labradoodle puppies for sale in san diego ca

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Labrador Retriever Mix, or a Goldador Dog. The Goldador dog is a playful and good-natured, large dog. When you cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Golden Retriever , even though both parents are recognized purebred dog breeds, the result — the Goldador — is a hybrid dog; recently known as a designer dog. Designer breeds come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This cross-breed dog has parents with hunting and retrieving skills. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of service dogs, even bomb detection: but not as a guard dog or watchdog! This hybrid dog breed has the classic appearance of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever dogs; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their big brown eyes. The Labrador Golden Retriever mix is soft, loving, and intelligent. This is a large, bouncy, and easy-going dog that loves to be active. It will want to be wherever you are; in your bed, on your sofa or in the bathroom with you! A Goldador puppy is simply adorable. But remember, nowhere is private with a Goldador around! Fact: When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it called a designer dog; any hybrid dog will inherit its characteristics and health problems from both parent breeds but the result will not be seen until the puppy is born and observed as it grows up. A Goldador is friendly and will always want to be close to you. In , Lord Tweedmouth, a British Aristocrat, wanted a loyal and hard-working gundog to retrieve waterfowl while hunting on his estate in Scotland. So he crossed a wavy-coated yellow retriever sire with a Tweed Water Spaniel dam and produced 3 Golden-colored Retriever puppies. Fact: the Tweed Water Spaniel is now an extinct dog breed. Lord Tweedmouth mixed this new breed Retriever with an Irish Setter dog to breed the recognized Golden Retriever dog breed. In , the Golden Retriever dog breed was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and they quickly became popular as family pets and show dogs. Parent 2: A brief history of the Labrador Retriever parent — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid- color double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just a good looking dog breed for any level of dog owner or family member. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Golden Retriever Lab mix — the Goldador puppy. This mixed breed puppy will be happy, affectionate, and will easily become a family member for sure. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Goldador puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of a Golden Retriever Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, a Labrador Golden Retriever Labrador mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbreed dogs, like The Goldador, are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any mixed puppy can inherit all, some, or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of The Goldador are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Goldador — possible coat colors Both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever parents have a thick, double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Goldador will inherit the same double coat but is likely to be short-haired like the Labrador. With its impressive and popular parent breed mix it will be loyal with a loving temperament and good around children and other dogs. It will be caring and become and active companion, that just wants to be by your side all the time. Reputation: This large Golden Labrador mix breed dog comes from two of the best-loved and most popular dog breeds. This is why they can make such good service and guide dogs, therapy dogs or even search and rescue dogs. They will still need to be trained and socialized early to teach them how to use that energy positively and learn how to behave in public. They are people-friendly and need exercise. They would not make a good guard dog, or watchdogs as they are approachable with strangers and make friends easily. So watch your slippers! Trainability: The trainability of this intelligent Golden Labrador mixed breed should be easy. The Goldador needs to be trained and socialized early as it will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog especially those with herding and service dog parents. The Labrador Golden Retriever Mix wants to be active and occupied; if bored it may become destructive and bark. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around all types of people, children, and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. It will need to be trained and socialized early as it will help with control its excitement in public and develop obedience norms. It will form an early bond and lasting companionship with its owner. Either parent will still give it an athletic, well-balanced build and a strong working ethic. Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like.

You make it seem like puppy ownership is as simple and trouble-free as the world presented in cute puppy pictures. We can all agree that, at birth, all puppies are too adorable for words. We can also agree that raising puppies is a weighty responsibility, and never one to be undertaken lightly. Boxer puppies are not special in this regard. These caveats out of the way, it seems like no time at all between the stages of tiny, mewling infant and the first time you get the guilty look from Boxer puppies. Out of the whelping box, straight into mischief Boxer puppies start up with impish behavior from the moment they take their first tentative steps out of the whelping box. Training and socialization are key elements to a happy life with Boxer puppies. These little guys and gals, after all, become huge and physically imposing dogs. Keep an eye on this little fellow! Boxer puppies were made for the outdoors. Being outside, running about, playing with toys, and pawing at stuff — this is a top-flight day of action and adventure for Boxer puppies. When they want a snack before dinner, though, Boxer puppies will try and get sneaky. That we have such things as cute puppy pictures, of course, owes as much to human waggery as to anything Boxer puppies get into of their own accord. Boxer puppies are well known for toting things around in their mouths. No room in the house is safe from the shenanigans of Boxer puppies. Did you remember to close the bathroom door? Have fun re-rolling the toilet paper! Boxer puppies are eager, excitable, and enthusiastic friends to dog owners who are ready and willing to put in the work that training requires. Is it possible to sit Boxer puppies next to flowers and not have them inspire confidence, ease, and a sense of pervading calm? Sure, this brindle Boxer puppy seems contented, seated next to a little garden pinwheel, but be careful not to let her sit idle for too long. Boxer puppies need stimulation and interaction, so make sure she has toys to play with and things to occupy her mind! Boxer puppies love to play. Growing into solid, well-built dogs, they never really lose the joy and excitement that comes along with meeting new friends. Are your Boxer puppies naughty or nice? Every dog is different; each has her own personality and tendencies. Much depends on us, as dog owners, to train and socialize them in order to corral their wilder instincts. Do you have any experience with Boxer puppies? Share your experiences with Boxers at every stage of life in the comments! A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass.

How to Train a Boxer Dog to Stop Jumping Up Overview It's really common for Boxer puppies and dogs to jump on people; in fact, this exuberant behavior is one of the top issues that owners encounter with this breed. Even Boxer pups are pretty powerful, so jumping may be especially troubling if this is being done to children or seniors. And growing adolescent and adult Boxers can practically plow over just about anyone. If your Boxer keeps jumping up to greet you, or your guests, you may be wondering if this is an inbred trait that's hard to train for, or if it is straight-forward to teach a Boxer to keep his paws on the floor. You'll be happy to know that you can indeed train your Boxer to stop jumping, all the while still allowing your dog to express himself. This section will cover puppies, adults, jumping on owners, and jumping up on visitors; all of which needs to be dealt with in slightly different ways. Why Boxer Dogs Jump Boxer dogs jump on people for one reason: to greet them. While some may just thump their tails on the ground, circle around a visitor, or give a quick lick, many Boxers are not naturally that reserved. This is a very outgoing, expressive breed. So, with many Boxers, a 'hello' is done in a huge way. In other words, your Boxer won't be like a neighbor with a lazy wave as you pass paths in the morning, but rather will be like your best friend who's thrown back a few brewskis and has no qualms to express how psyched they are to see you. The happier a Boxer is to see the target, the more enthusiastic the jump. So, it's common for a Boxer to jump up after being left home alone for a while, or when greeting someone whose company they really enjoy. Though those who are not ready for it or are not a physical match for a Boxer may stumble back, this is not the Boxer's intention. The goal is to be on a more equal physical level with a person, and bring their face up to theirs. After all, hellos are not done to someone's arm or leg. Some Boxer will lick, some will not. The main objective is to gain attention, receive attention back, and feel satisfied that it's abundantly clear that the Boxer is happy to see someone. If not, you will hold no perceived authority to give commands or be listened to. You may assume that your Boxer naturally knows that you are the leader. However, canines see the world differently than we do. Your Boxer has no idea what you went through to get him, doesn't understand that you own the house, and has no concept of money including how much of it you spend to take great care of him. So, before you try to teach your Boxer to stop jumping up, you'll need to make it exceedingly clear that you are the leader Alpha and deserve a level of respect that includes being listened to. How is this accomplished? By doing a few things that make sense in the canine world. Food speaks to dogs as no other element can; they instinctively know that it equals survival. So, whomever supplies the food is highly regarded and just this alone can put that person clearly into the leader role. You'll want your Boxer to obey a 'Sit' every single time before a meal is placed down or a snack is given. Once the sit is obeyed, wait for a count of .Entering and exiting. The leader has the privilege of entering and exiting the den house first. When you're heading out or in with your Boxer, command a 'Sit', cross the doorway, and then allow your Boxer to follow you. If you allow your Boxer to lead the way on walks, he may interpret this to mean that he can lead the way in other aspects. Maintain your authority by having your Boxer on leash and harness, and keep him to your immediate left. Training Treats Once your Boxer sees you as leader, he'll be much more prone to take your commands seriously; in fact, those with stubborn Boxers often see great improvement once this is established. However, in addition to that, any sort of training, including that for jumping up, will work faster if the Boxer has motivation. The bigger the benefits to listening, the faster a dog learns to choose the right course of action. So, training treats play a big role. The treats should not be something that is given out at any rate; they should be a special snack that is only handed out for good behavior. For training, moist usually works better than dry. And in addition, the treats should be relatively small; rewards need to offer immediate satisfaction and should not be something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. A good choice for Boxer puppies is Wellness Puppy Bites Grain-Free Training Treats ; these are perfectly sized, high-quality, soft training treats that come in either lamb and salmon or chicken and carrots. Note: Rewards must be given within 1 or 2 seconds of a desired behavior, so you can't go searching for them. Have several of them in a plastic sandwich bag and in your pocket for quick, easy access. O, photo courtesy of Danielle The Goal for All Scenarios We'll cover several different types of situations in which a Boxer puppy or dog is jumping up, both in regard to age, and who the target is you or guests. For all of these, however, the goal will be the same. Boxers that do this are seeking attention. So, you'll be teaching your Boxer that jumping up does not bring about desired results, but that keeping all 4 paws on the ground does. How Long Training Takes If your Boxer only has an issue of jumping up on you, training can work as fast as a week. If your Boxer keeps jumping up on other people, such as visitors to your home, training takes a bit longer. Part of the reason for this is because you'll need to recruit a helper that is someone outside of the household. Since training may not be able to take place every day, it can take several weeks. How to Train a Boxer to Stop Jumping Up Scenario 1: Training a Boxer Puppy to Stop Jumping on You If your Boxer puppy has a habit of jumping up on you, consider yourself lucky; it's much easier to train a Boxer for jumping when the dog is small, and these lessons will be learned before your pup grows into a much larger adult. Be sure that everyone in the household is on the same page and reacting in the same way so that the lesson is quickly learned. When your Boxer pup first leaps up toward you, gently yet firmly hold his front paws, preventing him from touching your body. Do not release the paws until your Boxer shows signs that he wishes to be released. When the pup starts to withdraw, let the paws go, and allow him to place them on the ground. As soon as the paws hit the floor, offer enthusiastic praise, rub his head, and give lots of attention. But, do not offer a treat yet. If he tries to jump up on you again, repeat the steps of holding his paws, and only releasing once he wants to drop down. It can also technically work on regular visitors to the house who are willing to do this; though, we do suggest looking to scenario 3 ahead for that, since you'll want to instill certain aspects that include having your Boxer on leash and listening to your commands, and treats are given in a different way. The reason that the following training works, is because your Boxer is jumping up to greet you and wants his face to be close to yours. He also wants your attention. With this, he will get neither until his paws are down. As soon as you see your Boxer making a move to jump up on you, draw your arms up, crossing them over your chest, and turn your body so that at the most, your Boxer jumps to the back of your shoulder, and ideally your back. Do not speak at all, since your dog's attempt to gain your attention includes hearing your voice. Briskly, take few steps away, with your body still turned away from your Boxer. Your move may have caused your Boxer to drop down. If he shuffled along with you, he will soon tire and drop. When the paws touch the ground, turn and offer a super-happy greeting, along with pats. If your Boxer jumps up again, immediately react in the same way, of crossing your arms, turning, taking a few steps, and not speaking. As soon as he drops again, repeat the act of lavishing attention on him. When your Boxer has soaked in the attention, and you feel that he will not attempt another jump, immediately offer praise and a chosen training treat. Scenario 3: Training a Boxer Dog to Stop Jumping on Guests Of all the types of jumping behavior, this one is the most involved since training requires that you locate at least one willing helper, and it's common to not have an opportunity to train each day. The more often you train your Boxer, the faster he'll catch on. So, now's the time to call in a few favors, and see if you can get assistance from friends at least 3 to 4 times a week. Note that you can have just one certain person help you, but ideally you will want several different people to take turns doing this, so that your Boxer learns to greet without jumping with a variety of people. Ideally, these will be people that your Boxer has a history of jumping up on. If you really can't find anyone where do they all go when you need them? Together, you and your helper will teach your Boxer that the attention he craves will only be given when his paws stay on the ground. Treats will be used as a distraction to keep your Boxer down, and to reward good behavior. Have your Boxer on leash and harness. A harness allows you much better control, and is the safest way to restrain a dog from leaping. Hopefully, you already have a great harness for your Boxer, for his daily walks and other types of training. Standing inside the house approximately 10 feet from the entryway, and while firmly holding the leash, command a 'Sit'. Once your Boxer is sitting, give praise Good, sit, good dog , but do not give a treat. Have the leash on the floor, and use your foot to hold it in place. Be sure it has some slack, so that your Boxer can attempt to jump. After all, if he's not allowed to try, he can't learn to control it. If you find that you cannot keep the leash in place with your foot due to your Boxer's strength, you may switch to holding it in your hand, but do give it a bit of slack. Your guest will now enter. As your Boxer comes out of his 'sit' and moves forward, have your guest turn his back, and retreat several steps. Note that crossing the arms is not needed for this training, since your Boxer will not be close enough to touch your helper. Your helper must remain with his back turned to your Boxer and should not be speaking at all talking to you can be misinterpreted as speaking to your dog. Repeat the 'Sit' command. Once your Boxer sits this time, sprinkle 2 to 3 treats on the floor. This will help to keep him in place as he's tempted by your helper. Have your helper once again approach. Every time that your Boxer obeys the sit, your guest will continue his approach. And that sitting equals a hello. Any time that your Boxer stays still long enough that your visitor can walk all the way forward to physically touch your Boxer, have him say hello in a super-friendly manner and give lots of enthusiastic pats. After the controlled greeting has taken place, give praise and another reward treat. As we stated, the move you can practice this, the faster your Boxer will learn that sitting politely means that they get what they want.Tip: Don't let your Boxer be set up for failure. If he's not fully trained, don't allow a bunch of visitors to enter the house at once. Also, Boxers that are feeling antsy are much more likely to jump and otherwise physically express themselves. So, make sure that you're keeping your Boxer well-exercised via 2 strong walks per day to help your dog release any pent-up energy. Every single time that your Boxer moves forward, have your guest repeat the motion of turning and retreating. Did you find this article to be helpful? Check out these other great articles: Helping a Boxer Live a Long Life - Take our quiz to see how you score on care elements, then read how each aspect can contribute to a long and healthy life for your best friend. Boxer Dog Supplies - Not sure what's best for toys, shampoo, brushes, food, and more? See our take on the best items you can have for your Boxer puppy or dog for optimal health, happiness, and comfort. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help. Things to do now.Become a Member - It's totally free! Receive reminders when we add new pages of information, suggest a topic for us to write about, and submit photos of your Boxer for us to add to the site. Check out our book - Simply the most comprehensive, helpful Boxer dog care book that exists. With a strong, powerful body and plenty of energy, this breed can be quite active at times. The issue at hand however, is what to do if a Boxer is hyperactive and won't calm down. Let's dive into this topic and discuss all relevant issues. When a young puppy is not running around, he is recovering from acting hyper and napping so that he can get up and do it again. And this is because despite his size, the 12 month or 18 months old is still indeed a pup. He has the mentality of a pup and his actions reflect that. So you have a rather large dog of 45 to 55 pounds .The size of Boxers can fool owners. Since Boxers almost but not quite reach their adult weight by 18 months but have puppy-like tendencies for some time beyond that, owners can sometimes expect too much from a puppy that is beginning to take on the appearance of an adult. Stages of activity levels to expect with Boxers: 8 weeks to 4 months old: This is the 'new' puppy stage. Boxer puppies can be very hyper but owners often do not need to help them calm down because they'll plop down when they tire out, which is quite often. At this age, a Boxer can be running around one moment and asleep with his head in the food dish the next. This is a time of exploring and curiosity… the energy level is like a roller-coaster. You'll want to have a solid schedule in place so that a hyper Boxer puppy has more structure to his day. A Boxer will still get a lot of joy from playing and often craves tons of attention from his owners… this is a good thing… that interaction is a big part of proper bonding and instilling proper hierarchy that will lead to a well-behaved dog. Daytime naps are much less at this point, so having a Boxer awake most of the day can lend to feeling as if the dog is always on the go… or at least is restless if you are not available to get him outside and on the go! By this time, all commands should have been taught and the dog should have a good schedule of releasing his energy in burst of exercise… and if this has not been done or if the Boxer is home alone much of the day and has no release, they'll be some behavioral consequences of that. Generally Boxer dogs begin to calm down by the age of 2 years old, though it is a gradual process, as you'll note from above. Issues can arise if these elements are not in place, however it is never too late to take charge and we will go over some steps owners can take to reel in a hyper Boxer dog. Most will indeed act like adults, but this does not mean that you will have a perfectly behaved dog that can handle any situation with grace and refinement. Boxers are as intelligent as a human toddler , hyper aware of their environment and subject to acting hyper or in most cases very restless if healthy methods of releasing energy are not available or encouraged. The adult may have trouble with separation anxiety or may become agitated or overly clingy if he is not offered both physical and mental workouts. He relaxes quite a bit but can still be engaged to take walks, explore and even take on new challenges. Problems of restlessness can arise if the dog has health issues that interfere with his sleeping or if some disrupts his environment. How to Deal with a Hyper Boxer and Calm Him Down The best method to calm a puppy or dog down is to have a routine that preemptively combats hyperactivity before it reaches an uncontrollable level. It is much easier to avoid this state of frenzied behavior than it is to reverse it. Do keep in mind that very young puppies up to about 4 months old cannot really be reined in; they are all over the map and will have short energy bursts followed by deep sleep; it's a temporary stage that will gradually even out. Here are some ways to encourage a calm demeanor: 1 Have the proper confinement method. The confinement method that you use to keep him in one spot will have a big impact on his behavior. If the area is too small, a Boxer can develop overwhelming feelings of being pent up and this can make him very hyper and agitated. It's very stressful for a dog of any age to be confined to a small space. This breed also can have some claustrophobic issues more than others, so this only adds to the issue. When made to stay in a tiny area with not enough room to move around, there are often issues of developing restlessness and anxiety. It can be difficult to calm a Boxer down after he has been let out. If a dog is stressed that he is alone or even if he is just bored, quite a bit of damage can occur as he roams the house, looking for an outlet. Puppies do best with a sectioned off area of a room; the kitchen or living room is often best as they should be close to their humans and not feel as if they are too isolated. Another option for Boxer puppies is an appropriately sized indoor canine playpen. Older Boxer dogs that are housebroken often do best with one room, not having full access to the house. And for those with separation anxiety, being alone in a large empty house if often more stressful than being alone in just one room that has all the needed supplies to keep him safe, happy, fed and occupied. One of the biggest mistakes that owners make is taking a Boxer out once he shows signs of needing to get outside. If you're sitting on the couch, binge watching Games of Thrones and after 3 shows you realize that your Boxer is acting hyper he really doesn't have much interest in whether or not Daenerys will ever actually get Drogon under control and then you say, "Oh, my Boxer could probably use a walk", it's often too late. At that point, the walk will only help a Boxer release the frustration that built up as opposed to the walk being an outlet for a normal level of activity requirements. He will be a bit calmer, but not as calm as he would be had you taken him out in advance of the building agitation. So, the best thing that you can do is to set up a schedule of when you'll engage with your Boxer dog and really try to not miss any sessions or delay them. If there are others in the house, this can be split up between those who are going to be involved with caring for the puppy or dog. There are 3 activities that you'll want to do on a regular basis: Walks - The importance of these are often understated. It may seem as if your Boxer is just ambling along, perhaps even just going along for your sake but this is not true at all. The Boxer is a strong breed that was built for action; he needs to work his muscles and experience the liberty of movement. Super young pups should have all puppy shots before being taken out. For most Boxers, regardless of age, two walks per day are best. The daily amount should 45 minutes for pup and 1 hour for those 1 year and older. These can be broken up in any way that suits your own schedule and time availability. Cardio - Just a 15 minute bout of high intensity action such as Frisbee or fetch once per day can make a huge difference in a Boxer's demeanor, keeping much more calm and happy when he is back in the house. Some owners mistake a Boxer's indifference at seeing a Frisbee as not wanting to engage. However, it is often the level of enthusiasm that an owner displays that will directly impact a Boxer's desire to run. Most love to run and stretching and working the muscles in this way is a great method to keep a Boxer dog in good shape. That hyper and restless activity that you witness when a Boxer is in the house can be channeled into a short session of action that leaves the dog satisfied and both physically and mentally ABLE to be calm. Commands - We going to dive into this a bit more ahead, however taking 15 to 20 minutes a day to work on commands has a triple benefit: 1. You work toward having a well-trained dog which in and of itself is a huge plus. It helps a Boxer learn self-control. When a dog discovers the element of focus and purposely learning, he is then able to self-regulate and this itself can help the dog calm himself down. It helps to establish hierarchy, with you as the clear leader. For any dog to behave well, this is a must. While it is true that Boxers will be much calmer if they have a physical outlet, stimulating the mind plays a huge role as well. Very detailed studies have proven that canines in general have the emotional capacity of 3 year old humans. This is quite telling. Do you have kids? Or have ever spent even an hour with a toddler? They are super hyper, highly inquisitive and importantly are never happy just 'being' for long periods of time. Dogs are the same. Boxers can become hyper if they have nothing to focus on. Just left to 'be', they can get bored and have trouble knowing what to do, so they run around… they quite literally can end up bouncing off the walls in an overly hyper state with no real tools to calm themselves down. Now, if you take that same hyper Boxer dog and he is taken out for walks twice per day, plays one-on-one with his owner once a day AND is given indoor task that require him to use his canine senses, he'll be a much happier and calmer dog. The mention of canine senses is rather vital here…. Dogs have urges to use their sense of smell… to sniff… to explore with their noses …. It's the way it has been for thousands of years and it's a canine urge that is not going to go away no matter how pampered or spoiled a life a dog lives. So dogs have this innate craving to sniff after scents that builds up each day if not allowed to really use this, it can cause a dog to become frustrated. So, an indoor game that involves a Boxer using his sense of smell along with a task that requires focus is often an integral part of preventing hyper behavior and giving a dog a feeling of accomplishment that can work with the other elements to keep him calm. You might be thinking that you'll have to invest in some sort of intricate canine version of Sudoku. Not at all. This is as easy as hiding some treats in the house and encouraging your Boxer dog to find them. As with cardio mentioned earlier, the energy level and enthusiasm of the owner plays a huge part in how eager a Boxer will be to follow through. Speak with in an animated voice and encourage your dog to seek out the hidden treats. Start with easy to find hiding places and then work up to much more difficult sessions. Once a dog learns that it's time to play the game, he often will not give up and will search until he finds his treasure. Advanced sessions can include having the reward be deep in a cardboard box under layers of old towels and safe odds-and-ends and be sure that the treat itself has a strong scent; a good choice is a strip of bacon grease blotted out because most dogs won't bother to move much for a food that they will receive at any rate. Be sure to use a command word such as 'Find' or 'Go Get' and a word to end the session such as 'Good, Find' or 'Good, Get' to establish when this begins and when this ends. You don't have to do this every day; 2 or 3 days a week is usually enough to make a Boxer dog happy and work in conjunction with the other methods to keep hyper behavior at bay and encourage a more calming atmosphere when you just want your dog to settle down. Continued below 4 Have the right collection of toys for your Boxer. Are you guilty of walking out of a dollar store with an armful of cheap dog toys? If so, you may very well then be an owner who wonders why the heck your Boxer isn't just happy having all those toys and would rather run, jump up and spin around the house like a hyper nutcase. When a dog is bored he will do one of three things: Sulk and act depressed, bark or otherwise have disturbing behavior or express agitation. When you invest a few more bucks to obtain sturdy, quality toys that encourage independent play, this can make a huge difference in a dog's general state of mind and his ability to keep himself occupied. Think of someone giving you a paper and pencil compared to paper and a piece Crayon box. Give your Boxer rawhide alternatives that allow him to happily gnaw away or treat-release toys that motivate him to work to gain his reward. There are two huge benefits of teaching a Boxer all basic commands: he will respect you as the true leader and you will have control over his behavior. While a hyper puppy definitely still needs to be walked, engaged and given tasks to stay busy…and a puppy cannot be expected to remain calm all day… when you take the assertive position to give a 'Sit' command that is listened to without hesitation, this can really come in handy if your Boxer is acting hyper around company or when out in public in a store or other area where you really need him to act calm. It's never too early or too late to start working on this. Training for the basics of Sit, Come, Stay, Down, Get or Fetch and Give can start when a Boxer puppy is 8 weeks old and can be taught to older dogs as well. In addition to this, teaching a Boxer to Heel is always advantageous and not only will keep him calm when out on a walk around the neighborhood but will also keep him appropriately by your side in high energy situations where a dog can become hyper just by picking up the vibe of an event. The size of a dog's world is exactly the size that an owner allows it to be. Dogs that are not used to seeing cars and people walking about will often bark like mad when they do actually see them. Dogs that are not used to being out in public will act inappropriately because they have not been exposed enough to know how to stay calm. Dogs that rarely see a visitor to the house will often jump and act overly excited on those few occasions that someone new enters into their territory. Boxers should be gradually exposed to the many situations, places, people and other pets that exist in the world. If you stayed inside your home… only venturing into your yard and nowhere else for years and were suddenly plopped down in to Times Square, you wouldn't be so calm either; that's how dogs feel if they are isolated and not given the opportunity to slowly learn about the world and all that is in it. Go to parks, bring your Boxer along to run errands, bring him hiking, change up the walking routes, take the time to say hello when you pass by another owner with his dog, have him outside with you while you wash the car, bring him to the beach… unless there are big signs saying 'no dogs allowed' bring him along and let him experience the sights and sounds of the world. Hyperkinesis - Being clinically hyperactive is often misdiagnosed. Most dogs simply need the physical and mental releases as we discussed above. These highly sensitive dogs can be set off into a frenzy by everyday simple noises such as microwave beeping or normal household events such as someone zipping down the staircase. For these rare cases, thorough testing must be performed, which should include a 2 to 3 day stay at an veterinary hospital where vitals are monitored, both heart and respiratory rates, when both at rest and when stimuli is introduced. If this is diagnosed, stimulants similar to those that are given to humans with ADHD can be helpful as are vet supervised changes to the diet and possible supplements of L-theanine, GABA and valerian root. Senior Issues - In some cases, a senior dog will be unable to stay calm and this is often related to either cognitive decline, health issues that are causing discomfort or a combination of the two. Physical discomfort often associated with arthritis can cause a dog to have trouble resting or sleeping. Food Allergies - While we have not seen any studies showing specifics, veterinary medicine claims that canines may have food allergies that can lead to abnormal behavior including acting hyper and having an inability to calm down. With all the high levels of chemicals found in many manufactured foods, it's easy to believe this could be the case. When a dog is constantly ingesting artificial coloring, artificial flavoring and all kinds of chemical preservatives, this is not good for physical health and it's not a huge leap from there to a dog's mental health as well. If this is suspected, a change to home cooked food or a switch to a quality commercial brand without these elements should be considered. Summary Boxers are animated, able to express emotion and are great companions. This is not a lazy breed or one that is content to sit alone just 'being'. Expect your Boxer puppy to be hyper and for a Boxer of any age, follow the guidelines for providing proper care which will help your dog channel his energy in a health way. With our dogs, we often get what we give. The attention and time that you take to interact with your Boxer will pay off, giving you a happy and healthy dog. The Most Popular Pages: How much water a Boxer dog needs - Making sure that your Boxer is hydrated is super important to his overall health. Boxer dog summer care - Changes that should be made when the weather is hot. Grooming, feeding, coat care and more. Which shampoo is best for a Boxer dog - The best products to keep the skin from getting too dry and to help keep the coat healthy and shiny. Boxer dog eye discharge - Often eloquently referred to as 'eye booger's; why these develop and how to properly clean them. Boxer dog is drooling - How much is normal and reasons why it may be excessive. Later in the session, I showed her how to get him leashed up while remaining completely calm and fitted him up with a Martingale collar to help her have more control. As usual, the Martingale with the twist to the leash helped immensely. It was great to see the dog walking calmly in a heel next to his guardian. But before we were able to go out for a walk, we needed to communicate to Baxter that he needed to ramp his energy down. He was so excited, he had little control and squirted himself all over the room and the people inside of it. I was strictly observing for the first few moments to see how bad it got, but when Baxter literally climbed up on top of her I had seen enough. I had her get up to eliminate the lap space then when she sat down and he tried to climb back up, I used a hissing sound to disagree with him. Not only did Baxter not have any rules or limits he was supposed to respect, his guardians petted him so much that he got the idea that petting him was normal. To help start to redefine the leader follower dynamic I asked them to stop petting him temporarily. While its ok to pet a calm and balanced dog, petting a dog in an excited or unbalanced state actually reinforces what the dog is doing at the time. So when I have a client with this kind of dog, I advise them to Pet with a Purpose; asking the dog to sit or lay down and then petting them after they comply. This way the human is rewarding the dog for actions and behaviors they want. After these few corrections Baxter settled down quite a bit and started to keep a small but respectable distance from his primary guardian. Her guardian informed me that the dog often tried to jump up on her or take food that she was eating. I went over the escalating consequences I like to use when a dog breaks the rules: Make a loud hissing sound as soon as, or before the dog breaks the rule or boundary. Stand up suddenly and turn to face the dog until it is stationary. Marching directly at the dog until it turns away, sits or lays down. Placing the dog on a leash and standing on it a few feet away from its head until it returns to a completely calm state. To test how well Baxter learned from my disagreement I had the girl get a hoho and sit on the floor right next to the dog. But that is one of the great things about dogs, they live in the now. I find that often its the humans who take the longest to stop bad habits like petting the dog for jumping up on them. Within a few minutes, Baxter was recalling like a champ. His guardian kept mentioning how well he did in training, but once he came home, his excited behavior returned. This is likely the case because the dog was in a strutted environment when in obedience class. But once he returned home, the lack of rules and structure made the dog think that was the top dog who could do as he pleased. A big part of this was the easy going laid back nature of his primary guardian. Usually a nice calm energy is the goal I try to stride for, but in this case it was too laid back for this particular dog. The guardian almost had a wind up before moving or correcting. A good example of this was when the guardian made the hissing sound to disagree. Even after pointing this out to her she struggled to eliminate the pause and wind up. With some additional practice, she should be able to start responding and reacting much quicker. Because timing is such an important part of dog communication, the improvement of this skill will pay big dividends down the road. It was great seeing Baxter interacting with his guardians in a calmer, more respectful manner. Now that she knows how to lead and communicate with him in a way he understands, this new improved behavior will become his new normal. Share this:.

It was not long before people realised that this was a dog of extraordinary intelligence suited for working. The first registered dog in the studbook was Horand von Grafath. Two of these were Freia vom Park and Stephen vom Park. Others were imported to Melbourne around , with other states soon following. During the ban, which continued for another 43 years, a number of GSDs were smuggled into the country. The ban was lifted in , with some restrictions remaining until .The breed then enjoyed a surge in popularity, with record numbers of GSDs being shown at national shows during the s. The popularity peaked during the s, when the GSD became the most common breed in Australia in terms of registrations of puppies. Today the breed is still one of the most frequently registered. In , the GSD standard was amended to include the Long Stock Coat variety, which was previously ungraded in the show ring. From 1 January , Long Stock Coats were separately registered, could be exhibited as such, and compete independently from Stock Coat varieties. The standard for both varieties is identical except for coat description, representing a major change in breed history. Appearance The GSD is medium-sized, slightly elongated, strong and well muscled; the bones are dry and the overall construction firm. The length of the body is greater than the height at the withers by about 10 —17 per cent. The normal coated GSD should carry a thick undercoat and the outer coat should be as dense as possible and be made up of straight, hard, close lying hairs. The correct coat is weatherproof, allowing the dog to work in all conditions. The colour of the GSD is ideal as camouflage, for working either in the field, or blending into the background at night. Black and tan gold with the black saddle pattern and black mask on the face is the most common colour. Sable dogs red or grey would be the next most common colour. These dogs have black tipping of the coat in a similar saddle pattern, but it can be more extensive over the body. Black dogs are less commonly seen these days. The undercoat is, except in all-black dogs, usually grey or fawn in colour. Small white markings on chest as well as a lighter colour on the insides of legs is permissible but not desirable. The nose must be black in all colour types. The colour white is not permitted in the standard. White is a recessive colour that virtually is never seen in the current bloodlines. Early on, white was undesirable as it was too easily seen at night and could not be readily distinguished from the sheep. It possesses instinctive drive, resilience and self-confidence, and is suitable as a companion, watch dog and protection, service and herding dog. The GSD is recognised for is its excellent character, marked by its courage, intelligence, devotion and nobility. GSDs love human companionship and owners will find that this breed just wants to be with, and please them. GSDs have a distinct personality marked by an intelligence and fearlessness that does not generally tend to make immediate friendships. Although it is normal for these dogs to appear aloof, they should be approachable and never hostile when with their owners. GSDs have a keen sense of humour and enjoy playful games that keep their active minds alert. Once you accept this breed into your family, you will gain an intelligent, loyal pet that will give you a lifetime of love, affection and fulfilment. GSDs are a double-coated breed, with a coarse, water-resistant outer coat and a heavy, woolly undercoat. The outer coat hairs are shed regularly while the inner coat hairs are shed twice a year, more heavily in spring, and may require daily or weekly combing when dropping coat. The breed requires no clipping and only occasional baths. Suitability GSDs, particularly bitches, are generally very good with children. Male dogs, unless raised with young children, may not be as forgiving of minor insults or injuries. Adult GSDs will generally tolerate a degree of rough play from young children. The GSD requires lots of contact with people, particularly in the early formative stages up to 20 weeks. With poor socialisation, or a lack of firm and consistent handling, they can become spoilt and unruly. With a GSD, one should be consistent, kind and firm. Adult GSDs are active and will require lots of exercise, puppies on the other hand, should not be over exercised; rather, gradually increase the exercise over time until, as young adult dogs, they are being taken on daily walks. GSDs also need a lot of space, such as a fenced yard or decent sized dog run. As with most working dogs, GSDs can become easily bored and even destructive if not given adequate outlets for their energy. Health As with most breeds there are genetic diseases, but responsible breeders do regular health checks before breeding. No puppy leaves our home before being very thoroughly checked over by a fully qualified Veterinarian. Also Fit-to-fly certificates where applicable. If your circumstances change, and you ever need to rehome your pup, we are also available to help you find a new and suitable home for your friend CertifiedPedigree A pup will be a close member of your family for more than a decade. When a pup grows up in your family, you get attached to the dog no matter what. It is a common misconception that pedigree dogs are weaker and more prone to disease. This might have been true many decades ago, when the gene pool was small; but these days we have imported many hundreds of champion dogs from all over the world. By buying pedigree, you support the ethical and responsible breeding of dogs, and can rest easy knowing your pup has a documented history of all its champion predecessors. Purchasing a non-pedigree puppy, you can't guarantee that the dog you are getting is going to be any sort of quality, or wether the establishment it comes from is reputable, or worse, you could be supporting a puppy farm! Always do your research and help promote the positive future of dog breeding in Australia. These can breed and the offspring can be registered. Can be exported. Limited Register: Often issued when the breeder wants to protect his bloodline from others breeding and registering the pups. Still a genuine Pedigree dog. Not for exportation. Source Due to the remarkable abilities of German Shepherds, it is easier for them to adjust in any situation and environment. As a pet owner, you need to make sure that your dog feels safe and cared for in your house. All in all, German Shepherds are pretty good at adapting changes and new environments. Hence, for adaptability, they have scored 3 out of 5 stars. Some important factors behind such ratings are: They can be your good roommate in your apartment. They don't dislike the apartment lifestyle and will do great if trained properly. Make sure to provide them with a healthy lifestyle and a lot of love. They'll learn to live in your apartment quickly. If you want German Shepherd to be the first dog that you would own, you need to think it over. Since German shepherds are working dogs, they might be quite difficult for you, a newbie, to handle. German Shepard Dog require more attention, care, exercise, activities, and training than other dogs, which seem tiring and exhausting to the novice owners. So, German Shepherd Dog scored only 2 out of 5 for novice owners. The reality of the breed that is often considered to be the most courageous and brave among all is that the same breed is highly sensitive as well. They might look and act fearless and muscular, but deep down, German Shepherds are very emotional. They tend to get tensed by the slightest of inconveniences. That is why they have scored 5 out of 5 stars of sensitivity. German Shepherds like to be around their family. They would do anything to create a strong bond with their owner. If left alone for a long time, they might end up getting anxious and tense. This will increase their aggression, which results in destructive behavior such as chewing, barking, and whining. If you have a tough routine and are afraid you won't be able to give your pet much time, then you should not adopt German Shepherd. Their tolerance being alone scored 2 out of 5 stars. They are strong enough to tolerate cold weather. They can easily live in cold weather though you must make sure they're not out there 24 hours. But staying out for a while won't be an issue. Their tolerance to cold weather got 4 out of 5 stars. They can live in hot weather too. Make certain that they have access to cold water and shade, though. Their tolerance to hot weather scored 3 out of 5 stars. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? I purchased Georgie on the 20th January .Georgie was desexed by Dr. Ton Tancharoen on 26th of March .Full veterinary treatment history included from The Lost Dogs Home. Georgie is now 5 years old, Georgie has been known to show aggression towards smaller dogs than herself and female dogs in particular. Georgie is very loving, loyal and protective over her family. Over the past year Georgie has shown a huge improvement in her behaviour as we introduced a Saint Bernard puppy into the family. Georgie must go to a home without birds or cats. I'm moving back in with my Dad and there isn't enough room for her there. Please consider Georgie to be a part of your family. Olympia Arnold Purebred German Shepherd puppies looking for a loving family and forever home. It is considered a low-maintenance dog due to its grooming needs. They are pretty faithful and have fearless personalities. Pros and Cons: Pros: Intelligent, protective, ideal companion Low maintenance Excellent herding and working skills Ideal for homes with lawns Fewer Health issues Cons: High Activity requirements Not recommended for allergy sufferers. I have 5 males and 1 female from a purebred Red Cattle dog and purebred German Shepherd. The pups will be ready at 8 weeks on the 22nd September. Pups have had their first vax and been wormed. Please message me your interest. Legitimate buyers only. Well fed and well looked after. Dogs are mostly from Europe and USA. I can help with boarding and all training needs. I will happily take back ANY dog I have supplied for whatever reason. Dogs are fed raw. Bob Border Collie x German Sheppard Shollie The Shollie is a excellent family dog who forms close bonds with the humans in their life and will act as a protective guardian. The mixed breed is also known for being smart. It cannot be stressed enough that the Shollie is a smart and energetic dog—so they need a family who can commit to an equally active and involved lifestyle. Available for their furever home .I will not be selling to anyone. Furever homes only. They have been socialized with children and adults from birth and are very friendly, cuddly and healthy. They have been fed perfectly and are big robust pups. The puppies have been vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. They are ready for their new homes and will make wonderful family pets and property protection dogs. Bella and Jacko their parents are friendly but alert. We live in the country so the pups have plenty of room to run, roam and explore. Please text or phone me so we can chat or I can give you more info. We have been breeding German Shepherds for 12 years and take great pride in the health and well being of our dogs. We strive to make the best pups possible for their new family. Vaccinated, microchipped and vet checked. Up to date on worming and flea treatments. Comes with a puppy pack and 4 weeks pet insurance. Great temperament, very loyal. Would also make a great guard dog. She has grown up with kids and other dogs. Ali's Kennels Shepskt These dogs have an abundance of energy and require a firm pack leader to get the best from them. Shepsky is loyal, alert, affectionate and intelligent. They are good with children and have protective instints and generally, they are calm, gentle dog with a slight hint of michievousness. Aries is 7 months old, intelligent, and incredibly loyal. He loves long walks, playtime in the park, and cuddles on the couch. Aries has been raised in a family environment and is well-socialized with children and other pets. He is up-to-date with vaccinations, regularly vet-checked, and in excellent health. Due to a change in my living situation, I am sadly unable to keep Aries. I am looking for a responsible and caring owner who can provide him with the love and attention he deserves. If you think you can offer Aries a safe and happy home, please contact reach out. Aries really is a wonderful dog and I would like to see him go to a home where he will be loved and cared for with someone who has time to nurture a strong relationship with him. Rehoming fee negotiable based on circumstances. Thank you for considering Aries and giving him the love he deserves. They are all happy with cuddles and lots of play. Scheduled for forever homes by Sept 3rd. Blue dob. Lola is their Mum. Lola loves her cuddles and her rope for fun. Frankie is their Dad. Frankie can play fetch with his ball for hours! Three predominantly black with a little tan and the rest black and tan mixed. All wormed vaccinated and microchipped. Mum is a beautiful black and tan lean family dog raised around children and pets and can be veiwed. Dad is a long hair dark tan and black and can be shown a photo. Both parents and puppy have beautiful temperaments, very well socialised and children friendly. She is very affectionate and gentle, sleeping through the night and is house trained. Pure black puppies from working line parents. The parents are protective of their home and family. She has had her health check and is microchipped and vaccinated. She is pure breed with paper. She is de sexed and up to date with Vet appointment. She is very docile and playful. Loves people, kids and other dogs. Walked daily. Glamour coat, medium coat and sables available. Puppies are German shepherd, health checked, no heap problems, vaccinated and microchipped. They all great with family, and children. They are gentle, active and happy puppies. Mum and dad are in the photo for your review Majd German shepherd puppy's, 2 boys and a girl, 7 weeks old, microchiped and vaccinated, toilet trained and responde to basics commends, ready for their forever new home, with their new loving family. To address and prevent joint disease, talk to your doctor about dietary supplements for musculoskeletal health, in addition to limiting jumping and rough play and give them a good and balanced diet. It is important to emphasize that these ingredients should not come from just one common ingredient. Their diet should come from the best food sources. The ideal source of protein should come from all sources of meat, such as beef, fish and poultry, and other lean meats. Other animal products, including poultry, do not provide enough protein compared to whole protein sources. With regard to healthy fat sources, look for foods that contain fish oil and vegetables to get omega-3 fatty acids. Extra ingredients such as sweet potatoes and carrots are also good for the German shepherd. Small amounts of barley, oats, rice, and other digestible carbohydrates can also be given German Shepherd History The ancestors of German shepherds have bred in late 19th century Germany as working dogs, specifically as sheepdogs and guard dogs on farms. In , after much disagreement about which qualities to highlight in the breed, Max von Stephanitz declared the first German shepherd dog, which he named Horand von Grafrath. Due to anti-German sentiment after the s, the German shepherd has renamed the Alsatian wolf dog or simply called an Alsatian in the United Kingdom and the United States until as recently as .Socializing your puppy and teaching it essential skills like sleeping through the night and toileting outside. Please and we see it all the time give your puppy a good quality ball to play with and make sure its from a reputable breeder. Unsure which dog training package is right for you and your dog? Our friendly team is here to help recommend the best dog training plan for your dog.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

We are raising our family in Mendon, MA in a 's farm house that we have been renovating since .We expose them to all the sights and sounds of busy family life. Our goal is that all of our dogs grow up to be mentally, physically and emotionally healthy so that they can be active members of their families for many years. Health Testing One of the benefits of purchasing an Australian Labradoodle is the required health testing of our Breed Club. The Australian Labradoodle Association of America requires that our breeding dogs are tested for hip dysplasia through an OFA and any eye abnormalities through a CERF test preformed by an eye ophthalmologist. Each breeding Dam and Sire are tested for Patellar Luxation and Cardiovascular Abnormalities by a certified veterinarian. Australian Labradoodles Bloodlines Australian Labradoodles are unique to Labradoodles because of their multigenerational bloodlines. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred on for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle, as the attributes of the infused breeds were not included in their ancestry. Many allergy sufferers my son included are living happily with Australian Labradoodles. A Furever Friend Australian Labradoodles are famous for their affectionate, happy go lucky personalities. They bond deeply with their families but are also happy to meet new people! They love to play ball in the yard or go for a hike but they can also spend a day lounging in house with the family! Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Sign up. High Country Australian Labradoodles is a family-owned breeder of exceptional multi-generational Australian Labradoodles. We breed for temperament, trainability, and affectionate, lovable companions for any family. Our breeding parents are fully tested and we are licensed and inspected by the State of NH and have a supervising veterinarian. We started with this breed after having labs for many years. The Australian Labradoodles we found had the same love and affection as our labradors but with the plus of being low to non-shedding. Yes, they really are low to non-shedding. I did not believe it until I owned my first one and it is absolutely true! The multi-generational Australian Labradoodle is also allergy friendly. We here at High Country Labradoodles breed specifically for temperament so we know that our multi-generational Australian Labradoodles excel in gentleness, trainability, love and sweet demeanor. Our labradoodles have exceptional wool or fleece coats. There is nothing like snuggling up close to your Australian Labradoodle. We are an in home breeder of the Australian Labradoodles established in .Our goal is to produce, happy, healthy and sound Australian Labradoodle puppies with wonderful temperaments. We do extensive health testing on all of our breeding dogs, and take extra measures to promote the health and well being of our pups. We strive to produce pups that will be the perfect family companions! We have some exciting new litters planned that will be opening up shortly! If you have submitted an application at a time where there was no availability, please submit when you notice new availability. Thank you for your patience. We promise that your new puppy will definitely be worth every bit of the wait! Note: We are in the process of transitioning to this new website! Currently we are behind on responding to emails and applications so please be patient with us as we transition and upgrade our site to make it more user friendly for you! Breeding the finest quality Australian Labradoodles since Learn about our Guardian Program If you live within 30 miles of Northern Rhode Island, have a fenced in yard, and a family member who is home most of the day, we would love to hear from you! Please read about our guardian home program prior to inquiring to be sure you are eligible! Only eligible families that apply will be contacted. Please be sure to read the guardian home information page to see if you are eligible! We specialize in miniature, medium, and large medium size Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful allergy friendly coats in all colors with exceptional temperaments. We are blessed to have our puppies reside all over the world. For information on available puppies for sale, please be sure to visit our upcoming litters page! They live pampered lives where they are spoiled to death by their families, and have never been exposed to a kennel environment. A few of our dogs live here with us, and the majority live with their wonderful local guardian families as a forever family pet. .Our breeding dogs are social, happy, healthy, sound, and live the best lives that any dog could dream of living! While in our care, all pups receive proper veterinarian care, are up to date on all of their vaccinations, microchipped for permanent identification, and ESN prior to leaving for their forever homes. We hope you enjoy browsing our website, and look forward to hearing from you! Our two founding females were pure American and over the years we have added lots of Australian and a few more American bloodlines. All of our breeders are family pets that live in our home with us or in their own guardian home. This way they can retire with the family they love and grew up with. I am a proud breeder of Labradoodles and take great pride in the puppies produced here. Our pups are socialized with adults and children of all ages starting at about 4 weeks. They are exposed to lots of sights and sounds and new things each day. We have personally found Labradoodles to be amazing family pets. Labradoodles are loyal, playful, extremely smart and great companions to their human families. You can train them to do just about anything with the right guidance. Labradoodles often have low to no shed coats and usually are allergy friendly. But be aware there are no guarantees that they won't shed a little. Our goal is to do our best to produce non shedding or the lowest shedding pups that we can. In the 20 years I have been doing this we have so far not produced any puppies that shed. My clients become part of my family and they are the reason I do what I do. Their follow ups with me always warm my heart and remind me how lucky I am to be able to do breed these amazing dogs. It is a passion for me that I cannot explain. They are so loved and well cared for and it shows! As a new puppy owner you are also set up for success with all the information and support you are given. We are so happy with out new addition to our family! I would highly recommend Green Mountain Australian Labradoodles! Healthy and perfect size for our family. Pam does it right,returns emails and phone calls the same day. Goes out of her way to accommodate her forever home pet owners. Thank you for Copper! My family did not anticipate having to search for a puppy; we unexpectedly lost our 16 year old Cockapoo in March. Pam, especially, made this process seamless. She answered emails within a few hours and answered ALL questions thoroughly unlike other breeders. She kept us updated when the puppies arrived and as they grew up. The amount of time and love that Green Mountain gives to each litter is incredible. I highly recommend them and their doodles! Bentley is the best puppy I have ever met! The love and caring that Alex and Pam put into the raising of their pups is extraordinary!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Why do I want a show lines pug puppy? I'm only looking for a pet. Experience the ultimate joy of owning a pug puppy from Companion Pups! We go beyond the conventional notion of keeping show-quality pugs exclusively for show homes. We believe that everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to their furry family members. Pugs were bred to be people's companions, and we are passionate about bringing that exceptional companionship to your home. Purebred doesn't always guarantee superior breeding or adherence to pug standards. That's why our show lines ensure that you not only get a pug with the correct look but also the perfect personality, temperament, and size. Our show line puppies possess a special charm that makes them thrive in a multitude of environments which makes for the best family companions ever —happy, playful, and confident, without being hyper or spastic. They are intelligent, attentive learners, embodying the chunky, wrinkly look and adorable nose roll that pug enthusiasts adore. By choosing a show line puppy from us, you're selecting a well-balanced, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal companion that exceeds all expectations. Experience the beauty and trainability wrapped up in the healthiest pug puppies. Our AKC and International lines are health tested and our pugs are pre-spoiled, ensuring a delightful addition to your family. Welcome to Companion Pups, the home of the Kisses' Line of Pug Puppies, where our pugs literally give you kisses and are eager to shower you with love and affection! We'd also like you to know you can always expect a quick response from us as well so you are never left waiting and wondering when you'll hear back. It's our goal to be here when you need us for the life of your pug. Welcome to the Companion Pups family! The Pugs that they produce are well-suited as family companions and emotional support dogs. They offer both AKC-standard colors as well as non-standard Pug colors. Potty-training and litter-box training are done as soon as their puppies start moving around. And like the other Pug breeders in this list, complete vaccination, deworming, and other basic puppy necessities are given to their puppies. The pricing of their puppies mostly depends on the color. The rarer their shade, the higher the price. Future owners can also choose from a limited or full AKC registration and unlike other breeders that only have one year guarantee, they offer two years for congenital defects. Testimonies from previous buyers can be read on the website to further prove the credibility of the breeder. They also offer daycare services where your puppies can socialize with other dogs. You can also get your Pug groomed afterward. Talk about an all-around breeder! They also organize Pug fests and other fun activities for all adopted puppies and their owners. All the Pug breeders included on our list passed our standards. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. There are other ways to find these popular pups. These platforms can help you find more options to find Pug puppies for sale: AKC Marketplace — This platform can give you a list of registered AKC breeders who have met specific health testing and breeding standards. Potential buyers are given an overview of the available Pug puppy and can directly message the breeder for more details. PuppySpot — This is another popular platform for finding Pug puppies for sale. Users can filter by state, size of the pup, and preferred purpose. Just make sure to read the description because some of them might be mixed breeds. Good Dog — Many registered Pug breeders are also available on this user-friendly platform. Puppies from champion dogs are often priced higher than normal pedigrees. They would need regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, medications, vitamins, and other needs. You also need to consider buying items that will make your new Pug feel comfortable in its new home. The summarized expenses for these items can be seen in the table below: Type of Expense. They have black and fawn pups for sale. They have a friendly family oriented breeding program for their loving pups. Most of their pups have great personalities since each receive love and care. They screen them for genetic defects and only breed those quality pups. All pups receive their first shots, dewormed, and groomed. They are prepared for adoption to their forever home. Whether you are on the east or west side of Montana, Raize Pugs is one of your best options for buying healthy pug puppies. You can find pug puppies for sale from Raize through their Facebook Page. See their customer reviews and the photos of their lovely pups. They also offer a lifetime support for all their small breed pugs for sale. If you buy it from an AKC registered breeder, expect a high price but for quality pug puppies. This is similar price for those puppies groomed for dog shows. All puppies you buy from a trusted breeder are in good health and temperament. These puppies can socialized with other dogs and animals. Are Pug Puppies Expensive in Montana? The price of a purebred pug puppy differs from state to state. But you can expect to pay a higher price for AKC quality puppies for sale in Montana. There are various reasons why they are costly, not just in Montana but to all states. The below are the reasons: Pedigree breed of dogs Most puppies were delivered through C-section There is a high demand for them Most moms of these quality puppies require extensive care Veterinary services needed to maintain their health is costly Despite these things, a lot of people still like to have this AKC quality pug puppies. How to choose the best pug puppy in Montana? This toy breed is clever and loyal making them adorable to have. But you need to know the essential factors to choosing the right puppy in Montana. To guide you on that, the below are some things you need to do: You can contact a local pug dog club in Montana to get a referral or a list of reputable breeders. You can also go to the Pug Dog Club of America to get advice. Try to see the parents of the pug puppy. Ask the breeder if they can show the parents to you. Observe the conditions of the place where the pugs are staying. See their health record and observe the physical conditions of the pug puppy. If it is, that means the pug puppy is healthy and well groomed. It also tells the health condition of the pug puppy. How to choose a reliable Pug Breeder in Montana? Most pug breeders have a passion to care for their pups. Offers a health guarantee An honest dog breeder has nothing to hide from you. They can confidently issue a health guarantee proving that their pug puppies for sale are in the best of health without genetic defects. They can give you the medical record of the pup along with a puppy pack. Issuance of a bill of sale A trustworthy buyer will issue a bill of sale to you once you buy a pup from them. This is like a contract stating all the responsibilities of both sides for the transaction done. This is one good practice for most breeders since it tells you they are willing to take accountability on their end. Deworming is also important and must be part of preparing the pug puppy for sale. Pug Parents must be healthy To ensure the litters are healthy, the breeder must provide a health clearance for the pug parents they have. If they can show you this, then you can trust them. This is a good way for you to also know if the pug is purebred or a mixed breed. Allows physical viewing A reliable pug breeder is also confident in letting you see physically their pug puppies. They must have a physical shelter or barn for breeding their pups. You can better judge the personality and health of a pup if you see them on site. Follows the right age for selling a litter The right age for a litter to be separated from their mom is when they are 8 weeks old. If the buyer sells them at a younger age, that means they are not following the best practices. A litter must have enough time to mingle with their mom and other pups for socialization. They also still need the breast milk of their pug parent at a younger age, so that must be observed. They can answer all your inquiries Most of all, a reputable pug breeder in Montana is confident in answering all your inquiries about pugs. That is essentially all related questions to caring for and breeding pugs. Knowing that they are in the industry for quite some time, that gives you the idea that they know the best practices. Takeaway We hope you enjoyed reading the article and that it helped you find the best pug puppies for sale in Montana. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to anyone above. They are more than willing to help you get the best AKC quality pug puppies in Montana. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards,

These duck-flavored chews are formulated with glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane MSM , turmeric, green-lipped mussels, and organic hemp oil to help promote overall joint health and relieve inflammation due to everyday exercise. Together, they can work to help support a healthy inflammatory response and promote overall health. If you have any concerns about your puppy's heart function or health, talk to your vet for their recommendations. Packed with fish oil, biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, these chews bring relief to dry, itchy, sensitive, and flaky skin and help make your dog's coat soft and shiny. Even better? These tasty treats support hip and joint health, immune system function, and cardiovascular activity for overall health. Made with over 25 nutrients, including omega 3s and 6s, this multivitamin tablet supports your puppy's cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system as well as cognitive and liver health. This supplement can be given to dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. This daily tablet can help your puppy maintain healthy teeth and bones. It's flavorless, too, so you can give it to your pup by hand or crumble it and mix it in with his food. Made to help prevent urinary issues, this supplement contains ingredients like pumpkin seed powder, rehmannia glutinosa powder, phytoestrogens, wild yam, and soy protein to support your pup's urinary health. Made with a bacterium known as bifidobacterium longum BL , this supplement along with proper separation anxiety training can help keep your pup calm. It can help your dog who has diarrhea or maybe recovering from parvo," Ochoa says. What To Look For It can be difficult to find the best supplements for ourselves, nevertheless for our puppies. However, there are a few ways you can differentiate between what to add to your cart and what to leave on the shelf. Ingredients Because supplements aren't regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration, pay careful attention to the ingredients in a particular supplement. It is more of a treat that tastes good, and there are not any real supplements in the treats. Efficacy Because supplements aren't regulated, Whittenburg recommends researching any potential option and looking for peer-reviewed published studies that demonstrate their efficacy. If you'd really like to do some digging, she says you can reach out to the manufacturer to see if they follow the Good Manufacturing Practices GMP guidelines and are approved by the U. No one company makes all of those, but your vet will know the best brands in each category. Tweet on Twitter You are not alone if you are wondering whether you should give your dog vitamins. Most notably, the areas of organic supplements, weight loss supplements, and vitamins for older dogs are of great interest to consumers. With vitamins for pregnant dogs to vitamins for dogs with arthritis available these days, there is a formulation for just about any situation your furry friend faces. This can be confusing, as you could easily be led to believe your dog needs to take a fistful of supplements every day to be healthy and happy. Aside from the potential health implications of giving your dog unnecessary supplements, feeding your dog endless vitamins for no good reason is going to leave a huge hole in your hip pocket. What are the best dog vitamins? Dog Vitamins — Are They Necessary? If you have a happy, healthy dog with no preexisting health conditions who is fed a nutritionally complete diet, then there is really no need to give them vitamins and supplements at all. While most dogs will likely fall into this category, there are times that you may need to give your dog some supplementary vitamins, even if they do not seem sick. A good example of this is if you feed your dog a homemade diet. Commercially available dog foods usually include a vitamin mix specific to the type of dog they are marketed to. However, if you make your own dog food it is possible that there will be some deficiencies in their diet. There are plenty of doggie multivitamins available, however a word of caution is needed. Determining what supplement your dog needs if they are on a homemade diet is something that is best done in consultation with your vet. Maybe they need to get through a condition that has either been caused by or has led to a vitamin deficiency. Of course, you would need to have your dog examined by your vet to be sure of the issue. After a proper diagnosis, your vet may advise you to give your dog a vitamin supplement. Vitamin D has an important role in the body, as it aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Dogs obtain Vitamin D through the diet and exposure to sunlight. If your dog suffers from this imbalance, they are at risk of developing problems which include: rickets both in puppies and adult dogs rubber jaw syndrome, a condition generally seen in older dogs where their bones become weak and break easily hypoparathyroidism, a condition that tends to affect smaller dogs which makes them restless, nervous, and unable to control their muscle movements Vitamin C for Stressed Dogs Dr. Bauer also mentions that vitamin C levels can become low when dogs are under stress and may need to be supplemented at these times. Vitamins for Dogs Eyes A study conducted in found that a diet without enough vitamin E led to progressive loss of vision. Again, it is important to note that the dogs that experienced this vision loss were fed on a diet of table scraps and worked as hunting dogs. Dogs that are fed a nutritionally adequate diet are not likely to experience such deficiencies. Interestingly, however, both a deficiency and an excess of vitamin A can cause issues of the skin and hair. Therefore, it is important that you have a deficiency confirmed before you give your dog vitamin A. We will talk more about vitamin toxicity later in this article. Generally, any vitamin A deficiency is the result of an inadequate diet. We have already established that this rare if you feed your dog with commercially available dog food. However, Cocker Spaniels can develop dermatitis even when they are fed a diet with sufficient levels of vitamin A. If your Cocker Spaniel has this condition, their skin will be nasty indeed: scaly, greasy, flaky, and itchy. If vitamin A-responsive dermatitis is the culprit, your pooch may well have to take vitamins for dogs coat to keep the condition at bay. And vitamins are no exception. There are many studies available that outline the dangers and side effects of Vitamin D toxicity. Large doses of Vitamin D are thought to cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Abnormal deposits of calcium in the organs and in the blood were also found in dogs that had been given large doses of this vitamin. You may have read something about the benefits of vitamin A and are looking for dog vitamins for shedding, for instance. Clearly, you cannot assume that vitamin A will do the trick. In fact, it could actually end up causing your pooch more grief. There has also been evidence of neuropathy, or weakness and numbness, in beagles that had been given excessive doses of vitamin B6. The trend among humans is to take supplements to help us through our different life stages. Concerned pet owners may wonder if there is any merit in senior dog vitamins, prenatal vitamins for dogs, or dog vitamins for immune system health. As we have seen through this article, vitamins are really only of any use to your dog if they are suffering with a deficiency. While at certain stages of life, the chances of your dog becoming deficient increase, the only way to be sure they need a supplement is to check with your vet. Needless to say, giving your dog some human vitamins that you have found in the back of your medicine cabinet is not the best idea. In fact, the dosages and combinations of vitamins specially formulated for human consumption could even be dangerous for your dog. Always consult with your vet before you start giving your dog vitamins so you can be sure you are giving them the appropriate dosage. Dog Vitamins — Conclusion To be fair, there are good vitamins for dogs out there. However, the selection of dog vitamins and supplements available is ever expanding. Working out which ones are actually going to be of benefit to your furry friend can be confusing. There are health concerns associated with giving your dog too many vitamins. Finding the right vitamin for your dog, or if they need to be taking one at all, can be hard. Be sure to discuss this with your vet. Have you ever had to give your pooch dog vitamins? What was the outcome? Do you have any experiences you would like to share, or further questions that were not covered in this article? Be sure to mention them in the comments section below. And if you found this article helpful, please share it. Learn more about the health issues affecting this breed, and what you can do to help keep your Lab healthy, in addition to regular veterinary visits. The Use of Supplements: In Support of a Healthier Labrador Supplements are no longer an afterthought but an important element for your Labrador's nutrition and care. Animal Necessity recommends consulting your veterinarian regarding the types of supplements that could benefit your dog's physical health and mental well-being. Some of the benefits supplements may provide for your Labrador include: Helps keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny. Boosts your dog's intake of vital nutrients missing in its diet. Helps boost metabolism to burn more calories, while regulating blood sugar to reduce the urge to overeat. Relief from chronic hip, joint, back, and muscle pain and inflammation. Increase energy levels in support of an active and healthy lifestyle. Regulate and enhance proper immune function. Helps alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes. A Short History of the Labrador Retriever Kind hearted, intelligent and extremely loyal, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the U. Labrador Retrievers are known for their keen sense of smell, ability to find downed birds, and speed on land and through the water. We think of Labs as 'Peter Pan' dogs - they never grow up! A happy, exuberant 1 year old Labrador is still happy and super-charged at, say, 6 years of age. The breed's roots go back to the early 's in Newfoundland, to a forerunner called the St. John's Water Dog. These dogs were eager to please and were strong swimmers with short dense water-repellent coats. They retrieved fish that fell off hooks and also retrieved nets and other fishing gear. British aristocracy took note of the breed's retrieving ability and imported them to England for hunting, developing what is now known as the Labrador Retriever. Soon after the British Kennel Club made the breed official in , the breed made its way to the U. Fun Facts about the Labrador Retriever There are three acceptable colors in Labradors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Yellow Labs born with pale skin and pink noses are called "Dudleys" and are not accepted in breed registries. Labradors have webbed toes and an otter-like tail that help make them powerful swimmers. Their coat is thick, short, and dense to repel water, making them very good shedders. There are two recognized lines of Labrador Retrievers - the show line broader head, more solidly-built and the field line more fine-boned, longer legs, and more high-energy. The presence of a hindlimb lameness, especially in a young to middle-aged Labrador, must be considered ACL disease until proven otherwise - so seek immediate veterinary care for your dog if this occurs! Severe, chronic pain and arthritis results if surgery is not done as soon as possible. Even with surgery, these active dogs need joint health support to help keep their knees as healthy as possible. Severely affected dogs develop congestive heart failure CHF. If you think that your Lab has become fat and lazy, you may be right but just in case, have your veterinarian examine your dog to check for a heart murmur. It affects puppies and worsens with age, with 1 year old dogs being severely affected. This condition affects leg mobility and can cause pain and chronic arthritis if not surgically corrected. It is the most common cause of hip pain in dogs. Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the elbow joint causing lameness and chronic pain. Cancer Labradors are more prone to cancer than many other breeds. Of those dogs, the most common kind of cancer was sarcoma tumors that form in bones and in connective tissue , such as osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Labradors are also at higher risk to develop lymphosarcoma cancer of white blood cells. Affected dogs develop weakness and collapse after just minutes of strenuous exercise, and possibly die. A recessive gene mutation results in malfunction of neurotransmitters in the nervous system; fortunately there is now a DNA test for EIC. Care information for Your Labrador Retriever Caring for your Labrador Retriever is not as challenging as with many other breeds, but even so, there are certain things you can do to make sure he stays happy and healthy so both of your lives are more fulfilling. Exercise Labrador Retrievers love to exercise, which is a good thing because they tend to put on weight. It's your job to see that your dog gets regular exercise with extended walks and active playtime, such as retrieving a ball or chasing a Frisbee. They especially love the water, so if that's an option, it will make life even better for your Labrador. They are very intelligent and take to training well, which helps their overall disposition. However, Labs do have a tendency to exhaust themselves, so it is important for you to monitor their activity. Additionally, Labs with chronic joint disease will easily "overdo" themselves running, jumping, etc, but they likely will pay for this within the next 24 hours by having severe reactive joint pain. Shelter Labrador Retrievers make great house dogs and thrive when they are with people, especially children. There is nothing a Lab likes better, than to be your shadow. Having a large backyard would be ideal, but as long as they are fed properly and exercised daily, weight gain is not a big concern. Labradors are not noisy and usually are not very territorial. They get along with other animals and for the most part, are friendly to strangers. For that reason, Labs do not make good guard dogs, but often will "sound the alarm" at a knock on your door. Labradors crave attention and companionship and can be disruptive if left alone for long periods. Grooming Unlike other breeds, a Labrador Retriever does not require a great deal of grooming. However, they do shed a LOT and so brushing frequently and an occasional bath is in order. However, be careful not to overdo it as frequent baths can damage your Labrador's naturally waterproof coat. His floppy ears can also present problems. Check them regularly and use an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian to prevent infections. Also, trim the nails every week or two, as needed. These provide instant traction to stop dogs sliding on smooth floors or stairs. Nutrition As with most animals, Labrador Retrievers need a quality, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their size, activity level and to help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Foods with essential fatty acids are important for maintaining a Labrador's healthy coat and to help reduce shedding. But as they are a breed that never stops eating, veterinarians recommended that Labs be fed carefully and not be overfed as they can easily put on pounds without an active lifestyle. A diet rich in antioxidants can have long-term benefits, especially as dogs age. Share This Guide: What People Are Saying About Supplements and Their Pets Pet owners just like you are incorporating supplements into their animal's care more than ever before, and with exciting results. Our vet doesn't understand how, but Buddy can see even though he has the big bright green glow from the PRA and the fog from the cataracts. He doesn't get eye infections anymore and there is less brown crud in his eyes. He is walking a little better, putting more pressure on the leg and not limping as much. The results were amazing! Cocoa has regained 50 percent vision in her left eye and she can now catch treats! We were told when her PRA was diagnosed that she would lose her sight completely within a year. It's been two years now and, although she can't see at night, she still sees during the day and you would never know she has a problem with sight. I was told she would be blind within 5 months. I am so thankful she was able to receive this supplement. Thank you so much! This is definitely a plus! Almost two years after his initial diagnosis - there has been no further development of his cataracts. I'm grateful to be among those who can speak personally for its benefits. Probiotics have become a big thing in both human and vet care. When there is disease or inflammation, harmful or pathogenic bacteria can displace the beneficial type, causing further illness. Probiotics are live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can displace most types of harmful bacteria and can facilitate faster response times from the immune system. The active ingredient known as Bifidobacterium longum BL works like most other probiotic cultures, but also has a naturally calming effect. This makes it an effective probiotic for dogs that have gastrointestinal issues as well as behavior issues. The main reason why Calming Care works is because there is a neurological connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Studies in mice show that when gastrointestinal bacteria from anxious mice were transferred to the gastrointestinal tracts of calm mice, the latter group began to demonstrate anxiety. Once the clinical trials were performed for use of B. For best results, use Calming Care every day for at least three to four weeks. From our findings Glandex Soft Chews are one of the best fiber supplements available. Product features: Contains ingredients to help improve stool quality and promote GI health Helps natural anal gland expression by improving stool quality Available in a tasty chewable treat or powder form Anal glands are the small marble-shaped glands within the anus of a dog. They excrete a viscous and smelly fluid that helps make the passing of stools easier. However, when dogs have digestive tract problems or issues with allergies , these glands can become inflamed and more difficult to express. Anal glands can also become impacted and form painful abscesses that require immediate medical attention. Glandex eats more like a treat for your dog. Both of these ingredients absorb water which results in bulkier, healthier stools. Glandex also contains omega 3 fatty acids which can help prevent inflammation. It also contains probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote a healthy digestive tract.