goldendoodle puppies for adoption near me

You will need to reward your dog when he shakes. Bite-sized treats are good for training because you can give your dog more of them without feeding them too many extra calories. Also consider what your dog likes and what will motivate them: does your dog like soft treats or hard treats? Is there a certain flavor that your dog seems to respond to more? Figure out which treat works best for your particular dog and have them on-hand for training. These could be small pieces of cooked meat or even some fruits and vegetables. Don't overfeed your dog. Keep treat sizes as small as you can. Do not feed your dog the following food items, as they can cause poisoning or illness: avocado, chocolate, bread dough, grapes, raisins, hops, ethanol, moldy foods, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onions, garlic. The only way a dog can shake hands is if they are sitting. If your dog doesn't know how the command for sit, you will need to teach them to sit first. You won't be giving the treat to your dog just yet. For now, simply keep the treat in your left hand. Bring the treat in front of your dogs nose, showing it to him. Once you have his attention, close your fist around the treat. Don't let the dog grab the treat from you yet. Hold the treat between your thumb and your palm. Say this as you hold the fist with the treat in front of your dog. Once your dog realizes you have a treat in your closed hand, they will try to get it from you. When they make a move toward the behavior you want — such as lifting a paw to try and get the treat from your fist — say "Yes! When your dog makes a move toward the behavior you want, immediately reward them with the treat. Ignore any other attempts your dog may make, such as sniffing or mouthing your hand. Practice this way a few times until the dog is reliably lifting their paw when you say "Paw. Once your dog is lifting their paw on command, you will want to take it to the next step. You should begin reward the dog only as they do something closer to your goal of shaking. For instance, if your dog lifts their paw higher than before, that gets a "Yes! Continue in this way until the dog is offering their paw. Use this additional step only if your dog doesn't seem to paw at the treat in your hand. By picking up your dogs paw, and praising them during and after, you start to show your dog that pawing at your hand is rewarded. Be gentle and move slowly. Amy Bender is a dog training expert and writer with over a decade of experience working professionally with dogs. She owns a dog training business and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Shake is a fun dog trick that's fairly easy to teach dogs, and most can learn it quickly. After just a few short training sessions your dog will be offering its paw for a shake every time they meet someone new. If you are clicker training , you will need your clicker as well. This trick relies on the dog sitting calmly and giving you its undivided attention. If it doesn't know how to sit reliably, go back and practice that command before moving on. Hold a treat in one hand and show it to your dog. Close your fist over the treat so the dog can't get it. Give your dog the command "shake," and wave your closed fist under its nose to keep it interested in the treat. Wait for your dog to start digging in your hand for the treat. Usually, dogs sniff around, and when that doesn't work they begin to paw at your hand. The moment your dog touches your hand with its paw, say "good" or click your clicker. Open your hand and allow the dog to have the treat. Practice Practice "shake" for five minutes, two or three times a day. Your dog will be offering you its paw the moment you give the command before you know it. Phase out the Treat Once your dog is offering its paw on command, you can begin phasing out the need to hold the treat in your closed hand. Start with your hand closed over the treat, and give your dog the command "shake. Repeat this several times. Switch Treat Hands Next, put out your hand without holding the treat inside and give the command "shake. Practice this step over several training sessions. If your dog seems confused at any point, go back a step or two in your training. Eliminate the Treat Now you are ready to phase out the treat almost entirely. Begin by offering a treat less frequently, first by giving your dog a treat after every other time it offers a paw on command. Slowly decrease the number of times your dog gets a treat. Soon your dog will be offering the paw on command, and you will only need to give an occasional dog treat to reinforce the behavior. Problems and Proofing Behavior One common problem is the dog who doesn't put its paw on your hand, no matter how long you try to entice it with the treat. In this instance, move the hand holding the treat closer to your dog's paw. You can even give the leg or paw a little nudge. As soon as the dog raises its paw to your hand, give it the treat and say "good" or click. If your dog still doesn't understand what is expected of it after you nudge the paw, you can try lifting the paw into your hand yourself. Give the command "shake," reach down and pick up the paw, and then tell the dog "good" or click your clicker and offer the treat. Repeat this quickly several times in a row, giving the dog a treat each time, and then go back and start from the first step above. Most dogs will now understand what is expected and begin to offer their paw. Remember to be patient and keep training sessions short. If your dog becomes frustrated or bored, it's time to finish up the session. Always try to end on a positive note, even if it means asking your dog to do something simple, like sit. When your dog is regularly shaking with you, it's time to proof the behavior. The best way to do this is to have another person ask your dog to shake. The more familiar your dog is with the person, the easier it will be. Demonstrate your approach with your dog first, so the person can mimic you as closely as possible. Then, let that person sit the dog down and ask for a shake. Try this with a few people and your dog will understand that people love to shake paws! Then, after your dog has mastered shaking, you can move on to teaching your dog to wave. More from The Spruce Pets.

View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Canton Ohio and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

Now is the time to go over the dog with your hands. Particular attention should now be paid to the head. The Boxer standard, even though explicit in the head qualities desired, is also confusing to many people. It is the head that gives judges and breeders alike, the most trouble. If shown a selection of photographs of different heads, most good judges and breeders would agree which ones were the best. So why is it that head type varies so much? This was the profile of the head that was said to be laid down by the country of origin of the breed, and most breeders still regard it to be of excellent type. You can run a ruler on the balance of muzzle to the whole of the head and it will come out .In plain terms this means that the muzzle if half the length of the skull. The depth of muzzle is correct and so is the depth of skull. Heavy wrinkles are not evident anywhere on the skull. Note the planes of the head, with the deep stop and tip tilted nose. NB: The standard calls for the tip of the nose to be higher than the root of the muzzle! Note also the rounding out of the upper lip and chin in front of the nose. The head on the right is a European head of years ago and you can see the influence of the Munich Silhouette also on the English dog below from the 70's. A very nice puppy taken at 7 months of age. Notice the arch of skull, depth of muzzle and chin in profile. Same Female as a puppy and an adult A good Boxer head should not coarsen as the dog ages. Female - 5 years Now consider the head of the dog in front of you.Does the size of the head look in balance to his body? Can you distinguish the gender.Looking down on the head, does the skull merge smoothly into the muzzle? Does the head give you the impression of a smaller square attached to a larger square? Are the cheeks muscles smooth and not exaggerated? Is the chin visible from the front and of correct depth, making the whole muzzle from the front as deep as the width of the muzzle, but not unduly swept up and protruding like an English Bulldog. The chin should NOT be hidden by lips and flews? Of course no teeth will be visible! Does the muzzle look neither too narrow or too shallow in relation to the skull? Can you feel bone and substance in the muzzle, not just heavy padding as you lift the flews to look into the mouth. The same also applies to a young puppy. Mouth When you open his mouth.The Boxer is undershot but does not have a reverse scissor bite. The underjaw should have a gap of about the width of a pencil between his top and bottom teeth. Are the bottom teeth in a straight line, with the canines set wide apart? When checking the mouth of each side, is only one upper tooth visible between the canines? If there is a difference in spacing on one side than the other, check that the mouth is not wry. A very good mouth It is not uncommon for Boxers to have 7 or 8 teeth in the upper jaw between the canines. Excellent explantions of the mouth. These dogs can be broadly categorized by having a heavy bone set, naturally hanging pendent ears, a rather short and well-muscled neck, and a short broad muzzle. The compact muzzle places the Boxer in the Brachycephalic group, though to a lesser degree than other short-nosed breeds. The tail is naturally long, with only about half of Boxers in the U. The ears are naturally pendant, of moderate size, with very few in the United States being cropped to create shorter, erect ears. He is considered a medium to large breed in the Working Dogs category, with a short, tightly-packed coat. Puppies have a roundish, soft appearance and adults are well-muscled. Expected Appearance Per Breed Standards The breed standard serves two main purposes; it is a guideline for breeders in their efforts to produce dogs that fit close to the ideal to work towards the 'betterment of the breed' and it is used as a guideline for judges when evaluating dogs in the show ring. So, to first understand Boxer dog appearance, let's take a quick look at some excerpts from both the AKC and FCI Boxer dog standards: AKC: The ideal Boxer is a medium -sized, square - built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well - developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin.His expression is alert.The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp. It must be in correct proportion to the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinctive feature, and great value is placed upon its being of proper form and balance with the skull.Substance — Sturdy, with balanced musculature. Males larger boned than females. FCI: The Boxer is a medium sized, smooth coated, sturdy dog of compact, square build and strong bone. His muscles are taut, strongly developed and moulded in appearance.The Boxer must be neither cumbersome nor heavy, nor light or lacking in body substance. In addition, the measurement from the top of the withers shoulder blades to the floor is about equal as from the middle of the chest to the rear of the upper thigh. Size Though there are guidelines in regard to how tall a Boxer 'should' be and what his adult weight 'should' be, many Boxers do fall below or above this. In regard to height, per AKC standards, males are to be inches .In regard to weight, the AKC does not list any certain weight. However, most adult male Boxers will fall in the pound range and females will be slightly smaller, often between pounds. You do need to keep an eye out to make sure that a Boxer is at a healthy weight as being overweight brings along quite a few health issues; however, most large Boxer dogs simply have large bone structure. Modifications - Ears The US is one of the few countries in which ear cropping is legal; and in show, ears may be cropped or natural. More often than not, those who believe that a Boxer may do well in the show ring lean towards cropping the ears many judges do prefer this, independent of the standard's non-bias verbiage. Photo courtesy of Terry Faircloth Modifications - Tail Similar to ear cropping, tail docking is illegal in many countries; however, the United States does allow this and it is actually expected in the show ring. Since this is done within just days of a Boxer pup being born, it is the breeder who decides on this. Many will go by what they know puppy buyers prefer and most if they do not oppose docking will ask the intended owners in advance, if someone has a deposit on a pup. What we see more often than not, is that with a docked tail, the ears are rarely cropped. So, it is uncommon, at least in the U. Once a Boxer is close to the 1 year mark and up to the 2 year mark, he can sometimes be growing so fast in height, that he can't keep up in weight. We refer to this as the Boxer dog skinny phase and it typically only lasts a short while. Young Boxer pups are just power-houses waiting to mature. They are rounded and muscles are not yet fully developed. Just look at how big this pup's paws are; he'll be at full adult size by about the 2 year mark. Atticus, at 9 weeks old Photo courtesy of Anthony Klintworth Nearing the 1 year mark, Boxers have grown exponentially in height. They are, of course, gaining weight as well. This is a transitional phase before full adult form takes place. As the Boxer matures, his chest fills out, widening and really becoming a focal point. Flanks are lean and legs are relatively long, which gives him a great profile. Due to the short, packed coat, muscles are often quite visible, which lends to a sleek, strong appearance. Boxers were used extensively in WWII but both American forces and the British army; not only can they look intimidating, they do very well in regard to training for guard, security, surveillance and as messengers. Today's Boxer is a family dog, yet good breeding gives us super confident looking dogs that are great watchdogs, not only just by their appearance, but also loyalty to protect their family. Stella, at 5 years old Photo courtesy of Kendall Foy Coloring There are only 3 basic colors for the Boxer dog: Fawn, brindle and white. Fawn and brindle are standard and white is an alternate color. Though white is not accepted in the show right, white Boxers can, of course, be registered. Of these, the majority are unilaterally deaf one ear , as opposed to bilaterally both ears. In regard to fawn and brindle, this does not mean that all Boxers look alike; far from it! Color is, perhaps, the one feature that causes Boxers to have such varied appearances. Fawn can range from a very light tan to a reddish fawn. And brindle which is a pattern of striping can range from light to super dark. In fact, some very heavy brindled Boxer dogs may appear to be a solid dark color. A few even may appear to be black, though this is genetically impossible. This often appears on the chest. It may also be on the legs anywhere from just the paws - referred to as mittens - to almost the entire leg. And if he is almost all white with just a bit of fawn or brindle, he is 'extra flashy'. Yes, I do believe they like one another. It only took a few days for Allie to accept Bruno into her pack. How do I know she has accepted him? Because Allie started pushing her food around , elling Bruno not to eat—a sure sign that she accepts the little puppy into her pack. He is deaf so we have to watch him if we let him out of the fence, because it wouldn't do any good to holler for him, since he cannot hear us. He also has blue eyes , which I think is very rare, because most Boxers that I see only have one blue eye , and he has 2 blue eyes. He likes to sleep, play, eat , he likes to be in the house because his hair is thin and short. He also likes to play with my Australian Shepherd Dixie. He always has to sleep in the bed with me. He has to either be leaning on you, sitting on your foot , or lying on you when you are in the bed. He absolutely HATES getting a bath , but he likes it when he gets out and you put the towel over his whole body and start rubbing him all over.His bad habits are: chewing up my little sisters toys , barking when he can't see or find you. He gets a lot of exercise during the day, because we have an acre fenced in where they can run as much as they like. He's the biggest clown I know and snores like you wouldn't believe, but we love him dearly. Shaggy the Boxer in his crate with a cone on his head after being neutered. My name is Bear, by the way. Now go on.Notice the ears are not cropped and the tail is not docked. It is illegal to do so in a lot of European countries.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Where does the Sheprador come from? The designer dog is a recent phenomenon, with creatively curious breeders shying away from purebred standards to experiment with new super breeds. The spike of crossbreeding in recent decades has produced a whole new wave of dog breeds with little background information. This is true for the German Shepherd and Lab mix. What is a German Shepherd Lab mix? Source: captain. There is no standard to how a Sheprador will look or act. This is a large dog, weighing up to 95 lbs 43 kg and reaching a height of 26 inches 65 cm. She can sport the tan and black saddle markings of the German Shepherd or be solid-colored black, yellow like the Lab. After all is said and done, it really depends on the aesthetics of the parents. German Shepherd: athletic and wolf-like This superstar purebred is like that all-around kid in high school that had the best grades, won all the sporting events, and was beloved by everyone. The German Shepherd GSD is a wolf-like beauty, with long, thick fur, a streamlined body and alert gaze. Her muzzle is narrow, leading up to a wide head and triangular ears. German Shepherd The Shepherd coat is traditionally tan with black markings, but can also be solid black or solid white. This definitely plays into how a Sheprador puppy coat can look. Personality-wise, the GSD is highly intelligent, easy to train and protective of family. She excels as a working or therapy dog and is affectionate towards children and other pets. Labrador Retriever: master of the hunt Nothing exudes more kindness than the big eyes of the Labrador Retriever. This is a hunting breed cherished by families for devotion and friendliness. The Lab is the perfect companion for children, the elderly, and those in need of a gentle service dog. Labrador Retriever Large in stature, the Lab has a short, dense coat that can come in solid yellow, black or chocolate. The velveteen ears hang on the sides of a wide face, with a broad body and tapered tail that make it an excellent swimmer. Like the GSD, the Lab is an athletic fella, with a passion for exercise and activity. She is also intelligent, easy to train and energetic. Is the Sheprador a heavy shedder? Other than that, brush your dog with a heavy-duty comb one to two times a week to keep loose hair under control. I think it goes without saying, the German Shepherd and Lab mix is not hypoallergenic, so if you suffer from allergies this is not a good pet choice. Is the German Shepherd Lab Mix a family dog? Source: koda. We know that the GSD and Lab are renowned family dogs. They both do well around children and other pets. They are extremely devoted breeds that aim to please. There are a few traits to be aware of that can come out in a Sheprador. For instance, the GSD is highly protective. She just wants to be happy and spread her happiness like an everlasting ray of sunshine. That being said, the Lab wants to be by your side day and night. This behavior may make you feel cherished, but it can lead to separation anxiety. Overall, though, the pros outweigh the cons of both breeds, making for a crossbreed with highly desirable characteristics, such as intelligence, friendliness, easy trainability, and loyalty. Check out how smart this Sheprador puppy is! Is this breed easy to train? Early socialization and training for your German Shepherd Labrador mix help in fostering good behavior. Whether or not your dog turns out to be aggressive largely depends on the time you spend training your pet. Highly intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn, the Sheprador will take whatever commands you throw her way and make short work of it. This makes her an excellent candidate for dog shows and service work. An important training tip specific to this breed is to keep it light on dominance-based methodologies, as the Sheprador does not respond well to this type of training. No matter what, there will be common German Shepherd Lab mix health issues to regard, as with all dog breeds. Hip dysplasia : This affects the joints, causing abnormal development that results in permanent deformity. Since hip dysplasia occurs while the dog matures, it is difficult to diagnose as a puppy. It causes loss of mobility, lameness, and severe pain. Obesity: This health issue comes from the Labrador. They love to eat and can get greedy, leading to rapid weight gain. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease causing the retina to fail as a dog ages, leaving her blind. Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy: This disease results from the loss of nerve fibers that control the back legs. When this happens, paralysis slowly sets in, becoming more severe over time. As both the GSD and Lab are known to be athletic and strong dogs used for hunting and working jobs, the Sheprador will also inherit these hardy dispositions. Feeding your German Shepherd Lab mix Source: the. Always choose high quality, dry dog food. Skip foods like beef, chicken or salmon because they can cause allergic reactions. Make sure the kibble has a high protein content to help with the hip problems the German Shepherd Lab mix may experience. If you are unsure about the best dog food for your German Shepherd and Lab mix, consult your veterinarian for proper guidance. Get ready to exercise! Both parents are energetic, smart dogs that crave physical and mental stimulation. The German Shepherd Lab mix is not for apartment life; it needs plenty of space to run and play. Running Playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee Swimming Tug of war with a tug toy Canine sports such as agility Puzzle games for brain stimulation Beware of the chew craze If you are the type of owner that prefers a pooch that will sprawl on the couch and watch hours of Netflix with you, you might want to reconsider the German Shepherd Lab mix. The reason I stress this is because without enough exercise, this dog will display destructive behaviors that will affect your life and her overall health. She loves to chew when bored, tearing apart your home and garden. Or, depression will begin to set in from lack of stimulation. Her physical health will be affected, too, since this crossbreed is prone to obesity. Besides exercise, I recommend keeping a diverse selection of chew toys on hand for a rainy day. How much does a German Shepherd and Lab mix puppy cost? Alas, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Source: tessa. Keep in mind that this is a large-sized dog that eats more, which will further heighten spending. As mentioned before, exercise is vital for this dog and it has a knack for chewing, so investing in quality toys is essential to keep her from getting bored. Veterinary costs cannot be determined, but with the types of health issues that the Sheprador can inherit, budgeting funds for medical care is highly recommended. How can I find German Shepherd Lab mix puppies for sale? Source: harley. The popularity of hybrids has unfortunately given rise to a dark force called the puppy mill. These depressing businesses operate with the sole intention of making fast cash with very little regard to the health of the dogs involved. It is common to breed female dogs to exhaustion. As well, health checks are not generally kept, nor are bloodline records. Take these precautions when shopping for breeders. A puppy is a living creature, not a piece of clothing that you can just buy online and have shipped to you. If a breeder promises that a Sheprador puppy will grow to a certain size, be a champion show dog or will look like a wolf — end the conversation and walk away. No one can predict how a hybrid dog will turn out. Sketchy breeders will try to make a fast sell with empty promises. Do read testimonials. Nothing speaks the truth louder than customer testimonials. An ethical breeder should be proud to display past purchase experiences and how customer satisfaction is a top priority. Do visit the breeder. An ethical breeder should be open to having you visit where the puppies were bred, born, and raised. Were they kept in cages? Did they have plenty of outside space to play? Are the parents on the premises? Do ask questions. Ask the breeder to produce health clearances for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia. Do keep in touch. They should be available to offer guidance if complications arise. Finding a German Shepherd Lab mix for adoption There are plenty of Shepradors at rescues waiting for adoption. If this is more up your alley, check out these agencies. The German Shepherd and Labrador mix has some pros and cons for you to consider. The GSD and the Labrador are known to be excellent family dogs with high intelligence and easy trainability. Nonetheless, this crossbreed is gaining in popularity as a friendly and loving companion dog. She is energetic and needs exercise every day, a healthy diet to stay trim, and training to combat destructive behavior. The German Shepherd and Lab mix is recommended for families or pet owners that live in a house with a fenced-in yard. If you spend a lot of time away from home, this breed is known to exhibit signs of separation anxiety, so you need to be able to give the time and interaction necessary for optimal mental health. What do you think about the German Shepherd Lab mix? Tell us in the comments! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. I love him to pieces but he is hard work. He needs a lot of attention and care. We are starting to get there with him. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. These two dog breeds are usually picked for their loyalty and intelligence, and a Labrador Retriever cross German Shepherd can offer you these personality traits and quality protection as a bonus! What is a Sheprador? Being a hybrid, half German Shepherd half Labrador mixes can contain physical traits found in both dogs at the same time. Typically, the German Shepherd Labrador mix size is classified as medium-large to large and is a dog that can stand between 1. German Shepherd Labrador mix weight lies between 35 — 85 lbs 16 — 38 kg. Their muzzle size is medium to long and is robust, hefty dogs. A Lab German Shepherd mix does not have a standard ear classification and can have either sharp and pointy or soft and floppy ears. Black or chocolate Lab German Shepherd mix dogs are also known to have short, double coats which can vary from either tan, brown, amber, or black colors. The coat may also be white if you have a white German Shepherd Labrador mix. What are some basic facts about Shepradors? The following sections provide some key German Shepherd Labrador mix info. However, it should be noted that chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes typically have shorter life expectancies only about 10 years old than non-chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes. Commonly-occurring known health issues: This list is not comprehensive but can give you some insights about known Sheprador common health ailments. Common symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hind leg area, and problems walking. Symptoms include weakness in the front legs and a general reluctance to exercise, which may lead to German Shepherd Labrador mix weight loss. Bloat A common problem for large breeds is bloat. Symptoms include indigestion, dry heaving, irregular or shallow breathing, bloated stomachs, and excessive salivation. Obesity This is a problem that originates from the Labrador Retriever side and its propensity to eat a lot. If left unchecked, German Shepherd Labrador mix size can reach unhealthy levels; weight levels reaching almost lbs 45 kg and can lead to arthritis and joint problems, worsen metabolism, and generally make your Sheprador more vulnerable to diseases. Shepradors may suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and conjunctivitis. How can I take care of my Sheprador? Take note of the next sections for some basic care and grooming German Shepherd Labrador mix info. Coat A Sheprador is notorious for its constant shedding. Invest in basic grooming tools such as a slicker brush. Undercoat rakes are also good to have as Shepradors typically are born with double coats. Brush and groom your Sheprador once or twice a week to avoid matting and shedding in unwanted areas. Exercise Being a product of two relatively active dog breeds, regular exercise is important for Shepradors to maintain a healthy weight level, avoid joint and arthritic complications, and for good overall mental health. Make time to exercise or play with your Sheprador for at least 2 hours every day 1 hour, if exercising with high intensity. Portion control Maintaining a healthy weight is a major consideration when taking care of a Sheprador. Do not give out treats unless training your Sheprador as much as possible. Males can safely consume between — calories a day, while a daily serving size for females is between — calories a day depending on current weight. This portion details German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament and what personality traits you can expect from your Sheprador. Shepradors are highly trainable dogs and are recommended to undergo regular daily training sessions. This dog breed can learn commands relatively quickly and will perform them to the best of their abilities. It is also their intelligence that requires them to learn new commands or directions regularly, as they can become bored easily if not properly engaged. High energy Shepradors are naturally energetic dogs that need regular exercise and activity. Shepradors that do not exercise regularly may be vulnerable to bouts of depression or escape tendencies. Constant mental and physical engagement through exercise, games, and training are essential to maintain a balanced and good-natured German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament. Friendliness This personality trait originates from the Labrador Retriever side. Shepradors are naturally congenial dogs that need very little formal socialization training. This means that your Sheprador can be introduced into most social situations and make friends with other dogs and humans easily. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan 2. Golden Acres The Golden Acres is one of the most trusted breeders in the state. They have over 20 years of experience working with Golden Retrievers and raising show-stealing puppies. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. All the puppies are hand raised and socialized with children, adults, and other puppies. They also spend a lot of time outdoors, running and playing in the fresh air. Happy and Healthy Dogs Golden Acres is committed to raising happy and healthy puppies. All of their dogs are tested for genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia. They also vaccinate their puppies. They also have a nutrition and exercise program to ensure the puppies are well taken care of. Unmatched Experience The team at Golden Acres is made up of experienced and knowledgeable breeders who have a passion for Golden Retrievers. They have years of experience in caring for, training, and breeding dogs. They are committed to learn and grow their knowledge of the breed to make improvements to the breeding process. They also have a strict breeding program to make sure they produce healthy and beautiful pups. They also have a temperament test to make sure their dogs are good-natured. Positive Training Golden Acres also puts a big emphasis on socializing their puppies. From the time the puppies are born, they start the socialization process. The puppies are introduced to different environments, sounds , and people. This helps ensure the puppies are well-adjusted and comfortable in new situations. They are dedicated to providing support to their customers and are available to answer questions anytime. The team also provides valuable advice throughout the lifetime of the puppy. They also offer a health guarantee so you can rest assured your puppy is healthy and well taken care of. The couple has two children and runs an at-home business boarding dogs and breeding exceptional Golden Retrievers. Contact Details:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Michigan Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Michigan? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Michigan? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Umbilical cord training Throughout the rest of this guide I will be referring to each of these 4 methods and when you should or could be using them. Once used to using the paper or the pads, you slowly cut the area covered until they reliably use just a couple of sheets and never miss. You then slowly move the paper toward the outside where another set is placed and you begin to encourage your puppy to go outside only, before completely removing the papers inside. At this point they will have made the transition. A top tip when paper training is when you clean away soiled paper, you should hold one piece back and place it as a middle layer of the new papers. Puppy pads have a scent that attracts a puppy, paper does not. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 3. This is confusing and will make the learning process take longer. Best suited to: Either people who are going to have an indoor bathroom spot long-term, or people who will not use a crate for training yet cannot commit to constantly supervising their puppy when inside the home. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, definitely a 5. But it does result in more mistakes from your puppy until later in life. Equipment needed: Nothing but stacks of old newspapers! A very cost-effective method. Description: The method takes advantage of the fact dogs have a natural instinct not to soil the area where they eat and sleep. Key to this is making the crate just large enough to stand in, turn around easily and lay down stretched out but no bigger. The rest of the time you watch them and regularly take them outside to potty to teach them good habits. Best suited to: Everybody! This is because you will have to crate train your puppy before you can use a crate for house training which does take time and effort. Click here for my free and detailed guide to crate training your puppy. Equipment needed: A suitable crate. I have a guide to help you select the right size and type that you can read by clicking here. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I tentatively give it a 3. It could actually score higher or lower depending on how committed you are and how successful at supervising your puppy you are. Best suited to: People who are against any kind of confinement and can stay at home to watch their puppy all day every day. Mostly people who work from home and the retired. But this method also forms a part of every house training plan, whether you use other methods alongside or not. This is because when a puppy is free inside a home, they MUST be closely supervised to prevent any mistakes. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 2. It scores low as it requires a lot of input from you as the owner. It is quite draining never being able to take your eye of your puppy. Equipment needed: None. Not a crate, newspapers, puppy pads or anything. The cheapest of all the methods…unless you put a price on your time. But it is highly effective. Description: This technique calls for you to tether your puppy to you by leash and have them follow you wherever you go when inside your home. You will notice and be able to intervene and correct every possible mistake, taking them outside every time they need to relieve themselves. Used correctly, the opportunity for your puppy to make mistakes is completely removed so every single time they need to visit their bathroom spot is a training opportunity you will take advantage of and no mistake goes uncorrected. Best suited to: People who spend all their time at home with their puppy and would also enjoy literally being tied to their pup all day. Further Info: for a detailed discussion of this technique, the benefits, downside, and many more tips, please see my article: Umbilical Cord House Training: What is It? How Does It Work? A Mix Of 3 Methods I use and recommend a mixture of crate training, constant supervision and paper training. I use constant supervision extensively because when a puppy is outside of the crate you have to watch them diligently to avoid puppy mistakes. Admittedly this is somewhat going against my advice because I always recommend to avoid paper training if possible. It encourages or allows your puppy to toilet inside the home, before then training them not to do so. This is confusing to your puppy and harmful to our house training efforts. But even though I recommend against it, using paper training ever so occasionally as a fall back plan works well for me. Most dogs love being outside and will use any excuse to get out there and stay there. You do this by using a cue word and walking them on leash to their potty spot, not allowing them to do anything else and if they do not potty, taking them back inside and trying again in a few minutes. Because a full bladder or bowel is uncomfortable, dogs are happy to relieve themselves, but some may try to hold it if they think they can get to stay outside and sniff around a while. If people use different words, your dog will get confused. This will slowly teach them the command. And this is fine for the first couple of weeks while they have no bladder control and will perform their business very quickly. And some dogs even learn to actively hold their bladder just so they can stay outside to explore for longer. Before you can do this you need to first get your puppy used to wearing a collar and leash. Have You Got Everything Prepared? A Check-list Before You Start Like everything in life, house training runs smoother if you have everything ready before you start, hopefully before you even bring your puppy home. Have you: Decided on and marked out a suitable bathroom spot? Chosen and purchased a suitable high-quality nutritious food? Figured out the times of day you will feed your puppy? Got a collar and leash? Put in place a leash training plan? Bought a suitable crate and set it up in a suitable place? Bought bedding for the crate? Bought chew toys to occupy your puppy in the crate? Decided on the commands you will use if any? Purchased either baby gates, a pet barrier or an exercise pen for longer term confinement? Sourced stacks of newspapers or puppy pads to use in the long-term confinement area? Bought some small but highly tasty training treats to use as a reward? Bought specialized pet stain removing and odor neutralizing cleaning products? Bought a UV light to find hidden spots of urine that must be removed to prevent repeat accidents? Sat and discussed with every member of your household your finalized plans so everybody has the same info? Successful House Training Is All About Schedules And Routine Dogs thrive when living to schedules and routine, doing best when they have set times for eating, going to toilet, exercise, training and play. But because the passage of food through their digestive system stays roughly the same, if you feed your puppy at the same times every day they will need to defecate at roughly the same times every day. This results in fewer mistakes, more opportunities to praise your puppy for going in the right place and so speeds up their learning. Depending on their age a puppy will need to poop 3 to 6 times a day, and wee many more times than that. Can these times be predicted? Mostly they can. When a puppy needs to potty depends on when they last ate, drank and their recent activities. Mostly they need to go: First thing in the morning The instant they wake up from a nap at any time of the day Just before going to bed Within a few minutes of eating or drinking Immediately after a play session Immediately after any excitement But a puppy also needs to go many times per day regardless of recent activities, so you should also take your puppy to their bathroom spot on a consistent schedule such as the following: At 8 weeks old — every 30 mins. At 10 weeks old — every 45 mins. At 12 weeks old — every 1 to 1. At 16 weeks old — every 2 hours. At 20 weeks old — every 3 hours. Some will need to wee within 2 minutes of drinking, others after 20 minutes. Some will need a bathroom break within 2 minutes of waking, others 15 minutes later. You have to determine your puppies own natural tendencies and create a schedule to suit. To achieve this, you need to follow this 5 step process: Feed them to a strict schedule. Decide on exercise, play and training times. Develop a schedule including feeding, exercise, play, training and all scheduled potty times. Use the information gathered in your diary to learn from any mistakes and adjust your schedule for the following week. The more you can stick to schedules and routines, the smoother and faster the process will be. But you can stray from the path when necessary and still find success, it will just take a little longer. You should feed your puppy 3 times a day when 12 to 26 weeks old. From 26 weeks old and onwards, feed your puppy just two times a day For 2 meals a day you need to space them out 8 to 12 hours apart. What works for me is shortly after I get up at and when we have our evening meal between PM and PM. Availability Of Water: You should make sure fresh water is always available but because drinking too much or too little can be a sign of health problems, you do need to monitor their water intake. Physical activity often leads to a puppy needing to potty very soon after. So to encourage predictable potty times for your puppy, you want to schedule their exercise and play. Deciding when to exercise, train and play with your puppy is entirely up to you. You should fit it around your lifestyle and commitments, but try to make it the same times each day if you can. Enter all the following details into a single column in an excel spreadsheet, or write them down as a day schedule with a pen and paper: When you wake and add an instant bathroom break before you do ANYTHING for yourself! Enter the times you will play with, train and exercise your puppy. Enter a scheduled visit to the bathroom spot after each of the activities listed in points 1 to 3. Add scheduled bathroom visits after any length of time longer than your puppy should be expected to hold it according to their age. Write in scheduled sleeps for your puppy, place them in the crate or confinement area. After writing down this schedule, tick off each task as you go through the day with your puppy. This way you will always know what needs to be done and when, and there will be no confusion about whether someone else in the house fed, exercised or took the puppy to the loo. I discuss this further in step 5 below. You should be able to pick up on any patterns and adjust your own behavior to avoid mistakes in future. Was puppy left alone and peed in the living room while you made breakfast? Puppy should never be left alone unsupervised, learn from this mistake. Or maybe puppy peed in the crate after an hour? Learn from this mistake. Well done for watching them closely enough. So increase the frequency. Therefore you should stretch out the time between visits by 10 to 15 minutes for the following day. This is how you find out. And Now House Training is So Much Easier By writing out the schedule as in step 3, you should never forget to feed, train or take your puppy to potty. And by using the schedule as a diary as in step 5, you get feedback on how you and your puppy are performing, and are armed with the necessary info to make changes to your schedule over time. You, your puppy and their needs all stay in sync and house training becomes that much easier. Just make a spreadsheet in excel and print it out, or simply buy some lined paper. Keep it somewhere you can always see and know where it is, alongside a pen or pencil and write entries in it as you watch your puppy throughout the day. After this, continuing with a diary every day is the best advice, although keeping one for 3 consecutive days each week will be sufficient for you to pick up on any changes as they mature. Once your puppy is 5 to 6 months old, they will have sufficient bladder control and experience to make a schedule and diary unnecessary. Just make sure they get access to the outside at least once every 3 hours and all will be fine. Extending The Time Between Toilet Breaks I discussed earlier how a puppy will need regular visits to their bathroom spot, something like every 30 minutes at 8 weeks old, every 45 minutes at 10 weeks old and so on. But every puppy is different and their progress in having longer time between needed toilet breaks will vary too. You do this because as a puppy grows, the size of their bowel and bladder increases, so they will be able to hold more for longer and you want to take advantage of this. This is also teaching them necessary bladder and bowel control. Use your cue word before you take them: By using your chosen cue word every time before you take them to potty, your puppy will learn what the trip is about and what they must do. This eventually leads to faster results as they know what is expected of them. Lead your puppy to the bathroom spot on leash: This gives you the ability to keep your puppy at the bathroom spot and prevent them wandering off, getting distracted and forgetting what they are there for. Make sure you stay with them at their bathroom spot: If you have them on leash, then of course you will be. When they start to go, say your chosen cue word in a soft warm voice. Mix up the reward between play, time off leash and a food reward to keep them guessing, but keep the food rewards to a minimum as what goes in must come out and random feeding promotes random elimination times! Many people pop out, stand for 1 minute and then come back in. Some people recommend to stay out there for 10, 15, 20 minutes, whatever it takes until they go, then praise profusely when they do. I recommend you give them 3 to 5 minutes, saying your cue word every 30 seconds or so but otherwise standing silently still just holding their leash so they cannot wander off. Take them back to their bathroom spot in 10 minutes or so. If using a crate for house training: Pop them back in the crate and leave them for 10 minutes. Then take them back to their bathroom spot. Take them to their bathroom spot after 10 minutes. If not, take them away from their bathroom spot and watch them for 10 minutes before returning them to their bathroom spot. And if crate training, do not leave them in the crate too long else they may be forced to soil in there. Prevent this at all costs. Rinse and repeat the visits to and fro like this until they do potty, then follow the next sections advice. What You Should Do Between Scheduled Bathroom Breaks Between scheduled bathroom visits you should do two things: Allow some supervised free time in your home, and use your chosen house training method. By free time I mean time outside of their crate, or off leash, or out of their confinement area. Time free to roam, explore and live life. When 10 weeks old they may need to toilet every 30 minutes, so they only get 5 to 10 minutes free time. When 12 weeks old, they may need to toilet every hour so they can get 35 to 40 minutes free time. You allow this free time because you are of course working toward a time when they will always be free and trusted unsupervised. To get there they need the experience, to get used to being free in your home and begin seeing it as a place they need to keep clean. They also need social interaction and life experiences. But what are the signs a puppy is about to potty? Heading toward, barking at or scratching the door to the outside. The minute you see any of these signs you should take your puppy to their bathroom spot immediately. There may well be some false alarms, but better safe than sorry. Carefully watch them and you should soon notice what body language means a wee or a poop is imminent. There will be recognizable signs. We do this because the time is fast approaching when mistakes are most likely to be made. If using constant supervision: Carry on as you are. Then at their scheduled potty time, attach a leash and lead them to their bathroom spot. If using a crate for house training: Encourage your puppy into their crate and close the door, leaving them there until their scheduled potty time and then release them, instantly attaching a leash and leading them to their bathroom spot. If using umbilical cord training: Attach a leash and tether your puppy to you, ready to react if they make moves to eliminate. Take them to their bathroom spot at the scheduled time. If paper training: Take your puppy to their confinement area where their papered bathroom spot is and supervise them, ready to intervene if they make moves to potty away from the paper. Not good when you need to be there to encourage them for doing it in the right place. If they do, you can pick them up and carry them, or take them by the collar and gently lead them to their bathroom spot, then encourage them to finish where they should. But to me this seems foolish. Instead of a little pile or puddle, you then have a long line of wee or poop from where you caught them all the way to the bathroom spot that you then have to deep clean instead. Then think how they were able to make such a mistake and tweak your plans so it cannot happen again. But any corrections or punishment now will be futile. House Training For Full Time Workers This advice applies not just to full-time workers , but also if you must occasionally leave your puppy home alone for a few hours. Most importantly, follow all the advice in this guide so far for the times that you are home. Supervise them, correct any mistakes, set feeding and elimination schedules and everything else I have advised. First of all, if like me you use a crate, you simply cannot leave your puppy in the crate for many hours. This is very unfair on your puppy and it will destroy the crates power as a house training tool if they lose the instinct to keep it clean. Secondly, please do your best to enlist the help of a family member, friend, neighbor or hire a dog walker to periodically pop in to visit your puppy, take them to their bathroom spot, give them some social interaction and so on. But I also freely admit to using paper training myself occasionally, for the unavoidable times I have to leave my puppy home alone for a few hours. If you have to leave your puppy home alone for any reason, usually because you work, then paper training in your absence is the only thing you can do. You then have two options available to you: Buy and use an exercise pen, or confine your puppy to a single, puppy-proofed room. As they get used to pottying on paper, reduce the area covered one sheet at a time until just a small area remains covered. Once you know your puppy can hold their bladder for longer than they have to be left alone, remove the paper altogether. By 16 to 20 weeks, they should be able to last the 3 or 4 hours max they will be left alone and somebody comes to exercise them and allow a bathroom break. Between 8 and 12 weeks when weeing seems spontaneous , my puppy spends a fair bit of time in there and I paper train them to use puppy pads. Our kitchen and dining room was separated by an arch where a door used to be, with tiled flooring, making it ideal. I used a baby gate across the arch between the kitchen and dining room, and initially covered the dining area with paper, over time reducing it to just two sheets with the puppy pad holder on top. The dining area is completely empty, with no furniture, nothing in there. Skirting boards, the corners of furniture items, anything within reach is a potential target for teeth and claws. My girlfriend works from home, we crate trained and we had no problem finding house sitters in an evening if we needed one, so we all but had things covered. But this is something you need to be mindful of. Whatever the reason, there just WILL be times you cannot supervise your puppy. The essence of house training is to prevent mistakes and praise your puppy heavily when they potty in the right place. If you cannot watch your puppy, the chances of them making a mistake go through the roof. So even if you choose to use a constant supervision method exclusively, you will still need to confine your puppy sometimes to a paper covered area just in case. I mean literally none at all. One minute they are trotting along, the next they are leaking. No warning signs for you, not even any warning signs for them. I recommend setting up an exercise pen with the entire area papered, or do as I do and confine them to a room with the entire area papered. Use this time to paper train them, to get them used to weeing on paper and gradually reduce the area because you will use this method if you ever have to leave them home alone during the next 4 or 5 months. They will sniff, circle and so on as I mentioned before. At this point you can now move on to using your chosen house training method. Start encouraging them to potty in the right place from the minute you get them home. So the good news is, even at 8 weeks they will be able to last 4 or so hours and you will only need to wake once during the night. Also, make sure to take them to their bathroom spot right before you go to bed so they can empty themselves. Then set an alarm for 4 hours after their bed time when you must get up and take them to their bathroom spot. No excuses, you simply must do this. If you find your puppy has soiled in this time, you should set the alarm for half an hour earlier the next night 3. After a few days of not having a night-time accident, set your alarm for 15 minutes later and increase the time by 15 minutes for each successful night they do not have an accident. If you find they make a mistake one night before you wake, set the alarm back half an hour, make sure they stay dry a few days and then increase 15 minutes nightly again. And by using this schedule, you strike a good balance between a couple of inevitable accidents while stretching out the time at a good pace to lasting a full night. If they soil their crate more than once in any given week, you may have to progress slower add 15 minutes every 2 or 3 days , or perhaps sleep them in a papered exercise pen or their confinement room. Maintaining their instinct to keep the crate clean is of utmost importance. What To Do At The Bathroom Spot At Night When you take them out at night, say your chosen cue word, take them straight to their bathroom spot, praise them gently when they finish their business but do not reward them with anything else. The last thing you want is to teach your puppy that during the night is a time for play or food treats! This will come back to haunt you in a big way and result in noisy sleepless nights. You want your puppy to learn that night-time is for sleeping and for nothing else. Do nothing else. Some will be able to last the whole night without a potty break at 10 weeks rarely , and some may not be able to at 15 weeks also rarely. But certainly by 16 weeks old your puppy will be able to last a 7 hour night without needing to potty if you do not feed them for 3 hours or provide water for 2 hours before bed time and allow them to empty themselves right before you lay down for the night. No Progress? If you are feeding, exercising, training and playing with your puppy to a schedule, and when you look at your diary there seems to be no pattern to the times they need to potty, you should seek the advice of your vet. Common ailments such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection and health issues affecting internal organs and the genitalia can lead to a dog needing to potty much more frequently, often leading to eliminating in the house. Again, seek the advice of your family vet. You cannot successfully house train a puppy who is ill because their bodily functions will be too unpredictable. But 6 to 7 months is the ball park figure to aim for. A single mistake in the home can cause a major setback. A puppy may not make a mistake for 2 weeks, then you give them too much freedom, they make a mistake and all of a sudden they are regularly trying to potty in the home again. Also, some puppies just seem to forget everything for a few days now and then while growing up, even after being perfect for a couple of weeks. Just stick to your plan and they WILL eventually get it. Conclusion With house training, the fewer mistakes you allow your puppy to make and the more they are rewarded for doing the right thing, the quicker they will learn and the faster you will find success. Because of this, the more effort you put in and the more time you spend with your puppy at the beginning — supervising to correct mistakes and taking them to their bathroom spot many times each day — the better. But there are many other things you can do to help yourself and your puppy to find success. This guide has provided you with all the theory, strategies, tips and tricks you will ever need to successfully house train your puppy as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the fewest mistakes along the way. Please see the entire series linked to below:. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy.

How to Train Your Labrador Retriever Puppy to Love Water September 5, Labrador retrievers are great hunting and retrieving dogs that make exceptional companions and family pets. If you and your family like to hunt, fish, or play outdoor sports, a Labrador retriever may be the perfect dog for you. When outdoors, you and your Lab can often be around water. It is best not to introduce a dog to water all at once. Because Labs sometimes are hesitant around water, the following steps will help introduce and train a new Lab puppy to be comfortable and enthusiastic around water. Teach Your Lab Basic Commands As soon as you get a Labrador retriever puppy, teach him or her basic commands such as come, sit, stay, down, and leave it. These commands will teach your puppy that you are the pack leader. Keep your Lab puppy with you as much as possible so you can train throughout the day and always have dog treats with you for rewards. At six months of age, you can enroll your Lab in dog obedience school to learn more commands, get exercise and mental stimulation, and become acquainted with other dogs. This training is essential to make sure your dog will be safe when you bring him or her to water for the first time. Introduce Your Puppy to Water While your Labrador retriever puppy is young, you can play in your yard with a garden hose and a small child's pool. Splash water on your puppy's face and feet to acquaint your dog with the sensation of being wet. You can fill a small child's pool with enough water that it is chest deep for your Lab puppy. Toss a small ball or toy into the pool so that your puppy can jump in and fetch it. Walk on a Beach If you live near a lake or ocean, take your Labrador retriever for a walk on the shore or beach. Walk in the shallow water with your Lab so that both of you can get your feet wet. Attach a leash to your Lab's collar to keep him or her close to you as you walk in the water. You can also toss a waterproof toy into the shallow water to entice your Lab to chase and fetch it. The best toy for this activity is soft and in the shape of a small bird or fish so your Lab can easily grab it and hold it in their mouth. Each time you throw your Lab's toy into the shallow water, throw it a little farther away to entice your Lab to get familiar with deeper water. Swim in the Water You can teach your Labrador retriever to swim by getting in a pool, lake, river, or ocean and swimming with them. Dogs will naturally paddle when they are in water deep enough to swim in, but need to learn how to maneuver in the water. To teach your Lab puppy to maneuver and be confident in the water, hold your hand under their chest or belly to keep them afloat as they dog paddle. Speak to your Lab with a gentle voice to reassure and encourage them in the water. Dive In the Water Once you have taught your Labrador retriever to swim, you can teach him or her to dive into the water from a pier or diving board. The best way to do this is to hold your Lab in your arms, dive into the water, and release your Lab to swim out of the water. Once your Lab is familiar with diving, you can dive into the water and then call them to follow you. Socialize with Other Dogs One advantage of enrolling your Labrador retriever in dog obedience school is that they can meet and socialize with other dogs. Your Lab can then learn from watching and following their dog friends in many activities, including swimming. When your Labrador retriever plays outdoors in the water, it is best to use a waterproof polyurethane and nylon webbing collar as it is durable and dries almost instantly. To find items such as a collar, leash, toys, and treats for your Labrador retriever, contact Over Under Clothing online. We have a lifetime guarantee on all of our products and donate a portion of sales to help at-risk dogs. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Taking fun trips to the beach or the lake with your dog is even better when your lab puppy can swim. Lab puppies can start learning how to swim as soon as they are old enough or at around 12 weeks of age. Lab puppies need to learn how to swim, so they need to start swimming early on. While they do have water instincts, they need to develop before they can build the strength to swim well. This guide will explain what age they can start swimming at and how to train them properly. We have helped many Labrador owners train their dogs to improve their obedience and water capabilities. They are a simple and loving breed with lots of intelligence, so that they can do just about anything. Lab puppies typically need time to develop these skills before they can be safely allowed into the water without supervision. Most labs should wait until about months old before going into the water for the first. It takes time for lab puppies to learn basic skills and gain the strength for swimming. It requires them to grow a bit more to a bigger size too. In general, Labradors love to swim and are renowned for being excellent swimmers. You can introduce your puppy to the water with careful supervision after weeks. The more time you spend with your lab puppy, the faster it will learn how to swim. It is also an excellent way for your lab puppy to trust you more. This is especially true if you bring them into the water younger. For example, your lab puppy will pick up swimming faster at six months compared to only weeks. Follow these steps to train your puppy to swim effectively. Teach Your Lab Puppy Basic Obedience Training your lab puppy to swim is a great idea, but it is not the most important thing you can do with your new dog. You should first teach your dog how to behave correctly with obedience training. This will help them understand what they are supposed to do in certain situations and provide a foundation for learning how to swim later on. After your puppy learns to obey basic commands, training it how to swim will be faster and easier. This will help them to be more comfortable in the water and build a positive association with it. When introducing your dog to the water, you should start by taking them on a short walk near the water's edge. If they are hesitant, try placing their paws in the water for a few seconds before moving on. Once they are comfortable, you can slowly increase their time in the water and eventually take them swimming with you. Gradually increase the depth of the water until they are swimming on their own, and then slowly lower it back down. Training your lab puppy on how to swim can be done through patience and perseverance. You should start slowly, giving your pup treats when paddling for a few seconds before gradually increasing the time they spend in the pool of water. Remain Patient When you first bring a new puppy home, it may not be comfortable in the water. They will likely want to avoid water as much as possible and wag their tail when they see you coming towards the pool or lake. It can take weeks to get used to swimming and even longer for them to stay afloat in deep water. Be patient as they grow and get more comfortable in the water. They have the instinct to use the doggy paddle but need to get comfy. Are Labradors Natural Swimmers? Dogs are not born with the ability to swim. They can only learn how to swim through extensive training. Labradors are no exception. However, Labradors were originally bred as working dogs for hunting and pulling carts, so it is not surprising that they are good at swimming. They have many traits that back up this reputation as well. Once dogs get comfortable in the water, they will know to use their strength to do the doggy paddle to stay afloat. This is something they understand naturally through instincts. Labradors also have a double coat of fur , which is better for the water because it keeps them warmer. This, along with a wide otter tail and webbed paws, makes them great at swimming. Labradors have thicker fur so they will remain warmer than other dogs in cold water. However, this does not mean they can handle freezing temperatures for a long time. We recommend exposing your dog to the water in the summer when it is not too cold. This will allow them to enjoy swimming more too. Lab puppies are susceptible to hypothermia and should never be left in freezing cold water. They might not show any signs of distress, but they can die if they stay in the cold for too long. Practice the same safety tips for your puppy as you would for yourself or a child. Extremely cold waters should be avoided. Here are some tips on taking care of your lab puppy and keeping them safe in the water. Always Supervise Your Puppy Lab puppies should never be left alone in a pool or near any body of water for any time, as they can easily drown if they accidentally fall into the pool. This is especially true for younger puppies that are new to swimming. You can change this approach as your lab gets older and more experienced. But for now, never let them into the water without other people around as a safety precaution. This is especially true if they are in the ocean or a lake, where the water could be more dangerous. Use A Canine Life Jacket Puppies need to be taught how to swim early so they can grow up with the ability to save themselves in the water. A canine life jacket is a great way to keep your lab puppy safe while learning how to swim. It will help them get used to the water experience without causing any harm. The best part about using a canine life jacket is that it will motivate your lab puppy to learn how to swim faster and more efficiently. How to teach your dog to swim. Natural Swimmers? It should naturally to them right? We found out first hand that not all Labradors are comfortable in the water, and that in some cases, you might need to teach your Lab to swim. Swimming is such a great exercise for your dog. Swimming is low impact and easy on their joints and the water can be refreshing to their achy muscles. We are always looking for alternative exercises for our two seniors, Jack and Maggie so we thought swimming would be an excellent choice. We adopted Jack and Maggie several years ago. Jack was in the shelter for over a year and Maggie was in a puppy mill situation as a breeder mom. Both of them were more interested in scraps of food on the beach than romping in the water and we really had to coax them into going near it. There was some wading, but no swimming. Repeated Attempts We tried again at a local park that had a small stream running through it. We got the same reaction — lots of curiosity about the wildlife along the shore, but not much interest in the water. We tried once more at a local doggie day spa that had a pool — same reaction. Maggie refused to even go in the water. We were about to give up on having water dogs. As a last ditch effort, we decided to vacation at Big Bear Lake in California. We got a cabin on the lake that had a dock and we figured this would be it, they would finally learn to swim and maybe even learn to jump off the dock. Any water, even a puddle and they were in it as quickly and as deeply as they could get. But not Jack. First we tried walking him out into the water. Finally, my husband picked him up and carried him out to where it was over his head. There was panic in his eyes, much splashing and a hasty retreat to shore. Maggie was also a little apprehensive when we brought her to the edge of the lake. Yet she waded into the water on her own, wandered around, waded in deeper, wandered around some more and then just kept going and was off swimming just as smooth and beautifully as only Labs can swim — hardly a ripple and just her little head above the surface. You may be lucky and have a dog like Maggie who just takes to it naturally. Or you may have one like Jack who thinks the water is only good if it deposits fish to the shore for him to eat. Either way, we put together a few tips on helping your Lab get comfortable with the water. Your own backyard pool is great or a lake with a gradual incline into the water is also a great place to start. Be sure your dog is comfortable wherever you are. Get a life vest. It will help your dog feel more secure and buoyant in the water. They also come with handles on the top, so you can lift and steer your dog more easily. Go into the water with them. They will always feel safer and more comfortable if you are with them. Just watch out for their claws as their dog paddle style can end up leaving scratch marks all over your body. If your dog is small enough, pick them up and carry them into the water to a point where they can no longer touch bottom. Support them evenly underneath and try to keep their body level to encourage them to use all four limbs. Once he realized to use his back legs, it was smooth sailing. Let them set the pace for how deep and how fast they go in the water. Use a toy or treats as encouragement or rewards. Many Labs love to play fetch and will happily chase a stick or tennis ball or duck into the water. Labradors have a great affinity with water and activities like swimming. So at what age can Lab puppies swim? Can Labradors swim naturally? Do Labs like to swim? We have covered all these questions for you in the below article. Have a look. At what age can Lab puppies swim? Some people say 8 weeks, some say 12 weeks and some say 3 months. There are a lot of conflicting opinions regarding the age when your Labrador puppies can start swimming. Anyone would think like this, as these Labradors are historically linked with the fisherman and icy waters of Newfoundland. Many people even think that Lab puppies can swim at any young age and they keep asking me whether their puppies can swim when they are one month old. There are various factors to consider before determining your Labrador puppy swimming age. Where is your puppy going to swim? Is it near a public pool, or a lake or a pond or a beach? For example, it is probably safe to allow a 3-month-old puppy into a small pond, but it is not safe to allow him in the beach waters. Look at the points below and you will understand the age and time to introduce your Lab puppy to swimming waters. Habituate swimming to your Labrador puppy slowly. Initially, it is always better to make the puppy acquainted with water either in your bathtub or your personal pool. You can start this when your puppy reaches 3 months old. You have to remember that your Lab needs certain physical strength in its legs in order to swim effortlessly. Allow your little Lab to grow until 3 months and then you can introduce him to swimming. Some people tell me that their Labrador puppies started swimming when they are just 8 weeks old. Do not take him into public pools until he is fully vaccinated as there is a risk of deadly diseases for your little puppy. Take him into public water bodies only after he finishes his set of vaccinations. Some puppies take time during the exploration of water, hence remember not to force him in any way to get into the water. Forcing your Lab puppy to get into water does not work and your puppy may develop fear and aversion towards the water. One of my dog Simba was very scared of water and he never preferred to play with water during its lifetime. You can take your puppy to larger water bodies like beach waters when it reaches 6 months of age. My little puppy went into the beach waters when he is around 6 months of age and he enjoyed its day fully. Taking him at a younger age might scare him of the waves and it is even difficult for the little puppy to balance himself in the beach water. Labrador swimming- Complete guide Labradors are perfect swimmers which used to retrieve fish and nets from the cold icy waters of the North Atlantic. Have you seen its thick, dense water-resistant coat? It makes them waterproof. Observe their webbed feet, which help them to swim. Let us consider some basic questions to understand Labrador swimming. Labradors have the innate ability to swim, but that does not mean they can swim like fish. This is especially true with respect to puppies. Their body structure and genetics assist them in paddling in the water. Labradors love swimming and are good swimmers but it does not mean they can swim for any duration of time and anywhere. Hence it is important to remember that they are dogs and they have their limitations. So, do Labs like to swim? But not every Labrador likes to swim. As i told you my dog Simba hates water and he is really scared of it. The reason why some Labs are scared of water is that they are introduced to water in an inappropriate way. Their first experience of water might have been scary and disturbing for them. How to teach a Lab to swim? Even though some Lab puppies begin to swim on their own, some Labs who cannot do it on their own, some Labs which are scared of water, and Labs which are small puppies need to be taught to swim. Firstly introduce your Lab puppy to water splashes and small house pools at a young age so that he gets acquainted with water. If your little pup is scared, do not force him. Give him sufficient time to get adjusted to the water. You can buy a mini Labrador swimming pool in your house to habituate swimming for your little one. You can Buy it here. Whenever you take him to a nearby pool for swimming, keep your palm under his belly or his chest and allow him to move its legs to swim. You can help him like this until he becomes a confident swimmer. Give your puppy a life vest if he is not very comfortable with water. It keeps your puppy buoyant and makes him less tense. Go into the water along with your pup. As your puppy feels safer with you, it feels even more comfortable while swimming. Go for a casual walk along the beach with a leash around your puppy and let him feel the waves. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as giving encouragement, treats and rewards while playing in the water. You can play fetch games in the water which your puppy may like. Labrador swimming safety precautions Looking at your Lab puppy swimming can be delightful and exciting, but there are some precautions you need to take while taking out your puppy for swimming. Never leave your dog alone. Even though Labs can swim sometimes it might be difficult to resist against currents in oceans and rivers. Always keep an eye on your dog as a precautionary measure. It is safe to buy him a good safety vest. We cannot expect when your dog might encounter a risky situation that makes him difficult to swim. Do not overexert your dog while swimming. Sometimes he can manage to go out far from the shore but could not come back as he gets tired. Be careful especially when your Labrador is in its puppy stage as puppies get tired more easily. Always get into a swimming pool that has a sloped ground or steps so that your dog can come out easily. Swimming pools without steps and sloped ground can be risky for dogs. Be careful while swimming in unknown waters. Unknown waters have a risk of dangerous snake bites. Attention: Lack of proper training in the initial stages can build up various anxiety issues and fears in your dog. This can make your dog afraid of any new activity including swimming too. When you want your Lab to enjoy swimming, it could be a phobia for him. Take proper steps of training your dog well to avoid these issues.

We are a home based phantom poodle breeder. Are you new to phantom poodles, or just new to our website? Scroll down to learn about colors, pricing and more. We also breed solid red, black as well as abstract and parti poodles. The colored patches can be ANY color. Abstract Poodle: Characterized by white patches. Here Dolce is shown with her white blaze and small white patch on her chin. Abstract Poodles will often have "Teddy Bear" markings i. Phantom: Artemis is a great example of a phantom, he also happens to be an abstract. Phantoms are characterized by their black and tan markings which are found around eyebrows, muzzle, on the legs, and under the tail. We often say they look like Dobermans. Merle Poodles: Merle genes create quite the stir! This marbled effect is a naturally occurring mutation found in many species such mice, rabbits, dogs, and even cats. The result is a dilution of the underlying base coat color. Here Templeton's merle dilutes the black of his phantom markings to a silver color. Merle is not expressed in red dogs. Phantom Poodles Overview While it is the solid Poodle that is the most common, there is much to discuss regarding Phantom Poodle coloring pronounced fantom , which is different than mismarks, the Tuxedo and partis. Let's take a closer look into the world of Poodle colors to help explain what these colors are and why they exist. What Phantom Coloring Means A phantom Poodle is not a different breed or type of dog, this is simply a term to describe a particular coloring of the dog. This type of coloring, while extremely beautiful and preferred by many Poodle owners, is not yet accepted by the AKC in regard to conformation. This is much different than parti colored Poodles, even though both parti and phantoms have a mixture of 2 colors. This term only refers to Poodles that have specific markings on a solid background. Many refer to these markings as Dobie markings short for Doberman , however this pattern also appears on Dachshunds, certain Spaniels, Yorkies, Manchester Terriers and certain Coonhounds. These markings must be: Above each eye On the sides of the muzzle also referred to as the side of the cheeks Across the dog's chest Down the legs Under the tail All phantom Poodles are born with their markings. This does not occur as the dog ages. Phantoms are genetically linked to brindle Poodles. For this reason, a phantom Poodle dam or sire can produce a litter of brindle puppies and likewise a brindle Poodle dam or sire can produce a litter of phantom puppies. With most dog breeds, brindle is a term that means the coat that is striped, with intermingling dark and light hairs making a striping pattern. However, with Poodles, brindle means "sable". Sable is a term that means that the coat is one color yet the tips of the hairs are black. With most dogs, the sabling black tips fade out or completely disappear with age. Attribution: By V. Flying Spark at de. Whenever an apricot Poodle puppy was born, the German Poodle Club did not allow that pup to bred. These rules caused too much inline breeding to be done. Inline breeding is the pairing of dogs who are very closely related, such as father to daughter and is considered unethical by most reputable breeders in the U. The inline breeding caused bloodlines to develop too long of a lower jaw, overbites, incorrect number of teeth, and premature color fading. This is slowly, yet steadily, decreasing the above stated flaws. Care Phantom Poodles, just like any other double colored Poodle including tuxedos or partis, are defined by coat color only. There are no differences in regard to vulnerabilities to health issues and they do not require any different sort of grooming or care that differs from a solid Poodle. In addition, there are no behavioral or temperament differences with Phantoms. Where color lands on the coat is simply a matter of genomes and does not affect the personality of the dog. You may also be interested in: Parti colored Poodles - The different types of coats that hold two colors. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Silver Temperament Poodles are, by and large, intelligent and elegant dogs. Athletic and easy to train, all sizes of Poodle excel at obedience, agility, and tracking events. Despite their aristocratic appearance, Poodles are energetic, fun-loving animals who thrive on exercise and attention. Unfortunately, as breeders attempt to fulfill the demand by breeding for specific colors or characteristics, so they have turned to inbreeding methods to produce these. This has resulted in a higher level of inbreeding that is desirable or sustainable. Like all Poodles, proper coat care is extremely important to prevent mats, dreadlocks, hot spots and skin infections. You should bathe your Phantom Poodle every month with a shampoo made specifically for Poodle s and brush him daily. If you cannot manage the longer coat, keep him in a short cut. Proper nutrition is very important. Feed your Poodle a high-quality dry, wet or raw food. It is because of these origins that the Poodle gained its remarkable hairstyles. Even the classic Poodle topknot with its colorful bow comes from its sporting heritage. It is said to have been used to identify and locate the dog when working in the water. As it was introduced to other parts of Europe, like France and England, the Poodle was given a new role — that of truffle hunter. Working alongside a Dachshund, the Poodle would seek out the valuable truffles that the Dachshund would then expertly evacuate. Images from the 15th and 16th centuries show Parti Poodles in all their original glory, but few depict the Phantom Poodle. Probably because the phantom pattern is a recessive trait that can remain hidden for several generations. This is the collection of genes that allows colors other than black to manifest themselves. Expert breeders have also noticed a correlation between specific colors and the Phantom Poodle appearance, with red, white, and silver Poodles more likely to develop the Phantom patterning than the black or brown. Finding your puppy The first step is tracking down a reputable breeder that has Phantom Poodle puppies available. This could take months, if not years, due to the relative scarcity of the pattern and the high demand. How Much is a Phantom Poodle Puppy? You might think that, as the American Kennel Club will not accept Phantom Poodles in the Conformation Ring, these dogs will be cheaper than their solid-colored siblings. Phantom Poodles can be expected to live as long as any other type of Poodle although, it should be noted that Standard Poodles have a slightly shorter life expectancy than either the Toy or Miniature versions. While a Toy Phantom Poodle has an average life of around .Are Phantom Poodles Difficult to Train? Like their solid-colored cousins, Phantom Poodles are eager to please and highly intelligent. This makes them keen students, although their instincts may sometimes get in the way. Having been bred as hunting dogs, Poodles have a naturally high prey drive and awareness of their environment, which means they need lots of stimulation and exercise. Poodles are people-oriented dogs and, without enough human company, can develop unwanted and destructive behaviors. Early puppy training and regular exercise, along with stimulating games and proper socialization can help your Phantom Poodle adjust more readily to his environment and become a loyal and content companion. Can You Show Phantom Poodles? With the same friendly temperament and life expectancy as any other Poodle, the Phantom Poodle will slip into family life with comparative ease. Phantom Poodles are largely healthy dogs, as long as you source your puppy from a reputable breeder. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Though there is little known of its origin, we do know that this doodle dog was bred in the United States within the last 20 to 30 years for companionship and its hypoallergenic coat. Its loving, intelligent, energetic personality makes it a great choice for first-time dog owners. These designer dogs are as feisty as they are cute. And although tiny in size, they have a big, beautiful personalities. Appearance and Grooming As with many hybrids-mixed breed puppies, the coat of the Yorkipoo puppies can vary. Their non-shedding, hypoallergenic coats will always be silky and quite soft, but could also be curly, wavy, or straight. The coat can come in many colors including apricot, red and white, black, black and white, black and tan, and tri-colored. With rather long coats, they need brushing several times each week to prevent tangles and knots. A monthly bath is also recommended to keep your dog's coat soft and clean. This designer breed has gorgeous features inherited from both parents. They have the small size of their parents, dark, expressive eyes, and a feathered tail that curls over their backs. Temperament Energetic and always ready to play, this little hybrid dog breed is affectionate and loves the company of people. Because they crave the attention of their owner, they are not a breed that does well when left alone for long periods of time. If left unattended for long periods of time, they become lonely and bored, which may lead to incessant barking or digging. Family and Companionship This fun-loving and loyal puppy makes the perfect companion for any dog lovers, person, or family that can be with them much of the time. They make excellent pets for seniors or those who are retired. They can easily thrive in any environment whether it's a big home or an apartment. Their low-maintenance needs and sweet personalities make them a favorite with many pet owners. Exercise Yorkie Poos require a smaller amount of exercise than most hybrids. Though they are lively and always ready to play, a small walk around the block is really all they need to keep trim and healthy. This makes them a good choice for pet parents with limited mobility. A fenced yard is also an excellent way to keep these pups healthy and happy. Training and Socialization Their eager-to-please and enthusiastic attitudes make for an easily trainable dog. They are extremely intelligent like their parent breeds and aim to please their owners. Focusing on positive training methods while working with this crossbreed will reap the most rewards as these pups will not do well with harsh or negative methods. Early socialization is key for this curious breed as they are very interested in everyone and everything around them. Early socialization makes for a well-rounded dog. They are renowned for their loyalty and unconditional love. These beautiful pups are socialized early to ensure their transition to your home goes smoothly. They also go through thorough health testing to ensure they don't suffer from any health problems. Their parents are also screened regularly and benefit from the best care. Find your perfect Yorkie Poo puppy for sale at Premier Pups. How big does the Yorkie Poo get? These tiny pups weigh in at around 7 pounds and grow to a height of inches. What is the lifespan of the Yorkie Poo? What are the exercise requirements for a Yorkie Poo? Although the Yorkie Poo does not require a lot of exercise, they still need their daily dose of playtime. A minute daily walk along with some active play either indoor or outdoor should be plenty to keep your little one fit and trim. How often does my Yorkie Poo need to be groomed? Your little one should be brushed daily to keep their hair silky soft and clean and prevent any tangles or mats. They should also get professionally groomed every 4 to 8 weeks. What is the difference between a Yorkie Poo and a Yoodle? Not a thing. This is just another name for the same dog. They may also be referred to as a Yorkapoo or a Yorkiedoodle. What type of coat does the Yorkie Poo have? What is the temperament of the Yorkie Poo? The Yorkie Poo is a free spirit and fun-loving dog that loves being in the company of its humans. The heritage of the Yorkshire Terrier and Toy poodle make for a very intelligent and easygoing pup. However, this could get their owner in some hot water with the neighbors. Early socialization and proper training can help to minimize the amount of barking as they get older. Is a Yorkie Poo a good choice for a first time dog owner? Yes, they are an excellent choice. They are very adaptable and eager to please, which means they want to keep their owner happy-making training a breeze. In addition, they thrive on giving lots of love and cuddles. What is a Teacup Yorkie Poo? A Teacup Yorkie Poo is a term used by breeders to focus on the little size of the breed. Smaller sized dogs are chosen from first generation F1 Yorkie Poos and bred with small purebred Toy Poodles for achieving teacup size. It is often discouraged to breed Teacup sized dogs as they often have a weak bone structure and health problems. What is a first generation F1 Yorkie Poo? A first generation F1 Yorkie Poo is the first generation of hybrids bred from a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and purebred Poodle. What is an F1b Yorkie Poo? Given its weight and its small frame, the stress factor on the bones and joints should not be too high. The most common problem found in dogs, including the Yorkie Poo is when they suffer from a luxating patella. This is a relatively common problem in smaller dogs. Do I need to buy clothes for my Yorkie Poo because of their size? Given that these are mostly indoor pets, they will not need clothing to keep them warm, they will be quite content in their natural state. Yorkie Poo Reviews. Size Life Span These rambunctious little pups are friendly, smart, sweet, and somewhat mischievous if given the opportunity. This makes for dogs that are unafraid of possible threats and are excited for whatever adventure you might stumble upon. These tiny-but-mighty canines originated in the U. Although they are fairly new, they have gained plenty of popularity and are sure to stay. This gives the breed legitimacy and a better chance of being cared for and adopted. Before you decide a Yorkie-Poo is right for you, however, be sure to research both breeds heavily. This breed is active and loving, as well as fiercely loyal. The Yorkie-Poo is also incredibly confident and can be somewhat stubborn due to their Yorkshire Terrier heritage. These dogs love to learn, so they will be easy to train and happy to please. They enjoy learning through games, obstacles, and tasks, which makes them perfect for children! If you decide to adopt a Yorkie-Poo, you will need to give them extensive socializing. If dogs, in general, are not properly socialized they will often become aggressive and anxious. Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie-Poos are no exceptions to this rule. When they are puppies, socialize them with other canines and new people. Yorkie-Poos adapt well to apartments, urban areas, and small families. These dogs are incredibly patient with their owners and surroundings. If you notice your dog is anxious in certain situations, you will need to identify the problem and work with them to make them comfortable again. This may mean retraining, a change in scenery, or a reestablishment of rules and boundaries. If a Yorkie-Poo lives in a small home, they will need at least an hour of daily exercise. This can be a walk usually, but once a month they will need a more strenuous workout. You can try a hike or a trip to the dog park for really good exercise. The Yorkie-Poo is generally healthy but is prone to ailments such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and atopic dermatitis. To keep your pet healthy, we suggest regular vet checkups, a nourishing diet, and an exercise routine. Discuss ailments or possible future ailments with your vet. By deciding on a specific diet plan, you and your veterinarian will help your dog enjoy good health for years to come. This will keep the mind and body sharp while they age. Most Yorkie-Poos can flourish on a quarter cup to a full cup of high-quality dry food twice a day. Yorkie-Poos have plenty of energy, so keeping them properly fed will help them stay happy and healthy. You should offer a dry dog food that is full of vegetables, protein, and vitamins. Though you may be tempted to free-feed or have the dish full at all times, this will give them the opportunity to overeat and gain weight. Having scheduled feeding times twice a day will improve their eating habits and overall health. A Yorkie-Poo is relatively easy to train and tends to be patient with their owners, but can become stubborn. They are a good fit for first-time or novice dog owners. They do tend to be sensitive, so positive reinforcement is important. Once you have done detailed research on each dog breed, you should research reputable breeders. You will be pleasantly surprised by how excited breeders are to discuss their puppies and practices. Thanks the presence of a Poodle in the mix, Yorkie-Poos are low shedders, but still need to be brushed every day to keep their coat healthy. They will only need to be bathed periodically when they have just played in the mud or in bad weather. These pups are somewhat hypoallergenic. This means they do not shed often and it is rare they create dander. So if you, or your loved ones, have any issues with pet dander, this may be the pooch for you! They will also need professional grooming every weeks for their coat to stay healthy. By checking regularly and cleaning carefully as needed, you can help prevent ear infections. Dental care for dogs is also extremely important, especially in small dog breeds that tend to be more prone to dental disease like your Yorkie-Poo. Yorkie-Poos can have high levels of energy, so they will need daily exercise to avoid anxiety or destructive behaviors. But, they are also small and can tire easily, so will only require a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Taking them on a walk for an hour is a great way to exercise your pet. A quick game of fetch before or after the walk will have them napping in no time. Be sure to bring water with you while walking with your dog. They are small and become dehydrated quickly. A Yorkie-Poo is usually 7 to 15 inches in height and 3 to 14 pounds in weight. A Yorkie-Poo will generally live 10 to 15 years. Featured Yorkie-Poo Article. At Cheappuppiesforsale. Our Yorkie puppies are healthy, come from reputable Yorkie breeders and are up-to-date on their vaccinations and health check-ups. We also offer 1 year health guarantee with each of our puppies to ensure their well-being. This hybrid mix results in a charming and often hypoallergenic companion that inherits qualities from both parent breeds. These puppies come in various colors, sizes, and temperaments, depending on the specific traits they inherit from their Yorkie and Poodle parents. Yorkie Poo puppies are known for their affectionate and sociable nature, often forming strong bonds with their families. Due to their small size, adaptability, and loving personalities, Yorkie Poo puppies make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. They thrive in various living environments and are often cherished for their lively spirit and adorable appearance. What is the Temperament of Yorkie Puppies? Yorkie puppies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are a small breed that loves attention and cuddles, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. This Yorkiepoo puppy has the cutest darn face! This super social puppy is alot of fun to be around. She was born and is raised in the house and is raised with children. She is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee.