professional. For more training tips and education, visit our education section of our website. Final thoughts on what age to start training a puppy to hunt Every day your retriever is learning. Retrievers are smart, resourceful dogs. They bring such joy to our lives. But they are like children, they need direction, rules and boundaries. Take time to train your retriever. Follow a complete training program and you will greatly increase your odds of success. If you are looking for a professional retriever trainer with proven hunting and hunt test programs, check out our training programs or give us a call .We also do one-on-one training to guide owners who want to do the training themselves. Until next time, happy retrieving. What age should you start training a puppy to hunt? Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train? Posted on February 8, by Galen Kauffman Share: Looking for a new furever family member and wondering if goldens are easy to train? The answer is usually yes, but there are some factors at play. Whether you are training your Golden Retriever or any other dog for that matter, the main ingredients with dog training are kindness, patience, firmness, and consistency. Compared to other dog breeds, these evenly tempered, popular dogs are smart, and training your family pet guarantees to be easy peasy. Come pick up your new best friend from Ohio, or we can bring them to your door anywhere in the continental US for one low, flat fee! Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being intelligent and eager to please. Nonetheless, owners of this dog breed say it will take time and patience. Read more about if Golden Retrievers are good dogs here hint they are. When you look at how long it takes for a Golden Retriever to reach maturity, then it will take as long as 18 months to fully train your young Golden. You can enroll your dog in a dog obedience training school. You can work with a qualified dog trainer. You can try training your Golden yourself. What about toilet training? Are golden retrievers easy to potty train? There are videos available to show you potty training techniques for your canine friend that will ensure your training is peaceful and even humorous. Male puppies have to transition from squatting to lifting their legs. If they grow up with several female dogs, they may take longer to learn this technique. Dog potty training videos can be a helpful solution for quick and easy training. Be patient with your Golden as accidents are bound to happen. Puppies love routine so if you feed your puppy consistently at the same time, he can get used to you taking him outdoors soon after to do his business. Always reward your puppy when he uses the toilet outdoors so that he knows exactly what is expected of him. In fact, they are looked upon as one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. When you check out ranking statistics on which dog breeds are the most intelligent, the Golden Retriever is way up at the top. In fact, they come in at number 4 out of breeds. Canine psychologists tell us that they are as smart as a 2 and a half-year-old human child. The reason Golden Retrievers can learn so much is that they are eager to please their owners. Because of their affable nature, they derive great pleasure in being petted and patted. They love to hear that they are a good boy or a good girl. Treats for your Golden Retriever should be tasty and healthy. Dog food manufacturers have provided us with lots of dog treat varieties, some of which are — Dog biscuits in a variety of flavors and shapes. Always choose brands that are known for producing high-quality dog foods. Pieces of real meat. Beef or other meat jerky treats. These are available to your pet as shin strips of dehydrated meat. It can be chicken or fish too cut into strips and then dried. Check the ingredients carefully and make sure they contain no added salt or spices. There will be some Golden Retrievers that are difficult to train. Just like people, no two goldens are exactly the same, and they all have their own unique personality. There are many dog training styles and programs and not all of them work for all dogs. Also, no two dogs are exactly the same either, even among the same breeds. Sometimes one feels as though the human owner lacked socialization as a child. The reason that they come across as mischievous is that they are a particular breed of dog that takes a long time to mature. People who have owned these magnificent dogs say that they only really start to settle down and to mature after 2 years of age. Some Golden Retriever owners say that these dogs never grow up — that they remain gorgeously mischievous puppies all their life. Dogs are social animals, and the socialized Golden Retriever is an amicable dog. They are always at ease around people and pets. Your Golden interacts with other dogs through different body postures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and tail and ear positions. Who else is going to welcome you so warmly at the door, lavish you with kisses, and provide you with so much love, loyalty, and laughter? A dog is a long-term investment of 10 to 20 years. It is important to do some serious research before you settle on a good, reputable Golden Retriever breeder. Also, make sure you get the right type of golden retriever for you. When you buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you want to see the breed registration papers. Get a Golden From A Trusted Breeder When you want to bring a Golden into your home, it is imperative to find a quality puppy from a reputable breeder. Their breeding dogs are known for their excellent temperaments and their good health. When you check the track record of exceptional Golden Retriever breeders like ours, you find a consistent record of excellent pups. Puppies bred from great parents will inherit the trainability needed to be the best, more so if you want to enter your dog into competitions. Start Training Early Normally you get your puppy when he is 8 weeks old. Did you know that your Golden Retriever puppy can be attending puppy pre-school at 8 weeks of age already? These preschool classes will usually continue for about 6 to 8 weeks. The Golden Retriever is such a good dog generally, but without training, he will jump up at people, want to fight with other dogs, urinate wherever he pleases, and possibly nip kids and adults along the way. The established club offers classes for Golden Retrievers from basic obedience to more advanced obedience skills with positive reinforcement methods. Through training your dog he can become a much loved, valuable, calm, well-behaved family member. Socialize Them Early Socializing a puppy is all about getting him used to life out there. The key life skills that your puppy learns will ensure he is a calm, confident dog — a pleasure to be around. The beauty about socializing your Golden Retriever early is that you can be sure that he will know how to respond to new, unknown situations without becoming aggressive or fearful. Dog experts tell us that you only have a short window of opportunity to have your puppy socialized. Start as early as 8 weeks of age. The older a puppy gets, the harder the training becomes. Your Golden Retriever can be potty trained in 2 months, but many dog experts say that dog training is an ongoing process right up to age 2. A lot depends on the individual dog, your training methods, and your consistency. Golden Retriever owners say that their female Goldens mature quicker than the males, and because the females are also calmer, they are easier to train. What Commands Should I Teach? When you start with obedience training, stick to a few basic but important commands such as come, sit, stay, and down. One of the biggest obstacles in dog training is not being consistent. It can be most confusing, even for an intelligent dog like the Golden Retriever, to receive mixed messages. Any dog will lose interest. Rather have several short impactful training sessions than one long boring one that turns out to be an obstacle in training. Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? You get a yes and no for this question. Your Golden is such a smart dog that training should be easy. Make the training rewarding for him and praise him with tasty dog treats. Always ensure that the training is in keeping with his age. If you have a few members in your family, ensure that they use the same training strategies and words. Your Golden Retriever needs all the advantages you can give him which is why training for him is such a smart move. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Studies have shown that separating a puppy from mom and siblings before that time may lead to behavior problems later on. The good news is that you can start training your baby golden retriever as soon as he is home with you. Up until your puppy is 6 months old you should focus your attention on 3 main things: Golden Retriever Potty Training This may seem obvious but potty training problems are one of the main reasons dogs are surrendered at shelters. This link will take you to a step-by-step guide on potty training and crate training a golden retriever puppy. Socialization As a dog trainer I get asked many questions about dog behavior and training. In this photo Samsom is being socialized to babies and also to people putting their hands in his food bowl. Always add something yummy! Unfortunately, this period is very short and closes at 3 months of age. This means you have about 4 weeks to socialize your puppy to people of all sizes, genders, colors, ages, with costumes, hats, umbrellas; dogs of all sizes, colors, ages; cars, buses, trucks, loud noises, water, hair trimming, nail trimming, etc. Take your pup to a golden retriever training and socialization class that uses only positive methods. The first four weeks with your new golden retriever pup should be the busiest ones, follow this link for a detailed list and guide on how to socialize your new baby dog. It is natural and completely normal. The good news is that you can teach them to control the pressure they make with their mouth until mouthing turns into soft kisses. Follow this link for a how-to-guide. Playing with a puppy's mouth is a great way to teach him to how control his teeth. Finally, you can also start golden retriever training obedience commands, since puppies can learn very fast many things but you need to concentrate your attention on the three topics above, because they are key factors to help your puppy become a friendly and social dog, one you can trust and trusts you. Teaching your kids to train your Golden Retriever puppy is a grat way for them to bond. Sit and stay! Do not give up. Then repeat 3 more times. This is classic adolescence behavior and may start happening when your golden is between months. Just like humans, dogs also have an adolescence period, and just like humans, they like to test boundaries. During this time it is very important that you continue training basic obedience commands: Take your golden retriever dog to an obedience class that uses positive methods only! The ease of training dogs varies across different breeds and the age at which they are adopted. Retrievers are typically released two months after birth and ready for training. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train because of their high social intelligence, loyalty, and desire to please; they can understand commands and positive consequences in the first few weeks. However, if you do not teach them early on, you may need to work harder to get them to unlearn bad habits. We must remember that Golden Retrievers are acclimatized to working with people and are definitely people pleasers. They were bred as hunting dogs to retrieve shot-down waterfowl and are still used today as gundogs by sportspersons to retrieve game birds. They are also used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs. While training a Golden Retriever is easy, you have to start early. If the dog misses the early portion of the training, the later stages draw out perpetually. By now, you know the dangers of being too late in training your dog. But what if you are too early for the party? Not if you go by the standard release time. The average breeder releases a Golden Retriever at 8 weeks old. You should train your Golden Retriever at two months old because, by that stage, he has grown enough to take cues and is sufficiently self-reliant not to need his mother to survive. He will have already learned canine behaviors by interacting with his mother and littermates, but now he can continue to learn by association. Initial training should be kept light. As mentioned in the table, it is simply a period where you establish your authority as the source of commands and rewards. You can even go 2 weeks without giving any proper training to your freshly-released pup without impacting his progression. However, the 8 to week period from release to assimilation is important. A traumatic experience can have a negative and counter-productive effect during this period. Read further if you: Have a Golden Retriever older than seven weeks or plan to get a puppy Want an approximate schedule for training your pup Wish to train a dog using positive reinforcement and ethical training methods Want to commit to 1. At this point, you have to train your puppy to see you as an authority figure. Moreover, the puppy can only form the most obvious associations between command, response, and consequence, so it is crucial to adapt your training strategy accordingly. For example, you can start clapping if your pup runs toward you. Once he realizes that clapping and running toward you are linked, you can clap, and he will run toward you. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. Each anchor has to be hard to confuse with every other anchor. Clapping, for instance, is an anchor that can be confused with snapping your fingers. But it is hard to confuse clapping with whistling. This melts a lot of the resistance as you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands. Therefore, the first step should be encouraging your Golden Retriever to follow you. As you may know, dogs evolved from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader usually a parent. Delaying gratification is easier for grown dogs. Young puppies get tired too quickly and spend most of their time sleeping. So if your puppy follows you, reward him with affection, hugs, and appreciation. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your dog establish a connection between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. When your puppy knows that following you results in rewards, you can make the act of following you slightly more challenging. Things you can do may include sharp turns and sudden changes of pace. Lower Socializing Barriers Golden Retrievers are the definition of social beings. Still, their appearance and the love they receive can keep them from becoming completely asocial. But why make socialization difficult when you can facilitate it early in their lives? Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pup is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. Golden Retrievers are bundles of energy, and it would take living in a castle for one to become agoraphobic. Seeing the outdoors as soon as they are ready to take block-long walks is healthier for their social development. Start Potty Training You might wonder how long you have to wait before your Golden Retriever puppy is ready for potty training. Quite simply, your Retriever is ready for potty training the day you bring him home. Cordoning it off and adding a small fence can help him identify it more easily. Next, you need a potty training schedule, such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Moreover, many owners use dog crates to help with house training and I highly recommend you do this too. The earlier you discipline your Golden Retriever , the less harsh you need to be with him as he grows up. Biting is one of the behaviors that incur severe penalties for dogs. Golden Retrievers, fortunately, develop a soft mouth and are less likely to administer harsh bites. Still, nibbling must be discouraged so that kids, other pets, and your friends can be safe around your puppy. If you have ever given silent treatment to your spouse, you know it takes intelligence to know that you are in a timeout. So a timeout for a 2-month-old Retriever might not be the right punishment because he might not understand why he is in one. Often, an untrained Retriever puppy might snatch at a treat. After that, you can withhold the second treat and close off your body language. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Golden Retriever will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Teach Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Golden Retriever will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. How to Train a 3-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Once you have established your authority and set initial anchors, it is time to progress the training of your Golden Retriever puppy to the next stage. Four weeks of light training is sufficient for setting anchors and establishing associations. That makes the 3-month mark ideal for slightly more complex commands. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. He will regress to walk behind you. He already knows how to sit and stand, and you have to use the same method you used for the heel position and command to teach your Retriever how to sit or stand on command. The method is simple. The same applies to other position commands. Since your Retriever can tell words apart, he can go into different positions based on the words you say. The anchoring process involves saying something or making a specific sound while your dog is busy holding a certain position or acting a certain way. Now is the time to start saying the words you have associated with his actions in order to inspire said actions. Where you previously whistled when your Retriever ran towards you, now you must whistle so he begins his run. This is the start of his Golden Retriever recall training. It is possible that your Retriever does not respond to the commands. There will be back and forth where you will keep saying words while the dog organically acts. After a few attempts at reinforcing the commands, you can test the triggers again. So avoid forcing your dog to be perfect on the first few attempts. This helps him be social and get close to them. He must learn to be safe and social around strangers too. After all, he has to go on walks without picking fights with people, no matter how friendly Golden Retrievers are known to be. Slowly exposing him to crowds can improve his social tolerance. The less quick he is to bark at strangers, the kinder they will be to him. This triggers a positive feedback loop where he is adored for being social, which encourages him to be more social. Updated: March 2nd, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. So which is best? What is the right age to start training a Golden Retriever puppy? This advice traditionally came from the trainers of working dogs who quite rightly felt it best to leave a puppy to be a puppy, let it grow some and become stronger before starting formal training. It was very physical with the use of corrections and physical punishments and aversives very common. The accepted idea was that it was cruel to be so physical with a very young puppy and so training was delayed until 6 months old or so. But there are so many gentle, positive reward based training methods today that physical corrections and aversives are almost completely unnecessary. So waiting for 6 months to start training is no longer essential. From the moment you get your puppy, they will be watching and learning from you. And much, much more besides. A puppy at 8 weeks knows nothing of life and learns everything from you at an amazing pace, all day every day. So you are training your 8 week old puppy whether you think you are or not. Why not start a little basic obedience or trick training as well? For a variety of reasons, the best age to start training your Golden puppy is as soon as you get them at 8 weeks of age. Puppies soak up knowledge and skills like sponges in their first few months, why not take advantage to teach essential life skills as soon as possible? If you wish to take your puppy everywhere you go, friends and shop owners will want you to have a modicum of control over your puppy while in their premises. Behaviors are being developed all the time in your puppy so you should try to influence good ones and prevent bad ones. Training is quality time you and your pup spend together, forming a bond and strengthening your relationship which is good for everyone involved. Modern training techniques like clicker training and shaping are very positive and fun ways to train that will cause no stress to your puppy and can achieve great results. But if they live indoors with you and your family, are taken through town and into other peoples buildings, then you will definitely want to be able to keep them under control. So starting training early is pretty much essential and will be a massive help to you. Keep training sessions very short, just 2 or 3 minutes long a few times per day. Their attention spans will be incredibly short and you do not want them getting bored and starting to dislike training. Only train simple commands and try to set them up to win and do things correctly. Frequent failure will cause your puppy to start dreading training instead of enjoying it. So keep it simple. In real time, you get to see what you should be teaching your puppy as they grow through all the ages and stages from an 8-week old pup to a well-behaved, good-mannered, obedience trained and confident adult dog. The course is an opportunity to see a professional dog trainer raising a puppy on video, with every single step, every milestone and problem encountered — and solved — along the way, filmed for you to follow along with. Check it out! You should start crate training, house-breaking, bite-inhibition and socialization from the moment you get them home. But Golden Retrievers are such intelligent dogs that they can learn a whole variety of simple commands and tricks while still very young. You can teach your puppy: Sit.