german shepherd weimaraner mix puppy

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

These intelligent, loving and fascinating dogs are genetically predisposed to numerous diseases. Families with healthy German shepherds and those whose shepherds have medical conditions are discovering various benefits of homemade diets. Diet and Health german shepherd puppy image by Jeff from Fotolia. Prevalent in German shepherds are autoimmune diseases, allergies and skin problems, and digestive disorders that can result in gastrointestinal ailments and food intolerances. Some veterinarians, including Dr. Karen Becker, an integrative wellness veterinarian who wrote Dr. Balanced Meals If you decide to prepare homemade dog food for your shepherd, it is essential to properly balance the ingredients. Even when feeding fresh, high-quality individual foods, unbalanced meals can damage your dog's health. In addition to fresh food, which contains most of the nutrients your dog needs, homemade meals might require certain vitamins and supplements. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to help you create a specific diet that you will follow and your German shepherd will thrive on. Proteins Shaking off shepherd. Muscle meat, organ meat and meaty bones are proteins that contribute to balanced, nutritionally complete meals. Other protein sources in home-prepared meals might include plain yogurt, cottage cheese or eggs. You will need to decide whether to cook the meat and other ingredients, feed an entirely raw diet, or combine raw and cooked foods. Consult your veterinary health practitioner, do research and learn about the ongoing controversy about raw food diets for dogs. Vegetables and Fruits carrot, broccoli and beans image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia. The digestibility and nutritional value of vegetables and fruits increase when you puree them or lightly steam them. Whole, raw vegetables will not harm dogs who enjoy fresh or frozen green beans, carrots and other vegetables as treats or chewy snacks. Never let dogs eat tomatoes, avocado, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and chocolate. These foods are toxic and dangerous for dogs. Some dog families turned to homemade food during the recall and subsequent recalls of contaminated commercial pet food. Another reason is that dogs have short digestive tracts that are not designed to efficiently digest grains or absorb their nutrients. Many commercial foods contain grains like wheat, soy and corn, which are difficult for a German shepherd's sensitive system to digest and may cause allergies and skin disorders. More Articles. Just like you, your German Shepherd needs a balanced diet to grow up healthy and strong. Keep in mind that the correct amounts of these nutrients vary from one dog to another depending on their weight, size, activity level, and health condition. If a dog ends up losing too much water, it can get seriously sick to the point of lethal consequences. For this reason, hydration is vital to maintain the good health of your German Shepherd. So, make sure your dog has access to water at all times, and remember to refill their water bowl multiple times throughout the day. Proteins Proteins play a crucial role in the well-being of your German Shepherd. This particular nutrient is responsible for building and repairing muscles, growing hair, as well as making new skin cells. Protein also helps in the production of essential enzymes and hormones to ensure proper functions inside the body. Sources of protein for your German Shepherd include chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, cooked eggs, yogurt, and fish. Fats Sourced from meats and oils such as olive oil, fish oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil , fats provide your German Shepherd with high-quality energy. Click to get it NOW! Carbohydrates Carbs are the main source of energy for dogs. Foods rich in carbohydrates for example, potatoes, oats, and brown rice supply their bodies with glucose. Glucose is an essential nutrient for critical organs of the body, such as the brain and nervous system, to function properly. As you probably already know, German Shepherds are quite large dogs. They typically fall somewhere between 60 and 90 pounds. According to the National Research Council of the National Academics, active dogs within this weight range should consume between 1, and 2, calories per day, whereas inactive or older dogs need between 1, and 1, calories per day. However, if your dog has arthritis or a hereditary condition such as hip dysplasia that caused them to be less active, then a lower-calorie diet would be a better approach to keep their weight down and avoid adding pressure on damaged joints. Final Thoughts. Water Plenty of clean, fresh water should be available throughout the day. Growing GSD puppies will need to eat more frequently and in more significant amounts than adults. The following could be a possible meal plan for homemade German Shepherd puppy food: 6 to 8-week puppies. The most crucial thing is that the puppy consumes the required number of calories, regardless of how many portions the entire daily homemade food amount is divided into. When a Home-Cooked Meal Benefits Your GSD Short Term While you can decide to feed your German Shepherd with homemade food for the reasons discussed earlier in this article, a home-cooked meal can also benefit your German Shepherd short term in the following situations: 1. To be safe, you might want to start this before the commercial food is completely depleted and mix the homemade food with a bit of the commercial diet. This will help your German Shepherd adapt better to the change. The same is true for your German Shepherd. Take, for example, the high-protein, low-carb diet for diabetic dogs. This is more true when the surgery is directly done on the stomach or adjacent organs. A homemade diet is suitable in this case. You can give your recovering GSD a bland diet to gradually help the GI system return to normal function. Unlike daily homemade diets, bland diets are easier to make and will not involve the complex calculation of nutrients. Examples are boiled chicken, white rice, and bone broth. Besides, it means drawing essential nutrients from the same food source always. A change with homemade food is good. The following are examples of homemade dog food recipes you can consider for your German Shepherd, courtesy of websites belonging to vet clinics or written by professional vets. Brown, long-grain rice — g 7. Green beans — 85g 3oz. Canned applesauce unsweetened, with no added ascorbic acid — 61g 2. The recipe is from NaturalPetsHQ and recommends 9. The benefits of feeding your German Shepherd homemade food are that homemade food offers a variety of nutritional benefits that store-bought food cannot provide. This can be especially helpful if your pup has allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. How do I know if homemade German Shepherd food is right for my dog? The best way to know if homemade German Shepherd food is right for your dog is to consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. They can also help you determine the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that your dog needs to stay healthy. What are some common mistakes owners make when feeding their German Shepherds homemade food? One of the most common mistakes people make when feeding their German Shepherds homemade food is not providing a balanced diet. German Shepherds need a diet that is rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Without a balanced diet, your German Shepherd can become malnourished and suffer from health problems. What are some signs that my German Shepherd is not tolerating homemade food well? If your German Shepherd is not tolerating homemade food well, one of the most common signs to look out for is weight loss. If your dog is not getting enough nutrients from the food, they may start to lose weight. It works as a good starting point for German Shepherd owners seeking general information about making their own food for their pets. Related Posts You May Like:. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your German Shepherd gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your German Shepherd gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your German Shepherd, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your German Shepherd is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.

They started in as pug breeders and are passionate about their health and happiness. They have acre farmland where they placed their home. Each pug puppy is potty trained and tamed to prepare them for their new families. The owners socialize with their dogs to make them friendly to people. This private pug pup breeder is passionate about promoting pug research and proper breeding practices. They invite all pug lovers to share and interact with them since that fosters learning and development. All their dog breeds comply with the American Kennel Club standards. You can expect to buy quality pug pups from them. They have been doing this for around twenty years, making them one of the credible dog breed groups in the state. She is a veterinarian for 14 years and has been in the field to breed dogs for 15 years in New York. If you want to find pug puppies that are AKC quality, then you can go for this one. They are one of the best pug breeders in the state. As one of the reputable breeders, they want all their york pugs to be healthy. They let all their pups undergo CHIC exam to detect any health problems. If there are health issues, their vet or Kelly will treat them immediately. All these things are strong puppy proof of their good standing as a breeder in North Central NY. All their New York pugs have a 2-year health guarantee. This gives you confidence that all their foo dogs will be healthy for two years and onwards. In terms of buying a pup for sale, Kelly meets all buyers in person. She is meticulous about this and wants to ensure her pups get the best pug forever home. They also provide stud and whelping services. Fairytale Frenchies are licensed to breed litter annually. They have two main dog breeds: Frenchies and pugs. For the latter, they breed different pugs, which include fawn, brindle, black, and more. All of their franchise and pug puppies for sale are AKC registered. How do they ensure the health of their puppies? All their pugs and frenchies receive Nu-Vet vitamins every day. They are also given age-proper vaccinations annually. All pups undergo house training and crate training to prepare them for their forever homes. Each pup also comes with a 3-year health guarantee. There are many pug breeders in New York, and Fairytale Frenchies is one of them. If you need more information about them, you can call them. Otherwise, email them with any questions. Casull Pugs New York. 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. Phone: Email: patpuglady57 aol. Patti bought her first black Pug in and named her Ebony. Today she breeds pug puppies full-time from her home in Tottenville. In fact, Patti loves Pugs so much that in , she decided to legally change her name to Patti Puglady Pugz. Patti takes care of all her newborn pugs for eight weeks to make sure that they are well-fed, healthy, and ready for their new homes. Patti is proud to say that she remains friends with almost everyone that buys Pugs from her. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in New York? There are lots of sites out there offering to help you meet Pug breeders New York and find Pug puppies New York, but the quality levels of each site can vary greatly. Some sites sell unhealthy pups from bad breeders and you can even find scammers operating on certain sites too. You won't have to worry about any of those kinds of problems here on Uptown. What are puppy mills and why should I worry about them? Puppy mills are basically dog factories — they're places where pups are kept in cramped and unclean conditions, sold off at cheap prices to make way for the next batch. Pug puppies for sale in New York from mills often have health issues and behavioral problems because of this troubled upbringing, leading to big vet bills and disappointment for the owners. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeders should also be avoided when looking for a Pug for sale New York. They're basically people who breed dogs in unethical ways, often using their own backyards as breeding facilities and failing to meet the proper standards of ethics and professionalism. You won't have to worry about a single backyard breeder selling a New York Pug for sale on Uptown. Are Pugs good family dogs? They are indeed and we're seeing lots of families looking for Pugs for sale New York in recent times. These dogs have plenty of family-friendly qualities, beginning with the fact that they love kids and enjoy playing with little ones of all ages. There's also the fact that Pugs are highly portable, perfect for car rides and family adventures, and they're very friendly, loyal, and cuddle-loving too. Hybrid and designer dogs are specially-bred dogs, created by crossing two different breeds together. An example would be the Daug, which is made by mixing a Pug and a Dachshund. On their own, Pugs aren't designer dogs, but you can be interested in buying a hybrid Pug for sale in New York, such as a Daug or Puggle. Are Pugs easy to train? Pugs are more than capable of effectively learning basic commands with ease. They really like to please their owners, so they're happy to learn new things, as long as you have some patience with them and don't try to push them too far. New York Pugs for sale are therefore a good choice for those who don't have much experience with dog training. Can I have a Pug if I live in an apartment? For sure! There are many happy apartment dwellers out there who have chosen Pugs as their pets, and Pugs have a lot of positive qualities making them a good match for apartment life. They're small in stature and have low energy levels too, so New York Pugs for sale really don't need too much space to be happy. Just be sure to take them for regular walks so they don't gain too much weight. Am I limited to local breeders only? No, there are no limits when you use Uptown too search for your Pug pup! You can try to find a local New York Pug puppy for sale to make things a little simpler for picking up your pup, or you can search far and wide with trusted breeders all over the nation. If your Pug is too far away to drive, the breeder can make arrangements to fly your pup to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders selling Pug puppies? There are some amazing Pug breeders in New York. Sadly, there are also some lower quality breeders too, along with puppy mills and scammers to watch out for. How much do Pug pups cost? The average price of Pug puppies for sale New York can vary quite a lot. Well, the price tag for each pup can be affected by a range of different factors like coat color, eye color, size, and more. Here at Uptown, we aim to help you find a Pug New York that meets all of your requirements and matches your budget too.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. They are small, affectionate, and easy to train. We have a wide selection of Frenchies for sale, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect one for your lifestyle. Stop by Citipups today and take home your new best friend! French Bulldogs are relatively easy to train and make good watchdogs. They need moderate exercise and do well in small spaces, making them ideal for city living. French Bulldogs are a popular breed and make great family pets. We also offer financing options to make it easier for you to take home your new furry friend. Stop by our store today and find the perfect French Bulldog for your family! Animal shelters sometimes have French Bulldogs available for adoption, and many breeders offer discounts on puppies that are not show quality. You can also check online classifieds websites like Craigslist or eBay for French Bulldog puppies for sale. If you're looking for a Frenchie, be sure to do your research first. French Bulldogs are a popular breed, but they're not right for everyone. Make sure you know what to expect before you bring one home. Citipups is the best place to find Frenchies for sale in NYC. We have a wide selection of Frenchies for sale, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect one for your family. Stop by our store today and take home your new best friend. Some of the best places to find French Bulldog puppies for sale are: Citipups. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeder list page. The average price for a German shepherd puppy in Wyoming will vary depending on the breeder. Some breeders may charge more than others, and the price may also depend on the bloodlines of the puppies. Generally speaking, GSD puppies from good bloodlines will be more expensive than those from mediocre bloodlines. A low-quality dog could end up costing you more in the long run due to health problems or behavioral issues. The price will vary mostly because of the bloodlines of the parents. Dogs with champion bloodlines will be more expensive because those bloodlines have been proven to produce healthy and sound puppies. There are many different ways to determine if a breeder is responsible and cares about the health of their dogs, including: A good place to start searching for breeders in your area is on local Facebook groups or by looking up German shepherds in your Yellow Pages directory. Make sure you ask lots of questions and get to know the breeder and their dogs before you make a purchase. One of the best ways to find a responsible German shepherd breeder is to visit dog shows in your area. Be wary of breeders who are only interested in selling puppies; good breeders will want to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes. If the breeder has a kennel-style facility, be sure to ask to see where the puppies are kept. They should be clean and healthy, with plenty of space to run around. Avoid breeders who keep their dogs in cages or small spaces; this is not healthy for the animals. The best way to determine if a breeder is responsible is to meet their dogs. Ask to see the mother of the puppies, as well as any other dogs that are living at the premises. Puppy mills are becoming increasingly common, so be sure to avoid breeders who only seem interested in making a sale. Responsible breeders will want to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes, and they will be happy to answer any questions you have about the breed. Good breeders will be happy to provide you with contact information for happy customers. Be sure to ask the breeder lots of questions about the puppies, such as their health history, temperament, and what type of home they would be best suited for. A good breeder will take the time to answer all of your questions and will want to make sure that their puppies are going to a good home. References will give you the opportunity to get in touch with past customers and ask them about their experiences. This will help you determine if the German Shepherd breeder you have chosen is a good one. A good breeder will be more than happy to put you in touch with happy customers who will tell you all about their experience working with the breeder. If the breeder is reputable, you will likely find that their past customers have only good things to say about them. If a breeder is reluctant to put you in touch with past customers, or if they cannot provide references, avoid them at all costs. This is a sure sign that they are not reputable and you should never work with someone like this for any reason. When looking for a good breeder, it is also important to ask about their veterinarian. A reputable breeder will have a great relationship with their veterinarian and will be able to provide you with references. This is important because you want to make sure that your puppy is in good hands and that they are getting the best possible care. If the breeder cannot provide you with a good veterinarian, it is best to avoid them. This is another sign that they may not be reputable and may not be taking care of their animals in the best way possible. A relationship with a veterinarian is crucial as a breeder. This is because unethical breeders do not want you to know how unhygienic their breeding facilities really are. They may also fear that if you get too close, you will notice that their animals are unhealthy or malnourished. Refuses to Give Full medical History of Sire and Dam: If the breeder refuses to give you a full medical history of the sire and dam, it is likely that they are hiding something. Good breeders will always be happy to share this information with you as they want you to be aware of any health concerns that may be passed down to the puppy. Sells Puppies at Pet Stores: Puppy mills often sell their puppies to pet stores. If the breeder you are working with is selling their puppies in pet stores, it is likely that they are a puppy mill. Avoid them at all costs. Asking the right questions can help you weed out the bad breeders from the good ones. Ask if you can see where their puppies are born and raised. A breeder that is reputable will be more than happy to show you where they keep their animals. Not only does this give you peace of mind, but it also gives you very valuable insight into how your puppy was bred. All puppies have the potential to develop health problems as they grow older. If the breeder does not seem to care about the health of their animals, it is best to avoid them. A good breeder will always be willing to answer your questions. Do not hesitate to ask the Wyoming breeder any questions you may have. A good breeder will always be happy to oblige. This means having a crate ready, as well as puppy-proofing the area so that there are no accidents. Crates provide an ideal place for puppies to sleep and will help keep them safe while their owner is away at work or school. They also help with house training as puppies cannot have accidents if they are confined to the crate. Once they learn that of course. Make sure to have plenty of toys, treats and chew toys on hand. German Shepherd puppies love to chew, so make sure that there are plenty of safe options available. Another thing that you should be prepared for is the fact that your puppy will likely need to go outside quite often at first as they learn house rules. Make sure that you have a leash ready. This means that you should not get angry when they have an accident in the house. Instead, simply clean up the mess and use positive reinforcement when they do something that they are not allowed to do like going to the bathroom in the house. Crate-training can help make house training much easier for both you and your pup by confining them when there is no one around watching them. While most dogs will whine or bark when confined like this, crates become a safe haven for pets over time. If you decide to try crate training your One of the most important things that you need to do when potty training your new German Shepherd puppy is to be consistent. Always take them outside immediately after they eat, drink or play. It may also help to create a designated potty area outside where you can take them regularly. This will help your puppy associate going potty with a specific area. They are a very special breed that requires lots of love and attention. Please be sure that you have the time to give them what they need. Have Fun! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Wyoming? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Wyoming cost? So for instance, white German Shepherd puppies for sale Wyoming, black German Shepherd puppies for sale in Wyoming, long haired Wyoming German Shepherds for sale and Sable German Shepherd puppies Wyoming may all come in at different price points. Am I limited to picking a puppy from local litters and breeders? When you choose a breeder from our network, you can arrange to pick up your new German Shepherd Wyoming yourself, or have it transported to your nearest major airport in the Continental US. How do you screen the breeders you work with? We carefully vet prospective breeders based on their skill and experience, standards of animal care, and legal compliance. You can check out our Breeder Pledge for all the details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other online puppy networks? What precisely is a puppy mill? Puppy mills produce countless sick, poorly-tempered German Shepherds for sale Wyoming. These mills are terrible places where dogs are treated little better than machines, made to produce litter after litter,, and kept in dirty conditions that would make you feel sick. How does Uptown Puppies work exactly? We make it fast, efficient, and worry-free to find a dream German Shepherd for sale in Wyoming. How do I know I can trust you? When you look for a puppy, we want our network to be your first choice, every time. What kind of health problems do German Shepherds usually have? This is a very energetic, active breed, so daily exercise is crucial for their health and happiness. You should also remember that German Shepherds bought from puppy mills or backyard breeders are more likely to get sick. Where do the breed originate? German Shepherds come from Germany, first bred in the late 19th century. They were sheep herding dogs, bred to be smart, diligent, and faithful - which explains their lasting appeal. It also explains why they make such great watchdogs, since part of their job was to protect the herd from wild beasts and sheep rustlers.

Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Lenexa Kansas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! You can check with local breeders, search online for reputable breeders, or check with your local pet store. What are Goldendoodle puppies? Goldendoodles near you are crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. They typically weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand about 13 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. These dogs have become increasingly popular due to their friendly, social nature and their hypoallergenic coat. They are great for families with young children or other pets, as they are very tolerant and gentle. Mini Goldendoodles require moderate exercise and are highly adaptable to different living situations, making them an ideal choice for both city and country dwellers. What is the Temperament of Golden doodles? Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate personalities. They are highly social dogs that thrive on attention and love to be around people. They are also great with children and other pets, making them an ideal family dog. Goldendoodles are intelligent and easy to train, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners. They require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy, but are not high-energy dogs that need constant stimulation. Overall, the temperament of a Goldendoodle is loving, loyal, and adaptable to a variety of lifestyles and living situations. Goldendoodle puppies for sale near me. This is a loving Golden Doodle Puppy who is raised with children and is a real sweetie pie and social. He enjoys to be around people and will make a great addition to your home. This puppy has a real zest for life and loves to play, play, play! He is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. If you are looking for an attractive Lab puppy to join your family…you have found him! Call today!!

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. Dalila is an ideal medium size, has a nice coat, low shedding and semi-hypoallergenic as she is a mixed of Labradoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer and Border Terrier. Hard to find a medium to large size low shedding-hypoallernic rescued pets due that the majority are small breeds: She will be ideal for any family. However, an active family will be ideal for her sweet and playful temperament. She is good with people and children, and currently being fostered with another 18 dogs: She will need basic training such as basic commands and to be leashed trained as she has been at the sanctuary running free but goes to a crate in the evenings to sleep - therefore, she is crate trained as well : Not sure about how she is with cats but she is a pup still and trainable. Are you ready to give her a forever home? Please text at as 1st type of contact or email veronica. If approved, the adoption coordinator will reach out to you to schedule a Meet-and-Greet appointment. No appointments will be made unless we have received an application; therefore, we can match you with the best fit for you. Follow us on Instagram aaofus where you can see more pics. Please allow 48 hours to process applications and respond back to set up appointments. Unfortunately, responses back to those who do not qualify are not possible due to high volume of applications. Donation Adoption fee includes up-to-date 3 core puppy vaccinations; spaying or neutering, deworming, and a complementary health check up by a participating clinic near you. Please consider adopting one or more! Small right facing arrow These pups are in Temecula, California too! Below are our newest added Labradoodles available for adoption in Temecula, California. To see more adoptable Labradoodles in Temecula, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Testimonials As a veterinarian I work with multiple breeders. Charl and Jerry Beauchat have been clients of mine for several years. Their dogs are always kept in great condition. Every puppy is health checked and micro-chipped prior to going to its new home. Providing healthy family members remains a priority of mine as well as theirs Jonathan CortezDVM We can not say enough about the integrity of your program. Pete and Jiffy …head and shoulders above the pack when it comes to a quality breeder…. Do yourself a favor and visit Charl and Shadow Mountain Labradoodles if you are considering a new puppy. We have made a full time commitment to our program. Three of us work full time with our dogs, puppies and families. Charl and Jerry are in Southern California, our daughter Jena, has branched out and is now carrying on our work in Oklahoma! We are also currently training 10 new Australian Labradoodle Breeders in California, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Missouri and Ohio to bless families and to protect this wonderful breed! Shadow Mountain Australian Labradoodles are bred with love and care in a home environment. We work hard to place our puppies in an environment where both the families and the puppies are set up for success. Quick Links.

If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Due to their high food drive, many Golden Retrievers become overweight or obese. Keeping a Golden Retrieve at an ideal weight is critical to their health and well-being. Fortunately, there are signs that Golden Retrieve owners can use to know if their dogs are becoming overweight or too fat. In addition, it will be difficult to feel the ribs, and the waist will lack an obvious taper and may protrude. One of the best things you can do to keep your Golden Retriever healthy is to keep it at an ideal weight. A Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese is at much higher risk for joint issues and other health issues. If you believe your Golden Retriever is too fat, then work with your veterinarian to put your Golden on a healthy, calorie-reduced diet to get it back into the ideal range. Knowing precisely if your Golden Retriever is too fat is discussed in detail in the following section. To determine if your Golden Retriever is becoming overweight or, worst yet, obese, there are a few guidelines you can use. To know if your Golden Retriever is overweight, look at it from above and from the side, and feel the ribs. The waist taper will look barely visible or absent, and there may be abdominal distention and visible fat at the base of the tail. The heavier the fat deposits on the ribs, the more difficult they will be to feel. While the breed standard can be helpful to understand the range a typical Golden Retriever may fall within, it is far more critical to know the average for YOUR dog. Hold up. I wrote an article on how to know if your Golden Retriever is too skinny. While it is much more common for a Golden Retriever to be overweight than underweight, it does happen. Signs to Look For. Keep in mind that breed standards are used for registered and papered dogs and those used in dog shows or competitions. In addition, it provides a judging criterion. So, you might get a Golden Retriever that is heavier than the breed standard and still at a healthy weight. In a similar vein, be careful of the ideal weight ranges given for a dog breed found on various websites and searches. Again, those can be useful in a general sense to determine where a vast majority of a particular breed falls. Still, the ranges do not consider individual differences. Dogs are unique, just like us. He is purebred, not papered or registered, and at just over a year old, is almost 90 lbs. His father was within the breed standard, as was his mother. So, we assumed he would be too. He is not. If your Golden Retriever begins to add a few pounds over its ideal weight, it is most likely time to take action. However, weighing your dog is not the easiest of things. So, the following suggestions rely on sight and feel and can be reliable gauges to know when your Golden Retriever is becoming too fat. When looking at your Golden Retriever from above, it should have a noticeable waist and a nice taper from the ribs to the back legs. Almost like the shape of a wasp. From the side, the abdomen should NOT protrude. Suppose your Golden Retriever is too fat or becoming overweight. In that case, the waist from above will not be obvious with little to no taper, or the waist may look round or rotund. The abdomen will be distended or sagging down from the side, and there is NO abdominal tuck. Instead, the abdomen should curve upward from the end of the chest toward the hindquarters. As a guide, the graphic below is a handy downloadable reference guide. Now, I understand that it can be hard to visualize how to do these things. In North America, canine obesity is prevalent. Not only is obesity preventable, but the risk for health consequences for an overweight Golden Retriever rises substantially with its weight. In general, overweight or obese Golden Retrievers are at an increased risk for diabetes, joint issues, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease, heatstroke, and many types of cancer. The health consequences for overweight in Golden Retrievers are sobering. Moreover, obesity is preventable with daily exercise and watching how much your Golden Retriever eats. If the health consequences are not enough for pet owners to keep their Golden Retrievers at a healthy weight, then consider the cost. I wrote an article on the health consequences of Golden Retrievers and the associated cost. Spoiler alert: it can be expensive. The study looked at 50, dogs spanning 12 breeds, including the Golden Retriever. The study noted that a normal-weight male Golden Retriever lives for .In contrast, an overweight male Golden Retriever lives only .The corresponding data for female Golden Retrievers are similar at .The message is clear. Of course, in rare instances, obesity may result from some health issues. Your Golden Retriever may be too fat because it eats more calories than it expends. Calorie excess can be due to lack of exercise, eating too frequently or too much, or ingesting too many snacks. Weight gain can also result from underlying health issues, so check with your vet to rule out any medical cause. If medical problems are ruled out, then sadly, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the pet owner. Golden Retrievers, in particular, are a very active breed that requires a lot of daily activity. Upwards of 60 minutes or more. Limiting snacks and monitoring feeding amounts and frequency are the other pieces of the weight loss puzzle discussed in the next section. Before putting your Golden Retriever on a weight loss program, it is essential to have your vet perform a complete physical examination and provide guidance on how best to proceed. Work with your vet to develop a healthy weight loss plan for your dog that includes safe amounts of food and exercise. It is essential to ensure that your Golden Retriever receives dog food lower in calories while maintaining an optimum balance of nutrients. Unfortunately, calorie reduction often comes at the expense of fewer nutrients, so your veterinarian is the best source for recommending a good dog food for your Golden Retriever. Next, make sure your Golden Retriever receives the appropriate portions and is fed at designated feeding intervals throughout the day. Vegetables and fruits make healthy snacks that are typically calorie sparse and nutrient-dense. If you need to know which vegetables and fruits are best, check out these articles I wrote. I also list which ones to avoid since some can cause stomach issues or even be deadly. Can Golden Retrievers Eat Fruit? Good Fruit Options Versus Bad Exercise, the last piece of the weight loss puzzle, is a bit more tricky. Walking is one of the best exercises and has low impact. However, it is best to start any exercise program slowly and begin with shorter sessions. Swimming is also a great exercise, it is joint-friendly, and Golden Retrievers love to swim. Once your Golden Retriever has reached a healthy weight, running is an excellent activity for keeping the dog fit and lean. If you are curious if Golden Retrievers make good running companions, consider taking a few minutes to read this article next: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever Some precautions to be aware of when exercising your Golden Retriever are noted below, with recommended readings if you need more detail on those potential issues. If exercising your Golden Retriever in the heat, be very careful of heatstroke. To ensure you know what temperatures are safe and how to recognize signs of heatstroke and what to do if it occurs , then read my article on that very topic: Golden Retrievers In Hot Weather: Keeping Them Cool. Frigid cold temperatures are the other end of the spectrum. And frostbite and hyperthermia are the risks. Overweight dogs are at risk for lung disorders, osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, lameness and oral disease, among others. And older dogs are at the greatest risk as they tend to have less active lives. So how can you tell if your dog is overweight? Stand above your dog and look down on her. Is there a waist between that rib cage and hips? It should make an hourglass figure. Now run your hands lightly over their frame. Can you feel the back bone and ribs? Can you feel the pelvic bone? When you look at them from the side, can you see a visible waist? Is their tummy tucked in? If so, then you are probably feeding your dog a healthy diet. But if not, perhaps a little weight loss program is in order. Where to start? Bring the subject up with your vet. Ask him to help you determine a healthy weight for your dog. Then work out a plan that includes a high quality dog food. Remember that our pets need considerably less volume than humans. For a 50 lb. Feed your golden twice a day and do not permit grazing — once they finish their meal, remove the food bowl. Most adult dogs require 1 cup of kibble twice a day. Supplement their food with vegetables and fruits such as carrots, green beans, cucumber sticks, zucchini, apples seeds, stems and leaves removed oranges, bananas or watermelon. Note: Grapes and raisins are toxic to your pet! As much as we love to spoil our pets that steak bone with the fat left on it may be tasty — but it is as harmful to your pet as it is to you. Next, get that couch potato moving! Increase activity with walks and playtime. Rather than allowing your golden to roam the back yard, hook up that leash and wiggle down the sidewalk with your best buddy. Find time for a quick game of fetch before you leave for work in the morning or pair up with a neighbor to walk dogs together. Above all, enjoy the friendship of your golden for years to come by keeping them healthy and fit. Losing a pound or two a month is a good target to start with. You and your pet will be healthier and have more years together. The above information is not meant to replace professional advice from a licensed veterinarian. Woof Trax! How about using the time you walk your dog to assist us?? At the end of the week donations are paid out to the rescues proportionally to the total distance walked. Cucumber Green beans Place these foods on the table. As he comes to you to ask for some food, just give it to him, don't throw it away. This way, it will reduce the odds of your dog begging and stealing food from your plate. Treat Routine That Is both Healthy and Safe If you like to feed your dog every interval of time, just decrease the quantity of food. Calories can be found in even the tiniest of delicacies. These calories might add up quickly, and every calorie counts. The caloric intake of each item should be listed on the bag. That way, it will be easier for you to determine how much more food you should give your dog. Also, look for low-calorie foods and avoid those that are high in salt. Teeth-cleaning treats are a fantastic choice. Exercise Exercising is the most essential method for preventing your Golden Retriever from gaining weight. Despite the fact that golden is not really that active, they are quite lazy. But they love playing, so they will put all their energy into it while paying. The metabolism will stay on track if they work out regularly. The workout will indeed let them continue improving their muscular mass, which will help them avoid the harmful consequences of arthritis and other joint difficulties that they may experience as they age. Resistance exercise is also beneficial to their cardiovascular health. Establishing a daily workout regime with your Golden Retriever is beneficial not just to his or her physical health, but also to his or her psychological and emotional well-being. Exercising can take many forms. It may include walking, running, and jogging. Some people might consider taking their dogs on a walk around the neighborhood. Others might consider it a way of hiking, fetching, or visiting dogs on a daily basis. Obesity in Golden Retrievers and Its Consequences The problem arises when a puppy gains more weight than it should. If a puppy is overweight and plays simple games like fetch, he or she is more likely to get tendon and ligament damage. And if an adult dog is overweight, it can cause you the following issues: Here are a few examples: All of the joints, bones and soft tissues can be harmed. They can suffer from high blood pressure, respiratory problems and cardiovascular issues. Liver and kidneys diseases can be caused They can suffer from diabetes and arthritis. There are numerous varieties of cancer. Disorders of the digestive system. They can become heat Intolerant. Due to a life-threatening condition, there is a higher risk of infection and sickness in adult dogs. Anesthesia surgery has a higher risk of complications. However, the issues do not end there. Due to the extra pressure placed on these regions when lying, a large sized dog like Golden Retriever carries a lot of weight and may often develop sores and calluses on its hocks and elbows. And an overweight Golden does a lot of lying down! As a breed, Golden Retrievers are sensitive to conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia , which is increased by carrying excess weight, as well as putting extra pressure on all those joints, resulting in a lifespan of agony and misery. How to Assist Your Overweight Golden Retriever in Losing Pounds The first step in addressing an obese golden is to take him to the veterinarian for a physical checkup. Excessive weight gain is frequently caused by health conditions such as low thyroid activity or water retention, which should be examined prior to starting any diet or exercise program. Second, there are numerous issues that a dietary or fitness regimen may exacerbate. If your dog suffers from arthritis or dysplasia, for example, increasing his or her activity routine may exacerbate the situation, causing irritation and anguish. So, before acting, seek guidance from your family veterinarian to verify that you're doing the right thing. Medical Conditions to Consider The majority of fat dogs gain weight as a result of poor diet and laziness, but a variety of physical disorders can also cause dogs to gain weight for no apparent reason. The significant reason for this is hypothyroidism. These diseases strike dogs at any age, which causes their metabolic activities to slow down dramatically. The following are symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs: Weight gain. Weight loss diet vs exercise? For the gorgeous Golden Retriever , the data is even more distressing. The friendly and devoted Golden is instantly recognizable for their kind eyes; floppy ears; and long, lustrous coat of golden fur that gives them their name. Bred as a Scottish gundog in the early s, the energetic breed was built to retrieve waterfowl. This muscular dog bears a wolflike physique and moves with a graceful, athletic bearing. Swimming, fetching, running and jumping come naturally for this active dog. So why is the Golden Retriever getting fat in such alarming numbers? It might seem as though your Golden Retriever is always hungry. Biologically, dogs are descended from wolves and have an innate drive to constantly scavenge for food. For domestic dogs, this means begging and mooching. Snacks can cause weight gain and make exercise more difficult, which leads to gaining even more weight. However, there may be other reasons why the Golden Retriever seems to have a problem with weight gain. A study done at the University of Cambridge found a deletion in the canine POMC gene is associated with weight and appetite in Labrador Retrievers and flat-coated Retrievers. Is My Golden Retriever Fat? A full-grown male Golden Retriever should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. A female should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. However, these are guidelines and there are ranges that fall within the parameters of normal weight based on genetics, shape and size. The best way to tell if your Golden Retriever is fat is by looking at him from different angles and feeling for his ribs. Look at your dog from the side. His tummy should tuck up from the chest between the ribs and hind legs. There should be an upward curve from the chest to the hind legs. Stand above your dog and look down at him. You should see an inward curve at the waist. Another way to tell is by feeling for his ribs. Put your hands on either side of his rib cage. Using gentle pressure, you should be able to feel each of his ribs. Start at the chest, and run your hands along his body. Are Fat Golden Retrievers Unhealthy? You may be wondering whether it matters if your Golden is packing some extra pounds. Increased Health Risks for Fat Golden Retrievers Carrying extra weight creates numerous health problems and can make existing ones even worse for the Golden Retriever. Being overweight can also be hard on joints and bones. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. This serious condition can cause pain, lameness and arthritis of the joints. Being overweight can increase the negative effects of hip and elbow dysplasia. Studies show that obesity leads to the development of numerous other diseases in dogs, including diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Respiratory, renal function and health can also be adversely affected. Cancer is a big problem for the Golden Retriever. Obesity has not been linked to the development of cancer in dogs. This includes table scraps, bits of food your kids sneak him, nibbles he finds on the floor and anything else he eats between meals. For some dogs, eliminating treats might be enough to get him down to an acceptable weight. Natural foods are better snack choices than prepackaged treats. Raw vegetables and fruit are low in calories and have the benefit of adding nutrition to his diet. The first thing to do is to reduce each portion by around a third. After four days if they are not beginning to lose weight you can drop by another third, and continue in this manner until you start to see visible changes in your dog. Once their weight reaches a healthy level you can slightly up their ratio size to stabilise them. Exercising a Fat Golden Retriever Exercise will help with weight loss, but it is rarely a good solution by itself. If your dog is very overweight you will need to up their step count slowly so as not to cause further medical issues. A dog the size of a Golden Retriever carrying too much weight will often form sores and calluses on its hocks and elbows due to the extra pressure put on these areas when laying down. And an overweight Golden lays down a lot! Finally, and most importantly, the average lifespan of an overweight dog is decreased by up to 2 years, and they have a lower quality of life and maybe even unnecessary suffering during the years they do have. Scary stuff indeed! Additionally, there will always be outliers with some Goldens being short and particularly small, others particularly tall and large. A female Golden Retriever should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. If you have a Golden whose ideal weight is 70 pounds and they actually weigh 85, this is .I weigh about 11 stone or pounds. If I was .This is the equivalent of me carrying a 3-year-old child around with me all day, every day. To me this is astonishing. But for many people seeing an pound Golden, they rarely give it a second thought or think it at all abnormal. In fact, most people when they see an ideal weight Golden Retriever actually comment that the dog looks thin and underweight! Is Your Golden Retriever Overweight? How Does your Golden Look? Not as pronounced as a whippet or greyhound, but visible nonetheless. Furthermore, if you stand over your Golden looking down from above you should see the classic hourglass figure. There should be curves where their body tucks in between the ribs and hind legs. How Do your Goldens Ribs Feel? Putting your hand on either side of your Goldens chest, with just very gentle pressure almost lightly touching you should be able to feel every rib. Also, if you start with your hands on your Goldens chest and run them down their body toward the back-end, you should be able to feel a definite waist. Obviously, if they start to look drastically overweight and quite visibly so, then you should take some action. But this is something you will very rarely see. They will reach full height at some point between 12 and 18 months old, but still be filling out and building muscle after this time. So a puppy should rarely be put on a diet, particularly because malnutrition may then become a problem. But make sure to ask your vet about their weight during each visit so you can have an informed second opinion. How To Help Your Overweight Golden Retriever Lose Weight The very first thing you have to do before tackling the problem of an overweight Golden, would be to take them to the vet for a check-up and to get some professional advice. Sometimes excess weight is caused by medical problems , for instance, due to low thyroid function or fluid retention, and this must be ruled out before any diet or exercise is given. Secondly, there are many problems that a diet or exercise might make worse. For instance, if your dog is arthritic or has dysplasia and you start an increased exercise regimen, you could make these problems worse and cause discomfort and pain. But once given the all clear medically, there are a few things you can do to help your Golden Retriever lose weight. Keep An Eye On Treats Treats when training, scraps from the table, a biscuit from your children, and snacks found and eaten when out and about, all add up and sometimes to a surprisingly high amount of calories. And if your children, spouse, other family members or visitors ever give your Golden little treats, these simply must be stopped. Inform everybody and tell them why. And table scraps should be stopped completely. And please note if you do feed human food snacks, always be mindful of what you feed because although many foods are safe, some are toxic and a good number fit only somewhere in the middle as explained very well in this article: Can dogs eat bananas? Exercise A simple fact is if the calories in are greater than the calories used, then a dog will gain weight. If calories in are less than the calories used then a dog will lose weight. So you should aim to increase the overall activity levels of your Golden. This will have a dramatic effect on their weight but not only this, it will also improve their overall health in many ways as well as enrich their lives. A word of caution though. You should introduce exercise slowly and gently before building up the intensity. You cannot ask an overweight dog to suddenly start chasing tennis balls and jumping logs and streams. This can cause many problems and particularly damage to their joints. Start slowly with 20 minutes of power walking on flat ground. Then over the course of days introduce slopes and hills. Once their fitness increases and the weight starts to drop off, introduce gentle jogging and playing fetch. And of course, swimming is always a great form of exercise for any Golden Retriever. If you have an overweight Golden and this is how you feed them, you need to make a change. Maintaining weight works best when fed on a fixed schedule. Secondly, you should feed your dog twice each day and not just once. Feed them first thing in the morning and once in the early evening. Food absorption becomes highly efficient, and the body tries to hang on to as much fat and energy as possible due to few opportunities to refuel. This promotes weight gain so we want to avoid this. Choice Of Food There are many, many different brands and types of dog food on the market. Some of these foods are high in fat, high in fillers, high in cheap low quality foodstuffs, and more besides. Find a high-quality and nutritious dog food that your Golden enjoys and stick with it. Just feed quality food in the correct amount and exercise your golden. Measure The Food You Give Your Golden Almost all dog foods come with guidance on the packet stating how much to feed your Golden Retriever but you have to remember that these are just guidelines. They simply cannot be right for all dogs whose size and exercise levels vary greatly. It also has to be said that many owners fail to measure the amount of food they give their dogs at all. The weight should start to fall off. And of course, going forward, all other things like treats and exercise remaining constant, you can control their weight by carefully measuring what they eat, adjusting up and down depending on their current look and feel. Conclusion Most dogs, and especially Golden Retrievers, will eat themselves to death if given the chance. Obesity and being overweight directly lead to many health problems and for those unfortunate dogs who have existing medical conditions, carrying excess weight can make things worse. Shaving off any extra pounds will give them more mobility and ease their pain and suffering, directly leading to a higher quality of life. If your dog is overweight, now is the time to act. A fit and healthy dog is a happy dog, with a higher quality of life to enjoy for a longer amount of time. Related articles:.

While the feeding guide on the back of the bag of food is a good guideline on how much to feed, puppies will go through growth spurts where they will be hungrier and need to eat more. Feed your puppy so that they stay thin, but not emaciated. If you see ribs sticking out, then increase the amount you are feeding by 10 percent. If you have any questions about how much you should feed your puppy, talk with your veterinary care team. How long do I feed puppy food? Puppies should be fed puppy food until they are done growing. Puppies stop growing at different times based on their size: Small- and medium-sized puppies: These pups grow faster and are considered mature around 9 months of age. Large breed puppies: These pups take longer to be skeletally mature and are considered to be done growing around 15 months of age for large breeds, like Labrador Retrievers , and months of age for giant breeds, like Great Danes , Mastiffs and Newfoundlands. That means that you will need to feed large breed puppies a food specially formulated for their needs for longer than you will need to feed puppy food to small or medium breed puppies. Adults Photo: Chewy Studios Age 1 year to years Two of the most common questions puppy parents have are 1 how long to feed puppy food and 2 when to switch to an adult diet. What do adult dogs eat? Adult dogs need at least 18 percent of their daily calories to be protein, and at least 5. An adult dog can eat up to 50 percent of daily calories as carbohydrates, but 2. How to choose adult dog food With so many options available on the market today, it can be difficult to choose a food when you switch to adult dog food. The statement should say that the food has been found to be complete and balanced based on formulation or AAFCO feeding trials. The size of your dog: Another consideration when choosing a food for your dog is the size of your dog. If you have a large breed dog, feeding a food that has been formulated for large breed dogs, like Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food , can help support joint health. Is the haircoat full and glossy? What about stool quality and quantity? If everything checks out, then the food is likely good for your dog. How much food to feed an adult dog When it comes to how much to feed, start with the feeding recommendations on the back of the bag and see how your dog does. How to switch to adult dog food The most seamless way to do this is to purchase a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food, and gradually mix the two dry foods together, increasing the ratio of the new kibble over the course of about a week. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? In this article, I will answer a question mostly asked, When should you switch your doodle puppy to adult dog food? When your puppy enters into adult years, you may start to wonder about switching to adult dog food. This is a question that many Doodle owners have, and for a good reason. Changing too early could cause severe damage, and not switching soon enough can cause obesity. When will you know when your puppy is ready for a premium dog food? But we are going to answer all of your questions without being too confusing. What The Vets Say Most veterinarians will tell you a general age and size that you should wean from the puppy dog food. Small dogs under 20 pounds are ready to switch between months pound dogs can switch at months And giant breeds should be changed around months These are general guidelines based on how fast dogs grow according to adult size comparisons. There are lots of other ways to know when your dog is ready. Signs Your Puppy Is Ready If your dog is within the age group mentioned above, there are a few signs to look for before switching. Just because your dog meets the age requirements, does not mean you should automatically switch. Adult dogs do not need a calorie-rich food, and you may notice your dog skipping meals because they are still full. You see, switching from puppy food to adult food is not just switching formulas. It is also decreasing the calories needed. A puppy typically eats three meals a day. Your adult dog will only eat two, so they most likely will skip the lunch meal. If you notice this and your Doodle is feeling well, it is time for the switch. When They Calm Down Your dog may also be ready for a formula change when they have started to calm down. This also leads to our next point. Weight Gain If your dog is not as active, and they continue to eat high-calorie food, you may notice a weight gain. Weight gain is a sure sign that your dog has passed the puberty age and is ready to start eating high-quality dog food. You may also want to throw in a few extra walks to help lose the pounds in the meantime. Spaying and neutering your pet is recommended when your dog has finished growing. It also lines up with when dogs naturally start to calm down. We understand that fixing your pet may happen for different reasons before it is time to change the diet. All you need to do is watch out for the other signs mentioned above. Joint Issues Switching to adult food too early could cause major joint issues to most dogs. Larger breeds and ones already susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia are at even higher risk. All Doodles are prone to joint problems anyways, so switching early could cause even more damage. Joint damage is likely to happen because adult dog food does not have the proper nutrients for growing puppies. Puppy dog food is high in calcium and phosphorus that help support bone health. They will always be hungry and become underweight. All adult dog food is lower calorie than their puppy counterparts. If you notice that your doodle is more hungry than before, you have likely switched their food too early. Brain Development Puppy food has critical amino acids that aide in brain development. People who switch their dogs too early will miss out on essential factors that lead to intelligence and memory. Doodles are brilliant, and it would be a shame if you miss out on how incredible their full potential could be. Stunted Growth If a puppy is put onto adult food too soon, stunted growth could be the outcome. They will almost have a permanent puppy-like appearance to them from an improper diet. Not Switching At All Not switching your adult dog to an adult diet could be just as detrimental. Adult dogs can not handle the dense calories of puppy food. They will quickly become overweight, and all that entails. They will develop things like heart disease and diabetes. Your dog would not live the longest life possible and could suffer from vitamin overdose. How To Make The Switch If you believe that your dog fits all the criteria to switch to adult food, there is a simple way to do it. You want to make sure that you do this slowly as not to upset their stomachs. First, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian before changing to adult food. Your vet will then do a physical to make sure that your Doodle is growing appropriately. If this checks out, then you can begin the process. Doodles have sensitive stomachs, and some are prone to getting bloat. To reduce the risk of any adverse reactions, you will want to do this slowly. Be on the lookout for any allergic reactions, and make sure that your Doodle is eating the new food. If, after four days, they are still leaving all the new food behind, you may want to change flavors. If, after days, everything seems ok, then you can take the next step. Still, be on the lookout for any new behaviors or signs of a reaction. Some dogs may start to have an upset stomach at this time. If that is the case, reduce the new food added for a few more days. Some dogs just take a little longer to adjust, but if the upset stomach continues, speak with your vet. By this time, your dog should be accustomed to his new diet and flavor. You will want to continue with this for another days just to be safe. The most natural switch that your dog could make is to switch to an adult formula in the brand that they already eat. There are so many brands out there, and your dog might not like them all. So you may need to experiment with flavors or brands. Here are a few of the top brands for Doodle dogs to give you a few ideas. Of Course, there are many other great brands not included. They help support joint health and provide some of the most wholesome ingredients. They have great reviews from dog owners and vets alike. Merrick is a top-quality food for your Doodle dog. They use quality ingredients that you can feel proud to feed your dog. This brand is known for its high quality and love of animals. Your dog will love the savory flavors. In Conclusion No matter how old our dogs get, they will always be puppies in our eyes. We hope this article can assist you in making the right decisions for your beloved pet. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! Most Labradoodle puppies are ready for adult dog food around the age of 16 months. The dietary needs of growing puppies are different from that of adult dogs. For this reason, puppy foods are formulated specifically to support their rapidly developing bodies. Getting too much or not enough of certain nutrients can cause serious health problems and affect their development. Labradoodle Puppy vs Adult Food Labradoodle puppies need about twice as many calories relative to their body weight compared to an adult dog. They require more protein to support growing muscles and a different mineral balance for their rapidly developing bones. Puppies also digest food and absorb nutrients differently. Likewise, an adult dog should not eat puppy food. They contain too many calories for a full-grown Doodle and could lead to obesity or orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Swapping Puppy Food for Adult Food Once your Labradoodle has reached maturity, you can transition him to an adult formulated dog food. For the next few days, mix equal portions of each food. Finally, after several more days, serve only adult dog food. The amount you should feed a Labradoodle puppy depends on their age, weight, genetics, and activity levels. Portion sizes also depend on the type of food and how nutrient- and calorie-dense it is. Most commercial foods come with feeding recommendations on the label. Make sure to divide the total daily amount into multiple feedings spaced at regular intervals throughout the day. The smaller and younger your Labradoodle puppy is, the more often he needs to be fed. Puppies under three months are particularly at risk for hypoglycemia. After this, you can change it to two meals. Underweight puppies can benefit from staying on puppy food for a little longer than average. As there may be another underlying health issue contributing to their low weight. But in some cases, the Poodle parent could be a Miniature or a Toy Poodle and will be considerably smaller. The best way to determine if your Labradoodle puppy is the right weight is to run your hands down his sides. If the ribs are protruding, he may be too thin. Most people choose commercial dog food, but raw and homemade diets are becoming more popular. Puppy nutrition requires a delicate balance. If you decide to prepare meals, work with your veterinarian to ensure they contain everything a growing Labradoodle needs. If you are not sure whether your puppy can have eggs , or cheese, or some other human food as a treat, you can search this site for more information. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Dry food or kibble is the most popular kind of commercial dog food. When choosing from the myriad choices available, select a high-quality formula made specifically for puppies. Choose a kibble that lists a quality meat protein as the first ingredient. Avoid brands that have large quantities of carbohydrates, such as cereals, corn, and soy, as well as any that contain artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors. This will differ a little between brands, but as a general rule for your Labradoodle around 16 months is the right age to switch. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Wet Food While kibble is usually a better option for Labradoodle puppies, wet food does have some advantages. Loose stool can also be the result of a wet food diet. Labradoodle puppies require a diet formulated to support proper growth and meet their nutritional needs. Depending on the parentage, Labradoodles will reach maturity between 10 and 16 months. Once they are fully-grown adult dogs, they have different requirements and need adult dog food. Moving from puppy food to adult dog food Why do puppies need different food? When a puppy is young, they are growing really rapidly — much more so than humans at the same life stage. When you think about it, humans reach their adult size by about 18 years of age. Dogs reach their adult size in months depending on breed. So the growth happens over a much shorter time period. The average adult human grows to approximately times their birth weight, but the average puppy eventually grows to times their birth weight. So, not only does the growth happen over a much shorter time scale, but it is of a greater magnitude also. With this huge and rapid growth comes the potential for things to go wrong. And, the bigger the dog, the more potential there is for issues. Protein levels are important for muscle development. Energy levels the amount of calories in the food are important for overall growth. Too few calories will lead to impaired growth, but too many will lead to a growth rate that is too fast, and could predispose to joint problems or obesity. Calcium:phosphorous ratio is vitally important for correct bone development and should be between and 1. This ratio being either too low or too high could lead to bone weakness or conformational problems. How do I know my puppy food is good enough? First, look for accreditations. This is the best way to ensure your dog food is completely balanced with all the correct nutrients. It will support your puppy to grow at the correct rate and ensure that their bones develop properly. But, once they have stopped growing and are no longer a puppy — this food will then be too high in energy and will start to make them overweight. Moving from puppy food to adult dog food So, we are now back at the original question — when is the right time to switch your puppy from puppy food to adult food? Well, that all depends on when your puppy has reached their adult weight. This will vary from breed to breed. As a general rule, small breeds reach full growth much quicker than large breeds. Medium breeds adult weight kg get there at around months. Large breeds adult weight kg about months. Giant breeds adult weight over 40kg months. It is also a good idea to check with your vet when you suspect your puppy is fully grown and you are thinking of making the transition to adult food, just to make sure that they agree! Remember that a sudden change in diet can cause an upset stomach, so it is always a good idea to change your dogs food gradually. Start by adding small amounts of the new food in with the old, and then gradually increase the ratio of new food to old over the course of a week or two. Not only does this mean your dog will be less likely to have an upset stomach, but it also increases the chances of them accepting the new food easily and liking it, as they will barely notice that their old, familiar food has changed! You may also be interested in;. About The Breed Lomond Hills Kitchen Over the years we have tried just about every dog food available so we have learned exactly what our doodles like and dislike! We raise our puppies on this food to give them the best start possible so we are very pleased that we can now make it available to the public. You can view recipes and place an order online by going to the top right corner of our website and clicking on the orange box named 'DOG FOOD' How often should I feed my labradoodle puppy? When Lomond Hills puppies leave for their new homes, they eat 4 meals per day. The first is usually given at 8am, the second at .Obviously, you need to feed him at times which suit your schedule, but try your best to have similar time gaps between meals. If you choose to feed your puppy on another brand then make sure you look at meat content, fresh meat content, fillers and bulking agents as well as nutritional additives. We believe that a dry kibble diet is best as wet food tends to cling to the teeth which then results in constant teeth cleaning. We suggest that you feed him in his crate with the door closed so that he makes a positive association between the food and crate. We also suggest that you simultaneously train him to sit. Bring the food bowl and your puppy over to the crate, pop him inside and say 'sit' in a clear and firm voice, whilst using one hand to signal the command usually a pointed finger and the other hand the plant his bottom firmly on the ground. Keep that hand firmly on his bottom and use the other hand to put the bowl of food in front of him. Let go of his bottom and close the crate door. As time goes on, you will find you won't need to push his bottom down and he will respond to the voice and hand signal. This is a great time to achieve 'sit', because the food acts as the reward. A typical meal size would be grams in dry weight for an 8 week old puppy, but this does vary a little dependent on the size of your puppy. When your puppy has finished his meal, you will find that his tummy is noticeably bigger - this is normal. By the time the next mealtime comes around, his tummy should be back to normal size if it is not, you fed him too much on the previous meal. As he gets older, you can reduce the number of meals in the day, but increase the portion size. By 12 weeks old, you could have him down to three meals and by 6 months old that could be reduced to two meals. We feed all of our adult dogs twice per day - 8am and 5pm. This table provides a guideline for how much to feed your puppy as he grows, but there is no exact formula as there are other factors to consider such as activity levels and physical condition. Ideally, you want your puppy to be at a weight where you can feel his ribs, but his top line and hip bones are nicely covered. Australian Labradoodles do not tend to be greedy dogs, but maintaining a healthy weight is very important.