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Have a great suggestion for a Boxer name? Then you came to the right place! This section is strictly for Boxer names, Most of these names have been submitted by owners who have thought of fantastic names for their own dogs! The name that you choose is important.You will be saying it 10's of 's of times! You want the name to fit your puppy or dog.What do we mean? Well, studies have shown that canines respond most to the 1st syllable in words. For example, if you say to your puppy, "Sit down right now", that pup is going to pay the most attention to the "Si" sound.He or she, when well trained, will recognize the "si" in "sit down right now" as the cue to do as you are asking. Therefore, an owner does not want to choose a name that has the same first syllable as words that they would commonly use on a daily basis. For example, most owners will be saying "No" quite a bit, especially when training. Therefore, one may not want to choose a Boxer dog name that sounds similar.You can register you Boxer dog with up to 5 words with the AKC however do keep in mind that he or she will most likely only respond to the first word. For example, you can name your male Boxer: Sir Prince of Persia, but if you were to use that long name all of the time, your dog will usually only pay attention to the "Sir" or at the very most beginning sounds of "Sir Prin" So have a look at this exclusive list and use the Suggestion Box if you have a name you wish to add! Boxer Names that start with the letter A Abigail. Your new beautiful Boxer deserves a great name highlighting his personality, coat, and overall demeanor. While the perfect name may take a while, you can significantly shorten that time if you focus on what sounds right when calling your doggo. Does your dog have a permanent sneer? If he does, he probably looks intimidating. Most Boxers have an air of danger about them, so a tough or German name will usually fit. On the other hand, maybe you want to try an ironic, funny name for your guard dog. You may want to call your pup a funny name if you want others to quickly warm up to your family dog. A new name could destroy your training efforts. You can give your Boxer a name that starts with an S, T, or R. Avoid names that are embarrassing to say out loud, or you feel awkward calling your dog around other people. Whether you settle on a cool name, one based on their color, or something unique, you need to feel comfortable calling them that for the rest of their life. Naming your Boxer is a big decision, but our list will help you choose amongst some of the best. These names are from some television shows and movies that can be used as Boxer dog names: Jake Raging Bull. Roy Jones Jr. We know it can be hard to choose, but whether you go for something classic like Maggie, powerful like Bruno, or funny like Knockout, your dog is sure to love their new name. Narrow your list and say the names aloud a number of times, in cool and calm voices, and the stern voice as well. Below we have created a few helpful tips for you to consider while rummaging through dozens of names. Keep it simple — choosing a short and brief name is actually beneficial in a few different ways, mainly for training. Although their formal name might be longer, ensure that whatever you choose is able to be shorted into a version that you can use regularly. Ask for opinions — recruit your family and a few close friends and do a simple poll of your top three. Sometimes additional input is all you will need to help clear the air! Test them on your new pup — you might be surprised by the reaction you get from your pup when you first say their name. If you are stuck between a few, let your pup decide! Say each out loud and watch how your pup responds. An excited tail wag or curious head tilt may mean you have a winner! Watching their true personality shine might actually influence your top picks! Have fun — naming your pup is an exciting part of the adoption process. Whatever name you choose will grow with your pup — and we are sure that you will create a few cute nicknames for them along the way. Try out one of the lists below:. Nala Ruby Consider ease of use: Short, simple names tend to be more effective for training and communication with your dogs. Names like Chloe and Ellie are good examples. Say the name out loud: Test each name by calling it out, as this can help you determine if it sounds natural and if your dog responds well to it. Get input from friends and family: Sometimes, a fresh perspective can help you narrow down your choices. How does this name make you feel? Can you picture my dog with this name? Remember to stay open-minded, patient, and enjoy the process of finding the perfect name for your boxer dog. Frequently Asked Questions What are some popular names for Boxer dogs? Boxer dogs come with a variety of popular names. How can I choose the perfect name for my Boxer puppy? You can also involve your family or friends in a naming session, taking turns to call out names and observing how your puppy responds. What are some unique names for brindle Boxers? Brindle Boxers can have unique names inspired by their distinct coat patterns. Are there any famous Boxer names from movies or books? Strong and athletic names for Boxers can be inspired by famous athletes, fictional characters, or their physical attributes. Some examples could be Bubbles for a playful Boxer , Scout for an adventurous Boxer , or Shadow for a Boxer who likes to follow you around. With a BSC Hons in Computer Gaming and Animation Technology, Tom has been at the forefront of the online world for the past 10 years and loves to create value for others. He is passionate about all things technology-related, and he hopes to use his talents to make a positive impact on the web. About Us It's our aim to provide you with inspiration for your next family name. We know the naming process for a new family member can be tough. Whether you are looking for a newborn, a family pet, or anything else, we are here to make the process easier and more fun! Follow Us! Legal 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. Blog Of Tom is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. 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. If this is the case,…. Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers. Introduce your Lab puppy to as many new people and places as possible during the early months of its life. Keep each new meeting and experience positive and upbeat. Doing this will reinforce your Lab's natural tendency to be friendly and accepting of everyone. If you have young children in the home, be sure to socialize them to the animal as well as the reverse. Although Labs are patient and tolerant, they may still nip at a child who teases or hurts them during play. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and rules. Exercise Every Day Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which is part of the reason they are such great pets for active families. But if Labs aren't given sufficient exercise, they can quickly become bored. This often leads to destructive behavior and other common behavior problems , such as barking, chewing, and digging. It's also why Labs are not well-suited for apartment living; they're too big and too active. Plan on giving your Lab an hour or more of exercise each day. Most Labs love long walks or a game of fetch. These are the perfect way to burn off your Lab's energy. Take advantage of their innate trainability by starting an obedience program as soon as you bring your Labrador retriever home. You can work on basic obedience commands on your own, or sign up for a dog obedience class with a local dog trainer. Classes are a great way to train your Lab while socializing at the same time. Since Labs get to be fairly large and have a tendency to pull on the leash, make walking on a loose leash your first priority. You should also teach your Lab to "come," "drop it," and "fetch," so you can take advantage of its natural tendency for retrieving. Use Positive Reinforcement Training Their eagerness to learn, playfulness, affectionate natures, and their love of treats make Labrador retrievers fantastic candidates for positive reinforcement dog training. Reward their good behaviors with a small treat, a game, or some cuddle time with you. You'll find your Lab is soon offering you the behaviors you like with little prompting. If you decide to use treats in your training, remember that Labs have a tendency to become overweight. Plan on a Long Adolescence One of the most endearing qualities of Labrador retrievers is that they remain very puppy-like long after they've reached adulthood. The downside is that their energy level and tendency to get into mischief continues well into adulthood as well. Therefore, it pays to have behavior management tools handy. The training to become a service animal will vary depending on what the dog will be doing; some are trained to be animal companions to sick children and adults in the hospital, while others are trained to serve as seeing-eye dogs. Others may provide assistance to people with mental illnesses, or behavioral problems. Check the requirements for licensing and training where you live; some places have more strict rules and requirements for service dogs than others. Problems and Proofing Behavior Many Labrador retrievers are happiest and the most well-behaved when they have a job to do. Consider getting involved with a dog sport or training your Lab as a service animal or pet therapy dog. Crate train your Labrador so it doesn't have the run of the house when you're not there to supervise Provide your Lab with a variety of interesting toys and chews to keep it from getting bored. Continue practicing basic obedience commands; it reinforces your Lab's training and provides mental stimulation. No matter what training you decide on, keeping your Lab busy and active is sure to keep one of those famous Lab smiles on its face. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McGreevy, Paul D et al. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine genetics and epidemiology vol. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. 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. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts! Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Lab puppies easy to train? The Labrador retriever got its start not in Labrador, but on the island of Newfoundland next door, part of the same Canadian province. Modern-day Labs owe their drive and work ethic to their ancestors, who were originally bred as working dogs in the s. With their dense double coats and innate love of water, Labs worked alongside fishermen , helping them retrieve their nets and swimming after escaped fish. Recommended Videos Intelligent, sociable, and eager to please, Labradors are the most popular dog in the United States. That being said, their intelligence can pose a problem if you spend a lot of time away from home. How long does it take to train a Lab puppy? You should also begin socializing your puppy as soon as you bring him home. Labs love people, but they can be boisterous. Teaching them how to socialize without getting too excited is paramount to having a well-trained pooch. Getting your puppy accustomed to being groomed at an early age also reduces anxiety. Fortunately, most Labs love water, so you might have a difficult time getting your pup out of the bath. Image used with permission by copyright holder How do you train a Lab puppy not to bite? Pun intended. So, what should you do if your puppy bites? Avoid rough play Playing the occasional game of tug-of-war is fine, but if your puppy equates roughness with playtime , he could develop a habit of nibbling at your fingers. Reward good behavior Instead of punishing your puppy, which could make him afraid of you, reward his good behavior instead. Give him a treat and praise him when he chews on his toys instead of household items. Image used with permission by copyright holder While training takes time and patience, there are a few rules that apply to all forms of training. Repetition is the best way for puppies to learn. Work in minute training sessions several times a day instead of trying to pack everything into one longer session. Be patient with your pup. Labs are intelligent dogs, but they need time to learn new skills. Editors' Recommendations.
What is Dog Agility? It originated in the United Kingdom at the Crufts dog show. They wanted to add an entertainment factor to the show so a committee member, John Varley, was tasked with doing just that. Coupled with a dog trainer, Peter Meanwell, they decided to… Weekend Agility We were out at agility on the weekend and did I mention Swayze I got a masters jumping pass and a excellent snooker pass. Well here it is Swayze!!!!! Yes you look pretty good especially since it was the first performance of your new routine. There were some really great routines performed. Here we are out shopping after our great performances. Yes as usual Jackson was on fire but I was also great. Guess who made it to this years promo!!!! We are back from holidays and ready to dance. Here is the information for our up and coming workshop Love to see you all there!!!! The golden boy is not behaving himself once again Swayze was in the running to work on an ad this week where he had to jump up and down so he had been doing a… Hahnsie Out and About Hahnsie had so much fun at baseball Here he is eating a meat pie for a snack Mum said he did so well on his first big outing He watched the whole game on mums shoulder Hahnsie had his first big outing this weekend — here he is in the car driving to baseball…. It emphasizes the precise execution of fundamental freestyle and obedience skills while encouraging creative and novel behaviors on a Rally-Obedience style course. Go to the Video page to see two intermediate course performances. If you are interested in taking a Rally-FrEe class in the future please go to the Classes page and fill out the form! Refer to the Classes page for more information. Through our classes, you will be exercising your dog both physically and mentally — while strengthening the bond between the two of you. Our aim is to make learning fun for both the dogs and handlers. Our Puppy, Tricks, and Musical Freestyle classes, focus on doing just that. The Puppy class focuses on the basic skills a puppy needs. While the Musical Freestyle class expanse on those by teaching some fun behaviors. The video below is of my five month old Australian Shepherd puppy. It shows what types of Tricks are taught in the Musical Freestyle class. Some of the tricks the puppy is doing are still in the beginning stages and need luring. Other tricks she knows well and are verbal only. For more information on classes visit the Classes page. Visit the Video page to view Canine Musical Freestyle dancing with your dog in action. Please get in touch with us through the contact form on the sidebar. Search for:. From owner, Amy Lessmann, to her personal four legged friends; we all love making new friends! We are competitive in pricing and do what we can to make this the best, most affordable pet care for all our fury friends! Ready to take that long awaited vacation or need to leave town for business or maybe your pups need some time to run around while you work from home. We're ready for you! Book Now! Thank you for your support!! Dancing Dog Bed and Biscuit is committed to providing you and your four-legged loved ones with quality care, peace of mind and excellent customer service. We are honored that you have chosen to trust us with the care of your pet s and home. We will do everything to uphold that trust while you are away while bringing lots of love and individualized attention to your pet s. We have a wealth of experience with senior pets as well as puppies. We also have no breed restrictions and welcome pets of all ages, sizes and unique needs. We provide boarding for dogs, cats and pot-bellied pigs on six acres filled with gorgeous Live Oaks. Pet Taxi Rides and Grooming Services are also available for boarding dogs and cats. Two donkeys and a horse meander some of our pastures for the viewing pleasure of our dog guests. They are often joined by deer, squirrels, rabbits, guinea hens and chickens. We are no longer accepting new clients for pet sitting at your home. She has a deep understanding of behavior and an unconditional love for animals. In , Amy decided to purchase six acres outside of Austin and leave her 20 year career as a special education teacher.
Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd or the German Mastiff Shepherd, is a powerful and captivating crossbreed that combines the best of the German Shepherd and the Mastiff worlds. These gentle giants have been gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the world of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix and explore the traits and characteristics that make these dogs unique. From their strong lineage, including the intelligent German Shepherd and the loyal English Mastiff, to their impressive physical presence, Mastiff Shepherds are truly amazing. As a mixed breed, it's crucial to understand these dogs' specific needs and qualities, whether you're considering adding a purebred German Shepherd, a Mastiff German Shepherd mix, or any other variation to your family. We'll discuss everything from the history of the German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds to the lifespan and potential health issues of the German Shepherd Mastiff mixes, and even address common misconceptions about these dogs, such as whether they are aggressive or not. Join us as we unleash the gentle giant within and discover the wonders of the Shepherd Mastiff cross! This mix has existed since the 19th century, though it is not as popular as other crossbreeds. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix combines two highly intelligent, loyal, and protective breeds. The German Shepherd is known for its bravery and loyalty and is an excellent guard dog. The Mastiff is known for its gentle nature and the protectiveness of its family. The combination of these two breeds makes for a loyal and protective pet. They typically weigh between pounds and stand between inches tall. They have a double coat which can vary in color from black and tan to red, sable, and white. This breed is intelligent and energetic and requires much exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and other health concerns, so a vet must check them regularly. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is a great family pet, loyal and protective of its family. They are not overly aggressive and can be trained to be obedient and well-behaved. They are also good with children. They make excellent guard dogs and will alert their family to intruders. These dogs are a great choice for dog lovers who want a large, loyal guard dog that is gentle and loving. The Shep-a-Mastiff is a powerful combination of both breeds and is known for its athleticism, agility, and strength. They are typically large dogs, with some reaching up to pounds or more. The Shep-a-Mastiff is a hybrid breed, so there is no guarantee of what the puppies will look like. They usually have the physical characteristics of both species, including a strong and muscular body, a large head and chest, and a long tail. They may also have the coloring of either parent breed. The temperament of a Shep-a-Mastiff will depend on their parent breeds and their upbringing. Generally, these dogs are loyal, loving, and protective. They make great family dogs and are great with children. However, they may be too large and powerful for some, and they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. As with any large dog breed, a Shepherd Mastiff mix should be properly trained and socialized from a young age. A German Shepherd Mastiff Mix will typically get quite large. The dog's size will depend on the size of the parents and the genetics they pass on. These dogs generally range from 25 to 90 pounds and may reach heights up to 30 inches tall. Typically, they will have the longer coat of the German Shepherd, although the Mastiff parent's skin will also have an influence. Colors can range from tan, grey, and black to brown and red. These dogs are often used as guard dogs and herding due to their protective nature. They are loyal and affectionate and make great family pets, provided they are trained properly. As with any large breed dog, it is important to provide plenty of exercises and regular grooming to help maintain their coat and reduce loose fur. They may also be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so regular check-ups are recommended. Finding a professional dog trainer to work with your dog is also important if you do not have experience with large-breed dogs. If you are looking for a purebred Mastiff, you may also want to look into a Mastiff-Shepherd cross with the same personality traits but a less dominant Mastiff parent. Finally, when looking for a dog sitter or daycare provider, ensure they are experienced with large-breed dogs. Physical Appearance and Size The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, a designer dog bred from the Tibetan Mastiff and the German Shepherd, is a large and striking breed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This hybrid blends the parent breeds' physical traits, resulting in an impressive and powerful appearance. General appearance The Shepherd Mastiff mix inherits its muscular frame and sturdy build from the German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds. It typically features a strong, broad head with a square muzzle, large eyes, and ears that may be erect or drooping depending on the dominant genes. The tail is usually long and slightly curved, while the legs are strong and well-proportioned to support their large frame. Size and weight As a large dog, the Shepherd Mastiff mix can stand between 25 to 36 inches tall at the shoulder, with males being slightly larger than females. They typically weigh anywhere from 80 to pounds, depending on the size of the parent breeds and individual factors. Remember that this wide range makes it essential for potential dog owners to be prepared for a sizeable canine companion. Coat types and colors The coat of a Shepherd Mastiff mix can vary based on the genetic influence of the German Shepherd and the English Mastiff. The Mastiff Shepherd's coat is generally short to medium in length, dense, and may be straight or slightly wavy. While German Shepherds and Mastiffs can influence coat colors , common colors include black, tan, sable, brindle, and shades of red or fawn. The American Kennel Club doesn't officially recognize mixed dogs like the Shepherd Mastiff mix, so there is no standardization of coat colors. Temperament and Personality The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, often called a Mastiff Shepherd, is a large and impressive breed with a unique combination of temperament and personality traits inherited from its German Shepherd and Mastiff parents. General disposition The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, a hybrid dog with a unique blend of temperament and personality traits, is known for being a gentle giant. This large breed dog inherits the noble and protective nature of the Mastiff parent and the loyal and alert disposition of the standard German Shepherd. Despite their size, these dogs are gentle with their family members and can be good guard dogs when needed. Their folded ears and expressive eyes reveal their affectionate and loving nature. Intelligence and trainability The intelligence and trainability of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix stem from both the German Shepherd and Mastiff parent genes. This makes them highly trainable and eager to learn. Professional dog trainers find these dogs to be quick learners and responsive to commands using positive reinforcement. They excel in obedience and agility training, with their German Shepherd colors shining through as they showcase their skills. However, it's essential to be patient and consistent during training, as their Mastiff side can occasionally make them a bit stubborn. Socialization and bonding Socialization and bonding are crucial aspects of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix's personality. These large breed dogs thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with their family members. Early socialization with other dogs, pets, and people is vital to develop their well-rounded personalities. As gentle dogs, they are patient and tolerant of children, making them excellent family pets. Engaging them in activities like playing fetch, hiking, or dog sports can strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner. The ideal home environment The ideal home environment for a German Shepherd Mastiff mix can accommodate their large size and energy levels. A house with a spacious, securely fenced yard is preferred, allowing them to roam and play freely. Due to their loose fur, regular grooming is necessary to shed and maintain a clean living space. The family should be prepared to provide the dog with adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Health and Lifespan The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, is a large and strong breed with a unique blend of qualities inherited from its German Shepherd and Mastiff parents. The health and lifespan of this breed are influenced by various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare. Common health issues in the German Shepherd Mastiff mix The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, or Mastiff Shepherd, is prone to certain health issues common in both parent breeds. These issues include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A prevalent issue in large breed dogs like the German Shepherd Mastiff mix, dysplasia is a genetic condition causing abnormal hip or elbow joint development. This can lead to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues in the long run. Bloat or Gastric Torsion: This life-threatening condition occurs when the dog's stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Like other large and deep-chested breeds, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes are susceptible to bloat. Prompt veterinary intervention is essential if you suspect your dog is experiencing bloat. Regular vet check-ups and monitoring can help manage these conditions. Obesity: Due to their large size, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes may be prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health problems. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly is crucial for their overall well-being. Lifespan and longevity factors The lifespan of a German Shepherd Mastiff mix ranges from 10 to 12 years. However, factors that can influence their longevity include genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare. To ensure a healthy and long life for your Mastiff Shepherd, provide a balanced diet, maintain a consistent exercise routine, and monitor them for any signs of illness or discomfort. Importance of regular vet check-ups and preventative care Regular vet check-ups and preventative care are crucial for the well-being of your German Shepherd Mastiff mix. These visits enable early detection and treatment of potential health issues, ensuring your pet's better quality of life. Aspects of preventative care include: Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations to protect them from preventable diseases. Dental care: Regular dental cleanings and at-home care can help prevent dental issues and related health problems. Parasite prevention: Consult your veterinarian about the best flea, tick, and heartworm prevention methods for your dog. By staying vigilant about your German Shepherd Mastiff mix's health and providing regular veterinary care, you can help ensure your beloved companion's long, happy, and healthy life. Exercise and Activity Requirements 1. Daily exercise needs The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, is a large and energetic breed that requires regular exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being. Daily exercise needs for this breed typically include: Walks: Two daily walks of minutes each are recommended to help maintain the dog's stamina and overall health. These walks should be at a moderate pace to accommodate the breed's large size and strength. Playtime: Engaging in play sessions in a securely fenced yard or dog park allows the German Shepherd Mastiff mix to release pent-up energy and strengthen their bond with their owner. Swimming: Some Mastiff Shepherds enjoy swimming, which offers a low-impact exercise option that helps keep their joints healthy and muscles toned. Mental stimulation and enrichment activities Mental stimulation is crucial for the intelligent and curious German Shepherd Mastiff mix. Enrichment activities that challenge their minds and keep them engaged include: Puzzle toys can be filled with treats or kibble, encouraging your dog to solve the puzzle and work for their food. This activity helps prevent boredom and keeps their mind sharp. Obedience training: Regular obedience training sessions at home or with a professional trainer help reinforce good behavior and provide mental stimulation. Scent work: The German Shepherd parent's keen sense of smell can be used through scent work activities like tracking and nose work. Suggested sports and activities for the breed The versatility of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix makes them suitable for a variety of sports and activities: Agility: With proper training, this mixed breed can excel in agility courses, showcasing their speed, strength, and coordination. Mastiff Shepherds can benefit from this program, as it reinforces obedience and socialization skills. Hiking: As a sturdy and strong breed, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix can make an excellent hiking companion. Just be mindful of their joint health and avoid overexerting them. Therapy or service dog work: With proper training and socialization, this breed's gentle and loyal nature can make them suitable for therapy or service dog work. Grooming and Maintenance 1. Coat care and shedding management The German Shepherd Mastiff mix, also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, typically has a medium to long double coat inherited from its German Shepherd parent. This breed requires regular grooming to keep its coat clean and healthy: Brushing: Brush your dog's coat at least times a week using a slicker brush or undercoat rake to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Daily brushing may be necessary during shedding seasons usually spring and fall to manage the increased shedding. Bathing: Use gentle dog shampoo to bathe your Shepherd Mastiff mix every weeks or as needed. Frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat, so it's essential not to overdo it. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care Proper grooming also includes taking care of your dog's nails, ears, and teeth: Nail trimming: Trim your German Shepherd Mastiff mix's nails every weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder, and be cautious not to cut the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding. You can use a scratch board if they do not enjoy being cut. Ear cleaning: Check your dog's ears weekly for signs of redness, irritation, or bad odor, which may indicate an infection. Gently clean their ears with a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball and a dog-specific ear-cleaning solution. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push debris further into the ear canal. Dental care: Brush your dog's teeth at least times a week using a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay and maintain good oral health. Dental chews and toys can also help keep their teeth clean. Tips for keeping your German Shepherd Mastiff mix clean and healthy To ensure your Shepherd Mastiff mix stays clean and healthy, follow these tips: Regular vet check-ups: Schedule routine veterinary appointments for your dog to monitor their overall health and address any concerns promptly. Flea and tick prevention: Consult with your veterinarian to choose the best flea and tick preventative treatment for your dog. Proper diet: Feed your German Shepherd Mastiff mix a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for large breeds to support their growth, energy needs, and overall health. Exercise and mental stimulation: Provide your dog with regular exercise and mental enrichment to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Here are some potential pros and cons of owning this mixed breed: Pros: Loyal and Protective: Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, making the German Shepherd Mastiff mix an excellent guard dog and family protector. Intelligent: Both German Shepherds and Mastiffs are intelligent breeds, making this mixed breed easy to train and eager to please. Large and Powerful: This mixed breed is likely to be a large and imposing dog, which can be a deterrent to potential intruders. Affectionate: Despite their size and protective nature, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes can also be affectionate and loving with their family. Cons: Health Issues: Both parent breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and other health issues, so it's important to be aware of potential health problems in this mixed breed. Potential Aggression: While German Shepherds and Mastiffs are both protective breeds, this mix can sometimes be aggressive towards strangers if not socialized properly. Exercise Requirements: This mixed breed will require plenty of exercises, which can be challenging for those who cannot provide enough physical activity or space. Shedding: Both parent breeds have thick coats and shed heavily, which can require regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Conclusion The German Shepherd Mastiff mix can be a loyal, protective, and affectionate companion for those who are willing to provide the necessary training, socialization, and exercise. However, potential owners should be aware of the potential health issues, shedding, and potential for aggression if not properly socialized. The mix of these two breeds can create a large and imposing dog, making them an excellent guard dog and family protector. By understanding the unique characteristics of this mixed breed, owners can unleash the gentle giant and enjoy a long and happy life with their German Shepherd Mastiff mix. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Overview of Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix These shepherd mastiff dogs are similar to their parent breeds. They have the-one- and-the-same behavioural patterns and great familiarity. NOTE: The new mixed species of these two most popular breeds can also have a great impact on its temperament, appearances, proneness and genetic susceptibility. Accurately, these large breeds are intelligent and powerful, for they are the best breeds with great personality traits. Bullmastiff german shepherd dogs are very keen on protecting their owners and good at being watchful. Excellent training from the early stage can make the pup intelligent, powerful and a perfect strengthful guarding companion for dog owners. Will this super cool species be the best companion for kids and others? The whole impact is on how you train and bring up your pup beforehand. And this is what matters. Read below, Appearance or Look of the Dog Breed When it comes to the glance of the bullmastiff german shepherd mix, it differs significantly as there are vast variations in mastiff breeds. Bullmastiff dogs can weigh about kg as their height is cm. German shepherds would weigh about 40 kg and a height of 65 cm. So, most probably, your bullmastiff german shepherd mix can weigh about kg lbs and grow to a height of about cm 1. The appearance of this hybrid dog may vary from other breeds. You can expect your german mastiff mix to have either a black or a red coat. There might be a mix of brown and grey like sandy silver as well, and rarely you could find brindle coats. You must have a thorough knowledge of this mixed dogs shedding process as these breeds are regular shedders. This might be a hindrance for the owners of the dogs, often shedding itself. Have a good study on these issues and clear out the facts regarding this matter before making this large breed your canine companion. Is Grooming required For this Mixed Breed? Usually, the coat of this mixed breed is thick and either lengthy or short. Typically this hybrid breed is of two kinds, and their grooming differs. If your dog is more like a german shepherd, it must get on-and-off slicker brushes touching its coat. But bullmastiffs neither need grooming nor shedding. These hounds have short and oily coats but need bathing on-and-off to smell if they skip baths. Yeah, this question is pretty much fair, right! So if that is the case, make sure you brush them often and bathe once a week as well. Significantly, you must also take your pup to groomers to remove the undercoat twice a year. Medium length coat grooming Your dog is not forced to be groomed daily but does it seldom if it has a medium-length coat. You can use a pin brush and comb your tyke and make your doggie bath whenever needed. Twice a month will be sufficient. Short coat grooming An easy coat to be groomed, though. Monthly baths are more than sufficient for short-coated dogs. Better groom your pooch before taking a bath with a quick brush. Personality Of bullmastiff german shepherd mix Generally, the temperament of every dog may vary from one another. To be considered, this shepherd mastiff dog breed is unique. They are powerful, personable and people-pleasing. Look below some of the great personality traits hybrid dogs possess, Loyal The well-known guardians in the universe. Certainly, this dog breed is really very keen on guarding its owners. Loyalty affects temperament as it composes it. They act the vice-versa towards the strangers. They are extraordinarily loyal in protecting their family, and if trained well, they will be the best protective agent for your family. Gentle Mastiff dogs are kind-hearted and possess a sweet personality. No harm, you can leave your kids with this pretty kind canine companion unsupervised. Literally, they are loyal and gentle towards people who are close to them. Is training Important For bullmastiff german shepherd mix? Generally, bullmastiff german shepherd mixes tend to work hard, and if they are given immense love and care with proper efforts, your dogs are going to be the best hound like no other. This dog breed is easy to be trained for it neutralizes energy and has a patient attitude with an intelligent mind. Basically, you are going to find both courageous as well as the strong and pleasant characteristics of the two popular dog breeds onto one breed. So proper and immense training must be carried out. If left unattended, these german shepherd mix-breeds might grow wild and cause a mishap, and you will have to face the chaos. Ineffectual pet parents cannot afford to take this puppy as their pet. You will have to spend plenty of your precious time to train and socialize with your puppy. Go on training your shepherd mastiff puppies from the time you become its parent. Teaching your puppies to socialize and love and care is essential to turn out your hound into a pleasing tyke. Articles you may like: Training Commands for German Shepherd Basic facts about Mastiff Shepherds There is some necessary information to consider if you are planning to make this large dog breed your canine companion. Average Life Span The statistical probability of this shepherd mastiff mix is about 7 plus years or years. Joint problems Joint problems occur due to a lack of exercises. Hip and elbow dysplasia are frequently affecting joint issues of the german shepherd mix. Symptoms could be: aggressive behaviour when touched in a particular painting area joints , avoids workout or daily walks and weakness in front leg areas. This occurs when the third eyelid of your dogs falls out of place. Your shepherd mastiff might go through inflammation, irritation, dryness and swelling in the affected area, which could result in infections. Bloat Bloat is a health issue related to the digestion of your dog. Lack of nutritions may occur, and if not treated, your dog could lose its life. To Finish it Up Conclusion Bullmastiff german shepherds are an amazing breed that a wise pet parent can train. With proper training, exercises and diet, you can own a mysterious canine companion. This can be the best guardian for a big family. Remember all that you have to do to turn your dog into the ultimate hound. Consider the health issues before owning a shepherd mastiff, and make sure you have a thorough knowledge of grooming your pup. And be vigilant on how to train your shepherd mastiff and develop its personality traits. I hope my article gives you a piece of knowledge on this account. No, Bullmastiffs are not typically aggressive or dangerous, however they should not be left unattended with small children as their rock-hard body can cause serious damage with even a small nudge. Are Bullmastiffs Good Family Dogs? Bullmastiffs are excellent family dogs, known for their easy-going attitude and affectionate nature towards their family members. Are Mastiffs Good With Kids? Yes, Mastiffs are known to be good with well-behaved kids. The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a large breed of dog, typically weighing between lbs and standing at 28 inches tall at the shoulder. English and French Mastiff German Shepherd mixes are usually the more expensive breeds. Commonly-occurring known health issues Consider the following list of health problems associated with Mastiff Shepherds. Joint problems Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common Mastiff Shepherd joint problems you can expect. These joint problems commonly affect large-sized dogs. German Shepherd Mastiff mix weight is a major factor that affects the severity and onset of joint issues; Mastiff Shepherds are more vulnerable to contracting these problems the bigger and heavier they are. Symptoms include weakness in the hind or front leg areas, avoiding exercise, and displays of aggressive behavior from your Mastiff Shepherd when touching the affected joints. Cherry eye While not always a painful health issue for Mastiff Shepherds, cherry eye can be unsightly and unpleasant aesthetically. In severe cases, Mastiff Shepherds may experience inflammation, swelling, irritation, and dryness in the affected eye which may lead to infection. Bloat Bloat is a digestive issue known to affect Mastiff Shepherds. This can also lead to malnutrition and sudden, unexpected death if left untreated. How can I care for my Mastiff Shepherd? This next section details grooming, care, and exercise habits you will need to develop to keep a healthy and happy Mastiff Shepherd. Tibetan Mastiff mixed with German Shepherd breeds will usually have longer-length coats. However, it should be noted that Mastiff Shepherds are habitual shedders and will need regular coat grooming. Having a vacuum cleaner to clean up loose fur is helpful. Typically, you will need a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb to properly groom your Mastiff Shepherd. Use long brush strokes to even out its coat and be prepared to groom this dog 2 — 3 times a week. Exercise Despite a German Shepherd Mastiff mix size, it is a relatively docile dog that does not need much exercise. However, because of genetics, this dog can become heavy and overweight if not exercised regularly. Expect to spend a minimum of 30 — 45 minutes briskly walking your Mastiff Shepherd every day to keep it limber and healthy. A German Shepherd Mastiff mix temperament can be likened to that of a stubborn, gentle giant. Read on to get a better idea of what you can expect your Mastiff Shepherd to behave like in this section. But usually, Mastiff Shepherds are very docile, relatively quiet dogs and can be safely left with children unsupervised. The Mastiff parent genes give this dog a more laid-back, patient, and sweet personality. Loyal Loyalty constitutes a major part of a German Shepherd Mastiff mix temperament. Mastiff Shepherds are loyal and very protective of their owners and may seem indifferent or hostile in worst cases towards strangers. They are the offspring of two historically-known guardian parents, which means they need little training to become effective protection and guard dogs. However, if trained and socialized properly, Mastiff Shepherds can be great guardian companions for small or large families. 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. There are a few illnesses that German Shepherd Mastiffs are highly susceptible to. They include: Bloat Bloat is a condition that occurs in Mastiff Shepherds. It is characterized by abnormal swelling of the stomach of dogs. It can lead to death in severe cases. This is a condition that occurs from the loosening of the hip joint in dogs. Large dog breeds, like the German Shepherd, are highly susceptible to this condition. This condition is quite painful in some cases and can lead to limb paralysis. Cataracts Cataracts are a common illness among dogs. It is an age-related condition and mainly occurs gradually as your dog approaches old age. Cataracts can lead to blindness in the long run and are mostly irreversible. The good thing about these diseases is that you can rectify them if they are diagnosed on time. Therefore, you need to take your dog on visits to the vet regularly and ensure it gets quality healthcare. Taking care of your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix involves settling certain areas of its life as well. Some of these areas include: Feeding Exercise Feeding It would certainly help if you gave your Mastiff Shepherd healthy meals , containing essential nutrients it needs to grow well. For example, feed containing high amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium will enable your dog to grow well. Such feed helps your pooch develop healthy tissues, have enough energy for its daily activities, and grow strong bones and teeth. There are also other nutrients your dog needs, such as essential vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, even combining some homemade meals may not provide these. This deficiency is why adding multivitamins to homemade feed once in a while is very beneficial to your pooch. Nevertheless, there is the possibility of you not even having the time or the right ingredients to cook up something nutritious for your canine buddy. Luckily, Pet Plate addresses this deficiency as each meal is freshly prepared and made with high-quality human-grade ingredients. Hygiene Also, periodontitis is a significant issue for dogs in general. It is caused by plaque buildup and can eventually lead to tooth decay. Exercise Your Mastiff Shepherd needs at least 60 minutes of intense activity each day to keep in good shape and reduce its risk of cardiovascular disease. Walking your dog or playing games, like fetch, with it every day will help it reach its daily recommended activity levels. Are German Shepherd Mastiffs Aggressive? Temperaments Of German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes are not aggressive towards their owners, but they can be unwelcoming to strangers and unfamiliar dogs. Generally, the Mastiff Shepherd is a gentle dog that will play with you as often as it can. It is very friendly towards kids and will go to great extents to protect them from any danger it perceives. Nevertheless, your Mastiff Shepherd can be relatively aggressive. This can be because of: The poor temperament of either parent Inadequate training from pet center Negative experience with the previous owner Inadequate training from your end Image from Instagram: hugothebeardog Training German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes are relatively easy to train. They respond well to instructions and always like to carry them out. If you give your commands regularly and reward them with treats for each successful performance, they will pick up what you teach fairly quickly. This hybrid has a very keen memory, so it is improbable that it will forget anything you teach it. Cuddling Yes, Mastiff Shepherds do like to cuddle. They do not object to a warm, lovely hug from you or any of your kids. They may even walk up to you for more. They also like to play a lot, as aforementioned. Do Shepherd Mastiffs Shed? Nevertheless, they can cause allergies from their dander, and hence this hybrid mix is not considered to be hypoallergenic. Mastiff Shepherds can produce dander in relatively large amounts. This can be a terrible thing if you are allergic to dander. Using the FURminator Undercoat Tool , you can do this very quickly without fear of hurting your pooch. Well, there are some other ways to reduce dander in Mastiff Shepherds. They include Cleaning your house daily. If so, then read along. However, keep in mind that it can be challenging to find breeders and rescues dedicated to this mix. Before going out and getting a new dog, head over to our puppy buying guide to learn a few tricks. Doing so will help you learn the ins and outs of buying a new pup! With that out of the way, here are some reputable marketplaces where you might find German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppies for sale: Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies is a website where you can find hundreds of dogs for sale, including the Mastiff Shepherd mixes. On this site, breeders get to showcase their litter more conveniently. Lancaster Puppies — Lancaster Puppies is a website where reputable breeders advertise their litter. Keystone Puppies — Keystone Puppies is another platform that aims to make finding pets easier. They occasionally have a few Mastiff mixes and GSD mixes available. Aside from the above-mentioned breeders, you can also try your luck on our round-up of the best German Shepherd breeders. On the other hand, if you want to adopt a Mastiff Shepherd, check out our list below. They are dedicated to saving and rehoming German Shepherd dogs. You should check out their website to get updates on their available German Shepherd mixes. Mastiffs to Mutts — Mastiffs to Mutts is a rescue dedicated to saving giant breeds. They occasionally offer Mastiff mix breeds that you can check on their website. Their dogs go through a thorough screening process to ensure that their pups are in good shape. These are only some places where you can find Mastiff Shepherd mix dogs. You may consider looking through our guide on the 10 best German Shepherd rescues for greater chances of finding one. Keep in mind that these are only a few among many! That said, here are some advantages of owning the Mastiff Shepherd mix: Great family pets: Though they are big and intimidating, Mastiff Shepherds make great family dogs, especially if trained early. This is thanks to their gentle and obedient personalities. Low-maintenance: In terms of its maintenance, the German Shepherd Mastiff does not require a special diet, grooming routine, or exercise routine. Highly trainable: This dog is brilliant and has a high drive for training. Thanks to its bright parents, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix learns quickly and responds to training well. They may have a stubborn streak, but proper training techniques can correct this. As you can expect, owning the Mastiff Shepherd also has its downsides. Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Mastiff mix: Moderate shedder: Despite having a short coat, the Mastiff Shepherd mix sheds quite frequently. Hence, daily brushing is necessary to prevent loose fur from taking over your furniture! In effect, owning a Mastiff Shepherd is not recommended for people with allergies. As you can see, the disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Mastiff mix are almost nit-picky. To most people, these disadvantages are no big deal at all. Housetraining can be quite difficult since they are often stubborn , and Mastiff dogs are not known to be particularly intelligent. All you need to do is to start training them early so you can prevent behavioral issues in the future. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is not the best breed for first time dog owner because training can be a challenge. Exercise Needs German Shepherds need 2 hours of exercise each day, while Mastiff breeds require around 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Your Mastiff German Shepherd Mix will need around 45 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. Make sure to divide their daily exercise into two equal sessions. German Shepherd Mixes need both physical activities and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy. German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes will most likely not be as energetic as German Shepherds, but they might do well in tracking and agility. These dogs also need a spacious place to play and run around. Therefore, this is not the best breed for people with allergies. Groom your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix a few times each week to keep their coat smooth and healthy. A Mastiff Shepherd should be combed regularly to remove or prevent mats and tangles. Bathing should be done as necessary. For everyday cleaning, consider using the best deodorizing wipes for dogs. Other important grooming treatments for your Mastiff Shepherd including weekly nail trimming , and regular ear cleaning to prevent infections. Finally, brush their teeth regularly with a vet-approved toothpaste for fresh breath and good dental health. Start teeth brushing and nail trimming early so your puppy gets accustomed to these grooming routines. Larger dogs may require more food. Your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix will most likely do well eating between 3 to 4 cups of high quality dog food. Start by asking your veterinarian if they know of reputable breeders that mix purebred German Shepherds and Mastiffs, or visit professional dog shows or local breed clubs. They can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly. Though not considered high-energy dogs, if German Shepherd and Mastiff mixes are allowed to live a life of leisure, they can easily become heavy, which can create other health concerns. As puppies, they would rather sleep and laze the day away than do anything else. Puppyhood is the time to start working with your dog and encouraging play and interaction. In fact, your dog may become bored and listless unless they are doing something productive. Even though the Mastiff does like to take it easy, they still like to be needed and have a job to do. German Shepherds always like jobs that require using their brains, such as herding or hunting. Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs love children and will be patient and treat them gently when playing with them. Mastiffs are known for their gentle mouths and being able to carry delicate objects. But it is good to socialize your puppy with small animals carefully, or an accidental tussle with the cat may be inevitable. His father was a purebred Mastiff , weighing approximately lbs. He is now 2. He stands 6 ft. He is a wonderful dog. He has an amazing temperament. He's very laid back and so gentle with our small children. He lays on his side patiently if the baby approaches him with his favorite toy.He dismisses the toy completely and licks fingers and toes and loves to be the jungle gym. Otherwise, he likes to lay near the children during group play and just be near them. If they are playing outside, he patrols the perimeter of the yard and redirects children who get too close to the perimeter by walking in front of them until they forget where they are going and turn around LOL. He loves to lounge around, but when he gets outside he loves tug of war, playing with tennis balls and big tree branches! But his favorite toy is the laser pointer. He is very intelligent. When I was pregnant he would always lick my belly. Any time I am sick in the bathroom, he comes and lays his head on my lap until I am done, and then he licks my tears away : same for the kids. He is such a sweet boy. On top of all of this, he is so alert to his surroundings. And if an " intruder " shows up to the house while I am away, he makes it clear they aren't welcome. We had our friend test this theory gladly and we were all pleased with the result! He is our most beloved pet. He is active enough to play but not too demanding and destructive. He loves to snuggle but is also very independent, alert but does not bark incessantly, great natural protective instincts but not overzealous and knows when to protect and when to let the alphas be in charge. He is a definite gentle guardian over small children and even the cat and chickens. He has a pretty low prey drive also.Not to mention he just looks cool as hell : I'm not worried about intruders. What are the origins of the parent breeds? A German Mastiff is another possible nickname but more often describes the Great Dane. German Shepherds have a prominent working background The German Shepherd is a relatively new mastiff breed. German Shepherds did not come into their own as a distinct breed until with ex cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz and a medium yellowish sable dog named Hektor Linksrhein from Karlsruhe. However, many Thuringian types were too aggressive, prey-driven, and intense to be good working dogs. The Mastiff is an ancient breed There are several types of german shepherd and mastiff, but the variation people most commonly associate with the German Shepherd mix is the Mastiff with English roots. Other possibilities are as follows. Neopolitan Mastiff — Creates a more aggressive mix Cane Corso — A quick and agile mix with frequent blue and black and tan offspring Dogue de Bordeaux Tibetan Mastiff — Rare mix The English german shepherd and mastiff, usually just Mastiff, may have ancestors in the Roman gladiator arena dogs who fought bears and lions as early as the s BC. Scientists have not yet proven an ancestral link. Mastiffs likely received further influences from the Alaunt of the Normans around AD. Many of them and their parent breeds also succumbed to distemper. The revival of the breed involved a lone surviving female and about 15 other dogs. The female, named Nydia of Frithend , may have been part Bull Mastiff, and subsequent matches to preserve the Mastiff breed included outcrossing with Saint Bernards, a Dogue de Bordeaux, and possibly others. Historically, Mastiffs served as catch dogs for wild game, namely boars, and as guard dogs for estates. They also battled in wars, baited bulls, participated in dogfights, and guarded livestock through various phases of their evolution. What does the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix look like? Your German Shepherd Mastiff mix will receive physical traits to varying degrees from both parents. From German Shepherd The German Shepherd is about 22 to 26 inches high at the shoulders with a long, powerful neck, and strong sloping shoulders. She is somewhat longer than tall and weighs between 50 and 95 pounds. Show and working lines differ in the slope from withers to hips, conformation champions usually illustrating exaggerated hind leg or pelvic angles. The head of the German Shepherd is large but noble with a somewhat square but long muzzle and upright ears. German Shepherds have a thick double coat that is usually short or medium in length. They also have a long bushy tail. Experts classify German Shepherd colors as standard, faulted, or disqualified. All washed-out and dilute colors such as cream, blue, Isabella, and liver are serious faults in sanctioned AKC conformation classes. Standard colors are the classic black and tan and red and tan, bicolor, solid black, red sable, and wolf grey or agouti. Many Shepherds have s black facial mask. Looks From Mastiffs The Mastiff, as his name implies, should look impressive in size. Mastiffs stand .Females can be much smaller than males without penalties as long as they still appear powerful. Mastiffs are almost square with a level back, broad powerful chest, and a massive head. The ears are relatively small and folded and the eyes wide-set. Unlike German Shepherds, Mastiffs have a short, broad, and very deep muzzle. Their tails are rather short and thick and rope-like. Acceptable colors for Mastiffs are fawn, apricot, and brindle. Fawn can range from cream to silvery tan, and apricot is any shade of red from light orange to deep reddish-brown. All Mastiffs, even brindle dogs, should have black facial masks. Show ring judges prefer brindle dogs to have uniform striping, but the bands are often less distinct. Incomplete striping, or reverse brindle, is a serious fault if not a disqualification for a Mastiff. Nonstandard colors are rare and include blue, chocolate, pied, and cream. German Mastiff Appearance Your German Mastiff will be a large dog from 25 to 36 inches tall that weighs 80 to pounds. Expect your Shepherd Mastiff cross to be barely longer than tall with a moderate brush on the tail. Brindle, if the genes are present, is dominant to any agouti colors which include fawn, sable, black and tan, bicolor, and recessive black. Fawn is dominant over the other agouti colors. Therefore, your German Mastiff will most likely be fawn or brindle and have a black mask. However, recessive black is a rare trait in the Mastiff. It can appear in a puppy who also receives a recessive black gene from the German Shepherd parent. Uncommonly, your pup could be black and tan or chocolate. What should you know about German Shepherd Mastiff Mix temperament? German Shepherds and Mastiffs both have distinct personalities, and your mix can show an unpredictable blending of the two types. Shepherd mastiff mix temperament is explained below Guard Potential German Shepherds have shown flock protectiveness that extends to the household and family from their earliest working days. Historical breeders selected for dogs with a guarding instinct and German Shepherds quickly became one of the primary breeds for guard dogs duty in homes. The German Shepherd continues to be a top guard dog choice. Despite its reputation, no German Shepherd should be an indiscriminate biter, given to unprovoked attacks. A German Shepherd should have a solid character that is fearless and unwavering but give plenty of warning before a justified act of aggression. You can usually attribute inappropriate aggression in Shepherds to certain family lines poor breeding , improper socialization, abuse, or neglect lack of meaningful attention. While historically territorial and protective of home and property as well as ferocious in war, modern Mastiffs have seen selection for level-headedness and docility. Most people consider them intimidating but gentle giants. Nevertheless, they make excellent watchdogs. Mastiffs will protect family members if they sense a threat. A Mastiff, like several other breeds, often takes his behavioral cues from his owner. If you are relaxed and friendly, your Mastiff will treat your guests cordially. Shepherd mastiff usually move between perceived danger and their owner, according to Thedogplace. Her huge size makes it rare that a Mastiff has to attack. She also has a formidable bark to deter ill intent. Like German Shepherds, Mastiffs have certain family lines that are predisposed to shyness or atypical aggression. Your German Mastiff should be friendly with strangers or slightly aloof. She will remain relaxed as long as she perceives a cordial relationship between you and your guests. Although intimidating and equipped with ferocious threat posturing, your mix should be very unlikely to bite. Your German Shepherd Mastiff mix will most of the time be an extremely effective watchdog. Occasional individuals will also be good guard dogs, although you can train the majority of them for some type of protective work. According to Vetstreet. Nevertheless, their large size necessitates your supervision at all times around small pets and little kids. German Shepherds readily learn that children and other animals in the household warrant their protection. They tend to be tolerant and even gentle around toddlers. However, German Shepherds do not necessarily extend kindness to anyone outside the family circle and often exhibit aggression against other dogs and suspicion towards strange children. Some have a strong drive to chase moving objects. Use caution with your Shepherd mix around other animals and children until you can gauge her disposition. Most will be fine if you supervise them around children and dogs within your household. Does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix shed a lot? German Shepherds and Mastiffs are year-round moderate shedders and your mix will not be much different. Like Mastiffs and Shepherds, your dog will do well in cold weather as long as not for prolonged periods under 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Your hybrid will probably not do as well in warm weather as a purebred German Shepherd. With their shortened snouts and large size, some Mastiffs can be sensitive to the heat. Mastiffs only need weekly brushing while German Shepherds require you to brush them up to four times a week. Your Shepherd Mastiff mix will have a moderately dense double coat with possible fringes and ruffs on some parts. She will require you to brush her probably two or three times a week and every day when she is shedding her undercoat. What are German Shepherd Mastiff Mix health concerns? Your German Shepherd Mastiff mix is likely to live eight to twelve years, a little longer than many giant breeds. Dogs from Shepherd and Mastiff ancestry most commonly suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, bleeding disorders, obesity, and urinary tract infections which lead to bladder stones. Hip and elbow dysplasia starts during growth and can lead to crippling arthritic changes later. Overnutrition in puppies is a leading risk factor in dogs with the genes for dysplasia. Improper exercise and obesity can increase the severity of developmental disorders. Large- and giant-breed dogs are exceptionally susceptible to bloat because of their deep chests and the volume of food they must eat. How much exercise should you give your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix? German Shepherds require two hours of daily exercise, while Mastiffs only need 40 to 60 minutes. Your German Shepherd Mastiff mix will be happy and healthy with 45 to 90 minutes of activity a day. It is always ideal to split exercise sessions into at lease two intervals a day. German Shepherd mixes require periods of strenuous exercise to keep up with their high energy levels. Mastiff Shepherds will probably not have quite the speed and grace of pure German Shepherds, but they should still perform well in agility, tracking, and Shutzhund. Many of them will also do well in some military operations, drug-sniffing, physical assistance, and search and rescue. What can you learn about intelligence and training? While pet owners actively seek German Shepherds for their intelligence and reputed obedience, Petrix. Indeed, Mastiffs have a reputation for stubbornness. You can expect your German Shepherd Mastiff to have better responsiveness, obedience, and working drive than a purebred Mastiff. Note the fawn color and picture-perfect black facial mask. The size of a German Shepherd Mastiff mix can vary greatly. However, these are typically big dogs! You can expect these mixed breeds to reach between 1. They will usually weigh between 80 to pounds or 36 to 91kg, making them heavy german shepherd dogs too! It will depend on their parents and whether they have been mixed with other breeds in the past. Of course, their lineage goes a long way into determining their size, but usually, as fully grown adults, these are big german shepherd dogs that are sure to be the big spoon every night! How long do German Shepherd mastiffs live? German Shepherd Mastiffs tend to live for between nine to eleven years. However, it is common for large breed german shepherd dogs to have a shorter life expectancy than shorter dogs, mainly due to their size and health complications. When mixed to become German Shepherd Mastiff mixes, that life expectancy is shortened to eleven years maximum. You will, of course, find some dogs that will live longer than this suggestion, but these are few and far between. Your Mastiff mix can live for up to eleven years relatively problem-free! Their health and lifestyle will also determine their life expectancy. What do you call a german shepherd mastiff mix? You can call a German Shepherd Mastiff mix a German Shepherd Mastiff mix, or you can refer to them with some of their other names. If you use any of those names when talking to a dog or breed enthusiast, chances are they will know what you are talking about! Whichever of these names that you use is perfectly fine and clearly describes these beautiful cross breeds well. When it comes to deciding on a name for your German Shepherd Mastiff mix, you can use any name you see fit. What does a Mastiff German Shepherd mix look like? What Mastiff German Shepherd mixes look like does vary from dog to dog. This is mainly due to the variety of Mastiffs which will dictate and change the appearance of these dogs. Once fully grown, they can look very different from one another. Typically, these dogs will have large paws, a robust muzzle, and folded ears. As we saw from their size, they tend to be large dogs with large abdomens and a soft coat. Their coat color also varies too from light to dark, with many being ginger or brunette. The length of their coat also varies, with many being long if not regularly groomed. No matter their appearance, these mixed dogs are always beautiful creatures and are sure to be welcome additions to your home. So why not check out some pictures of these beautiful dogs and prepare to cry at their cuteness?
Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might bite your feet or ankles and the signs to look for. It wants attention The reason why it bites your feet could be that it wants your attention. This would be more likely to be the reason if it starts biting your feet when you have not been giving it attention for a while. It would also be more likely if it does it when you had just left it alone for a long time perhaps because you were at work. If that is why your German Shepherd bites your feet then it would help to give it more attention in the form of exercise, training and playing games such as tug of war in addition to training it not to bite your feet. Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you It is teething If your German Shepherd is a puppy then the reason why it bites your feet is likely to be that it is teething. When they are teething their gums will be painful and biting and chewing on things helps to soothe their gums. This is why they tend to bite and chew on things a lot as puppies. Another reason why it might bite on your feet is that German Shepherd puppies explore and interact with the world with their mouths and noses as much as they do with their eyes. As a result, it will bite on your feet a lot because it is interacting with it and your feet likely have strong smells to your German Shepherd. If your German Shepherd is still a puppy then it is very important to take the time now to train it not to bite your feet and to behave the way that you want it to. You can do this using the tips mentioned below. You can do so by following the tips given below. You have inadvertently been reinforcing the behavior It could be the case that you have been inadvertently reinforcing the feet biting. If your method to get it to stop biting your feet is to give it things that it wants such as toys or a treat then it could have learned that biting your feet results in it getting things that it wants. This would be more likely to be the reason if it is older than 6 months old and it is no longer teething. Instead of giving it things that it wants, when it bites your feet, a better option would be to withdraw your attention and to not allow it to bite your feet by leaving the room, for a few minutes, if necessary. Then after waiting for a few moments, you would go back to giving it attention and withdraw your attention again whenever it starts biting. Excitement The reason why your German Shepherd bites your feet could be that it gets excited and it is trying to show its excitement. It would also be more likely if it tends to show other signs of excitement when biting your feet. In this case, something that you could try would be to stop it from biting your feet by leaving the room and not giving it attention. You would then reward it when it shows signs of behaving the way that you want it to. Doing this will teach it that biting your feet does not get it what it wants. It is exploring Dogs interact with the environment using their mouths and their noses as much as they do with their eyes and even more so when they are puppies. This would be more likely if it is a puppy. Even if this is the case it will still be important to get it to stop by training it not to bite your feet. Things to consider Before getting your German Shepherd to stop biting your feet it would help to know exactly why it is doing it. Below, I will mention a few particularly helpful things that you can consider. When it started doing it It would help to consider when it started biting your feet. Whereas, if it started to do it suddenly it would be more likely that there is something else causing it. Some things to consider would be: If you moved home If someone was aggressive towards it If someone moved away How old your German Shepherd is If your German Shepherd is still young then it would make it much more likely that it bites your feet naturally because it is teething. If it is an adult then it would be more likely that it never learned not to do it. How aggressively it bites your feet It would also help to consider how aggressively your German Shepherd bites your feet. If it does it aggressively by showing its teeth, growling and its hair stands up then it would be a more serious problem and you should seek the advice of a vet or a certified dog behaviorist. When and where it bites your feet Considering when and where it bites your feet would likely help a lot in determining why it does it. If it tends to bite your feet when it is time for it to get a walk then it is likely trying to remind you of that. How to get your German Shepherd to stop biting your feet There are a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd biting your feet that I will mention below. Train it not to The first method that you can try is positive reinforcement training. This is where you reward the behaviors that you want to see from your German Shepherd so that it learns to give them a positive association. To use it to get it to stop biting, you would: Stand up and prevent it from biting your feet by leaving the room if necessary. Wait a few moments and then go back to giving it attention and then prevent it from biting them again if it starts biting Repeat the above until it learns that biting causes it to lose your attention Reward it with a treat when it does particularly well You can watch the video below to see more on how to get your German Shepherd to stop biting your feet with positive reinforcement training along with more tips. Avoid reinforcing the behavior If you tend to give it things it wants in order to get it to stop biting your feet, it could be the case that it has learned to do it more in order to get more rewards. Instead, of rewarding your German Shepherd with things when it starts biting your feet, you can try the positive reinforcement technique mentioned above. Give it other things to chew on If your German Shepherd feels the need to bite things then it would likely help to give it some things that it is ok for it to chew on. Some things that you could give it would be bones, dog chews or toys. Be consistent It is unlikely that you will be able to completely get it to stop biting your feet in one training session. However, you will be able to make larger improvements if you are consistent with it over the course of weeks and months. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Knowing how to discipline a German Shepherd for biting and nipping will not only help save your hands and legs from tiny razor-sharp teeth… But teaching your GSD puppy to stop biting can also help you with valuable training skills! How do you discipline a German Shepherd for biting and nipping? Follow these steps to discipline your German Shepherd for biting or nipping you. If they still continue to bite and nip, calmly get up and walk away to let them calm down. You can also get your puppy to stop biting by working on their impulse control. Never use physical punishment, yell at your dog, or cause them to fear you. Instead, use reward-based training to teach your GSD what behavior you want them to do instead. There is also extra information you need to know about disciplining your German Shepherd for biting, such as: Why your puppy bites and nips you How to avoid biting and nipping in the first place And what not to do! You might find it cute that your fuzzy little German Shepherd puppy biting your hand or ankles is cute but… Think again! Imagine your dog all grown up as a nearly 90 to pound athletic powerhouse — full of large, adult-size teeth. Some people incorrectly assume that discipline means punishment. This is your essential guide to learn how to discipline your German Shepherd for biting and nipping. Why is my German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping? Is your sweet puppy biting and nipping you all of a sudden? Read below to find out why. When my adorable German Shepherd puppy came home to me her antics were so much fun! I loved to move the toys to play her favorite games and keep her entertained. But, my hands looked like I had accidentally adopted a baby tiger after our playtimes! There were scratches, puncture wounds, and she could even draw blood! German Shepherd puppies love to play and do so by barking, play growling, and nipping their little brothers and sisters. But now, you and your family are the littermates! Puppies quickly learn that if they bite too hard their littermates stop the play, and the fun ends. This is a valuable life lesson for living with people and families. And even studies show that removing a German Shepherd puppy before they are 8-weeks-old could negatively affect their behavior as adults source. Your new German Shepherd must continue to learn bite inhibition skills when you first bring them home. Is yours? German Shepherds get their razor-sharp baby teeth around 2-weeks-old. The baby teeth have usually all grown in by 6 to 7 weeks of age. So, when your pup comes home, around 8-weeks of age to live with you, all 28 of their baby teeth are ready for nipping and biting. When the adult teeth grow in they can irritate the gums and cause your dog discomfort. This leads to your pup looking for things to chew to help soothe their teething pains. You might find tiny teeth on your carpet or on the ground, but most of the baby teeth are swallowed by your pup. Chewing is a natural way to help the pain go away and is very normal. During these times a frozen Kong filled with a mix of treats helps to cool the inflamed gums and soothe their aches. Keep a few frozen Kongs on hand during the teething stage to offer your German Shepherd puppy to stop them from chewing and biting everything in sight! Your German Shepherd comes from a long line of working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep. These instincts still remain with your dog to this day. German Shepherds bite and nip your ankles due to this natural herding ability and powerful prey drive. This need to herd is in their genes and, unfortunately, your ankles will have to do when there are no sheep to round up! Absence or Lack of Mental Stimulation A bored, mentally understimulated German Shepherd might act out and need brain games. German Shepherds, even puppies, are highly intelligent dogs with a never-ending supply of stamina. Mental stimulation exhausts their minds and bodies! A pup that lacks proper mental stimulation finds themselves looking for ways to keep their brains busy, which generally means getting into trouble. Too Tired or Lack of Sleep A wild German Shepherd probably needs a long nap to help them become their sweet self again. Did you know that puppies sleep 18 to 20 hours a day source? A German Shepherd puppy who is nipping and biting a lot might just be cranky from lack of sleep, and not willfully acting out. Begin teaching them by using body language, hand signals, voice commands, and showing them the right behaviors you want from them. If they continue aggressively biting you, place them in a short time out. Always use positive training and avoid harsh punishment and corrections. You can practice these techniques by following the steps below for disciplining your German Shepherd for biting. Teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition during play. You can teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition to help deter their nipping! There might come a time when your dog is in fear, pain, or discomfort and they put their mouth on you. If your German Shepherd has learned bite inhibition during their play, then they understand to not bite down hard and avoid injuring your skin. You can play these fun games with your German Shepherd while teaching them to not bite you. Slowly move your hand or leg away from them. Try to relax your hand and body so that your puppy is less interested in holding on with their teeth. Stop all play and interaction for five seconds. Then resume activity, but remember no interaction means no talking, no eye contact, and no petting. Sometimes, those sharp puppy teeth are too painful or break the skin! Show your puppy that biting or nipping ends the play. If your German Shepherd is aggressively biting you, show them that this behavior ends the play. But hard bites that draw blood or break your skin mean no more playtime. How to show your German Shepherd that biting and nipping ends play If your dog hurts you painfully during play, quietly and calmly turn away and stand up. Walk away from your puppy, preferably into another room of the house. Leaving play when your GSD becomes too rough is a way to calm them by withdrawing your attention from their rough behavior. Place them in a short time out for continued biting. Sometimes, a short time-out is required for hard nipping and biting. There will be times when your puppy is acting out so badly you might need to place them in a short time out. Time outs are not meant to be punishment, but a moment of calm. Do NOT let them become worked up or stressed if your separation is too much for them. Give your German Shepherd the right things to chew. Help your German Shepherd stop biting you by giving them something else to chew on. You already know your German Shepherd is biting you, so anticipate the biting behavior and substitute a toy for your hand or ankles. Even better… Keep a few small toys in your pocket to offer them as they race around the house. What toys do German Shepherds like to bite and chew? The key to using this toy is to roll it away from yourself when your puppy is aggressively nipping and biting you. Read this hand-picked content… just for you! Instead of letting your dog chew on whatever they want, find appropriate toys to reduce their boredom and give them a place to put their teeth. Redirect biting ankles and legs by using a food lure. A tasty treat comes in handy when your GSD bites at your legs and ankles. Your legs and feet are also enticing since they move and change directions frequently. When your German Shepherd bites your ankles or feet, calmly take a treat out of your pocket and hold the treat near the side of your leg. This disciplining technique also has the added benefit of teaching your dog the first steps of walking nicely on a leash with you. Train a gentle mouth when taking food from your hand. Teach your dog that only a gentle mouth gets its reward. Training your German Shepherd to take treats or kibble with a gentle mouth is extremely easy. Teaching your GSD puppy what is acceptable pressure with their mouth helps to avoid their sharp teeth from damaging your skin or tearing your clothes accidentally. Training a soft mouth with your German Shepherd When feeding your dog a treat, keep the treat pinches between your fingers slightly. This is so your puppy has to lick or nibble at the treat to get it. Instead, pull your hand back slowly. Now, offer your puppy the treat again. When he switches to just licking or using a soft mouth to nibble the treat out release the treat. Withdraw your hand. Wait a few seconds before offering your hand with the treat again. Practice teaching a gentle mouth at least 3 to 5 times daily in short sessions only about 2 to 3 minutes long. Pay attention to the types of items your German Shepherd prefers to pick up and chew. Is it something hard? Then, replace it with a hard, tough chew toy. Is the item soft? Try replacing the item with a furry toy instead. If you want a rock-solid leave it, then use this guide to train your German Shepherd the leave it command. Enroll them in a training class. A structured training class helps your German Shepherd learn to listen to you. But, think about this… Using an online program helps give you confidence in your skills as a trainer and will help train your little play biter to offer more polite responses in the future. If you find it cute that your little German Shepherd puppy is biting your hand, think again! GSDs grow-up to become strong and muscular dogs. However, once a GSD pup grows , its biting habits are not cute at all. Trust me on this one. Little pups that bite on hands or chew on toys are doing so because they are developing teeth. Recently, we got a new addition to our GSD family, a cute male named Bobby, and surely Bobbly likes to bite everything. We did order a set of tug ropes for him and it is working. Here is the model that we ordered from Chewy. They chew on toys because their gums feel irritated and to make the pain go away, they bite and chew on things. This behavior during the teething period is very normal and not much of a problem. Another reason that GSDs bite a lot is that they did not receive proper training as pups. When people start to appreciate or encourage GS biting or nipping, they are making it develop this into a habit. Your dog will start to bite at visitors and household items. This is a problem that needs to be controlled right away or else someone will end up getting hurt. If you let your GSD bite and nip, you are letting it take over. Biting and nipping is also a play game for GSD pups. They like to bite other pups in the litter, and this is usually harmless. However, when a pup gets hurt unintentionally, it makes a loud sound. This sound is an indication for the pup that it is hurt, and it is time to stop. There are several ways you can train your pup not to bite or nip. If your pup is biting because of teething, it is not a problem. The first step is to tell your dog that biting is not acceptable. You will do this with the help of voice commands , body language, and hand signals. When you stop playing with your pup the moment it bites, it will associate no play with biting. Repeat this practice whenever your GSD bites or nips. It will help your GSD learn that biting and nipping is not appreciated. Put your other finger lightly beneath its chin. Your pup will not be able to bite you and in this uncomfortable situation, it will try to get your fingers out of its mouth. This is an effective technique that will make the puppy feel uncomfortable and it will avoid biting you. Remember, you will have to repeat this technique several times until your pup completely hates taking your hand in its mouth. Pull your hand backward and pinch your pup in the neck. Do not pinch too tightly. This will make the pup associate pinching with No, and it will soon stop biting you. Be Consistent in what You Teach If you are trying to train your dog to behave and stop biting and nipping, make sure you are doing it with consistency and repetition. While training a GSD, you will need to repeat your technique several times until it starts to learn. Your GSD needs to know that biting and nipping is not acceptable and will upset you. You will also need to become the leader of your dog, not a friend of the same level. When the dog accepts you as a leader, it starts to follow the rules you set and the commands you give. Do not let your puppy bite on your hands during the training process. Reward Good Behavior If your dog is doing well and following your orders, do not forget to offer it a treat. Food treats are a kind of reward that you offer your dog only when it learns something. Make sure you have enough treats with you when you are training your pup. This way your GSD will learn that no biting means a yummy treat. You can also sign-up for our newsletter to get an expert opinion on GSD behaviors. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:.
Some Final Words There may be differing opinions on this topic, but the following guidelines should help you come to the right number of meals you should feed your pet every day. Nothing is written in stone as every poodle is different, so you have some flexibility here. They have growing bodies that need to fight infections and build up strength so they should have access to food all day. Just regulate the amount to prevent overeating. Just be careful of those in-between meal snacks as they can add weight quickly. You can go with 2 or 3 meals a day with treats and snacks. Just regulate their food amount each meal. One tip to help you govern their food intake. Monitor their weight either weekly or monthly and see if your dog is gaining or losing weight. Then adjust their food amount accordingly. If there is no loss or gain, then you are giving him or her the right amount of food each meal. Their bodies will be small and remain small throughout their lives. Plus, their diets should be governed by the number of calories, not the amount of food you want to give them. For example: 0 To 6 Months of Age— Toy poodles should only have about calories a day. If you have a very active poodle, then you can raise those amounts a little bit. Toy Poodles May Have Weight and Health Issues One thing to keep in mind is that you may need to call a vet if your puppy is having weight issues. If they are gaining or losing no matter what you are doing, then they may have a health issue hindering your efforts to keep your poodle at the right weight. A fluctuating weight is not the only health issue your toy poodle will face. You have to be prepared for when those illnesses or difficulties come their way. One way to help them through those tough times is by talking to your vet and getting a new diet plan in place. Some Final Words After you decide on a toy poodle and the gender, you still have to decide on the type of food you will feed him or her. Plus, you have to learn how much to feed your little puppy. Once you make all the decisions, the rest should be easy. To learn how to feed your toy poodle and what food you should use, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that your little fell or gal will be healthy for years to come. Take a few minutes to see how important this information is. You do not want to feed too much to your little pet. It is easy for a dog to gain weight and become too fat. Then you have the difficult task of getting them to slim down. That may be harder than it is for you to stick to a diet. You can feed them a little less if you want to but not too much less. Their growing bodies need the nourishment of nutritious dog food. Many dogs may whine if they are only fed once a day and the reason for that is that they are probably hungry. However, you do not want to serve them large meals each time you feed them. Split the amount up over the number of times they eat so that they get the same amount of food. Also, you may give more food if your dog is a little more active than average. While you do not want to over-feed your pet, you also do not want to underfeed them either. For the most part, this will be up to you. Many people like to feed their dogs only once a day. But if their day is active, your pet may be hungry again in the evening or at night. It is not cruel to feed a dog once a day but if your pet is hungry, you should make allowances in the schedule to make sure they are getting their full nourishment share each day. To add a little variety to their diet, you can mix in some human food. The type of human food you give your toy poodle should be healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. For specific foods to share with him or her, talk to your vet. A lot of times, poodles and other dogs will decide which human food they like. While some people recommend up to three times a day, there is a risk of over-feeding your pet and giving them too much food. Of course, if your pet is very active, then you may give them some extra meals or snacks but not too much. The risk of over-feeding your poodle is great and your treasured friend may develop different diseases if you overdo the feeding portion of their day. There are some foods that your pet should not or cannot eat. Some of those food items are chocolate, xylitol, grapes, macadamia nuts, raisins, or drink alcohol. While these items may make your dog beg for some, resist their puppy dog eyes, and say no. Every dog owner and vet have their own personal favorites. You can choose any one of the top brands on the market today be wary of the cheap off-brand varieties. Those cheaper foods may fit your budget, but they are not as healthy as the top brands are. They do not have the very best or healthiest ingredients in them. Some Final Words Feeding your pet is a bit of trial and error. With every dog being different, you have to find the right amount of food and the right number of feeding times for your dog. Make food adjustments as you monitor their weight and their growth. Taking care of your pet means making sure they are getting the proper diet and exercise as well as the right amount of food. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For dogs under the age of 7 years, visit your vet every year. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat your dog for parasites and worms. Dogs that are over the age of 7 years should visit the vet every 6 months. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat for parasites and worms. Responsible dog owners get their pets vaccinated regularly, wormed, and treated for parasites such as fleas. Vaccination is essential even if you carry your toy poodle everywhere, or he rarely goes outside. This is because some infections such as parvovirus are caused by particularly hardy viruses that can attach to your shoes. Therefore, they can still pose a risk to even the most pampered of poodles. Talk with your vet about implanting a microchip in your dog. A microchip will help you track the dog if he gets lost. One of the health problems that toy poodles are prone to in later life is diabetes mellitus sugar diabetes. The hormones associated with estrous heat in the female can trigger diabetes. Therefore, it is wise to get your female toy poodle spayed. Toy poodles often live into their teens. Each time a bitch has a season, it weakens the lining of her womb and makes her more likely to develop a pyometra, which is a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Thus, spaying whilst she is fit and strong removes the possibility of needing emergency surgery in later life when anesthesia can pose a higher risk. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. Neutering a male is mainly done to prevent unwanted breeding and to control behavioral issues such as aggression or dominance. Talk with your vet to learn more. Small but resilient, toy poodles often live well into double figures. They do however tend to suffer from health issues as they age. Diabetes, poor teeth and heart disease are most common. These issues, once identified, can often be managed in order to help your pet live a long and active life. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your vet. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. As your Toy Poodle puppy is maturing and growing, it is crucial to provide it with the proper diet and our Toy Poodle feeding chart will help you. This comprehensive manual is packed with advice that will assist you in providing appropriate portions. Provide a healthy and well-balanced diet tailored to the specific requirements of your Toy Poodle puppy. Until they are six months old, Toy Poodle puppies should eat three or four small meals a day. The six-month mark marks the time when you should begin reducing their daily intake to two meals. Toy Poodle Feeding Chart RER is the amount of energy a Toy Poodle puppy needs at rest to keep their vital organs working, including their respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Hence, your Toy Poodle puppy would require about calories per day in order to keep its body running normally while at rest. You should talk to your vet about how much food and how many calories your Toy Poodle puppy needs. Begin feeding your dog wet puppy chow and other solid foods around week 5. Have patience as your dog undergoes the transition to a new diet. Provide quarter cup of food at each of three to four meals a day. Maintain a regular feeding schedule, and transition your puppy to a dry kibble diet. Keep an eye out for signs of diarrhea and make sure they have plenty of water. Provide plenty water and keep an eye out for symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. It may be beneficial to eat only twice or three times a day instead of six or seven times a day. Maintain a steady supply of fresh water and watch for signs of diarrhea or weight gain. Toy Poodle puppies require a high-quality meal that has been developed just for them. Keep an eye out for symptoms of bloating, gas, or constipation. You should start transitioning your Toy Poodle to an adult diet as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for any signs of bloating, gas, or an allergy. Never stop providing a healthy, age-appropriate diet and plenty of fresh water. Maintain a healthy, age-appropriate diet while keeping an eye out for tummy troubles, allergies, or excess weight gain. Toy Poodles are prone to being overweight, so take care not to overfeed or underfeed them. You should feed them twice a day, each time with about a half cup to three quarters of a cup of food. Adjust feeding amounts based on indicators of gastrointestinal distress, food allergies, or weight gain. High-quality protein, vital fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all components of a healthy diet. A 4-pound Toy Poodle puppy would need roughly calories per day, or calories per pound of body weight. Their calorie requirements will rise as they get taller. Try to eat meat, fish, and eggs as protein sources. Puppies need DHA and other essential fatty acids for proper brain and eye development. Before they reach about six months of age, Toy Poodle puppies should be fed three to four small meals every day. Take into account their age, and degree of activity when determining the appropriate portion size for their meals. To find out how much food your puppy should be eating, talk to your vet. You should also provide your puppy access to clean water at all times and steer clear of feeding it any human food or table scraps to prevent them from becoming overweight or nutritionally deficient. Kibble vs Wet Food For Toy Poodle Puppies Puppy kibble and wet food are both good options for feeding your toy poodle, but they are not identical. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and it helps maintain dental health by stimulating jaw movement and cleaning teeth. Nevertheless, puppies of the toy poodle breed may have trouble chewing and digesting this food if they have dental problems or a sensitive stomach. Conversely, wet food may be more appealing to fussy eaters because of its quicker digestion and higher moisture content. More moisture is provided, which is great for toy poodles because they often become dehydrated. It can get pricey and go bad rapidly if left out for too long. Toy poodle puppies can do well on either dry kibble or wet food, or a mix of the two, but the best option will ultimately depend on your dog and his or her preferences and dietary needs. The changeover is expected to take around a week. As the puppy becomes older, they can transition to adult food by eating a combination of the two, with the amount of adult food increasing as the puppy food decreases. You should also be sure to provide your toy poodle with high-quality adult dog food. There are a number of potential causes if your Toy Poodle puppy is not eating. Puppies often lose their appetite at times of rapid development, teething, or stress. But, if your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day, you should take him to the vet to rule out any serious health problems. If your dog is picky eater, consider breaking up their meals into several smaller servings and giving them more often. You may also try moistening their kibble with warm water or chicken broth. You should also make sure your puppy gets lots of activity and drinks plenty of water. Toy poodle puppies, should not be freefed, or let to graze on food left out all day. Puppies have special dietary demands that must be met in order to guarantee they grow and develop normally. Overeating, obesity, and behavioral issues including food guarding and hostility are all possible outcomes of a freefeeding regime. Providing your toy poodle puppy with measured meals at set times throughout the day is advised. This will control their eating habits and make sure they have enough to eat to be healthy. This dry dog food is made for developing puppies who like smaller kibble. DHA from fish oil promotes brain, vision, and learning health. An antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix also boosts immunity. Pros DHA from fish oil for brain and eyes Healthy immune system form antioxidant and vitamin E and C No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Comprehensive and Balanced Nutrition 2. For If you have a small-breed puppy like the Toy Poodle, this is the perfect supper for them. This dry dog food is designed for your growing small-breed pup. The first ingredient, farm-raised chicken, delivers quality protein to help your little companion grow strong muscles. It contains 22 essential nutrients, including omega-3 DHA, which improves cognition and makes your pup smarter and more trainable. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. 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. Depending on age, poodles may require different levels of calories, protein, and other nutrients. Also, there are a variety of different types of dog food formulated for puppies and adult dogs. Therefore, feeding amounts may also vary based on life stage, lifestyle, size, and body condition. Toy poodle puppies need a lot of protein for their muscles, calcium for their bones, and calories for growth. How much to feed a toy poodle puppy is what we want to guide you on in this article. Too little or too much of any nutrients can harm your puppy. Maintain a good weight Sometimes, all you need to do is serve your toy poodle puppy with just the amount of food he needs. That is how you maintain a good weight for the puppy. When the pups are very young, they rarely get too thin or too fat. At this stage, they usually eat what they need, not more, not less, as long as the food is available. How to determine how much food to give to the puppy To determine how much to feed your toy poodle puppy, first find out the number of food calories the puppy needs for proper growth. Likewise, determine the amount of protein and calcium your puppy needs for proper muscle growth and bones to stay healthy. You should give any poodle under twelve months old dog food for puppies only. Be specific when choosing the right food. Make sure you take food that is labeled puppy food and is meant for toy dogs. The right frequency for feeding toy poodle puppies Puppies are often fed more than adult dogs because they still have small stomachs that can only accommodate small amounts of food, but that also need to be filled more frequently. Therefore, feed a toy poodle puppy small meals but regularly. The most preferred amount is four meals per day until the puppy is three months old. After that, feed your toy poodle puppy three meals daily until he turns six months old. Finally, give him two meals daily from when he is six months through adulthood. What to serve your puppy and how to do it Commercially dry kibble is one of the most popular options for toy poodle puppies. Besides being reasonably priced, it contains balanced nutrition for the puppies. Also, kibble is convenient and good for the little and delicate teeth. You can add a little warm water to the food to make it easy to eat and moisturize it. Also, you can add a little canned food to whatever food you are serving for extra flavor and nutrition. Another convenient feeding option is wet food. Canned food is majorly wet food and is digestible. Many of them are full of balanced nutrition. Give your puppy more wet nutritious food if he needs better hydration or has a problem with his teeth. Canned food usually contains 75 percent moisture, which is a lot more than the 6 to 10 percent for dry food. Final Verdict By now, you should know how much and how often you should feed a toy poodle puppy. It is a skill that, when learned, you can be an excellent owner or breeder. That is why you should take this information seriously. With the right amount of food every day, your toy poodle puppy will be strong, healthy, and growing appropriately. Related Posts. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Since most of the Poodles are small in size standard Poodles are of medium size , a slight deviation in their weight will make them look thin or fat. There are various elements related to the feeding of poodle which pet owners often want to know. The present article has tried to answer such questions of pet owners related to the feeding of this sweet and playful dog breed. Start with the basics: Since this dog has a small mouth, it is advised to serve him in a shallow dish. The dog may have a hard time eating from a narrow and deep bowl. Also, make sure that the edges of the bowl are not sharp as it may hurt the dog. Stainless steel bowl should be preferred over plastic bowl. Switching the food: Making a quick change in the diet of poodle will result in health problems in your dog. It is advised to discuss with the breeder about the food he was giving to poodle. The process may take about a month. The amount of food required by a dog depends on various factors such as his age, metabolism and activity level. However, the range of recommended daily amount for poodles is given below: Standard Poodle: 1. Meal frequency: The following table illustrates the meal frequency for standard, toy and miniature poodles: Age No. Wash the dish properly and change the food every day. Also, provide your dog a regular supply of fresh water. Commercial Vs Homemade Vs Raw Food: All three types of foods have their own importance and it is up to you what you want to feed your poodle. Commercial dog food is easily available in market and you can read label to know how much nutrients you are offering to the dog. Homemade food will cost you less but you have to consult vet about the amount of food which you should feed. Nutrition Profile: Quality animal protein should be in the list of nutrients which your dog is consuming. Healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals will follow. If your dog is lacking a particular nutrient, supplementation can be provided.
Already a Member? This club is made up of enthusiastic people who own, train, and love Labrador Retrievers. At any of our functions, the members are more than happy to discuss training, kennelling, showing, working, rearing, feeding, and all aspects of owning the breed. During the year, we conduct a number of retrieving trials, a championship show, an open show, social days and members competitions - all of which are held for the purpose of promoting the objectives of the Club. The Club encourages Labrador Retriever owners to try out and participate in these activities. For more information, please feel free to explore our website. Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria Inc. Just Retrieve. In the majority of cases, the Club has not seen the dog, knows nothing of its background and gives no warranty as to its suitability for rehoming, its health status, vaccination status, whether it is desexed or its temperament. The Club simply acts as a point of contact. Occasionally, the Club will physically collect a dog from a shelter or have a dog surrendered to it. In this case, the dog will be assessed by the Club as to its health status, temperament and suitability for rehoming prior to it being listed as a candidate. There will be a charge for these dogs to cover vaccinations, desexing, microchipping, health check etc. However, under no circumstances does the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria offer any warranty or guarantee with these dogs. All enquiries should be directed to Sylvia Power on 03 sylvia zenchel. ABN: AK. Sponsor Meet Victoria Expert belly rubber wanted! She is young, lovable, outgoing, and active. She is about a year old. Victoria really enjoys her daily zoomie sessions around the yard and needs a secure fence. She is incredibly fast and agile and would probably do very well in agility training. Her foster family has been working on sit and stay during feeding time and when at the door before going outside. She is also doing very well with her crate training and can do about hours. When she hears the treat bag open, she's in her crate patiently waiting for it. Squeaky toys are her favorite; she gets very excited. Her current favorite is an orange caterpillar that she wants to take everywhere with her. She would be perfect for someone who is home a good portion of the day and who wants a constant companion and best friend. Victoria shares a foster home with a mama cat and her kittens, and she is doing GREAT with all of them! Mama cat Molly is now her best friend. She loves getting to play with the kittens; she still has to be supervised because she doesn't realize she's much larger and stronger than they are. She is now 46 pounds yeah she likes her treats and needs a little diet. The kittens have even tried to nurse on her a couple of times and she just lies there, even though she has nothing to give. Considering Victoria for adoption?
He is beautiful, loving, funny, and smart, and comes from a strong and healthy lineage. Marcellus was wonderful and supportive throughout the whole process. We love Buckeye Golden Retrievers so much! Marcellus is very responsive and professional! The facility is very clean and cozy. I would recommend Buckeye a million times over! Our Charlie girl is smart, cute, and such a joy in our lives! He is a spirited, loving, and playful boy who has brought so much joy to us all. I knew we were going to get a great puppy from the first time I spoke with them. Thank you so much! The 1 year health guarantee covers any major genetic defects such as a heart murmur. It does not cover treatable health issues. The remaining balance is due at pickup. We find great satisfaction in raising healthy, happy Goldens and placing them in your loving home! One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Golden Retrievers are eager to please and are great with children and other dogs. Additionally, Goldens are intelligent and skilled in whatever they do, whether serving as a therapy dog, aiding search-and-rescue, or being a devoted companion. Max Max is our handsome boy, an imported Jr Champion from Ukraine. Top of the line genetics and champion bloodlines make him an incredible addition to our breeding program. Max is intelligent and friendly, complementing his incredible physique and beautiful white coat! Max is available for stud service to qualified females. Skye comes from a long line of champions and is genetic tested clear. Skye has a happy go lucky personality and is a wonderful mother to her beautiful little snow white babies! She is truly a stunning European Golden Retriever! This mama is really great with children and other dogs and has been a wonderful asset to our breeding program. We kept two of her girls Maple and Bella to continue her incredible bloodline. Zoey loves nothing more than exercising and getting belly scratches! We provide you with all of this knowledge so that you can independently research each breeder and find the one who has ideal for you. You can ensure that our list will not include any backyard breeders or puppy mills. They began as a family partnership between the Rivers and Kauffmans, but now their name stands out across America as a brand. Every breeder involved with this kennel wants to ensure healthy puppies from carefully planned breeding sessions. The Rivers and the Kauffmans started My Golden Retriever Puppies with one goal in mind: to breed happy, healthy companions that would be perfect for their families. Ever since they began this journey over a decade ago, from its humble beginnings in Ohio to now being recognized across America. My Golden Retriever puppies are always eager to be a part of your family! They have an understanding that each dog has the same importance as any other, and so every new pup is welcomed into their own extended family. These breeders know how important it is for children to grow up with animals they can cuddle and love on too! All the Golden Retriever puppies in Ohio are examined by a licensed veterinarian, given vaccinations and dewormings, and have been checked for any hereditary conditions before they can be sold. Buschur produces a maximum of 2 litter each year, to give him good attention and love so that he can become a good family dog. The best part about this awesome kennel? Their Goldens come from champion bloodlines that excel at fieldwork and competitions alike. All their puppies undergo Early Neurological Stimulation from days of age. This means that they are able to problem-solve, cope, and socialize better than other dogs! All puppies come with a 2-year health guarantee so rest assured when you buy one they will take care of your new companion all their lives through wellness checks and quality food. The family-owned business started breeding and raising AKC golden retrievers back in , as well as other puppies too! New parents fall deeply in love from day one of owning a Golden Retriever. Unconditional loyalty comes along with an easy-going spirit. After 8-weeks when the puppy is old enough they can separate it from their mom and work on training them as well. The Golden Retrievers bred at their farm will set up perfectly into a loving family environment; so they can easily be adjusted to any environment. Every dog needs someone who loves him or her unconditionally always — that includes mom too. A Golden Retriever is the type of dog that would be excellent at playing games or going on walks with a child, This is why Golden Retrievers make such great pets for families with kids or other dogs in the house; their high energy level will keep everyone entertained! Facts About Golden Retriever: Golden Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America, They are loyal and intelligent dogs that have been used as hunting companions for centuries. Personality: The golden retriever is a breed of dog that has been bred to be with people and work hand-in-hand with their human families. This breed is known for its sweetness and peace. They naturally have a kind personality and a great disposition, but like other dogs, they also need proper training so that they can treat their family and the people around them well. Nutrition Golden Retriever puppies are some of the most energetic, loving dogs that you will ever meet. Golden Retriever puppies are notorious for their appetite when they are young. They love to eat, and it is common for a Golden to be eating some fries with you while you watch TV. Many new dog owners make the mistake of giving their puppies human food. This breed is quickly overweight, to keep your best friend from becoming overweight, make sure you monitor her calorie intake. Exercise Golden Retriever puppies are known for their love of exercise. They need plenty of physical stimulation daily to keep them happy and healthy. As long as they get their exercise daily, they will be energetic and playful all day long. Training: Golden Retrievers are one of the most commonly owned dog breeds in America. Despite their size, golden retrievers are easy to train. You can additionally benefit from obedience training by enhancing your relationship and building trust with your dog. Q: Is Ohio known for puppy mills? There are around 13 puppy mills in this state, where dogs are forced to breed non-stop and live in squalid conditions. If you plan on getting a puppy from this state, make sure you buy it from a legitimate and AKC- registered breeder! If you want to buy Golden Retriever from a reputable breeder in Ohio, there are some things that you need to know before making any decisions. If you know any great Golden Retriever breeder who lives in Ohio, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in OH? It really helps others who are looking for Golden Retriever puppies in Ohio. If you are looking for the best Golden Retriever Breeders in OH, you can consider one of these breeders. Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. Great communications with the breeder, the transport service, central office. Very accommodating. He is gentle, sleeps through the night, eats well is playful and has bounded well to my elderly bulldog. They answered all of our questions and sent us a beautiful well socialized puppy that was a joy to own. We are thrilled to hear that you received excellent customer service and a wonderful puppy. Enjoy your new furry friend! The tactile therapy and nurturing she received the first days were only matched by the love from the breeder she received. Once she has come home she is loving, attentive, knows her name and adapted well to the her fur sisters. AS a puppy to be so well adjusted is amazing and so appreciated. We have been truly blessed in working with MY Golden Retriever Puppies and would recommend their services to anyone looking for that special companion. Thank you. I did some research and decided a female golden was going to be the right choice for me after I lost my beautiful canine wing man unexpectedly in mid-December. The day after Christmas I found this site and started scrolling. I was so impressed with the details about all the liters. Photos, video, charming descriptions, details about the puppy parents. Plus easy access to the breeder information. I called three different breeders with litter listed on the site - everyone picked up the phone right away and was happy to answer my questions. And all three recommended a visit before making my final commitment so I would be confident in my selection. Smart, funny, sweet, curious, and she's been so easy to train. My vet was impressed with the paperwork provided and was thrilled with my pup's condition and appearance. And Galen has been great about following up. Highly recommend this site. Review from Ashleigh B. He is the most darling, loyal and sweetest disposition puppy. He is the most wonderful addition to our home. Thank you Betty and Marlin for breeding him and giving him such a loving home his first 8 weeks. We could never thank you enough! We highly recommend My Golden Retriever Puppies! Review from Lori B. She answered all of my questions, was over the top in reassuring and holding our hands on the purchase and transporting of our new addition Bailey aka Ramsey. She clearly has been socialized and crate trained, and already potty trained, to our surprise! We are thinking of getting a sister for Bailey in the near future from Ruth. I would definately recommend contacting Ruth if you want a reputable breeder. Our first experience was with Aden, who was kind, courteous and accommodating. He welcomed us to his home a beautiful farm and walked us around letting us meet several moms, dads, and puppies. The facility was very clean, and Aden was incredibly knowledgeable and patient of all of our questions. Aden was super understanding that we were still just in the planning stages, and welcomed us to come back with our kids in a few weeks. A few weeks later, we saw a pup on the website available with a different breeder within this same group- Neva. Neva even walked me around her beautiful flower garden when I told her how I love flowers. The care the puppies, parents, and the customer is really apparent. We will absolutely go to these breeders again when looking for another Golden Retriever. I'm so glad to hear of our breeder's top-notch service. Great to hear that your puppy is transitioning well and training quickly. All the best to you and your family! Thank you for your professionalism, commitment to ethical breeding, and your positive energy. Our puppy is beautiful, gentle, well socialized, and well loved. We love our golden! Such a joy to have a new member in the family. We wish all the best to you and your new pup! She is healthy and happy. Everyone from the beginning of the process until her delivery were very professional and polite.
Small, hypoallergenic and cuddly companions, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents. This zesty little designer dog has captured the hearts of many Americans in recent years. With their low shedding coats and playful nature, this pup is suitable for almost every home. The fact the Shih Poo only needs a moderate amount of exercise and is extremely small makes them well suited to apartments and city living. These dogs do need lots of grooming but their gorgeous coats make this a pleasurable task. Read MoreLess Temperament: They are known for their lively, affectionate nature. These little dogs will have everyone smiling with their crazy antics. These guys are confident and friendly with everyone. They are well known for getting along with all people and dogs alike. The Poodle is known for their eagerness to please. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their humans. Toy Poodles have a reputation for being somewhat highly strung. Adult Weight:. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article.
hoobly german shepherd puppies michigan - Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! He is 7 months old and weighed 85lbs in this picture. He is a German Shepherd. Crixus is the best dog I have ever had. I can't believe how smart he is. Sadly, she passed away shortly after this photo was taken at the age of 8 years. He is a 3-year-old male German Shepherd. The dog on the right is Elsa. She is also a purebred German Shepherd, but due to her coat type her ears were too heavy and just would not stay up. They love to have their picture taken. To make a long story short, the end result was that he had a very large nearly cantalope size splenic tumor which ruptured ultimatley causing his untimely passing. He was playing and being his usual self at 8 in the morning and not even 12 hours later, he took his last breath. This came from our vet. As soon as Ace began to mope around we called our vet right away. They told us to bring him in right then, which we did and they got right down to business. He weighed his usual 90 pounds and had no hight temperature, but was breathing hard and would not move. Our vet examined him and said he was in a very grave state. His gums and tongue were fading in color so much so that she called the emergency vet and alerted them to our impending arrival. We took him there and they too, were on the ball. They did an ultrasound and it confirmed our vet's suspicions. He passed away before the ultrasound was even complete. These tumors grow very rapidly and 9 times out of 10 they are cancerous. We never had the first clue. Our hearts are broken, and we miss him terribly, but if this at least helps raise awareness, then our Ace's loss was not all in vain. We believe that even the most simple things can be made to be enjoyable and unforgettable. German Shepherds are great family dogs or dogs for a couple like us. After a few years of training with Sequoia, we found the most valuable lessons from our in-person and online dog trainer Zack Kiser from American Dog Pros. American Dog Pros is based in California and specializes in obedience training and competitive shows for dogs. Sequoia was the cutest, most tiny little girl when we rescued her at 8 weeks old. She was the cutest German Shepherd Puppy! Can German Shepherds Swim? German Shepherds love to swim, especially our girl Sequoia! Put a life jacket on your German Shepherd for their first few times swimming to help build their confidence. German Shepherds are prone to eye conditions like Pannus which can be negatively impacted by UV sun rays. Dog sunglasses and dog goggles like Rex Specs are helpful tools to combat the UV. We also love using Rex Specs dog sunglasses when hiking in the snow to avoid the bright white glare in her eyes. Another bonus is that you have extra peace of mind when your dog is playing fetch with sticks or running through bushes and brush. German Shepherd Shedding German Shepherd shedding is a concern for a lot of dog owners. From our experience, German Shepherds shed a lot — especially if they are long-haired German Shepherds. Female Names for German Shepherds Sequoia.
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hoobly german shepherd puppies michigan - Please be polite and respectful of other forum members. Debate is welcome, fighting is not. Our forum is dedicated to our breed, but we welcome discussion of other similar working and herding breeds, including Belgian Malinois and other working Shepherd breeds that are similar in look and temperament to German Shepherd Dogs. We support responsible German Shepherd breeders and rescues. If you are part of a German Shepherd Rescue group, please post about it. This is a forum to talk about German Shepherds and other herding or protection breeds. Our rules for posting are: 1. Respect the breed. Repeated disparaging comments about German Shepherds and the other breeds we include will not be tolerated. Do not compare our breed to breeds whose traits are diametrically opposed and say our breed doesn't measure up in comparison. Do not post pictures of non herding or non protection breeds. Do not promote other or dissimilar breeds. Anyone who repeatedly posts fake or false information will be treated a as troll. Anyone who disrupts orderly forum posting will receive a warning. Please take it seriously if you want to continue posting. Do not argue with a moderator or blame someone else. If it continues, posts that violate our rules will either be deleted or edited with a note about what type of comment was deleted and why. Posters may lose posting privileges Information provided here is the opinion of the author of the post. While our members and moderators are usually experienced dog owners, we have no way of verifying what anyone posts. Please take posts as suggestions. If your dog has an illness or medical problem, or you have a question about diet, please contact your veterinarian. If you are experiencing behavior problems, locate and work with a local dog trainer. Our advice may be excellent, but it's just a suggestion. Ultimately, the responsibility for handling and care of your dog is yours. Members: 5. Dog Training Forum This forum is a well-collated place to get access to various dog training resources. Some of the most reviewed links have been pinned to the top of the feed. The topics include links, books, blogs and others for reactive or leash-aggressive dogs; training tactics; dealing with issues like separation anxiety, attention-seeking behaviour, desensitizing your dog to immobile things in your house, and so on. One of the threads in this forum talks about an adolescent GSD that interacts excessively with loose dogs. The replies are super friendly and educational, so you can be sure to receive prompt replies and accurately directed guidance for the same. Posts: .It has easily approachable content organised as folders under various sections. Health and Fitness, and the training and behaviour sections are very actively updated by a dedicated community. If you want any information on nutritional supplements, you can find them here. Unfortunately, there is no public access to the discussions on this forum. Sign in to the community and start engaging. Threads: 2, Members: 7. German Shepherd Training Forum on Officer. German Shepherds are excellent companions for the police, so a trained dog becomes as important as a human cop in operations. This forum contains resources that you can refer to for raising your GSD as a police dog. As a GSD owner, you may want to look around for books and resources. Here is a starting point. Like any forum, users have posted their queries and comments about GSD. However, one thing stands out: instead of categories, the discussions have been sorted by the tags or keywords. So if you want to get related information on a specific topic, such as training or showing your GSD, you can simply click on that tag and get a full list of posts under that tag. It keeps track of recent news in the GSD community, such as current affairs, events and club info. However, the German Shepherd Guide website, which is a popular and trusted platform about all GSD-related matters, lists the best forums for your convenience. You can meet new owners, enthusiasts and other specialists who can help you in your bonding and raising experience of a GSD. German Shepherd Subreddit Created in , this Reddit forum boasts of .At first sight, the most engaging posts are the pawfully cute German Shepherd pictures uploaded by members around the world. They are also followed by queries, concerns, or tips for behaviour management. This subreddit has been around for a pretty long time and is quite an engaging platform for gsd lovers. When you can visualize exactly where the discussion is leading, you can also give your inputs in an effective manner. Please note that as a responsible and informed dog owner, your first line of action for any GSD-related issues must be to consult a specialist or a vet. Forums online have the drawback of anonymity, spamming and irrelevant information, which may not help you at all. Make sure you cross-check with specialists, as these forums are meant for simply interacting with similar-minded people. What a sweet and beautiful face she has! Thanks for sharing these pics of Faith. How long did it take her to start using the wheelchair? Did Faith have any other health challenges when she was younger? If so, how were they treated and what happened after the treatment? This is important to know for two reasons. It gives us information about her vitality 2. Symptom suppression can trigger the NWS never well since syndrome and dis-eases that are best treated by knowing that they came from suppression. Quiz for them: why would we use this rubric? Regarding the x-rays, yes, bridging spondylosis can be a clue to vertebral instability and inflammation and cauda equina syndrome that can manifest with DM symptoms. Regarding whether to proceed with further diagnostics, well that depends on whether you will feel better at ease with them. Personally, I would. As an example, I was diagnosed with a "mystery" neurologic dis-ease at the age of 12 and symptoms have continued throughout my life. They'd engendered the "anxiety of uncertainty" in me until I received my "definitive" diagnosis several years ago. I mention this because relieving our own distress is one of the good reasons to get a diagnosis. Assuming that it can be reached using non-invasive diagnostics like a blood, saliva or urine test and x-rays, ultrasound, etc. Anesthesia for MRI and is invasive. Especially if IV contrast and spinal taps are done at the same time as they often are. I would do the DM tests for genetic markers there's more than one. However, the results probably will not affect how you treat Faith. The deciding factor might be expense. If that's not a factor, then get the test. If expense cost depends on the testing lab is an issue, then do not even bother. Regardless of how you treat and your diagnostic decision, try adding raw chicken and beef heart to her diet. I can't think of a NoCal holistically-oriented vet neuro offhand but maybe Dr. Christina does. Please keep us updated in this thread about Faith's treatment and how she is doing. Gratefully, Dr. Jeff Together we can keep your pets in balance and as healthy as possible with Practical and Positive Veterinary Spirituality. Hahnemann, .I just want to make sure i do good job with her. How safe is it to take her on a farm? There Just horses on there but I think it would be good as there is a friendly dog that she could hang around. No other dogs go there so would the risk of parvo be low? Click to expand.It is likely you will get a whole host of different answers to that question. You have to weigh up the risks in your own area. I personally think the benefits of early socialisation outweigh the risks - but only in circumstances where there are not large numbers of unvaccinated dogs. Hopefully the breeder will have chosen a dam of excellent temperament who was unstressed throughout pregnancy and will have already started the process of getting the litter used to various things at home? Is there a reason you collected your pup at 10 weeks rather than 8? It isn't an issue though if the pup has strong nerve and genetics from her parents and the breeder has taken some time to get the pups used to household noises, travelling etc. GSDs have a reputation for fear aggression, especially towards other dogs, and so I like to get my pups out asap - carrying in my arms if necessary. If you have friends with friendly dogs then you can also introduce your pup to them, but always make sure she isn't getting stressed or upset and remove her from any situation where you are concerned it might be too much for her. Try to keep all interactions as positive as possible but a strong nerved pup should also bounce back from any small knock backs during socialisation. One of the key things is to enjoy your pup and try not to get stressed yourself. Oversized, had to be put down at 11 due to DM and other problems. She was the absolutely most fantastic dog I've ever had or hope to have. She was German and Belgian lines. Taser is 7 and going strong, nothing much wrong with that dog so far. I understand the concern with the longevity. I've studied Chow lineage more than GSD, and one of the things that really bothered me was that a number of breeders were producing dogs that lived to only 8 or 9 years old. I couldn't find out the "why" of their deaths, though, so it's unknown as to why they were only living that long. But as a purchaser of puppies, I look at longevity in the line as much as I look at any other potential health problem. If a breeder is producing dogs that typically die at a younger age, then I avoid that breeder. I want my dogs to live as long as they comfortably can, and I don't think that breeders who fail to take longevity as a serious quality in their dogs are doing our dogs a huge disservice. I'm not sure whether line breeding has any real effect on longevity. And if you take two from the same lines, each with a background in early death, and line-breed those two, then you're doubling up on the problem. But if you line-breed two dogs from longer lived lines, you should be doubling up on the better side of things. Line-breeding works with what it's offered, and properly done can really "set" good traits within a developing breeding line. When I look at Chows, the background on Khana which I've researched back more than seven generations , I can see how the breeder was pushing together particular lines in order to work through some of the myriad problems the breed has - and in doing so, produced the first dogs to pass all six OFA health tests. Now we're seeing more Chows passing hips, elbows, patellas, thyroid, eyes and cardiac. But Khana's sire was the first, and she was the sixth chow to ever pass all of those tests. It was done with judicious close line-breeding, done twice in her five generation pedigree, along with some careful breeding within the lines but farther out, and an occasional out-breeding to add in something that needed assistance. I'm in awe of breeders who know their dogs so well that they can do this successfully. I think line-breeding is a tool that can be used well. But to use it, a person needs to understand and know the dogs well - not only the dogs they're using, but all the dogs in those dogs' pedigree. They need to be honest about the health problems the dogs carry including dying young , and then always breed with those health problems in mind. A new breeder, or one that is breeding casually, should NOT line-breed in my opinion. If you don't know what you're doing, you're likely to end up making the breed worse. And any breeder who is primarily breeding for looks or drive is not an ideal breeder, also in my opinion. First and foremost, breeders should be focusing on health and temperament, THEN whatever else they want. Without a healthy dog and a solid temperament, what's the point of a pretty ear or a strong drive? It doesn't matter what breed it is - health and temperament should be first on a breeder's list. Just for the record: I am not nor have ever been a breeder. I considered it with Khana, because of her amazing health record, temperament and intelligent she is about the most perfect chow you can find , but after really looking into it I decided to leave it up to those who really worked hard to study the lines and bred to produce the best they can. If I HAD bred her, it would have been to a male chosen by the breeder of Khana's sire, because she's the one "in the know", but it just wasn't meant to be. I do want to add what I can to the knowledge base for the breed, which is why I spent the money to have Khana fully heath tested and all results are published on the OFA and CHIC sites. Having the info on as many Chow lines as possible can only help those who are studying and trying to bring health back into the lines Chows are notorious for bad elbows, patellas, thyroid and eyes.