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For the complete list please see our resource links page. Are the puppies bred for quality or quantity? Do the parents have health clearances? What genetic testing has been done on the puppies? Are the puppies raised in a home environment? What type of support and training does the breeder offer? How often do the breeders breed their dogs? But prices can vary depending on the breeder. When looking for a breeder, it is important to set your budget before you start searching for a puppy. If you have an exact price in mind, this will help you eliminate breeders that are outside of your price range. These dogs typically cost less than a dog from a breeder. But be aware that these dogs may not have all of their shots or they may be ill with something like parvovirus. In some cases, it is possible to adopt animals from places other How to Find A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts If you are looking for a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Massachusetts, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are choosing a reputable breeder. First, ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. If they have had a good experience with a breeder, they will be more than happy to recommend them to you. Second, do some online research. There are many websites that allow dog owners to review breeders. Reading through these reviews can give you a good idea of what the breeder is like and whether or not they are reputable. Third, social media is a great new way to find out about breeders that may not be in your local area. If you do not want to visit the kennel in person, at least meet with the breeder of your pup face-to-face before you put any money down. Spend some time getting to know the breeder through email or even by telephone but insist that you will only purchase if they would be willing to let you come and visit their facility in person. There are plenty of reputable breeders out there who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Do your research, ask lots of questions. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts Make sure the breeder has a list of references that you can contact who have purchased dogs from them in the past. Do not be afraid to call or email these people and ask questions about their experience with the breeder, whether they are happy with their dog, if they recommend her, and if they would buy a dog from her again. Be prepared to wait for the right puppy. Be cautious of any German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts that does not offer you references. If your breeder tells you he is unable to provide this information for some reason, then take this as a red flag and politely thank him for his time but do not purchase anything from him. An ethical breeder will be happy to provide you with documentation that proves that his dogs are healthy and have been cleared of any genetic health issues. Ask Your Massachusetts German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Many people who go to a breeder and meet the parents of the puppy they are interested in, find out that if they had met some of the past customers who have purchased a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder, they would not have even considered buying a puppy from this breeder. Many of these past customers will tell you that they did not get what was been promised to them when it came to the exercise requirements, temperament and loyalty qualities that these German Shepherds possessed. In fact, many of us made costly mistakes with our first dog or dogs because we were unaware of the time commitments involved in owning a quality German Shepherd Dog that is going to resemble what has been advertised by so many breeders around the country. Meeting past customers will help you to understand what you are getting into if you purchase a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder. We want you to be happy with your new addition for years to come, and talking to people who have already gone through the process is the best way to gauge whether or not our breeder is right for you. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important that you ask if you can meet some of their past customers. This will help you to understand what kind of experience you can expect if you purchase a puppy from them. Happy customers are the best advertisement a breeder can have. One of the things that you will want to ask your breeder is if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This is important because you will want to make sure that your puppy has all of its vaccinations and is healthy. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This will help you to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has all of its vaccinations. Happy and healthy puppies are the goal of every breeder. Some of these signs include: The breeder does not allow you to meet any past customers The breeder does not have a good veterinarian that they use The puppies are kept in poor conditions The breeder is asking for too much money for a puppy If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a different breeder. It is not worth it to purchase a puppy from an unethical breeder, as you will likely end up with a dog that has health problems and behaves poorly. Ask The Massachusetts Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems The best way to determine whether or not a breeder is ethical and responsible is to ask if the puppies they offer for sale have any health problems. Most reputable German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Massachusetts provide you with a written health guarantee that ensures every puppy they sell will be free of genetic health issues. An honest and ethical breeder should be able to prove their claims by providing you with proof that all of their dogs are free from genetic health concerns. If they cannot do this, then walk away. When your puppy is first brought home it is a good idea to confine them to a crate or a small area with nothing on the ground that they can chew. This lets them get used to being in one spot without getting into trouble. Once you have taught your German Shepherd Dog not to chew things you can give them free reign of the house though still keeping dangerous items out of their reach. If you want, but this may be difficult if your new dog has already chewed through everything at least once, you can purchase some baby gates and put them up around your house so that your puppy is confined to specific rooms unless they are leashed. If all goes well, and it usually does, after about 3 months sometimes sooner your puppy will have learned the house rules and can be allowed to roam free. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things you will need to do when potty training your new puppy is to be consistent. You should take them out every time they eat, drink, or play and also after they wake up from a nap. Reward them with lots of praise and a treat when they go potty in the right spot. It can be helpful to put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule as this will help with predictability when it comes to going potty. Once your puppy is consistently going potty outside you can start to slowly lengthen the amount of time between bathroom breaks. Training Your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and with a little bit of training they can be taught to do all sorts of things. Some popular commands that people teach their GSDs are sit, stay, come, down, and guard. You can find lots of resources online about how to train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. One thing to keep in mind when training your German Shepherd is that they need plenty of exercise. A good way to tire them out is to take them on long walks or play fetch with them in the park. Thank you for reading and happy hunting. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog". Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog", and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog". In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "Just a dog", you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend", "Just a sunrise", or "Just a promise". Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog". It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog". It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "Just a woman". So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog", smile, because they "Just Don't Understand". German Shepherds for sale in Massachusetts Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Massachusetts with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Massachusetts. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Massachusetts There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Massachusetts, from Worcester to Boston, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children in MA afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Massachusetts happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. I started searching for a good German Shepherd with good temperament, good health and from a good blood line. I searched and searched for a long time; across the country, even across the world but then I met Cynthia Kelly from Regis Regal German Shepherds. She is an encyclopedia and a wealth of knowledge about this breed. She paired me with, what I consider, a once in life time puppy. Thank you Cynthia - Manny is amazing! As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. We have answers. For example, lacquer black German Shepherd puppies for sale Boston Ma might fetch a higher price than your standard tan-and-black variety. Breeder experience and champion bloodlines also factor in on pricing. Will you only match me with local breeders? All our partners from the 48 states in the continental US have the means to bring your future best friend to the nearest major airport to you safely and reliably. How do you screen breeders for German Shepherd puppies near me? We have a stringent process to ensure that our partners conform to the highest ethical and legal standards in breeding--all to make sure you take home a happy and healthy puppy. Check out our Breeder Pledge page for details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are run by people who want the money-making potential of puppies but not the responsibility that comes with it. Puppies produced in such poor conditions are likely to run up vet bills and have a very low life expectancy. Are there any purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale near me? Let us know about your preferences so we can scan our network and connect you with German Shepherd MFA Boston breeders and businesses that match your criteria. What is the MatchMaker process? Getting a puppy that matches your lifestyle is the first and most crucial step in making sure your relationship with your future best friend gets off on the right foot. How do I know I can trust you? Our mission has always been to create families by connecting loving humans with healthy puppies from responsible breeders and businesses.

As Bernedoodle has become more popular over the past years, Unfortunately, there are also many fake breeders Grow also on the market. There are 3 best tips to choose the best bermedoodle breeders in San Diego: Do a lot of research : Although, there are so many Bernedoodle breeders in San Diego, but all are not reputable. Contact Bernedoodle breeders : We recommend you to ask all your questions about every Bernedoodle breeder you contact. You can also visit their place to see the dogs and see pictures of their parents. Although If the puppies are less than 8 weeks old, you can definitely see a litter mother. Good breeders are happier to answer all your questions. Well-known breeders have a medical history for both parents. A good breeder has all the things which satisfied the customer. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in San Diego, 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 San Diego? Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeder in San Diego I hope you like this article, and if this article is helpful for you share it with your friends who want to find a good reputable Bernedoodle breeders in San Diego. Keep supporting Dog Breeds Expert for more articles. Other Bernedoodle Breeders. Bernedoodles are mixed-bred dogs that derive from two exceptional purebreds — Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Like any other Doodle breed, such as Goldendoodles , Bernedoodle puppies inherit the best traits of their parents, which are exceptional intelligence, loyalty towards their human family members, and gentle nature. All these traits make Bernedoodles perfect family dogs. Their friendly nature makes Bernedoodles gentle and suitable for both children and the elderly alike. Moreover, because of their high level of intelligence, training mini Bernedoodle pups is effortless, which makes them an ideal canine companion for almost any household. Despite being a relatively new breed, Bernedoodles have rapidly become one of the most sought-after breeds nationwide due to their numerous desirable traits. In general, most Bernedoodle puppies have a moderate activity level and adore playful activities and going for walks. Although they may halt and investigate something that captures their attention, they never wander far. Long story short, a Bernedoodle makes a perfect canine friend that possesses all traits any dog owner would love their pup to have. As an experienced and renowned breeder , we provide the utmost care and attention to every adorable Bernedoodle pup we have. All our puppies are purebred and come with certificates to prove it. And speaking of certificates, we provide owners with a two-year Breeder Health Guarantee , which further proves our high breeding standards and the reputation for delivering top-quality services with professionalism and care. For new owners, Central Illinois Doodles offers an easy reservation process that is hassle-free and stress-free. At Central Illinois Doodles, the fostering procedure will be dealt with utmost care so that new owners will have nothing to worry about. Our reservation is simple, fast, and reliable, ensuring you can enjoy the company of your new pup as quickly as possible. Whether you are looking for Standard Bernedoodle puppies, Mini Bernedoodles puppy, Toy Bernedoodle puppies, or, more specifically, Tri-Color Bernedoodles — reserve your next family pet today! Bernedoodle Traits Affectionate, gentle, and goofy personality Calm, docile energy. We have answers. Bernedoodle puppies for sale San Diego are the adorable result of crossing the clever Poodle and sweet Bernese Mountain Dog. Regardless of size, San Diego Bernedoodle puppies for sale combine the best attributes of both breeds into one intelligent, loving, faithful and adorable pooch. Looking for a perfect canine friend for life? You've found them. What if my puppy is too far away? Most customers find the dog they're looking for nearby. In that case, no problem! Businesses and San Diego Bernedoodle breeders are set up to arrange quick and comfortable transport for your pup to meet you at your local major airport. Our screening process for Bernedoodle breeders in San Diego is extensive; for full details, see our breeder pledge, which covers all of the crucial aspects of dog breeding and care, including: breeder experience and facilities, ethical breeding practices, veterinary care, and proper socialization. Why choose Uptown Puppies? The big difference between Uptown puppies and sites is that we always put dogs first. That's why we hold our network of businesses and Bernedoodle breeders San Diego to the highest possible standards, and that's what any new member of your family deserves. How much do Bernedoodles normally cost? Like many designer dogs, Bernedoodle for sale in San Diego prices can vary drastically. For example, first-generation F1 vs. But our network is so filled with adorable Bernedoodle puppies for sale in San Diego that you're sure to find the pup of your dreams. What are puppy mills and why do they have such a bad reputation? In short, puppy mills are dog farms or factories where dogs are explioted for profit. But the full truth is much worse. Mother dogs are forced to endlessly reproduce before being discarded, while pups are routinely snatched from mom as young as five weeks. The results of this type of maltreatment are tragic, and the Bernedoodle for sale San Diego puppies frequently develop long-term and serious health and behavioral conditions. Are there Bernedoodle puppies available in San Diego? Alternatively, our network of breeders across the US are happy to arrange transport for your Bernedoodle puppy as well. What are Bernedoodles really like? This dog's number one mission in life? To shower warmth and affection on anyone who'll take it. Really; this is one seriously sweet dog. Are Bernedoodles dangerous? The short answer: no! As long as you meet this basic requirement, the chances of your Bernedoodles for sale San Diego displaying any kind of aggression are extremely low. Are Bernedoodles easy to train? Bernedoodles are basically big fluffy brainiacs. Combined with their love for family and eagerness to please, this pup is remarkably easy to train. With a minimum of patience and positive reinforcement, it will be no problem at all to teach your Bernedoodle puppy everything he knows to be the perfect Good Boy. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near San Diego California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Website: Blue Skye Doodles More About Bernedoodle Puppies in San Diego Here are some more facts and information about Bernedoodles which will help you to strengthen your decision regarding adopting them. You must be aware of the intricacies of their behavior so that you can adapt according to the situations that arise. Temperament Bernedoodles are a happy-go-lucky breed that will always be ready for cuddling. They are very loyal to their keepers and are very affectionate towards children. They have moderate energy levels, which are sufficient for them to be active all day long. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is to train them while you are away from home. They can experience separation anxiety which is not good for their health. In order to avoid this, you could call someone to look after your pet, or you can even purchase some toys for them. Health Bernedoodles have an optimum level of fitness to keep common diseases away from their system. Their genetic arrangement is unique, and therefore you do not have to stress about their wellness. You must ensure that they are getting their proper meals at the correct time. Their meals are vital for the efficient functioning of their system. You can refer to a health guide for bernedoodles to make a note of all the crucial nutrients that they require. Regular exercise is as essential as their meals, and therefore you should not be lenient in that domain. Taking them on long walks will make them happy and will also burn the calories that they intake. Breeders Vs Shops Adopting a dog from a breeder requires persistence and continuous efforts. You will have to fill an application form to move forward with your assessment. In the case of shops, the dynamics are somewhat relaxed. However, there are plenty of reasons that you should stick to a breeder. Here is a look at them. Help Your breeder will have a very genuine bond with the dog, and therefore they will always be willing to help you in times of distress. They will also know all the intricacies beforehand, which will help them to give an informed suggestion. This might not be the case with shop owners as they indulge in multiple transactions on a daily basis. Right Advice A breeder will always give you the right advice regarding your decision to adopt a puppy. They will tell you all the best possible options that will match your lifestyle. They want the best for their puppies, and hence they will think in terms of monetary benefits. Transparency Most shop owners tend to hide the details that can tamper with their sales. It is imperative for the keeper to know complete information about the pet. Non-disclosure may cause a lot of problems in the future. A breeder will always be completely honest about the details of the puppy so that all the issues can be dealt with in a professional manner. Conclusion We have handcrafted a list for you so that you can approach the best possible breeders. You can choose any of the options according to the preferences that you have in mind. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products.

Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. Degenerative Myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease Perhaps the most well-known is hip dysplasia, a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain and lameness, and eventually requiring surgery. German Shepherds are also at risk for elbow dysplasia, a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Other common health problems include allergies, intestinal issues, and eye problems. With proper care and diet, however, German Shepherds can live long and healthy lives. Finding a German Shepherd puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. While German Shepherds are often considered to be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, their coats do require some care and attention. The most important thing to know about German Shepherd coat care is that the breed does not shed uniformly throughout the year. After the shedding period has ended, you can reduce the frequency of brushing to once or twice a week. In addition to regular brushing, German Shepherds also need to be bathed on occasion. How often you need to bathe your German Shepherd will depend on factors such as how often they play outside and whether they have any allergies or skin sensitivities. Generally speaking, however, a once-monthly bath is sufficient for most dogs. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

Rest assured when purchasing a dog from us that years of breeding and training experience have gone into the development and selection of your German shepherd dog or puppy. Black, Dark Sables, as well as Red and Black German shepherd male and female puppies are available by reservation. Martin Z. Riverside is over an hour drive from me in the valley, but; the puppies that come from the breeder are worth the drive and more! My all black German Shepard "Sirius" is an absolute dream! The breeder and his family truly care for the dogs and their upbringing. Arsalaan constantly checks in to see how me and Sirius are doing and is there to answer any questions you may have. Whether it's your first dog or not give him a call! He'll walk you through the steps and be there with you for guidance. Gavin U. Arsalaan and his family are very kind, caring breeders! When I first reached out to him, he was very quick with a response and easy to communicate with. He truly takes great pride in his pups and is very helpful to answer any questions that may arise. I brought Bear home with me on Dec 16 and he was nice, clean, and healthy upon pick up. Arsalaan provided Bear's list of shots as well as his pedigree and some other additional documents. You will not be disappointed working with him, highly recommend him and his family to help you bring home your newest family member! Mitchell K. Very responsible breeder, I came from Arizona and couldn't be happier. Very helpful before and after receiving my puppy. I highly recommended. Jimmy M. I call Arsalaan whenever I have questions and he is always very helpful with training tips and advice. I get a lot compliments on her looks. Elvia B. I am so grateful for all of the help I got from Arsalaan, and we also appreciate him following up on our puppy "Rexie". He's given us great advice even before we decided to get Rexie. Although he's up north about a 90 minute drive from us, it was definitely worth it. He kept our puppy even after her 8 weeks we couldn't bring her home because it was a Christmas gift. When I took Rexie to her first vet visit the vet said " this breeder definitely knows what he's doing ". Rexie came with up to date vaccinations and AKC forms paid for just have to finish writing them up. Our new family member is a happy and healthy puppy! Plus she sleeps through the night quietly from day one. Amazing Thank you Arsalaan. Contact Us for Details on Our Puppies! The joy of owning a working line bred German Shepherd is immeasurable — but a companion and workmate that gives itself over to you so completely requires a significant reciprocal commitment. Do you have a fenced yard? Are you able to devote at least 30 minutes per day to exercising your dog? Will your puppy be raised inside of your home as a part of your family? Do you have small children, infants or other animals in your home currently and if not do you plan to in the future? Do you plan to crate train your puppy in addition to housebreaking? Are you prepared to feed a high quality food to your dog such as a grain-free or holistic food as a regular diet throughout its lifetime? Do you know the difference between the temperaments and character of a Working Line German Shepherd Dog over a show line or an American bred German Shepherd? Have you already consulted with a private trainer or know of obedience classes that are offered in your area that may be more specific to working dogs over an average Pet Store style all breed pet training class? Do you plan to spay or neuter your puppy when he or she is old enough? Are you financially prepared to provide care for your dog and seek veterinary care in the event of an emergency that may require hospitalization of your dog? If you are planning on breeding, do you have at least 5 years minimum experience as a Breeder? Are you educated in canine reproduction and development, have the basic knowledge and understanding of genetics as well as proper care for newborn pups, neonatal intensive care and experience in identifying reproductive complications or emergencies should they arise? Our mission is to improve the breed standard, produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Come and see the difference. Whatever task you may have - a canine from West German Shepherds. Welcome to West German Shepherds. Our mission: to improve the breed standard, to produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Committed to producing exceptional canines with 14 years of hard-earned expertise and insight; here, you will glean insider information on selecting a German Shepherd pup and why West German Shepherds. She passed away in my arms on Monday September 16th at AM. Brownie was our reigning queen, an alpha female who earned her stripes the hard way; as a result she never flaunted her position but rather ruled with a strong bark and gentle paw. Great with families, working bloodlines, very protective. When the AKC American Kennel Club or CKC either of the 2 following entities Canadian Kennel Club or the Continental Kennel Club registers a new puppy, it does so sight unseen - without ever having evaluated the appearance, health or quality of the parents of the litter. In fact only a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of breeding dogs all across America have ever been evaluated. While registration is a great place to start, there is more to consider than whether the dog is registered. Sadly, the marketplace is chock full of puppies with bad genetics and these are from officially registered canine parents. A puppy born with a slight genetic abnormality might come from purebred parents, and can still be registered. An inexperienced or unscrupulous breeder may not recognize the uneven hips on a puppy and sell it to someone who will later breed the puppy. The final outcome will be a new line of registered dogs that are genetically inferior. None of these statements are made to be derogatory of the AKC or CKC, these registration organizations do many wonderful things to improve the health, welfare, training and advocacy of ALL canines. Yes, AKC registration is an important factor that should not be overlooked, but there is much more to contemplate. The pedigree of both parents should be considered as part of your quest for a puppy, the pedigree will list all of the ancestors historically for 3 or 4 generations back up the family tree. All of the canines listed in the pedigree impact the genetics and thereby the health of the offspring. The pedigree itself does nothing to convey the health of a puppy, but it tells the dogs lineage, their titles and country of origin. By searching, you can find a breeder offering puppies from parents with exceptional pedigrees, that have correct body structure, a superior visual appearance, plus the temperament to match your expectations. What is an exceptional pedigree? The more champions in a pedigree, the better. Here is a quick run down of German Shepherd championship titles. The German Sieger beats hundreds of other Champions to be selected this coveted title. The only higher title accomplishment attainable is the World Sieger. It is the same as the Sieger - but is for the female winner of the German National Championship Conformation show. Not many people are familiar with the word Sieger but even less are familiar with the word Siegerin outside of German Shepherd professionals. The Sieger show is held annually in Germany. VA-2 is the Vice- Sieger, etc. The best genetics possible are found in Sieger show winning adult German Shepherds. The puppies born from these bloodlines will be the absolute best in quality and appearance when compared to the average German Shepherd you see on the street. An analogy would be like comparing a shiny Ferrari against a rusted out Ford Pinto. The top bloodlines are found in the VA titled dogs and filtered down into their offspring, but be prepared to pay a significantly premium price for that level of parenthood and prestige. You will hear of dogs described as being from show lines, herding lines or working lines. Show lines refers to canines that are used to compete in conformation shows, herding lines means canines used to herd sheep, working lines denotes canines used to work in protection, Schutzhund or other disciplines. Primarily there are 3 main types of German Shepherd Dogs. Czech Shepherds are longer and leaner in body frame, more narrow across the chest and have taller rear hindquarters. Typical coat colors are black and tan, black and creme, black and silver, brown sable, silver sable and brindled. The coat patterns of a Czech Shepherd run from blanket-back to saddleback and brindled but most are blanket backed. We do not produce Czech Shepherd pups. Yes, Dutch Shepherds still fall under the umbrella of German Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds originated in the Netherlands and are very similar to Czech Shepherds in body form however they are typically more solid, weighty and sturdy than Czech Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds are not very commonly found outside of police or military use. They also present as a harder dog meaning they require an experienced trainer, handler or owner. Obviously there are exceptions to these generalized statements. Dutch Shepherds are brindled in coat color, brindled simply means a mottled and multi-colored un-patterned coat appearance. We do not produce Dutch Shepherd pups. West German Shepherds come from the democratic capitalist state of West Germany. West German Shepherds have shorter more compact torsos, thicker across the chest and have the squatted or lowered hindquarters. It is not that the dogs are stacked or posed for pictures, their rear bone structure is genetically encoded to be positioned more angular than that of a Czech Shepherd. The coat colors of a West German Shepherd are black and red set in a saddleback pattern. While interesting, we do not own or breed for these types, nor am I going to invest any time delving into them further. Over the past 25 years I have owned and bred different types of German Shepherd dogs. I keep track of the litters being sold in our geographic region. The West German type German Shepherd dog is the most sought after type. This is the number one variety of German Shepherd dog that previous GSD owners, consumers, enthusiast and new first time owners are actively seeking. You might assume that the cheap dogs are not as healthy or desirable, and the more expensive ones are a better, safer choice. Breeders know this. Many breeders will put a higher price on their low quality dog to look professional and make their dogs appear more valuable. Some breeders import very expensive dogs so they can breed them to sell puppies at a higher price bracket. An experienced breeder can evaluate a dog by comparing the conformation or show quality, health, physical performance and the ability to work; but can only do so after having studied the breed and being immersed in these canines for many years. One factor that has impacted price structure is the difference between Czech Shepherds and West Germans Shepherds based on an over-inflated value. Many first time German Shepherd buyers are ignorant of this fact. The new buyer will look at a few breeder websites, see the price tag, then sticker shock sets in; so they search again based on a lower initial purchase price and soon find a breeder that sells at lower price tiers. It never was a bargain. Czechoslovakian Shepherds sell for less money for a number of reasons. The market is diluted with them, it seems they are on every street corner. If you want the best German Shepherd for your money you will need to hit the perfect trifecta: choose breeder, bloodline and puppy very wisely. Breed level dogs or dogs used for breeding purposes should be exceptionally beautiful, it should be like a day versus night comparison. Its time for a really bad analogy, but it should be like comparing the cute girl you saw at BurgerDoodle against the hot supermodel on TV. Or for the lady readers, it would be like comparing an overweight plumber to a ripped fitness instructor. There should be an impressive difference between the quality of a German Shepherd breed dog when compared to the German Shepherd you just saw on the street corner. Both parents should have correct body type, not be excessively underweight or overweight, they should have dark eye colors, the coat should be exceedingly beautiful with vivid color pigmentation. The body should be proportional to the animals overall size, the body should not be too short nor should it be too long. The dog should not be a giant massive pound beast, nor should it be a petite 55 pounds worth of dog. The withers should be the high point and the back line or top line should gracefully slope to the hind quarters from there. The torso should appear rugged with powerful legs, the angulation should be correct and the stance when viewed from the side should look as if the German Shepherd were ready or capable of striking in a nanosecond. The West German Shepherd is a herding type breed and should weigh between 70 to 90 lbs and be 22 to 26 inches tall. That is 22 to 24 inches for a female and 24 to 26 inches for a male Toss a ball and observe the adults as they run, their movement should be easy, graceful as if to announce - yep, I can do this all day long! Look to see if the movement is fluid or constrained. Check the eyes, ear and teeth. Eyes should have dark pupil colors, teeth properly aligned, ears should be set close and stand erect, they should be reasonably clean and not coated with goo inside. Do the adult dogs track you as you move around? Are they agitated or nervous at your presence there? Pet them, handle them and look for their response. Nearly every German Shepherd breeder in America will tell you that they have champion bloodlines. Immerse yourself by studying, looking at pictures, making comparisons, asking questions via phone, text or email and then going to visit several of the top contenders. Go visit, meet them in person, ask questions, make notes etc. Choosing a breeder does not sound like a complicated task, however you should visit with several individuals and keep a skeptical eye open. Just because this breeder has nice looking German Shepherds - does not make them an ethical or honest person. Nearly everyone has heard the term puppy-mill. This refers to a large breeding operation that mass produces puppies to sell in a variety of retail outlets. Some of the puppies go to pet stores and boutiques, others are sold on-line and shipped in crates via carrier or air-freight, still others are to be sold at events like dog shows, local flea markets, farmers markets, outdoor festivals or from the back of a pick-up truck. Please beware of purchasing from the aforementioned venues, a large portion of these animals also come with very serious life threatening diseases. The puppy mills are known for over-crowding, unsanitary conditions and harsh treatment of animals since they often operate in secrecy in a warehouse or very remote type location. Another type of breeder is the novice, money driven or back yard breeder. These types are largely copy cats. They read websites of professional breeders and the on-line ads, familiarize themselves with the terminology, soon enough they begin executing their forgery. They position themselves as professional breeders but on a smaller scale, offering puppies that are hand raised etc. If you were to look around their property - they place looks like a normal home, there is no footprint or significant investment to indicate that they have created a top-notch, professional environment for their canines. See the selecting a breeder section for more information on how to identify unsavory breeder types and more specifically what to look out for. The canine breeder should be a walking encyclopedia about the overall health, housing, care, nutrition, exercise and training necessary for the type of canines they are breeding. They should have built up a considerable amount of knowledge, expertise and experience around their breed, they should also be proficient at mating and whelping too. Their kennels and property should reflect careful consideration about every decision that impacts the housing, health and environment for their canines. I highly recommend you visit with a few breeders, there is no substitute for this step. This is an opportunity for you to evaluate the breeder, to observe the adult canine animals and also the time to examine the relationship between the breeder and their animals. If the breeder is a professional - then there should be compelling evidence that they have made a significant investment in providing great facilities for the animals. What is the condition of the fencing, the shelter, the dog house, the whelping area etc? How does the breeder talk, do you feel extremely comfortable with their knowledge, character, speech and demeanor? This is the precise moment in time where you need to follow your gut. I have visited other breeders and seen unbelievable things, such as: When the puppies eat, play, then take a nap; mice scurried out from under the shed and begin scarfing crumbs of food dropped by the puppies. Another breeder had a koi pond with long strands of green slime pond scum, the puppies were using this as a water source; the issue was every time that it rained, the runoff rainwater drained back into the koi pond carrying with it the germs and bacteria from the waste products generated by the puppies. I have met a few great breeders and many really bad ones. In the final analysis - you are not just buying a puppy, but you are buying into the combined genetics of both parents, you are buying into the kennel, the breeder person, their level of knowledge and expertise, lastly whether or not that person is honest and ethical. Believe me - there are some real unsavory characters out there breeding dogs, selling puppies and offering stud service. For more info please read - Selecting a Breeder. The health of the animal is determined by genetics as passed down from both parents. Each pup has 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great grandparents 16 great great grandparents all of these ancestor impact the offspring. Inquire of the breeder if there are any known genetic problems. Inquire about the frequency of those genetic problems occurring. If a breeder proudly says there have never had a problem with any of their animals then you should consider 1 of 2 possibilities. The very best kennels in the country have encountered genetic problems, but because of strict quality control protocols they move to a different pairing of adults to eliminate the genetic problem or they stop breeding that line altogether. A sincere breeder should offer a health guarantee to protect the customers investment. Always read the contract and ask questions long before making a deposit. A genuine breeder should want to stand behind their puppies, they should want to protect their reputation and provide detailed records. Furthermore a breeder should encourage open communication and build a relationship with their customers, how else will the breeder stay abreast of the health, wellness and genetic factors that are happening within their bloodline? An experienced breeder should have insight as to the traits of each puppy in the litter. The breeder should be able to help show you which puppy best suits your needs based on the criteria you have stated. What is the singular most important trait to you? Do you travel frequently and want a protective dog for your family? Are you seeking a dog for companionship? Is your situation that you have a big family, a lot of friends, neighbors and relatives who visit often and want a family dog? Were you planning on working the dog? Share this information with your breeder and ask them to help steer you towards a puppy that exhibits traits that are well suited for your primary intended purpose. Many clients want to actively choose a puppy, while others are more comfortable with a passive approach, spend time with the litter and allow the choice to be more organic and mutually made by the puppy that is attracted to them. There is nothing wrong with either method but I will offer this - If you want to ensure that you get the puppy with the traits that most closely match your needs, then for optimum results take an active role in making the selection. In each litter there will be certain trait variations the pups have inherited from their parents. Any German Shepherd puppy born in the litter can be trained to serve or work in any type of role that you desire, however some pups are more naturally suited to be self starters and do the task with minimal input from you. A German Shepherd is not naturally a mean or vicious dog, however they are alert, aware and protective. These traits have been locked into them from the start by the nature of the breed, these animals were coded to be discerning from the start. A Golden Retriever is a great congenial dog, it loves everyone it encounters right down to the burglar who is prying open the back window of your home with a crowbar. The Golden Retriever will hold the door open and wag its tail as the contents of the home are being ransacked and loaded into a truck. Now flip the script and try that with the German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd dog has already been eyeballing everyone long before they set foot on the property. Even if the dog was inside and did not see someone coming - it is always listening for sounds that are non typical for its environment. Go ahead and pry the window open with the crowbar - lets see how that works out for you. Someone may actually get inside but I am pretty confident they will be encouraged to leave hastily by the canine with intense actions of fierce barking, deep growling, hackles up, ears on high alert and eyes laser focused on the intruder. The uninvited guest will drop everything - run out the door with empty arms, a chewed up backside, a renewed fear of God Almighty and total respect for the German Shepherd Dog… Again, the German Shepherd is not a mean dog, it is not a vicious dog, but it is a vigilant dog. It is a watch dog - it is a dog that closely looks after the people that it is bonded to and the place where they live together. All things considered - a German Shepherd is a very practical investment for peace of mind regardless whether you are young or old, single or have a large family. On pickup day I will spend a minimum of an hour and a half with each new owner going over paperwork and the best practices for feeding, health, training, tips on care, etc. With West German Shepherds. You are buying into the tremendous wealth of bloodlines we have selectively cultivated and created, you are buying the expertise we have accumulated in 14 years of running a top notch breeding program. I am passionate about this breed and ensuring that everyone who wants a German Shepherd - has an amazing experience. Please contact me if I can be of service to you. Thank you for visiting West German Shepherds. The original quote was intended for every breed of dog; as German Shepherd owners already know - these canines are far superior to any other breed on the planet! I often repeat - some days you are the dog, some days you are the fire hydrant. More quotes can be found at the bottom of each page. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night. Do you get the difference? The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Upcoming Litters What customers say about our puppies "Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives.Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words. Audrey and I discussed her breeding line and I was most impressed! She took the time to explain her dog's lines, what some of them had gone on to do : police, detection, protections, pets - it was impressive. I was beyond happy that Audrey not only had the experience, but also had the educational degrees to back up what she was saying. I did not meet Audrey when this litter was born but instead there were a few male puppies available black and sable but none had been actually chosen yet. Audrey put me down for a sable male per my request. I knew I would not see whatever puppy was to be mine except through videos, pictures, etc….She would send videos, pictures, and just general updates. Audrey was always available and responded quickly to any correspondence. I sometimes wondered when she slept with all these clients and pups. Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives. One day Audrey sent a particular video and I fell in love. It is the fairest way to allow clients to choose. Audrey and I continued to correspond sometimes daily and she was amazing. A day or so later, Audrey let me know that this little guy was mine. I believe that Audrey does everything within her power to ensure that clients do receive the puppy they want if the fit is correct. Now, we had to transport this little man. Audrey and I communicated a lot! I had never had a puppy brought to my door physically unseen. This was completely new to me yet, I know dogs are flown all over the world. Together, Audrey and I navigated this last leg of the journey and I could not have asked for more from her. Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words to use when describing how Audrey was during this process. Audrey ended up keeping my pup who was named Malachi for an extra week. While he was there, she taught him his name and sent pictures and videos often. They certainly made my day! Since Malachi has arrived home, he is nothing short of amazing! He is exactly as Audrey described him and the litter Daisy x Maverick focused, well behaved, eager to learn, and dark stunning sable! Exactly what a great breeder should do. My experience with North Mountain Kennels was wonderful. If you are looking for a well bred high quality working German Shepherd l highly recommend North Mountain Kennels. Audrey is in a class all of her own and I am grateful that the stars aligned so that I was able to be blessed with one of her pups. He is a true gift and I look forward to all the days ahead with him. Thank you Audrey! Currently Available Puppies.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders page. The average price for a German Shepherd Puppy in Oregon will vary depending on the breeder that you choose. It is important to do your research before purchasing a puppy and to find a reputable breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club. Prices may vary because of the pedigree of the dog, whether it is purebred or not and what training the puppy may have already undergone. The most important thing to remember is that you get what you pay for. It is not recommended that you purchase an animal on the cheap when it comes to matters of health and well-being. There are many breeders who are registered with the American Kennel Club and who adhere to the strict guidelines that have been put in place. When looking for a breeder, it is important to ask questions about the health of the parents and grandparents of the puppies. Breeders should be able to provide documentation that proves that their dogs have been tested for genetic diseases and are clear of any issues. The breeder should also be willing to provide a guarantee of the health of the puppy. If you are looking for a show-quality dog, then you will likely have to pay more for your puppy. However, all German Shepherds are beautiful animals and there is no need to break the bank in order to bring one into your home. When you find a responsible breeder, it is important to stick with them so that you can continue to get quality dogs from them in the future. This will allow you to see where the puppies are being raised and how they are being treated. It will also give you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies and ask any questions that you may have. A responsible breeder will want to meet you as well and will likely ask some questions about your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog. They should also be willing to provide references so that you can speak with other people who have purchased puppies from them in the past. If everything looks good and you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from this breeder, be sure to get a written contract that outlines all of the details of the sale. This should include information about the health of the puppy, his pedigree and what type of training he has received. The breeder should also provide you with a list of supplies that you will need to get started, such as a food dish, water bowl, collar, leash, crate and toys. Purchasing a German Shepherd puppy is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. By doing your research and finding a responsible breeder, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-behaved animal who will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. A breeder who has been breeding dogs for years should be able to provide you with references from other people that they have sold puppies to in the past. These individuals will have valuable information on the level of care and expertise offered by this breeder. If there is a particular reason why these former clients did not keep their German Shepherds, then it may be a good idea to steer clear of this breeder. Although it is impossible to find a perfect breeder, someone who has a long history of good reviews should be your ideal choice. When looking for a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Oregon, it is important to ask questions and do your research. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-behaved puppy who will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. Sometimes this is done to make a quick buck. Other times it is because they simply do not know the proper way to care for their animals. If they are rushing through the process with little concern about who you are or what kind of life that their pups will have, then it might be time to find another breeder. This organization provides a list of breeders who have met certain standards of care and breeding. If the breeder you are speaking with does not have papers for their animals, then they are likely not a reputable source. Ask The Oregon Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems When you go to pick up your new puppy from a responsible breeder in Oregon, they should be able to provide you with a health certificate that shows that the puppy is free of any serious medical problems. This certificate will also list all of the vaccines and preventative measures that have been taken for this animal. This should be a place where the pup can run and play without fear of getting hit by a car or becoming lost. Introduce The Puppy To All Of The Family Members: Once your new pup has had a chance to relax and play in their safe area, it is time to introduce them to the rest of your family. Be sure to have plenty of treats on hand to reward the pup for good behavior. It may take a little bit of time for the puppy to get used to everyone, but with patience and love, they will soon become part of the family. Install A Dog Door: If you want your German Shepherd puppy to be able to go in and out of the house as they please, then you will need to install a dog door. This can be a great way for the pup to get some exercise during the day when you are not at home. Bringing a new puppy into your home is always a joyous occasion. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your new German Shepherd has a safe and happy home to call their own. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy Potty training is one of the most important skills that any new puppy will need to learn. When you bring your German Shepherd home, there are certain steps you can take to make sure they pick up this behavior quickly and easily. Many owners make the mistake of introducing their dog to a potty spot in the yard and expecting them to know what to do from there. This strategy rarely works and can lead to accidents all over your house before you even knew what happened. If your new pup does not feel like it is necessary for them to go outside at certain times, they will wait until the last minute and often make a mess inside of your home. To get around this problem, it is important to keep your puppy on a strict schedule where they are expected to go outside every couple of hours or so. You can either use an app on your phone to set up reminders or you can mark off each hour as it passes with different items such as toys. This could be anything from a small treat to verbal praise or petting. If the puppy makes a mistake and goes potty inside, do not scold them. Simply clean it up and take them outside immediately so they can understand that this is not the behavior that you are looking for. Bringing a new German Shepherd puppy into your home is an exciting experience that will bring plenty of joy to your family. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your new pup has a safe and easy time getting potty trained. Congratulations on your newest addition! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. My name is Ralf aka Ralfy aka Ralfy Palfy. My fosters gave me the last nickname because they say I will make someone a great Pal. You see, I was found on the side of the road barely alive after being hit by a car. I couldn't walk very well because my pelvis was broken in three places. But after visiting this place called the veterinarian, I started feeling much better. Unfortunately before my accident I had never met kind humans and still to this day, I'm very easily startled and scared of new people. It's going to take someone very special and patient to earn my trust. But once you earn it, I'm the sweetest and most gentle dog ever. I love love love chest rubs and ear scratches. But my number one love of all time is treats!!! I love all flavors so if you decide to take me home, don't be shy when shopping for me! I enjoy sunbathing and relaxing in my kennel. It's my safe place when I feel overwhelmed. I promise to love you if you promise to take the time to get to know me. I will do best in a quiet house with maybe 1 or 2 adults and an older mature doggy friend. I don't care much for traveling and prefer to be a homebody. I do love to play with doggy friends and don't mind cats either. I'm currently working on becoming more confident in public spaces. What do you say? Can you give me a shot? Ralf is kennel trained and potty trained. He is a local adoption only. His current foster is a trainer who is willing to offer two free sessions along with his adoption to set you both up for success and better help you understand what he will need and how you can help provide that for him. He is a Shepherd mix that weighs roughly 50lbs. We have answers. Am I limited to Portland German Shepherd puppies for sale? Looking for your dream German Shepherd, Portland? If you're looking for a dog, but can't find the right one in your area, don't worry! We work with breeders and businesses throughout the United States to get your pup flown in to meet you. These partners are total professionals when it comes to transportation, and most families who choose Uptown Puppies will have their pup picked up at a local airport. How do you screen breeders with German Shepherd puppies for sale in Portland, Oregon? German Shepherd puppies for sale? Portland has the best! We're all about responsible, humane breeding. When we screen breeders who wish to join our network, we're looking for a track record of exemplary practices in animal care and customer service. Breeders must adhere to our Breeder Pledge and have no connection to puppy mills. Are German Shepherds trainable for novice owners? What about the best German Shepherd puppies Portland has to offer? German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They make great pets and can be very obedient. However, they may not be the best choice for people who don't have a lot of experience training dogs. We have created a puppy finder network where families like yours can search for their dream dog without being bombarded by bad breeders. We only allow qualified breeders to join our network, and we make it easy for you to find the perfect pup. What is a puppy mill? Do they have cheap Portland German Shepherds for sale? Puppy mills are not always terrible places where dogs are treated poorly. Sometimes, these puppies can be bought from reputable mills that follow good breeding practices and provide a loving home for the pup. However, there are also many puppy mills that treat their dogs poorly and use them only for the purpose of producing puppies. These "affordable" pups often have serious health issues later in life due to their lack of care early on. Are German Shepherds for sale in Portland, Oregon good for apartments? Fact: German Shepherds need regular exercise and room to roam in order to stay healthy. Some people may tell you that it's okay to keep your German Shepherd cooped up, but the truth is that this breed needs plenty of physical activity in order to be happy and healthy. If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, they're more likely to become destructive and reclusive. Are there any German Shepherd puppies for sale near Portland? If you're looking for a German Shepherd puppy, be sure to check out Uptown Puppies. They have a wide variety of puppies to choose from, and they always have new litters coming in. With so many puppies available, it's important to act fast if you want one. Are German Shepherd puppies near Portland right for me? Well, that depends! Do you desire a loyal dog who is intelligent and hard working? If so, the German Shepherd may be the perfect pooch for you! They are protective but also very friendly towards their families. Join the club if you're looking for a loyal pet that will always have your back. Are German Shepherds good family dogs? German Shepherds may have a reputation for being fierce and intimidating, but this is not always the case. They are actually very loving dogs towards those that they care for, including children in the family. They are also quite protective of their families and will remain friendly with people they know if properly socialized from a young age. Where do German Shepherds come from? Are they only available from German Shepherd breeders near Portland? The German Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. In fact, evidence suggests that this breed may have originated in Germany as early as the late s. At first, these dogs were solely used to herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. However, over the years their intelligence, obedience and temperament has made them some of the most popular dogs around. Whether you're looking for a loyal companion or a powerful hunting dog, the German Shepherd is definitely worth considering. Are German Shepherds smart? German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world. They're considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds, and because of this they require a lot of training. If you don't provide your German Shepherd with the appropriate training, he may start to outsmart you instead of obeying your commands. How fast can German Shepherds run? Where can I find the best German Shepherd for sale Portland has to offer? German Shepherds are some of the fastest dogs in the world. They can sprint briefly at a top speed of up to 30 miles per hour or run at a sustained speed of up to 15 miles per hour, sometimes for an hour or longer. Whether they're herding, working, or playing, that's pretty darn fast.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Goldendoodles are loving, intelligent, and super friendly dogs who make great companions for singles and families alike. There are so many breeders to choose from, all of them claiming to have the healthiest puppies with the best temperaments. The rising popularity of Goldendoodles has attracted numerous backyard breeders and puppy mills , all of them luring you in with low prices and false promises. Unfortunately, oftentimes these breeders use unethical breeding practices, such as overbreeding their mamas, keeping the dogs in unsafe and unhealthy environments, not providing them enough food, and much worse. Health screening is the best way to reduce the risk of puppies inheriting any genetic conditions and illnesses , which can drastically alter their quality of life. Ethical breeders that have jumped through the hoops will be able to provide you with authentic certifications, documents, and proof of health testing. Having said that, nature works in mysterious ways and sometimes puppies do develop genetic illnesses, even if their parents have been rigorously health tested. For this reason, reputable breeders offer health guarantees that cover serious genetic defects. Health warranties are usually applicable for either one or two years and come in written and signed forms. All of these organizations require their breeders to follow the highest health and genetic testing standards and ethical breeding practices. Although not all breeders in this guide are certified by GANA, they all follow strict health testing protocols and have a proven track record of being ethical establishments. Although oftentimes the breeder might say all the right things on their website, the reality might be the complete opposite. In addition to that, you can always ask around from your friends or family members about their own personal experiences with specific breeders in your area. Our article on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder has more information about this topic, so definitely be sure to check it out. Their mamas live with their family and all puppies are raised inside their home with lots of love and care from the whole family. As one of the best ethical Goldendoodle breeders in Louisiana, Elimwood Farm Goldendoodles takes their commitment to raising only the healthiest and happiest puppies very seriously. In addition to that, they already start socializing the puppies, introducing early potty training, grooming, and regular everyday sights and sounds. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Pups receive their age appropriate vaccinations, dewormings, and a microchip. Nice to meet you! We are Matthew and Erica, and we live in Youngsville, Louisiana with our kids and fur babies. We love our job, and we're very very passionate about it. My mother had a dog breeding business most of my childhood, so I learned a lot about breeding along the way. When I grew up and got married, I knew that I wanted a goldendoodle. Our favorite dog when I was younger, Shaggy, was a golden retriever. He was an outside dog because he shed so much, and my brothers were allergic. I saw a picture of a goldendoodle and thought that I had never seen something so beautiful. I was over the moon that I could have a non-shedding dog that also had the golden retriever temperament. I searched and searched and just couldn't find a goldendoodle from health tested lines near me. I had to purchase our first girl, Ruby, from Pennsylvania. I knew that I wanted to breed Ruby to produce what I couldn't find here, and with my knowledge and background of helping my mom with her breeding business, it was a very easy decision. Our dogs are house pets and run free in our yard. We also have dogs in guardian homes , which allows us to expand our breeding program while keeping our breeding dogs as loved and well taken care of as possible. Our breeding dogs come from healthy bloodlines and are chosen based on structure, coat, and temperament. Temperament is crucial for our breeding dogs because our puppies usually go to homes with small children, and we want only those good temperaments to be passed down. Structure is also important, because a dog without good structure will most likely have joint issues and other problems as they grow, and it's our goal to produce puppies that will have a sound mind and body. We health test our dogs before we breed them to ensure that you are going to get the healthiest puppy possible. Our dogs are happy and healthy, to ensure that your puppy will be happy and healthy as well. What generations do we breed? Our goal for our puppies is to have the least shedding coats as possible, gorgeous coats, nice balanced and solid structures, and a good balance of poodle and golden retriever temperament. This can be done through any generation. There is A LOT of wrong information regarding the generation of a goldendoodle and the amount of shedding. Generation doesn't help when trying to choose the best puppy, as you can get your desired coat type and temperament in any generation. For example, some breeders will say that F1b goldendoodles are more allergy friendly than any other generation. Since we coat test our parent dogs, it's easy for us to predict what types of coats we will have in a particular litter. We pair our parent dogs based on their specific coat genetics to ensure we're getting consistent, non-shedding, loose curly coats. With the right knowledge of genetics, it's actually VERY easy to breed out shedding in our lines. We also test our parent dogs' breed percentages, so we can always have a good balance of both golden and poodle. We look at our parents' structures and pair them correctly to produce nice builds in our lines. Before we learned about coat testing, we produced F1b litters because we believed they were the most hypoallergenic according to other breeders' advice at the time. We still produced F1b puppies with weak furnishing genes that affected allergies because we were unaware that lots of poodles specifically from red lines carry weak furnishing genes. Our most common breedings are multigenerational goldendoodles, which are any generation past second generation. With coat testing, multigenerational goldendoodles will breed true. What does that mean? It means you can expect the puppies to look just like mom and dad. We currently breed mini, medium, and standard size goldendoodles. These sizes are determined by both weight and height. If a goldendoodle's weight is catergorized as medium, but his height is catergorized as standard, he'll be determined a standard size. Goldendoodles can be built like poodles tall and slender , golden retrievers short and solid , or anything in between. Two goldendoodles can weigh the exact same amount, but its their height that will ultimately determine their size sometimes its a " difference! We will always breed our goldendoodles down slowly, with no more than a " difference in height between parents. This is to protect the structure in our lines and reduce joint issues later on. Sometimes our puppies end up smaller or bigger than what we estimate based on the size of the parents, but we're able to tell at around 6 weeks old if they'll be bigger or smaller than we predict. We do not currently breed petite, which is any goldendoodle under 14". There are other wonderful small doodle breeds that would be a good choice for someone wanting petite, such as cavapoos and maltipoos. If you're set on getting a petite goldendoodle, please find a breeder that has bred petite goldendoodles down very carefully over several generations while pairing their parents based on conformation, and find one that breeds multigenerational goldendoodles. Major structural faults that make the dog look awkward and can harm your dog later in life, as well as severe bite issues, are very common in mini and petite goldendoodles when there is a drastic difference in the parents' sizes. Also, be advised that small breeds need their teeth cleaned more often and their anal glands expressed. If we are to bring companion dogs into this world, it is our job to do so responsibly to ensure they live long and healthy lives. Read more about health screening per breed here. Our parent dogs are thoroughly examined by our veterinarian before breeding, but we also perform DNA tests on our parent dogs to make sure they are healthy and don't have any genetic diseases or conditions that could be passed down to their puppies. Even if a dog appears healthy and isn't affected by a disease, they could carry a gene for a genetic disease, and if bred to another dog that carries the same gene, the puppies will be affected. If one parent is clear and does not carry the genes for these diseases, that parent can't pass on the gene and there will be no puppies affected, even if the other parent is a carrier or is affected. A puppy must inherit a mutated gene from BOTH parents in order to be affected by the disease. Some of these diseases don't affect the dog until they are older, and can be very serious and life altering. We also screen our parent dogs' hips, elbows, patellas, eyes, and heart. Hip and elbow dysplasia is common in both golden retrievers and standard poodles, and this can be genetic or occur anytime due to environmental factors. However, we still do our part in making sure the genetic factor of dysplasia is taken out of the equation. Usually, genetically caused hip dysplasia will be seen on x-ray after 4 months old. Without an x-ray, it's almost impossible to diagnose because a dog could go years before showing signs of hip dysplasia and hide their pain from puppyhood very well. The x-ray to the right shows our Godfrey's hips at a year old. If he had hip dysplasia, the joints would be coming out of his sockets. Instead, his joints fit nice and tight in his sockets. We have our veterinarian x-ray each of our parent dogs before they're bred so we can see if they have hip dysplasia or not. We also x-ray their elbows for dysplasia, and our veterinarian will examine our smaller sized parents for luxating patellas knees. A veterinarian ophthalmologist examines our parent dogs' eyes for juvenile cataracts and other genetic eye diseases, and a cardiologists examines their hearts for genetic heart conditions. We want goldendoodles to be the "low risk" breed when people are looking for a healthy family companion. Due to hybrid vigor and low Co-efficiency of Inbreeding COI's , the chance of cancer is already reduced, but there are still lots of genetic diseases that can be passed down directly from the parents. The number of dogs brought into animal shelters due to these genetic diseases is high. For example: A new puppy owner is excited to bring home their new adorable puppy. The puppy is healthy when brought home and the breeder has the normal health warranty for 2 years. He passes his vet exams with flying colors. The new puppy owner thought he was purchasing a puppy from a "reputable" breeder because the puppies were raised well in the breeder's home instead of kennels outside, or the breeder did enrichment protocols with the puppies. However, the breeder doesn't do any health testing at all, they just get wellness checks done on their parent dogs by their local veterinarian. As the dog grows past the age of 2 when the symptoms usually begin, the owners notice that he can no longer see, the dog begins to have trouble walking and moving due to weakness in their limbs, or his skin turns scaly. The dog is no longer under the age of 2, so the breeder warranty is null and void. If the dog owner cannot afford treatment for this genetic disease and does not have the time and energy to manage the symptoms of these diseases, they will sometimes have no choice but to bring their dog to the shelter because there is very little chance of re-homing the dog to someone who is willing to pay for lifelong treatment for the poor dog. Most breeder's wont take these dogs back, because how can they rehome a dog with a disease that they could have easily prevented by due diligence? We like to think most people would accept their dog no matter what and treat their dog for these diseases, but sadly that is not the world we live in, as proven by the amount of diseased and disabled dogs in shelters. Adopting a wonderful pet, falling in love with it, then loosing that beloved pet to a disease or condition that could have easily been prevented by the breeder is heart breaking. A health warranty will refund your money, but that will not take away the pain and heart break. Please do your research and ask your breeder what health testing they've done. If a breeder is not able to ensure genetically healthy puppies, they should not be breeding their dogs. Many people think that because goldendoodles are "mixes", that the puppies are a complete gamble with structure and coat. This is SO far from the truth. Modern technology has made it possible to predict what kind of colors, coats, and structures we will produce. There is also a gene responsible for weak furnishings, where the dog has a beard and eyebrows, but it's a lot thinner and wirey and not as fluffy as a dog with normal furnishings. Our goal is to produce allergy friendly teddy bear coats with furnishings. We will never produce a flat coated goldendoodle, as this is not the breed standard and there will always be moderate to high shedding involved. Flat coated goldendoodles can be very beautiful, but most of our puppy owners prefer the teddy bear non-shedding coats, so that's what we strive to produce. When we have litters, we ask those on the waiting list for the current litter if they are allergic to dogs that shed. We will work with those people who have allergies so they can get the puppy with the least chance of shedding by doing DNA tests on our puppies. Pictured below are examples of the straight, wavy and curly coats that we currently produce in our litters. Poodles usually have their faces shaved, but the fur on their muzzle does grow evenly like the rest of their body if left to grow. The furnishing gene is the gene that is responsible for their fluffiness NOT curl, that is a separate gene , and low shedding. If a goldendoodle has no furnishing gene, they will have a flat coat, often referred to as an Improper Coat, just like a golden retriever. This will result in an "open face" with no beard or eyebrows. A furnishing gene could be weak or strong, but it is dominant, meaning a puppy just needs one furnishing gene in order to exhibit a beard and eyebrows. Puppies with only one furnishing gene that appears to be a weak furnishing gene will have a thinner, flatter, and wirey coat that will shed. If we know that some of our puppies inherit only one furnishing gene and its a weak one, we are able to determine this early on. The furnishing gene, both weak and strong, are testable and we know which of our parents carry which genes in order to pair them correctly. That's not true at all, and causes a lot of confusion. A Flat Coat is the result of no furnishing gene, just like a golden retriever with no fluff, beard, or eyebrows. A Straight Coat actually means that a goldendoodle has two non-curl genes, which means they'll have very little, if any, wave or curl to their coat. A Flat Coated goldendoodle could also have a wavy or curly coat, so the distinction is important due to so much confusion out there. There are two genotypes for curl, just like furnishings, since the puppies will inherit one genotype from each parent. The non-curl gene comes from the golden retriever, and the curl gene comes from the poodle. Golden Retrievers have two non-curl genes resulting in a Straight Coat no curl , and poodles have two curl genes, resulting in a tight Curly Coat. When bred together, each parent will pass down one of their genotypes randomly. ALL F1 goldendoodles golden retriever x poodle have one curl gene and one non-curl gene, which results in a Wavy Coat, because they can only inherit a non-curl gene form the golden retriever parent and a curl gene from the poodle parent. Curly Coats are pretty obvious to determine just by looking at a puppy, but whether a puppy has a Wavy or a Straight Coat is very hard to determine in a puppy without testing. All about shedding: Shedding has nothing to do with the curl gene, and everything to do with the furnishing gene. Most people think that a curly coat will be less likely to shed, but that's far from true. People associate curly with non-shedding because poodles don't shed, but poodles don't shed because they have Furnishing genes and usually at least one low shed gene. For example, yorkies, schnauzers, and maltese all have straight coats and furnishings, and are allergy friendly. We see this all the time, and it only increases that desire to want to produce well balanced dogs. As breeders, it's our job to never stop trying to improve our lines. Structure is a huge part of this, as we should be producing dogs with both sound minds and sound bodies. Good conformation allows a dog to move correctly and remain active for it's whole life without going lame or developing arthritis. If there is a mild structural fault in one of our parent dogs, we make sure that we pair them to a mate that does not have that specific fault. If we do, the puppies could have a more exaggerated form of this fault. We want straight, even toplines, great front and rear angulation, feet that point forward, and nice long necks. These are things we look for when choosing a puppy for our breeding program, as well as temperament, health, and coat quality. We stack our potential keepers between 7 and 8 weeks old and choose the one with the best conformation. Our goal is to produce well balanced goldendoodles, and when a dog has no angulation, they appear long legged and awkward. Great structure not only improves the overall look of a dog, but it also improves their movement, protects their joints, and reduces the risk of injury later on. This begins when the puppies are 3 days old, and ends when they go home with you. The Puppy Culture way is a GREAT way to ensure that your puppy will have the greatest chance of being healthy, happy, smart, and socialized. When the puppies are 3 days old until they are 16 days old, we do early neurological stimulation exercises with each puppy. Dogs who undergo these exercises at this age are proven to have greater tolerance to stress, greater residence to disease, stronger heart rate, stronger heartbeat, and a faster adrenal system. After that, beginning at 3 weeks old, we get them used to their litter box. They learn early on that there is a specific place to go, and that they can't just go anywhere. When they go home, they are completely litter boxed trained and it is very easy to house train them. They also begin playing with a new toy each day and socializing with as many people as possible at 3 weeks old. At 4 weeks old, we introduce problem solving activities and different challenges for your puppy to work through. To quote Jane Killion, the creator of Puppy Culture, "animals who are given learning and problem solving activities in addition to toys and social interaction grow up to be more stable, less easily stressed, less easily frightened, with better learning and memory than animals who are given the same toys and socialization with no learning and problem solving". We also work on manding learn to sit instead of jump for attention , grooming, food aggression, and getting the puppies used to different heights and surfaces, as well as textures. Puppy Culture focuses on making each new thing a positive experience for your puppy early on, so that they are used to the necessary things like baths, grooming, and crate training by the time they go home with you. Because we focus on using positive reinforcement from such a young age, your puppy will love to please. We try our best to prepare our puppies for their new homes using Puppy Culture, but the rest depends on you. Studies show that a dog is the most receptive to learning in the first 12 weeks. What they learn during the first 12 weeks of life will stay with them forever. Our puppies go home at 8 weeks old, so we encourage each of our puppy owners to purchase the Puppy Culture video, "The Powerful First 12 Weeks" and use weeks 8 through 12 to the best of their ability. Watching these videos, you'll learn how your puppy learns and what the best ways to train them are. Jane Killion's book, "When Pigs Fly" is another resource we highly recommend. You'll see things through your dog's eyes and these training techniques begin to make complete sense. This will also prepare you and help you tackle obstacles that could arise. We've found that our puppies transition a lot better when our puppy owner's prepare with Puppy Culture before bringing their puppy home.

So You Want A Boxer? Mar 17, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So you want a Boxer? I personally have a soft spot for Boxers thanks to fond childhood memories. Both were fawn colored and great with kids. One of my pet sitting clients was also a black brindle colored Boxer who loved to play catch me if you can in his yard. His name was Bogart and he was the most beautiful Boxer I have ever seen, and I swear he was aware of his good looks! Known as brachycephalic dogs, their nasal passages are much shorter than those of dogs with long snouts. That makes them more prone to overheating on hot summer days than dogs with regularly sized nasal passages. The same applies to tail docking. Besides a more natural look, undocked Boxers with a full tail are also better swimmers and can communicate more effectively with other dogs and humans too. It simply means teaching your Boxer to follow rules that are important to you. For example, no pulling on walks , not being allowed on furniture, no jumping on guests, waiting for your OK to eat, not racing through an open door, etc. They enjoy being close to their humans, including adults and children. For instructions, check out our blog post 21 Dog Training Commands. Boxers Are Classified As Working Dogs Did you know that thanks to their courage, strength and stamina, Boxers were originally used to hunt wild boar and bears? A Boxer is a joyful, silly, fun-loving, affectionate and occasionally stubborn breed of dog. He is what he is. Do not think you can mold him into a dog that will accommodate your lifestyle. To even try could mean breaking the spirit and essence of this spectacular breed. One must weigh carefully, the decision to bring a Boxer into his or her life and home. This is not the breed for everyone. In fact, he can be a regular nightmare for some. Because… Boxers rule but they also drool! They pass gas, give wet kisses, jump up to greet you and snore too! If the sound of any of this makes you wince, you are not right for a Boxer! The basic fact that Boxer Rescue has to exist is evidence enough that too many people get a puppy because he is adorable, cute and playful. People seem to forget that a cute Boxer puppy turns a big, handsome, full grown adult dog that requires a lot of your time and attention. A Boxer in his adolescence is NOT easy to handle for the novice or unprepared person. Boxers are a very friendly and affectionate breed! They crawl in your lap, jump up on you and love to give those sloppy wet Boxer kisses. Boxers require daily exercise! Taking a quick walk down the street is not sufficient. Of course, an older adult Boxer needs less exercise than one under 4 years, but even the silver deserves to be kept happy and fit by engaging in some amount of exercise each day with his human. Many Boxers end up in rescues or shelters because their families did little research and were not aware of the incredible amount of energy they have. A tired Boxer is a well behaved Boxer! The Boxer breed is especially susceptible to seasonal flank alopecia. Providing a quality food, vitamin supplements with Omega Fatty Acids, Flax Seed or Salmon Oil in addition to regular brushing, usually keeps shedding to a minimum. Boxers are not considered high maintenance when it comes to grooming, but remember to clip those nails regularly! Most can recognize the need to be more patient and gentle with these fragile beings; however, some are better at executing it than others! Boxers have the tendency to bowl over young children when they get excited or while playing. If you would find this unacceptable, do not get a Boxer dog!!!! Boxers with People While Boxers in general, tend to be protective towards their family members, some are better at it than others! A Boxer should never be acquired for the sole purpose of guarding. This is not a dog to be left alone unattended for hours on end. They MUST live indoors with their families. It is common to find a Boxer who suffers from separation anxiety. They need to be around people and they thrive on this special companionship. Boxers can develop unwelcome behaviors such as digging, barking and chewing if ignored or not cared for properly. They have the potential to do a great deal of damage they are powerful chewers if they are not in a suitable environment. The Boxer generally makes a fine Therapy Dog. If you want to run around and play, so will they. Boxer Health Boxer guardians should have a bit of money tucked away for unplanned vet visits besides the annual check-up for vaccines and heartworm test. Boxers are predisposed to cancers—namely mast cell tumors and lymphomas. Click here for a list of health concerns specific to the Boxer breed. Dog food of poor quality can exacerbate or bring about a skin condition and other health problems. Boxers are powerful and strong dogs. They require committed and capable handlers and caregivers. Boxers do not respond well to repetition. Instead, they excel when given a few short training sessions. Repeating a command when the Boxer has already done it correctly can be counterproductive. The Boxer is intelligent! HE knows he did it right—YOU know he did it right. Move on. Many Boxers excel at agility! If you desire a dog who will do what you say when you say it, every time you say it, do not acquire a Boxer. A Boxer lives to please his human. It is imperative that you use positive reinforcement techniques when training a Boxer. Physical, harsh, or violent reprimanding is never recommended, nor is it acceptable for any animal. Chewing Most Boxers love to chew. Coffee tables, remote controls, shoes, chair legs, door frames etc… are all fair game. It is imperative that you provide your Boxer with stimulating toys or activities to do when you cannot be around. It is your duty to provide a chewing outlet for your Boxer. A busy dog is a happy dog. We suggest a KONG filled with treats or another delectable concoction, a food cube, treat ball, or nylabone type product. Eating Habits Some Boxers are messy eaters. You may find more kibble on the floor around their bowls, stuck to the wall, or caught in their jowls, than what actually made it into their tummies. Many Boxers send spit, slobber and chunks of food flying across the room after they shake their heads and many consider the couch cushions their personal napkins. Boxers who are socialized on a regular basis, from puppyhood, generally relate very well with other dogs. Many Boxer breeders and rescuers will agree that placement of Boxers of the opposite sex male with female, spayed and neutered of course! The information on this page applies to well-bred and temperament tested Boxer dogs from reputable breeders. Boxers have become a commercialized breed. You can help keep the number of Boxers who end up in rescue down by NOT purchasing a Boxer puppy unless you have ascertained that your lifestyle is one that would meet the needs of this breed. Pets are not rentals for people to keep until they outgrow their purpose. Please be a committed pet guardian for life! Check out this great video all about the Boxer breed!! For the Boxers Florida Boxer Rescue utilizes a secure online donation service. You can choose to pay with your credit, debit card, or direct by eCheck. If you would like to mail your donation, please send to: Hwy 85 North Crestview, FL Please note: the above address is a drop box intended to receive donations, and other mail correspondence. Because of the large geographic area that we cover in Florida, we do not have a central physical location. The organization is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers and all Boxers in our program are in foster homes where they can receive love, attention, and any medical assistance needed.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. 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. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. 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!

Passing Gas loudly. The Boxer is a Stubborn Breed Generally, your boxer dog will display a great deal of stubbornness and disregard for rules. You may have a hard time getting your Boxer to follow every command and even sometimes disregard you totally. However, by being patient and consistent, boxer dog training is possible. If your boxer dog refuses to listen, the best strategy is to continue to teach and reinforce hierarchy properly. A boxer is not an easy breed to own so, stay away from this breed if the easy way is what you seek. A boxer requires effort and constant interaction to be fully trained. If you are prepared for these, you can get yourself a boxer. The Boxer Breed Can be Destructive Even a human being becomes restless if they do not get something engaging, fun or entertaining to do for hours. If you are going to raise a boxer, you must be ready to have a range of daily activities to engage in such as exercises and walks to keep his or her heart in top shape, maintain muscle mass and get rid of stored energy. You also have to keep up with the grooming of your Boxer to make sure his or her coat and skin are healthy; regular baths, meals and playtime with interesting toys. If your Boxer gets maximum attention from you when you are around, he or she will behave well in your absence. Separation Anxiety This is a thing that happens in both adult and boxer puppies. If you always leave your boxer dog at home for too long every time, separation anxiety can occur. For some dogs, ten minutes alone may be too much for them to handle while some begin to feel nervous after some hours. If you have observed your Boxer to be sensitive to being left alone, you can put him through some boxer training to cope with being alone. You can start by doing without the hugs and kisses when leaving him alone. This is to avoid giving him the feeling that leaving is a big deal. No matter the amount of attention you give to your boxer dog, withdraw the attention at least 30 minutes before leaving him or her behind in the house so he can get used to your absence. After feeding your dog and you take him out to defecate, find a way to leave quietly. You can throw him a toy to distract him. Start by leaving him for some minutes and then gradually increase the time. Every time you return, do not make a big deal out of it. Enter calmly and greet your Boxer in a relaxed tone. You need your dog to see your leaving and coming back as normal things to do. Living with Other Dogs The Boxer breed generally has no problems if they have to live with other dogs. Two boxer dogs will do well with each other, and if your Boxer is already established, you should first test to see how he or she tolerates another dog before bringing a new dog home. However, most Boxer dogs do remarkably well when it comes to living with other dogs and interacting with them. Internal Environment Before you take your boxer dog home, you must first consider space. The average Boxer can cope in a small living space, but if you have a larger living space, it makes things even better. The Boxer breed is a playful animal and will enjoy having a large space to run and play around. If you do not have a lot of space in your living room, you have to think about when your puppy grows into a large adult because even adult Boxers love playing around. Your Boxer seems to be open to having playmates, and this is good for socializing. Why is my one-year-old Boxer yet to bark? Many boxers do not bark but instead do all the protection and intimidation with their size. Some boxers are easy going and quite laid back and will never bark unnecessarily. As long as your Boxer does not show any signs of health problems, you have nothing to worry about. My Boxer is always hiccupping? What can I do to stop it? Just like humans, dogs too get hiccups, and in most cases, the hiccups do not last for long. In some rare cases, the hiccups may go on for long, and it could start making your dog frustrated. If your Boxer shows signs of being bothered and frustration due to the spasms in his or her diaphragms, you can get some smooth peanut butter and give him a spoonful. This works in most cases. You should find out some boxer dog training methods on how to stop begging. You should never leave your Boxer outside unsupervised. Intolerance to Cold Any breed of dog can be affected by cold and big-sized dogs like the Boxer breed is not exempted. Keep your Boxer active and well-exercised. Encourage your boxer puppy or dog to stay outdoors and fight the cold. If it gets unbearable, take your dog inside immediately. Jumping on People While it may look like playful behavior, it is a behavior that you should curb. It is common to have an enthusiastic dog who leaps up at people to greet them. You can try out some effective Boxer training methods to put a stop to this behavior. Drooling Drooling is somewhat expected from Boxers, but there has to be a limit. Know how much drooling is normal and how much is excessive, and do something about it right away. Key Takeaways Pro Tip: In rare cases, hiccups can be an indication of a serious underlying condition, and the longer you wait to see the vet, the more damage that can occur. With pet insurance, owners may feel empowered to get the fast answers they need for peace of mind about their pet's health, with protection against the financial risk of incurred vet costs. Can dogs get hiccups? Yes, dogs can get hiccups. In fact, they're quite common, and in most cases, nothing to worry about. Dog hiccups are very similar to human hiccups. They occur when the diaphragm the muscle between the abdomen and the chest cavity contracts involuntarily. When your canine companion gets the hiccups, their inhaling breathe is followed by abrupt stops, which might shake their belly and chest, causing them to make a "hic" sound. As a dog ages, the frequency of hiccup bouts usually decreases. Why do dogs get hiccups? Dogs get hiccups when their diaphragm is irritated, causing it to contract then relax in involuntary spasms. The most common cause of dog hiccups is eating or drinking too quickly because it forces them to swallow air along with the food or water. Food intolerance is another possible cause of hiccups in dogs. The stomach is close to the diaphragm, which can potentially cause spasms if their tummy is uncomfortable. Other explanations for why dogs get hiccups include stress, excitement, and energetic play. In some cases, the cause of dog hiccups may be due to an upset stomach or gas. Do puppies get hiccups? Puppies of all ages — from newborns to 6-month-olds — can get hiccups. Hiccups are far more common in small puppies than in grown-up dogs, with almost all puppies exhibiting hiccups at some point during their development. In fact, puppies experience hiccups even before they're born, while they're still in their mother's womb. Fun Fact: This also occurs in humans and other mammals, and although the reason is still unknown, the theory is that hiccups are a result of the body testing the muscles associated with breathing. Why do puppies get hiccups? There are several reasons why puppies get hiccups far more often than older dogs, including: Puppies tend to be more excitable and more energetic than adult dogs. Rapid bursts of energy can easily impact their breathing causing hiccups. Puppies are also more likely to eat or drink too fast. Puppies have weaker organs, and their digestive system is less mature than those of adult dogs. Being too tired or cold can also trigger puppy hiccups. That's why sleeping pups are much more prone to bouts of hiccups than awake ones. How to get rid of dog hiccups If your dog has hiccups, there are several methods you can try to get rid of them. Many of the same cures used by humans also work well for dogs. A sip of water might help, just make sure they drink it slowly. Otherwise, they might gulp down air and end up with another bout of hiccups. You can try to give them something sweet preferably in a liquid form , such as water mixed with a little bit of sugar. The sweetness might help distract them and hopefully relax their breathing pattern. These can coat the throat to soothe the irritation and slow down the breathing process. Just be sure that anything you give your pet doesn't contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is used in many human products, but it is toxic to dogs. Light exercise, like a mellow walk, may also do the trick by changing your pet's breathing patterns Keep in mind, the chest contractions can be somewhat violent, so avoid giving your pet foods that require a lot of chewing, as this might present a choking hazard. Prevention is always better than reaction. If your furry friend is prone to hiccups, try to figure out what causes them. If your dog is very eager to gobble up his food or water, consider getting them a slow dog feeder. Another option is to feed your pup several smaller portions throughout the day instead of two large meals. You should also consider the size of their water bowl. There are bowls with different heights or levels that can help the water go down slower and with less air intake. When should you be concerned about your dog's hiccups? Occasional hiccups are a perfectly normal occurrence in dogs and should not be a cause for concern. However, if your pup's hiccups occur very often, if they last for longer than a couple of hours at a time, or they begin to interfere with their daily activities, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. Here are a few potentially serious causes of dog hiccups: Respiratory issues. If hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose, or wheezing, it could be a sign of respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Heatstroke in dogs can also trigger hiccups. Any dog can experience this life-threatening condition, but brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are especially susceptible due to their restricted airways and short muzzles. The list of potentially serious causes of dog hiccups also includes pericarditis inflammation of the heart sac, the pericardium, which causes fluid to accumulate between the layers and hypothermia extreme lowering of the body temperature resulting from exposure to frigid temperatures for too long. Gastric issues. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools on top of prolonged hiccups, it might be an indication of a gastrointestinal GI problem. The same symptoms, along with overall lethargy and exercise intolerance, can be a sign of a parasitic infection. Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can also attack your pet's respiratory system. If your dog is still a puppy, make sure to have them on a de-worming schedule. They should be de-wormed at two, four, six, eight, and weeks as a puppy, and then every three months. When you take your pup to the vet, the vet will likely start with a physical exam, bloodwork, and urinalysis. Depending on the initial results and the clinical signs your furry friend is showing, an abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays, CT scan, and an MRI might be recommended in order to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal hiccups. Key Takeaways Dog hiccups occur when the diaphragm involuntarily contracts and might result from eating or drinking too fast, over-excitement, or stress. Puppy hiccups are quite common, and these hiccups typically become less frequent as your pet gets older. Feeding smaller meals and slow-feeding dog bowls can help prevent hiccups in dogs. Occasional hiccups in dogs are normal and are nothing to worry about. However, if hiccups last more than a couple of hours, if they're accompanied by other symptoms, or if they start affecting your pet's life, it is best to speak to your vet. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. When a Boxer Has Hiccups Mufasa, 10 weeks old Photo courtesy of owner: Christina Knowles Overview Just like humans, canines can get a case of the hiccups and for some dogs, the episode can last quite a while or a Boxer can have reoccurring hiccups quite frequently. In most cases hiccuping is not a sign of a health problem. In this section we are going to discuss: What exactly happens Is there a reason to be concerned What causes a Boxer dog to get hiccups, along with prevention tips The rare but possible health conditions that have hiccups as a symptom Methods to quickly stop an episode How to know when hiccups last too long What is a Canine Hiccup? Hiccups involve 3 parts of the body: the diaphragm, vocal box larynx , and glottis vocal flaps. There are certain elements that will trigger quick, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm lasting. A forth of a second later, there is a contraction of the vocal box, along with a closure of the vocal flaps. An episode can consist of just a handful of 'hics' or can last for hours and in some rare cases days or even longer. Reasons for Concern With canines, episodes tend to happen to puppies more often than adult dogs. Since it causes a very brief pause in normal breathing, hiccups lasting hours can cause a dog to become stressed and some even panic as they gasp for air and struggle to breathe normally. This alone is a reason to find ways to stop a Boxer from hiccuping and in some very rare cases, it can point to a health issue more ahead. Why Boxer Dogs Get Hiccups With many puppies and dogs, it may seem that hiccups happen randomly and without cause. However, there are some common triggers that are often at fault: Eating or drinking too quickly - When a dog eats too fast, this can cause him to also swallow air which itself is a cause of hiccups , however eating fast in and of itself can also trigger them due to a distension of the diaphragm. Since the Boxer breed is very prone to bloat and one of the main causes of that is eating or drinking very fast, if your Boxer puppy or dog tends to have hiccups after having food or water, this is a red flag that a method should be instilled to help the Boxer slow down. The two best options for bowls are to use a slow feeder bowl for both food and water or to place a stainless steel portion pacer in the dishes. If you're giving out a handful of treats, don't offer them all at once. Another common issue is a Boxer needing to drink a lot right after exercise and this may cause hiccups as well as bloat. It's always best to bring along water in a canine water travel container we like the ones that have a lid that serves as the bowl so that you can offer water halfway through a walk or while out at a park. This way, your Boxer can stay hydrated and doesn't have to lap up water super-fast when finally home. Swallowing air - This goes right along with the above cause; though there are some circumstances when a dog may also draw in a breath too quickly see next reason Excitement - Any strong emotion can cause a dog to develop hiccups such as fear and stress however it is over-excitement that is the most common reason. The reason for this is because there is a correlation between emotional excitement and a tensing of the stomach muscles which triggers the diaphragm to react. In addition, dogs often breath heavy when excited. It's fairly common for Boxer dogs to get really excited for anything that they deem fun, including getting ready to go for a walk, being driven up to a favorite spot beach, park, etc. Some also get really hyped up when an owner returns after being gone for the day. If you do notice that your Boxer hiccups when he gets revved up, there are a couple of things you can do: 1. Act a bit more matter-of-fact when announcing an event. If an owner typically speaks in a way to get a dog enthusiastic about going out or to get ready for play, it can help to keep things a bit low-key. If a Boxer get charged up due to an owner's arrival back home, implementing some steps that are used for separation anxiety issues can help. Temperature change while eating - This is not a reason for hiccups that would normally come to mind for many dog owners, however a study done in indicates that if the temperature suddenly rises or lowers while eating, it can disturb nerve pathways between the brain and muscles, which can manifest as hiccups. If a Boxer dog's eating area is right near a heating or AC vent, and burst of heat or cold air comes out while he's having his meal, this could be the cause. Food with too much grain content - Ingesting dry wheat can cause hiccups. If a dog's dry kibble contains a high grain ratio which is sign of an inferior food , this can be the reason that the dog suffers from episodes. If a Boxer has frequent hiccups that are disruptive for the dog and other triggers such as eating too quickly have been ruled out, reassess your Boxer's food. There's zero grains, no synthetic preservatives, no artificial additives, and no soy or by-products. It's well-balanced, and has extra bonuses including omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and glucosamine. Rare but Possible Canine Health Conditions that Cause Hiccups There are several diseases and health issues that do have hiccups as a symptom. This includes: Inflammatory bowel disease - This is a disorder in which the intestines become inflamed and eventually do not properly absorb nutrients. With this, early signs are very subtle and may include hiccups. As this progresses there are serious symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Small bowel obstruction - The Boxer breed is certainly a dog that is known to mouth and swallow things that he shouldn't and this can lead to quite serious internal blockage. While partial or full obstruction will have obvious signs including vomiting a clear fluid, trouble having a bowel movement and general distress, a small partial blockage in the stomach not generally the intestines can put pressure on the diaphragm which results in hiccups. GERD- This stands for gastro-esophageal reflux disease. With this, there is a reverse flow of gastric or intestinal fluids into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. This happens with young puppies more often than older dogs, but can develop in a Boxer dog of any age. In later stages this leads to weight loss. Respiratory disease - Essentially any medical condition that affects a dog's breathing can also cause frequent episodes of hiccups. This includes pneumonia and asthma. Central Nervous System issues - This includes brain tumors which do affect the Boxer breed more often than many other breeds. The Boxer dog and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to a specific type of brain tumor known as gliomas. This is seen more often in older, senior Boxers. Signs include changes in behavior such as pacing and circling. The dog may have trouble walking and show signs of clumsiness. There may also be trouble swallowing, hiccups and a rapid flickering of the eye nystagmus. Some dogs may also suffer from seizures , though this is not always the case. Metabolism issues - Any disorder that affects a dog's metabolism can also cause frequent hiccups. This includes hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and diabetes. There will be symptoms including weight changes, acting tired and usually changes to the skin and coat. Conditions that affect the vagus nerve - The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves, extending from the brainstem to the abdomen. It touches the lungs and esophagus. If there is irritation to this nerve it can trigger hiccups. The most common condition affecting this nerve is irritation in the throat area and with canines this is most often due to allergies or thyroid disease. The latter causes a swelling of the larynx which can trigger hiccups. Much rarer would be meningitis. How to Help a Boxer Dog Stop Hiccupping For acute cases where you feel that it's in your Boxer's best interest to intervene, there are some old 'stand-by' methods that may help stop a puppy or dog from hiccuping. It's important to note that what may work for one dog may have no affect at all on another. So if a person owned two Boxers and both had hiccups, they may each need a different treatment to stop. You may also find that your Boxer responds best if more than one method is used in succession. Here is what has been found to help: 1 Offering the right food or giving water- Basically anything that changes the pattern of how a dog breathes can make hiccups stop. One of the best foods for this is smooth peanut butter. When a dog is given peanut butter he can't quickly swallow it though with Boxers, you never really know! Usually, that's all they need, a quick disruption and the episode will stop. You'll want to offer a level teaspoon for Boxer puppies under the age of 1 year old and a slightly heaped tablespoon for full grown dogs. Alternatively, encouraging a dog to drink water can help, but most dogs will not drink on command. Additionally, if a Boxer seems distressed by the spasms, this is a good way to get his focus on something else. Just be sure to NOT do this if your Boxer just ate, since exercise after eating can cause bloat. You'll want to have your Boxer sit or lie down on his side. Massage the chest area, with an alternating motion of stroking down and then in circles. Since a tensing of the diaphragm is one of the elements that occurs at onset, this can work by relaxing that and the surrounding muscles. How to Know if Hiccups are Lasting too Long A random, acute case is often ignored by both owner and dog and is nothing to be concerned with. If your Boxer is hiccuping just about every day, even if it is for a short amount of time, you'll want to look to the typical triggers such as how rapidly he or she is eating and drinking, the level of grains in the dog's food and over-excitement issues. Veterinary Treatment If a puppy or dog has a serious hiccuping problem, the veterinarian should run tests to check for all possible health conditions. Any condition or disease will need appropriate treatment. If a dog is found to be perfectly healthy and there are no underlying issues, the vet may prescribe medication that will relax the diaphragm muscles. The two most common medications that are given for this are chlorpromazine and haloperidol. With canines, chlorpromazine is typically used as an antiemetic to control nausea and vomiting and is sometimes used to treat dogs that are hypersensitive to noise noise phobia. In large doses, it is used as a tranquilizer but it also works well as a muscle relaxant. Haloperidol, much like chlorpromazine, blocks dopamine receptors and is typically used to calm dogs down before being given general anesthesia. It also sometimes used to treat behavior problems including aggression. Both are given in very low doses. Your veterinarian should discuss with you the benefits of medical intervention vs the distress the a puppy or dog experiences with severe, chronic hiccups. In many cases, a young dog will outgrow his hiccuping episodes and if he was given medication, this can often be stopped as he matures. If a puppy or dog has no other symptoms, most of the time at-home treatments are all that is needed. If however, your Boxer suffers from chronic episodes, appears distressed or has any other signs that something is wrong, it is best to have him evaluated by the veterinarian. Both prevention and treatment. Boxer Dog Feeding - Covers all main meal feeding details, plus recommended kibbles. Boxer Dog Dental Care - Don't let your Boxer's teeth get rotted out; these pretty easy at-home steps can keep your Boxer's teeth strong and healthy. Things to do now.Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information, submit photos of your Boxer to be added to the site, suggest something for us to write about. Browse the Boxer Dog Supplies - A round-up of our recommended products for optimal care. Check out our book - Simply the most comprehensive, helpful Boxer dog book that exists. Dogs just like humans experience the world consciously using their senses. Similarities can be noticed even in physiological events.When a person is hiccuping, we know that this can occasionally happen and there is nothing to worry about. What about our pets? Is it normal if our dog is hiccuping, or should we be worried? What Are Hiccups? Hiccups are involuntary spams of the diaphragm. Although the actual reason for the hiccups remains unknown, it is believed that it might be related to the time when the uterus was still developing. Hiccups were supposed to help the fetus learn to breathe. This explains why hiccups are more common in pups than in older dogs. Of course there are also theories that try to explain this physiological event i. Causes for Hiccups The most common cause of dogs having hiccups is eating or drinking too fast, as that way they also gulp air. Another common cause of hiccups in dogs is stomach problems. If your pup is intolerant to certain food and its stomach gets irritated, diaphragm contractions may occur. This can be explained by the location of the stomach which is near the diaphragm. Stressful factors, as well as over-excitement, may also cause hiccups. If your dog has persistent hiccups these might be a sign of underlying health conditions such as brain, respiratory, kidney, or gastric problems, pericarditis, hypothermia as well as for the presence of certain parasites. Typically, if an underlying health condition is present, this is likely to be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, coughing, and diarrhea. How Can You Deal with Hiccups? In most cases, you do not have to do anything about it, as it will stop on its own. However, if the hiccups do not stop on their own, there are a few things you can do to help your dog deal with them. You should make sure that you do not overfeed your dog, as this might lead to many health problems. Similar to humans, drinking water can help your paw friend stop hiccuping. We would recommend that you use a bowl that is deep and wide enough so that your pup can drink water without problems. You should ensure that you do not add too much sweetness and that it does not contain xylitol, raisins or chocolate. If the hiccups are persistent, you should consult your veterinarian. Pups need to go through monthly checks until they reach the age of months, while adult dogs should be examined at least once a year. Since certain breeds are prone to specific health conditions, you may want to get professional advice in regard to this matter. When it comes to lifestyle- dogs, who spend much time outdoor and are greedy, are more likely to quickly swallow something even non-edible items when unsupervised. Also they have a higher tendency to get parasites, which may also lead to hiccups. What You Should Not Do? Do not try to scare your dog. This might cause more stress than actually bring a positive result. Hiccups Based on the Dog Age As we mentioned above, puppies are more likely to have hiccups than adult dogs, as they usually swallow the food too fast and get overly excited much easier. Short sessions, lots of praising, and giving treats in a reasonable amount will help you keep your doggy motivated during the training sessions. You can apply all these techniques on a daily basis to calm your pup down as needed. Their short muzzle obstructs the airflow access, which may cause hiccups. In general, we would say that occasional hiccups are quite normal, and you should not worry. If hiccups occur on a regular basis, especially if they are continuous, you should consult a veterinarian.