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We have imported our dogs from the top European kennels with the intent to produce high-quality, well-balanced, and wonderful temperament English Cream Golden Retrievers. Our puppies are whelped and raised in our home in an effort to make their environment as close to your home as we possibly can. Our four legged family We have invested heavily professionally and personally, in an effort to produce puppies that we can be proud of and can entrust to your family. We also care a great deal about the people who adopt our puppies and offer a month health guarantee and pre-screen all potential owners through our puppy application process. Please take a look at the championship bloodlines of our adult dogs and understand that this means you are receiving puppies with characteristics defined by the English Cream Golden Retriever standard. Not only will your puppy look like the breed standard, it should also have the best possible start at a healthy life. But…our adult dogs also have several nick-names as well, and they respond to all of them, I might add! Comment below. See MoreSee Less. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Iowa Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Iowa? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Iowa? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We are starting her on anxiety medication to keep her comfortable and progressing to being the best dog she deserves to be. She even took a treat from our hand! We love watching her blossom and grow! She is being treated for nasty ear infections. The vet was pretty impressed with her health considering her unknown background. Lady is making progress on learning how to trust humans but she is still a shy girl, we would LOVE to see her in a home so she can decompress even more. When Lady is brave enough to come up for pets, she freezes but eventually leans in to like them. She also does follow us around staying a bit of a distance but while it may seem minor, it is huge progress for our girl! Lady is a 5-year-old purebred Golden Retriever. Lady came in a week ago from a commercial breeding facility. Lady is a bit on the shy side but is making huge strides, if you allow her to come to you, she will come up for pets and is learning how to enjoy them. She does keep her kennel clean and does love laying outside. Lady has spent the last week decompressing and is ready for the next step of her journey, to move into a home. She does walk somewhat well on a leash, but she does spook so a fenced yard would be preferred unless there is a strong plan in place to keep her safe. Kids should be at least 8 or older, she still is figuring out that people can be good so too active of a home may be too much for her. She definitely follows the other dogs in her home so another dog is required. She is eligible for a foster to forever program. We are starting her on anxiety medication to keep her comfortable and progressing to being the best dog she deserves to be. She even took a treat from our hand! We love watching her blossom and grow! She is being treated for nasty ear infections. The vet was pretty impressed with her health considering her unknown background. Lady is making progress on learning how to trust humans but she is still a shy girl, we would LOVE to see her in a home so she can decompress even more. When Lady is brave enough to come up for pets, she freezes but eventually leans in to like them. She also does follow us around staying a bit of a distance but while it may seem minor, it is huge progress for our girl! Lady is a 5-year-old purebred Golden Retriever. Lady came in a week ago from a commercial breeding facility. Lady is a bit on the shy side but is making huge strides, if you allow her to come to you, she will come up for pets and is learning how to enjoy them. She does keep her kennel clean and does love laying outside. Lady has spent the last week decompressing and is ready for the next step of her journey, to move into a home. She does walk somewhat well on a leash, but she does spook so a fenced yard would be preferred unless there is a strong plan in place to keep her safe. Kids should be at least 8 or older, she still is figuring out that people can be good so too active of a home may be too much for her. She definitely follows the other dogs in her home so another dog is required. She is eligible for a foster to forever program. To see more adoptable Golden Retrievers in Des Moines, Iowa, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Des Moines location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training. Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Dog Training Elite Des Moines offers specialized in-home training. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Des Moines offers puppy group classes for further training. Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog. Dog Training Elite Des Moines has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them. All Sizes. All Ages. Dog Training Elite Des Moines never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Des Moines training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! They do an awesome job with training and explaining everything and teaching you as well how to do everything! They answer all of your questions and I would definitely recommend them!!! Well worth the money.

Poodle puppies are very beautiful and adorable companions, but they can pose some challenges because of their hyper temperament. The following are some major causes that are responsible for this unusual behavior. Breeding Poodles were originally bred for as working dogs that were used for several different purposes. For example, they used to retrieve the waterfowls for their owners. Similarly, poodles were considered reliable for guarding property and herding duties. All these roles clearly show that these pooches are highly trainable and energetic. Due to domestication, most poodle puppies are now serving as companion dogs. Hence, they can become hyperactive and indulge in destructive habits to relieve the discomfort. Intelligence Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. These intelligent pups are excellent at learning new tricks and are considered quite easy to train. Otherwise, poodle puppies can get hyper and may develop negative behavior. Sometimes, it is difficult for the owners to satisfy the intellectual vitality of this clever dog. Likewise, separation anxiety can also be a problem with this breed because they love to interact with people. Therefore, you should be willing to give your canine a lot of attention if you go for a poodle. Activity Level Lack of exercise or playtime is probably the biggest reason that can make poodle puppies hyper. Restricting your poodle to a single room or a kennel is never a good idea because it can lead to several issues. For example, your pooch can develop medical conditions, like heart problems. Larger poodles require more exercise than smaller versions. However, the exercise needs of miniature poodles or even teacup poodles are still significant. You can schedule different physical stimulation activities, like a game of fetch and daily walk. Do keep the stamina of poodle puppies in mind while designing these routines because they are not as strong as adult canines. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Why Exactly Are Poodles Hyper? A Toy Apricot Poodle running happily outside Poodles were initially bred to be working dogs. Therefore, they would participate in activities that required much from them physically, which allowed them to exert their energy. Their primary purpose is companionship. This extra energy can be frustrating and manifest as unwanted behavior! It can be particularly stressful for new dog owners. Thankfully, there are several different avenues that you can take to calm your Poodle down that require physical activity. An excellent first step is ensuring that they have adequate space to run around. If you do have the space at home and you notice them getting hyper, let them outside. Regular walks will also help keep Poodles calm. The stimulation from smelling new things will help just as much as physical activity will. Poodles were born to swim! Do you have friends that have dogs? Schedule a doggy play date with them and let your Poodle play safely. This is a good way to keep them from getting hyperactive and help familiarize them with other dogs. One final suggestion is to play with them! This is a great bonding activity and often ends up being just as fun for you as it is for them. An important thing to remember overall is that if your Poodle is often home alone during the day, it can be good to have someone pop in and visit with them or occasionally take them to daycare. Are Poodles hyper? They sure love to run and exercise! Does Intelligence Play a Role? Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Because of their intelligence, if a Poodle is mentally unstimulated, it can also lead to them being hyper. Another option to consider aside from tricks and new toys is making use of food puzzles. There are a wide variety of options available, but making them work for their food helps them to use their brain and slow down their eating at once. Agility training is a great way to combine physical and mental stimulation. Finally, remember that sniffing is one of the most significant ways that dogs take in information. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. If you find that your Poodle seems to be hyper even with proper physical and mental stimulation, there are two possible causes. The first applies if your Poodle is still a puppy. Poodle puppies need around 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day! Be sure to give them an adequate area to sleep in. At What Age Should You Expect a Poodle to Calm Down Depending on the type of Poodle that you have, you can expect them to be fully grown at different ages, when they reach adulthood impacts when they will grow out of their puppy phase and start being calmer. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl Toy Poodles Toy Poodles reach adulthood at age one, where they will be between six and 9 pounds. At this point, they should be noticeably calmer than when they were a puppy. Despite their smaller size, toy poodles have the same energy as full-size Poodles and should be treated the same when it comes to exercise. Toy poodles are often considered to be the most hyper of all the Poodle sizes. Although as a general rule this is unfair, there are plenty of hyper-energetic Toy Poodles. Toy Poodles are known for surprisingly high energy levels and often have a lot of trouble calming down. This can make them difficult to handle for some people, and often results in them being given up to shelters or rescues. There are a number of things that you can do to help your small Poodle calm down. One of the most important is to make sure that you are providing enough exercise for them. You should also train your small Poodle to be calm using positive reinforcement methods. If they associate treats with calm, they will become more calm. Poodles are very food motivated! Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles , like toy Poodles, will reach adulthood around the one-year mark where they will weigh pounds. They are still intelligent and natural athletes, so keep this in mind as you work to provide them with proper stimulation in both cases. A Black Poodle at the beach Standard Poodles Larger breeds take longer to reach their full size of pounds, so standard Poodles are considered adults between 18 and 24 months. Keep in mind that between toy, miniature, and standard size Poodles, the standard Poodle will need the most space due to their size. If your fully-grown Poodle is acting hyper, consider what activities they take part in each day and try to work in some of the suggestions mentioned here if it seems like they might need more play. Above all, your Poodle was born to be full of energy and life, so expect them to need much playtime and special attention to remain calm and happy. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. My Poodle is Hyper Poodle Question: I know it's normal for a puppy to be hyper, but my Poodle, Dolce, is almost 2 years old and is extremely hyper. She just won't calm down. She seems very agitated and restless. Could this be a medical problem? What can I do to help? While it is rare, dogs can be clinically hyperactive. There is a test that can be performed to find out that involves the veterinarian administering amphetamine and carefully checking the dog's heart rate before and afterward. If a dog is found to be clinically hyperactive, Ritalin can be given. It is a stimulant that has reverse effects in both children and canines, acting as a calming agent. However, most dogs that behave hyper are not clinically hyperactive. In regard to other medical issues, yes there is always a chance that your Poodle is experiencing some sort of discomfort that is keeping her from being able to rest and feel at peace. For this reason, it would be wise to have her checked for any possible issues with a full physical and some blood work. If she is medically cleared, it will be time to look to other causes. A lack of exercise and stimulation both mentally and physically is often the cause. For those who live in areas in which there are long, cold wintry months, there is always an increase in dog owners who wonder why their dog is so hyper. And this can be directly related to a decrease in exercise due to the weather. There are several things that you can do to exercise your Poodle's mind and body and put the hyper behavior to rest. You will want to be as calm as possible. Poodles are usually very sensitive to their owners moods. If an owner shows frustration or anger, their dog will usually act more hyper. Offer some great interactive dog toys to your Poodle. These toys hold treats and your Poodle will need to work to get those yummy rewards. This can keep a Poodle busy for quite some time and the mental focus that is required to reach the goal, works well to calm a hyper dog. Daily walks are important, but if weather limits those walks it is important to still provide indoor exercise. In addition, even with daily walks, a good minutes of extra play time can help a hyper dog to release energy. One game that dogs love is very easy to set up. All you need to do is have some sort of stick, we have used everything from a sawed down broom stick to a plunger stick. Tie a rope to one end of the stick and tie a toy to the other end of the rope. With minimal exercise for the owner, a Poodle can jump and run around as they are "teased" with the toy and exert quite a bit of energy. Obedience Training. Take the opportunity to train your Poodle while providing exercise. This should not be done instead of exercise, but rather as a separate time during the day. You can use this opportunity to go outside, if the weather is appropriate, or you can do this inside if the weather is not cooperating. Whether you teach your Poodle to play fetch or to heel, this is another good minutes that will have your dog moving around, exerting energy. We do highly suggest saving obedience training for a later part of the day, once your Poodle has already had his or her walk. In this way, your puppy or dog will be much more able to focus. Free walking. Aside from "normal" walks in which an owner should be adhering to giving "heeling" commands, free walking is an activity for both owner and Poodle to bond and to have fun. This can be at a dog park or a quiet hiking trail. Parks and trails will have different rules, such as "leash on" or "leash off" and you must find the ones that best fit your Poodle's level of obedience. Going for hike will not be much fun if you spend your time yelling for your Poodle to come back to you. However, if your Poodle fully understands "Come" and won't wander far, this can be a great way of allowing your Poodle some freedom, being able to experience different sights and smells.If your puppy or dog needs leash control, you can still have a great time on a hike that fits your Poodle's activity needs. A Final Word - Do keep in mind how much exercise your Poodle can handle. While you want to offer enough activities and exercise during the day to allow your pup or dog to not have "pent up energy", you also do not want to overwhelm your dog with too much. A Toy Poodle or a Miniature, after the age of 4 months, can handle a good walk and obedience training and some indoor exercise each day.A Standard Poodle can handle a bit more. Before you exercise, be sure to offer water and take breaks to offer water during exercise. If your Poodle is panting too hard or keeps sitting or laying down, your pup or dog is trying to tell you that they need to rest. If you do not have time during the day to offer more exercise for your Poodle, do keep in mind that hiring a dog walker may be well worth it, to keep your Poodle happy and healthy. Dog walkers can be anyone whom you trust. In today's economy, many trustworthy teenagers, or even an adult who is out of work, would appreciate being offered the opportunity. Even having this 2 times per week, plus the additional activities you will be able to offer on the weekend can greatly help. Other Helpful Sections: Poodle age equivalency - How old a Poodle is, compared to humans, for all varieties. Poodle is chewing at paws - The most common triggers that can cause a Poodle to start gnawing at his paws, how this can quickly spiral out of control, and steps that you can take to stop this. How to fix tear stains on a Poodle - Tips for both keeping stains away and effective methods to clear up the hairs around the eyes. Removing a tangle from a Poodle - Mats can develop rather quickly, so you'll want to check the coat often. If you do find a tangle, these tips will help you remove it. Color shampoos for Poodles - There are some color enhancing canine shampoos that can help make a Poodle's color really stand out. Are you a Member Yet? When you become a Member of the site, this allows you to receive a friendly message when a new page of info has been added. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about. Poodles have a reputation as spoiled lap dogs, but like many dog breeds, they were working dogs first. This transition from working dogs to companions has left many people with a frustrating problem; their poodle is hyper. So, how do you calm down a hyper poodle? Physical activity, mental stimulation, and obedience training can often reduce hyperactivity in poodles. Poodles are intelligent, active dogs that require proper exercise and enrichment in order to be tranquil. In rare cases, poodles can become clinically hyperactive and require treatment by a qualified veterinarian. The key to calming your poodle lies in understanding their behavior and channeling it into activities that keep them happy, healthy, and calm- well, calmer. Read on to discover why poodles are hyper, when you can expect them to calm down, and what you can do in the meantime. What Causes a Poodle to be Hyper? Poodles are often hyper as a result of: 1. Breeding Poodles were first bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. As a result, these dogs were bred for intelligence, trainability, and energy. Hunters realized the hair meant to keep their dogs warm, also absorbed too much water and weighed them down when working. Most dog breeds were originally bred for work, usually hunting, guarding , herding, or pest control. The idea of companion dogs is a relatively recent development and leaves dogs with instincts and behaviors which are not needed any longer. Intelligence Poodles are an extremely smart dog breed to be hunting dogs. These dogs are smart enough to train as service dogs, therapy animals, or even watchdogs! Poodles need plenty of mental stimulation. In your downtime, you might read, play video games, paint, or do other activities that both engage your mind and let energy out. Poodles have the same need to keep their mind engaged, and if not occupied, poodles can get hyper and full of anxiety. Lack of proper socialization and intellectual vigor can lead to separation anxiety if not properly addressed. Check out this article I wrote on separation anxiety in Poodles. Activity Level Poodles can become hyperactive when not given enough exercise or playtime. Adequate space to run around is essential for a poodle, even miniature and toy poodles. Larger dogs generally need more exercise than smaller dogs. Larger poodles are no exception as they need up to two hours of exercise per day. How do you Calm Down a Hyper Poodle? A Hyper poodle can be calmed through exercise, mental stimulation, and various calming aids. Poodles are extremely social animals that require ample playtime and mental activities to curb hyperactivity. Medicating your poodle should only be utilized as a last resort and never without the recommendation of your vet. Ways to calm down a hyper poodle include: 1. Exercise Exercise is probably the most common-sense way to calm your hyper poodle. If your dog expends energy in positive ways such as playing with toys or going for walks, they have less energy to jump on you and destroy furniture. While playing in the yard is a good way to work off excess energy, walking your poodle provides the added benefit of providing a mental workout as well. The ability to explore new places and smells lets your poodle expend mental and physical energy, and keeps him moving for longer than just letting your poodle roam freely in the yard. Poodles need mental stimulation too. You can give your poodle the mental activity they need by providing: Puzzles Games Training. Often, these toys will contain treats to encourage your dog to solve the puzzle to get the reward. Check out this article I wrote on the best toys for poodles. Doggy daycares — Doggy daycares help to provide socialization and activities that help calm hyperactive poodles. If your poodle has played all day around other dogs or playing games, he is less likely to be destructive and will be less hyper at night. There are a huge number of products developed to help your pets stay calm, from medication to all-natural items meant to help your pup find their zen. Medicating your poodle should be the last resort option and never attempted without the recommendation of a qualified vet. Medications — Your vet may recommend tranquilizers or other medications that will be specific to your poodle and these solutions will be customized, not one size fits all. You may also find just leaving the TV on helps a poodle who suffers from separation anxiety. Scent Therapy — There are a variety of scent products that can help calm your poodle. Just be sure to check the instructions on any calming product you buy or use. Calming Vests — Special calming vests to keep dogs calm are also easy to find at your local pet store. These vests were originally developed to assist pets afraid of thunder and loud noises like fireworks. But at what age do hyper-poodle puppies calm down exactly? Poodles usaully begin to calm down between twelve and eighteen months of age. While full adulthood is not achieved until the age of two, behavioral training and daily routines can help redirect negative behaviors making a hyper poodle puppy more calm and manageable. Training during the puppy stage is the most effective way to make things a bit more manageable and yield big results later on. Teaching your poodle to only chew their chew toys, walk politely on a leash, behave for the groomer, and listen to your commands will have moments where it feels hopeless, but your hard work will pay off as they grow up, calm down, and become the kind of dog that everyone wishes they had. Making activities like playtime or their daily walk routine as a puppy will also make it easier to stick with these habits for yourself long term and can help you avoid having to make more drastic changes later on. Poodles of all sizes are highly trainable by design, and I will always advocate that every dog have at least some basic training. A great behavioral training course can really help when command training your dog. I found a fantastic training system called Brain Training for Dogs. If you need any behavioral training at all for your dog, I would highly recommend this course! Check it out here The combination of mental stimulation from learning the tricks and the exercise of performing the tricks can help keep your poodle calmer. Some pets are just hyper their whole lives, and the best way to view it is as something to manage instead of looking for a permanent solution. Owning any pet is going to be an exercise in patience, and a poodle is no exception. Can Hyperactivity in Poodles result from a Medical Condition? Occasionally, hyperactivity in poodles and other dogs is, in fact, medical. Testing poodles for hyperactivity involves monitoring the heartbeat before and after taking a controlled dose of amphetamine. From this, your vet can determine whether your poodle is clinically hyperactive. Medication for hyperactivity involves a stimulant such as Ritalin, shown to calm down hyperactive dogs. Be sure to stay in communication with your vet about how your poodle is doing on the medication and continue to use other calming methods like training and exercise even while your pet is medicated. However, there is a reason that poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. If you want a dog that can play with your kids all day or run along with you as you cycle, poodles can do exactly that. Ask yourself some of the following questions to see if a high-energy poodle might be the right choice for you. Do I have time to train a puppy properly, or should I look into adopting an adult? Can my lifestyle fit an active dog? What kind of activities do I want to do with my dog? Do I have enough space for the dog I want to get? Final Thoughts Calming your hyper poodle may seem like an impossible challenge, but it can be done. Mixing mental and physical stimulation in the right amounts will help your poodle live his best life and help keep your house undamaged, your friends from being tackled, and maybe even keep you active! While most poodles will start to calm down as they leave their puppy stage and enter adulthood, they remain active, smart dogs who need to express these traits in healthy ways. You can calm your poodle by providing calming aids, behavioral training, distracting with puzzle toys, and keeping your poodle active. It may take time, patience, and testing many different methods, but your hyper poodle can be calmed. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts. Categories Poodle When will your poodle finally calm down? This article explains when poodles typically calm down, and practical tips to help settle a hyperactive poodle. Poodles typically calm down between years old. Toy, miniature, and standard poodles all have varying energy levels and mature at different stages. When Do Poodles Calm Down? Toy poodles Toy poodles typically mature the quickest out of all poodle varieties. Most toy poodles will calm down from as early as 1 year old. Miniature poodles Miniature poodles take a little longer to mature than toy poodles but still sooner than standard poodles. Owners report that miniature poodles calm down between 12 to 16 months old. Standard poodles Standard poodles take the longest to mature compared to toy and miniature poodles. Standard poodles typically calm down between months. The truth is that all poodles calm down at different stages, regardless of whether they are toy, miniature, or standard. A word on Poodle training! Results show improvement in obedience and behavior quicker than we thought possible! This is why your poodle must have a great daily routine with plenty of outlets to expend their energy in appropriate ways. Exercise at the start of the day When it comes to exercising your poodle , most owners consider how much they should be giving, but few think about when to give it. If poodles are left for hours on end right from when they wake up with no outlet for their energy, hyperactivity will always be the result. After working with many poodles, I found that splitting up their exercise in half one session in the morning and another at night always worked the best. If you follow a routine like this, you can rest assured your poodle is receiving all the physical stimulation they need. Increase socialization! In addition to physical stimulation exercise , we also have mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation, if not more! Poodles are one of the smartest breeds in the world, which means they really need their minds put to work on a daily basis! Socialization is perhaps the most potent form of mental stimulation we can provide for our dogs. This means interacting with new dogs and people on a daily basis. Use puppy pens effectively Puppy pens are essentially like crates, but much more liberating and comfortable. Puppy pens can be a useful tool to help calm down your poodle by limiting their movement in the house. You can do this by spending time with your puppy by the pen, playing with them in it, as well as throwing new treats and toys in there. Why does this work? By limiting your poodles movement, it will naturally calm her down. Not being able to do the zoomies around the room will automatically encourage her to lay down and calm down. Of course, to make this easier you can throw in her favorite toys and a chew treat for extra effect. Once again, this is an awesome way to encourage your poodle to take a time out, but she must first view the pen as somewhere she likes to be. Basic command training A huge mistake most owners make is that they quickly stop basic command training shortly after their poodle learns the command. But once your poodle learns them, its crucial to keep going with them every single day. Not only will this provide valuable mental stimulation and get her mind working, but it will reinforce good behavior and her ability to follow your commands when you say them. You can make basic commands more interesting by asking her to sit and wait, while you leave the room. You can get creative with this, but the most important thing is to continue with this kind of training every single day. Interactive puzzle toys Puzzle toys are great at keeping your poodle entertained and focused. From slow feeder type toys to snuffle mats and more, puzzle toys are a must for any poodle owner. The StarMark toy is excellent at keeping your poodle busy for minutes. Your poodle needs to roll the ball in the correct direction for a treat to come out. You can also opt snuffle mats or complex toys that require your assistance like the Nina Ottoson. These toys are also excellent for when you need to leave the house… This will at least give your poodle something to do for the first hour. Increase general interaction Last but certainly not least, is to simply interact with your poodle more. Increasing general engagement with your poodle will satisfy their need for attention which if already lacking could be the cause of hyperactive behavior. By taking more time to train, play, bond, and engage with your poodle you should definitely see an improvement in their hyper behavior. Stimulation is the key to a calm poodle. A sufficiently stimulated poodle both physically and mentally will not act up or demonstrate hyperactivity. This is why being proactive in managing your poodles daily routine is so important. The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. 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A Day In The Life.Puppies The link has been copied! Welcoming a new member into the family? Every puppy deserves a collar as it is a helpful tool for training and in case they ever go missing. Read on to find what size collar for your puppy you will need. How to measure your puppy's neck size All puppies are different and vary neck size, much like how people come in all sizes and shapes. For a proper fit, make sure to measure your dog's neck and don't just guess! Measure a few inches down from their head and then add an inch for very small dogs or two inches for medium and large dogs. Pull the tape snug but not tight. Collar Types Martingale Collars Martingale collars , sometimes called no-slip or limited-slip collars, are a type of dog collar that provides more control than a typical flat collar, and prevent dogs from backing or slipping out. Originally popular with Greyhound owners, they've become much more popular in recent years. They look similar to a flat collar, but about a third of the length of the collar is actually a smaller loop of fabric with a D-ring to attach a leash. On some martingale collars, the smaller loop is made from chain instead of fabric. The collar works by constricting when the dog pulls on the leash, which causes the smaller loop to tighten up to a point. Unlike choke chains or slip leads a type of training leash , Martingale's can only tighten so much before they stop, so are a great option to prevent a dog from backing out of their collar but need to be used with care. They offer comfortable security without harming your dog. In between sizes? If your puppy is in between the sizes listed, pick the larger of the two sizes to give them the most room to grow into. As they reach their full size, you'll want to pick the smaller of the two to avoid having extra material on the end of the collar. There are a huge variety of colors, patterns, and widths available. Ideal for dogs to wear around the house and on walks, nylon collars are the multi-purpose, standard collar. Biothane These collars are the ideal collar for dogs that love water. They are a great alternative to neoprene and leather, as they are softer, more flexible, and less expensive. Patterns and styles are more abundant than neoprene and can be a more fashionable option for pet owners looking for both style and function. Neoprene This material is a soft rubber material that is used in wet suits, and is reinforced with nylon webbing for added strength, stretch, and durability. Neoprene makes for excellent dog collars for dogs that spend a lot of time in the water. Leather These dog collars are a classic, durable style of collar that provides a great balance of both looks and practicality. While more expensive than most collars, quality leather collars can be expected to last for years. Make sure when you are buying your dog's leather collar that you choose a collar made from genuine leather. Bonded leather, while made from real leather, is a conglomerate of scrap leathers with a bonding agent to bind them. This type of leather may look and feel like genuine leather, but it is not as durable and is an inferior product. While bonded leather would still be suitable for a dog collar, it won't have the same durability. Rolled leather collars are generally recommended for dogs that have thick hair that easily mats around their collar. How to plan for a growing puppy Buy a collar that fits well now When buying your puppy a collar, you want to get the most for your money, but don't let go overboard and put your dog at risk. Buy a collar that fits your puppy well at his current size. While you should keep the future in mind, the most important thing is that your puppy is safe. A collar that is too big can slip over the dog's head or be chewed on. Too small collars can choke your dog, cause skin irritation, or even obstruct breathing. Lay the one collar myth to rest If you are fitting a collar for your puppy, you will buy another collar at some point in your dog's life. Very few dogs will fit the same collar from when they are a couple months old through adulthood. Expect that you will need to buy another collar when your dog reaches adulthood or perhaps several times for labs! Find a collar that leaves room for your puppy to grow Puppies grow. While buying a cute and impossibly small collar might be tempting, it's better to choose a collar that will fit your dog in a couple of months. Puppies grow a lot, particularly in the first few months, so you want to make sure your puppy's collar is adjustable so that you can resize it as they grow. Usually there is some overlap between sizing. If you can find a bigger collar that fits well, choose it over a smaller one that they will outgrow quickly. Typically, the bigger the collar, the more adjustable range, so as they get bigger, the collars will also last longer. Size your puppy regularly Because of your puppy's rapid growth pattern, you should be sizing its neck at least every two weeks to make sure everything continues to fit well. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath your dog's collar at any time. Adjust your puppy's collar as needed or purchase a new one. Considering a GPS Collar? If you're looking to get a Fi GPS Collar for your puppy , the good news is we offer several sizes and the electronic portion of the collar is transferrable to new bands as your pup grows. For more information on how to do this, click here. Comfortable for dogs with sensitive skin Cons: Can be more expensive than other collar types Not the best option for puppies prone to chewing May require regular maintenance to keep the leather in good condition Martingale Collars: Secure and Adjustable Martingale collars , also known as limited-slip collars, are designed with a unique loop that tightens when the dog pulls on the leash. This feature provides more control for the owner and prevents the dog from slipping out of the collar. Martingale collars can be made from various materials, including nylon and leather, and are suitable for both adult and puppy golden retrievers. Pros: Provides more control and prevents dogs from slipping out of the collar Adjustable for a perfect fit Suitable for adult and puppy golden retrievers Available in different materials, such as nylon and leather Cons: May not be suitable for dogs with respiratory issues Not ideal for off-leash play or swimming, as the collar may tighten unintentionally Choosing the Right Accessories and Customizations for Your Dog When selecting accessories and customizations for your dog's collar, it's essential to keep their comfort and safety in mind. Avoid anything that may be too heavy or cumbersome, as this can cause discomfort or even injury to your dog. Additionally, ensure that any personalized information, such as ID tags or nameplates, is clear and easy to read. By exploring the various collar accessories and customization options available, you can create a collar that is not only functional and comfortable for your dog but also a true reflection of their personality. Take the time to consider which options would best suit your dog's needs and style, and enjoy the process of creating a unique collar that your furry friend will love. Maintaining and Caring for Your Dog's Collar Now that you have chosen the perfect collar with accessories and customization options for your dog, it's essential to maintain and care for it properly to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips on keeping your dog's collar in top shape: Regular Cleaning Depending on the material of your dog's collar, it may require periodic cleaning to keep it looking fresh and free of dirt and grime. For fabric or nylon collars, you can often hand-wash them with mild soap and water or even toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. For leather collars, use a specialized leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain the material's suppleness and prevent cracking. Inspecting for Wear and Tear Regularly inspect your dog's collar for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, broken stitching, or damaged hardware. If you notice any issues, it's important to address them promptly to ensure your dog's collar remains safe and secure. Replacing Collars as Needed Even with proper care and maintenance, dog collars will eventually need to be replaced. Keep an eye on the overall condition of your dog's collar, and be prepared to replace it when necessary. This is especially important for growing puppies or dogs that are particularly active or rough on their collars. Storing Collars Properly When not in use, store your dog's collar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will help preserve the material and prevent any damage that could occur due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions. The Importance of Collar Maintenance and Care Proper collar maintenance and care are essential to ensure your dog's safety and comfort. By regularly cleaning, inspecting, and replacing your dog's collar as needed, you can keep your furry friend secure and stylish while enjoying your walks and adventures together. Selecting the right collar for your dog, along with suitable accessories and customization options, is crucial for their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. By taking the time to measure your dog's neck size, explore various collar styles and features, and maintain the collar properly, you can provide your furry companion with the perfect accessory that meets their needs and showcases their unique personality. Teaching Your Dog to Wear a Collar and Leash Once you've chosen the perfect collar and accessories for your dog, it's important to teach them to wear the collar and leash comfortably. This will ensure a positive experience for both you and your dog during walks and other outdoor activities. Here are some tips to help your dog become accustomed to wearing a collar and leash: Start with the Collar Before introducing the leash, allow your dog to become comfortable wearing the collar. Put the collar on your dog for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more accustomed to the sensation. Remember to use positive reinforcement by offering praise, treats, and affection when your dog is wearing the collar. Introduce the Leash Once your dog is comfortable wearing the collar, it's time to introduce the leash. Attach the leash to the collar and allow your dog to explore their environment while dragging the leash behind them. Supervise your dog closely during this process to ensure they don't become tangled or injured. Practice Walking Together As your dog becomes comfortable wearing the collar and dragging the leash, practice walking together. Start in a quiet, familiar environment, such as your backyard or a quiet park. Hold the leash and encourage your dog to walk by your side, using praise and treats as positive reinforcement. Gradually Increase the Challenge As your dog becomes more confident walking on the leash, gradually increase the challenge by introducing new environments, distractions, and longer walks. Remember to be patient and consistent, offering plenty of praise and rewards as your dog progresses. Address Leash Pulling If your dog tends to pull on the leash, consider using a no-pull harness or headcollar to help manage this behavior. Training techniques such as "red light, green light" or "turning in the opposite direction" can also be effective in teaching your dog not to pull on the leash. You can even start with teaching your dog to heel. Final Thoughts Understanding your golden retriever's neck size is crucial for ensuring their comfort and safety. By measuring your dog's neck and choosing the appropriate collar size, you can avoid discomfort, injury, or even choking hazards. Additionally, it's essential to monitor your dog's weight and adjust their collar size accordingly. As with any pet-related matter, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your golden retriever's neck size. With proper care and attention, you can help your furry friend live a healthy, happy life. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar. Crate and or containment gate Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home. Food and water bowls There are endless options of food and water bowls. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors. Food and treats Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video. Toys and chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most. Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago! The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end. Check out this blog for all things grooming. Bonus Recommendation! Online Access to Dog Training We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco. Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including: video tutorials. This is appropriate if you intend to replace a worn-out or damaged collar and are certain that the replacement will be the same size. Measure from the center of the buckle to the current sizing hole for the most accurate results. If your dog has had not any collars before, use measurement tape. If you lack a loose tape measure, you can use any available string, yarn, or ribbon. Now, let go and mark the location on the string where your finger met the end of the string. Then, use a tape measure to determine the length of your string measurement. Not only will a puppy require time to adjust to their new collar, but you will likely need to replace it multiple times to accommodate its growth. You want your dog to develop a bond with their collar and view it as a normal, comfortable part of their life, so take care to select the proper size to facilitate this. Choose The Right Materials Of The Collar Collars for dogs are constructed from a variety of materials that prioritize comfort, aesthetics, and longevity. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs who put their collars through the wringer, so durability should be a top priority. The widest variety of designs, colors, and widths can be found in nylon and polyester, the most popular materials. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible and relatively simple to clean fabrics. Cotton Fabric Cotton is highly durable, insulating, and capable of controlling moisture. In addition, they are simple to clean, cost-effective, and simple to maintain. Numerous collars are made of cotton in a variety of patterns and hues. Some collars have an inner fabric sleeve wrapped around a nylon band to increase their durability. Bio Thane Some dog collars are made of the waterproof material Bio thane. Bio thane is composed of polyester and polyurethane and polyvinyl layers. Its waterproof qualities make it ideal for Golden Retrievers, who are likely water-loving canines. Leather Leather is an organic material that is both durable and versatile. They are an excellent option for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities, despite being more expensive. In contrast to collars made of synthetic materials, it is easy to clean and can be used for years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based material that has a wide range of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to odors or mildew growth. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are extremely sturdy and long-lasting, able to last for years. Polyester Or Nylon Due to their popularity, nylon or polyester collars typically have the greatest variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible synthetic fabrics that are also easy to clean. Different types of collars are necessary for thick and thin furs. The collar size and style are influenced by factors such as hairstyle. These are some tips for selecting the appropriate collar for your puppy. Little Fields Farm is the place to go if you want to find additional dog collar options. This list is not exhaustive, but it does contain some examples. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and durable without irritating the skin. Flat-Front Dog Collars: These are the most common collars that are used daily. They consist of a flat, fabric-based collar with a plastic or metal buckle. Safety Considerations When it comes to choosing a collar for your pet, safety should be a top priority. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind: Choose a secure buckle or clasp: The collar should have a buckle or clasp that is secure and will not come undone easily. This will help prevent your pet from escaping and getting lost or injured. Avoid choke chains and prong collars: These types of collars can cause pain and injury to your pet, especially if they are not used correctly. Check for proper fit: A collar that is too loose or too tight can be dangerous for your pet. Make sure the collar fits snugly but not too tightly, and can be adjusted if needed. Consider breakaway collars: If your pet spends time outdoors or unsupervised, a breakaway collar can be a good option. These collars are designed to come apart if they get caught on something, reducing the risk of injury or strangulation. Choose a collar made of safe materials: Some materials can be harmful to pets, such as those that contain toxic chemicals or are easily chewed or swallowed. Choose a collar made of safe materials, such as nylon or leather, and avoid those made of cheap or unsafe materials. Your dog should wear a flat collar at the base of its neck. Golden Retriever puppies will grow quickly, so get a collar that can be adjusted, is easy to put on and take off, and, ideally, has a place for a nametag. It would be enough to have a flat collar with a buckle made of soft, long-lasting materials. No matter whatever option you go with, your four-legged companion needs plenty of exercise and opportunities to run around and play in order to remain healthy and content. Small to Medium 1. Dog collars are made from a variety of materials that are built for comfort, aesthetics, and durability. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs that can put their collar through the wringer, so durability should be one of the top things on your list! Nylon or polyester are the most popular materials and offer the greatest range of designs, colors, and widths. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. Cotton Fabric Cotton offers great durability, insulation, and the ability to control moisture. Many collars are made of cotton in a number of different designs and colors. Some contain a cloth sleeve on the inside around a nylon band to increase the longevity of the collar. Biothane Some dog collars are made of Biothane , which is a waterproof substance. Biothane is made of polyester and layered with polyurethane and polyvinyl. Its waterproof properties make them ideal for Golden Retrievers that are more than likely, water-loving dogs. Leather Leather is a durable, organic material with plenty of styles. Although they are more costly, they are an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities. Unlike collars made of synthetic materials, it is simple to clean and may be used for several years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based substance that is used for a variety of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to the development of odors or mildew. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are incredibly strong and durable and able to last several years. Polyester or Nylon Nylon or polyester collars often have the greatest range of designs, colors, and sizes due to their popularity. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible, synthetic fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. However, unlike slip or choke collars, you can set the limit to which the collar can close. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and long-lasting, without being abrasive on the skin. Flat Front Dog Collars: These are your everyday collars that are the most commonly found. They are a flat, fabric-type collar that fastens with a plastic or metal buckle. Training or Aversive Collars This group of collars includes: Shock collars Prong collars Slip collars or choke chains They are designed to give a firm correction in the form of discomfort or pain when an undesirable behavior is displayed. A shock collar delivers an electric shock, or vibration which is controlled remotely. This is a form of correction to a specific behavior, and while their use is justified in some adult dogs that have aggression, they are not suitable for use on puppies that need positive reinforcement. And the most common training collar is the slip collar or choke chain. It does exactly that if used incorrectly, choke the dog. When it comes to puppies, there are a lot of things that people get wrong. These collars are not meant for beginners and should be used with care by experienced trainers only. You should avoid using them on young pups and only use this as a last resort when all other training methods have failed. If your pup is exhibiting behavior severe enough to warrant a stern correction, it might be better for you to seek help from a professional. We use the 8mm size for our dogs. Alvalley is a high quality brand for all lengths. For an adult dog, use an 8 mm or larger. For a young puppy, an 8 mm leash works fine, but I prefer the smaller 6 mm Alvalley Snap Lead one for ease of use when working at home. This size fits easily into the outside pocket of a treat bag. If going for a walk, use a more substantial leash such as the 8 mm Alvalley leash. For at-home use, a 6 mm collar is fine. I like to attach a snap lead permanently to a martingale collar for ease of use. The collar and leash can easily be slipped off and on as needed. Puppies and even some dogs like to chew the plastic ones. At 10 weeks of age, we are using very small bowls for ease of use during training. Golden Retrievers tend to act like they are starving and eat too fast, even at their correct weight. These bowls slow them down so that they will come closer to chewing their food than inhaling it. I like to use buckets instead of bowls for water. Puppies love to dig in their water which makes a mess out of it. Hang the bucket on the outside of the crate by the handle that is on the bucket. Then attach the clip for security by using only one side of the clip to attach the handle to the crate. Leave the other end of the clip just hanging. Never put water inside a crate with a dog. I recommend the 2-quart size for one or two big dogs. This size is also a good size for a puppy. I use two snaps to stabilize the bucket. Though wire crates usually have a divider so that you can size the crate down, we recommend that you go ahead and purchase a 24 inch wire crate along with the correct size for your dog when he is grown. Most puppies can use the 24 inch crates for about 2 months after they are weeks of age. It is also helpful to have a smaller crate when traveling. If you want this option with a Summer Brook puppy, you can have a small icrate shipped to our home address for you to pick up when you get here. The best size crate for adult girls is a 36X24X27 inch wire crate. For an adult boy, use either a 42X28X30 or 36X24X27 inch wire crate. We prefer wire crates in most cases because they give more ventilation and Golden Retrievers like it to be cool. Midwest Life Stages : These are heavy duty and come in both double or single door options. I prefer the crate with the double door because you will have the opportunity to use it turned sideways with the entrance on the side as well as the end. The Icrates are also two inches shorter and two inches narrower than the Life Stages crate. They are larger at the bottom than the top so they fit better in the back of an SUV or van. They are crash tested and have excellent safety records. These crates are a bit difficult to set up and take down so we only recommend them for those that want a crate that stays in a vehicle most of the time. They are perfect for families that take their dogs with them a lot and want a somewhat permanent fixture in their vehicle. This crate is very lightweight and sets up and folds down quickly and easily. We love these crates for motels and dog shows. Wood Crate Denhaus Townhaus : I recommend this crate if looks are important to you. This crate looks just like a nice end table. Though it was expensive, mine has held up well for several years. Crate Pad Primo Pads: These are my favorite crate pads. They are made of a heavy-duty vinyl and I have yet to have a dog chew one up. The vinyl is cool so that my dogs like them even in the summer. They come in a big variety of sizes so that they will fit your crate like a glove. These pads are not sold anywhere except from the manufacturer. Order your Primo Pads here. This is a raised cot-like bed that is cool and comfortable. There is a new Kuranda Bed that we have not tried ourselves but it looks amazing. It is a raised cot like the aluminum bed that we have loved for years but it is sized to fit perfectly into a crate! We have purchased both the aluminum as well as the less-expensive PVC Kuranda beds. Our aluminum beds still look brand new but our PVC beds are starting to warp a little after a few years. We like the Ballistic Nylon fabric which has held up for us for several years. The large is the correct size for both boy and girl Goldens. We have two of them and they are as comfortable as many human beds. We have the extra-large size but a large would be plenty big enough for a girl. At first, your puppy will have to be watched almost every minute when they are out of the crate or pen in order to establish good potty habits and also to teach them not to chew. Until you teach them otherwise, some puppies will try to chew everything, including the furniture and even the woodwork on the walls so I have found the pen to be a huge help. If you get a pen, you need to begin training your puppy not to jump on the sides right away. Never pet your puppy or let him out while he is jumping. Reward him for sitting. They open and close easily and in both directions. The Richell Pens look really super nice. They also can be set up as room dividers. We own at least a dozen sets of these pens and have used them in a large number of configurations. However, like most exercise pens, many puppies will eventually learn to climb or jump out of them. Families must be on top of training their puppy not to jump on the sides. Unlike the Richell pen, most, if not all pens have doors that open in only one direction. If you get one of these pens, set your pen up so that the door opens to the outside. If you are getting your puppy from a breeder other than Summer Brook, plastic pens are a good option for a 7 to 10 week old puppy. It is easier to house train if you start off not allowing your puppy in too large of an area. It also has the added convenience of being able to be easily removed by simply pushing a button that locks it in place. However, this gate must be mounted to the wall. Baby Gates that are Mobile Regalo Extra WideSpan Walkthrough Safety Gate : This gate can span a space inches For a pressure-mounted gate, the Regalo gates do very well and are a good simple solution if you only want a gate for a few months until your puppy is house-trained and can be given the full run of the house. However, understand that many puppies cannot be totally trusted in large areas until they are over 6 months of age. It takes some until they are close to a year. Doggy Door Why to Use a Doggy Door If you are able to put a doggy door in, this is by far the easiest way to house-train a puppy. Also, it provides an ideal way to leave a dog when they have to be alone. I teach our puppies to use a doggy door before they go home. In the last days before they go home, I section off a small area inside next to our kitchen with free access to a doggy door that leads to our side yard. When I keep a puppy past 8 weeks, I gradually increase the size area of the indoor area as they show dependability. I reserve the times when they are free in the house to the 30 minutes right after they have pottied. We highly recommend it. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is average then I would use a Classic Kong. Bob-a-lot : You can fill this toy with a lot of food; the dog has to work at getting the food out by pushing it around. JW Pet has other great toys too. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is an average chewer then I would use a Classic Kong. Puppies love them and they keep our puppies happy in their crates. Toys for Month Old Puppies.

Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Salt and pepper Light brown or golden Her coat is usually thick and fluffy, with long, short, dense or medium fur. Perfect to cuddle up to on a cold night! Both parents have double coats, which helped them work in cold weather, and the German Shepherd Husky Mix has this dual layer, too. This means they are better living in cold climates. So if you are thinking of getting one of these dogs and you live in a place where it reaches high temperatures, this is not the dog for you! The Gerberian Shepsky is a moderate shedder and, as its coat is thick and fluffy, it is prone to matting. I advise brushing 2 -3 times a week to keep her double coat shiny and tangle-free. German Shepherds were bred to herd livestock and are now often used as police and military dogs; in these roles, they work closely with their owners and are able to learn commands quickly. The Siberian Husky is also a working dog that was trained to pull loads over long distances in the Arctic wilderness. This mix results in an alert dog who is quick to learn. She will respond well to whistles and verbal commands after just a few repetitions, which makes her easily trainable. This dog does well in dog agility, a great way for intelligent, high-energy dogs to expel energy and exercise their mind. A warning, though: this breed can be a bit obstinate. She may not obey if she senses that you are not a strong leader. Look how quickly this young dog already handles all types off commands: 3. If you are a couch potato, or you struggle to walk for more than an hour, this is not the dog for you. Like its parents, this dog can go for miles without tiring. They are perfect exercise companions and should be taken out twice a day, preferably for an hour or more each time. These dogs love to run, so you should take her to an area where she can go off leash providing she is trained. You can also teach her to jog or run alongside you. In large breed dogs like this one, their plates usually set at around 12 months , so it is best to wait until 12 — 15 months before starting more vigorous exercise. You should talk to your veterinarian to get the okay before starting any exercise program. I repeat: this dog is only for active, sporty types! Given their size and energy levels, I would only recommend this dog to someone with a house and spacious yard. She likes to be employed As well as physical exercise, these dogs like to fulfill the task they were bred for: doing a job. You should stimulate this need in her to avoid her becoming frustrated. You can fit her with a specially designed doggie backpack , which holds water and supplies and even your cell phone! Not to mention that it helps her burn off more of that pent-up energy. Like their German Shepherd parent, whose job was to keep watch over the herd, they are natural protectors. This can sometimes develop into overprotectiveness and territorial behavior, however, and may lead to displays of aggression towards strangers. It is imperative that you keep this under control through socializing your dog: make sure your puppy is used to being around as many people as possible from a very young age. You should get her a few toys she can play with at home like squeaky toys and tug toys. Try to socialize her with other puppies too — you could join a puppy training class and make connections, then get your puppies together for a play date! Potential health conditions Crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. However, this dog could be prone to some health conditions that can occur in its parents. There are two main health problems, including: Elbow and hip dysplasia This is a condition that results in an unstable or loose joint. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog, so as not to put stress on her joints. Eye conditions Juvenile cataracts: These may not start until 6 years old. They appear as opacity in the lens of the eye and can cause a slight decrease in eyesight to complete blindness in more severe cases. Corneal dystrophy: This condition, in which abnormal material accumulates in the clear, outer layer of the eye the cornea , can cause visual impairment. It tends to affect both eyes and develops slowly. Progressive retinal atrophy: This can occur in later life and can lead to partial or complete blindness. Early symptoms can show as night blindness, dilated pupils and the inability to see clearly in bright light. Unfortunately, this condition is inherited, and it cannot be cured. If diagnosed early, however, there is a chance of saving the dog from going completely blind by using specific antioxidant supplementation. Other health problems can include digestive problems, blood disorders, bloat, and epilepsy. Feeding your Gerberian Shepsky who can be a little bit fussy As they are highly active dogs, the German Shepherd Husky Mix more often than not has a healthy appetite and requires a protein-rich diet. Bear in mind, though, that these critters can be fussy eaters! Try to find a brand that appeals to your dog, whether it is one in particular or a combination. Once you do, stick with what she likes. Given that these dogs are prone to digestive problems, it may mean some trial and error when trying to find the best dog food for her. Conclusion When it comes to genetics, Gerberian Shepskies got the good end of the deal. They are beautiful, intelligent, loyal, playful and easy to train, as long as you are a firm leader. Just remember, if you are thinking of getting one of these hybrids, you should be an active, outdoorsy person who is comfortable walking for at least 2 hours a day and has a house with a spacious yard. Thinking of getting a Gerberian Shepsky? Already the owner of one and want to share your story? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

Ironically, tail is not just an insignificant part for animals. It is a functional part of their body. Some animals use their tails for holding onto tree branches, while some use their tail to shoo away insects. For German Shepherds, they use it not only for balancing but also for expressing their feelings. Introduction A standard German Shepherd tail length should be long enough that the tail end should reach the hock joint. It should be hanging with a slight curve like a cavalry sword when GSD is at rest. The curve should be emphasized, and tail should be raised when the dog is moving. Up and down tail positions show how much energy they have. For example, A German Shepherd wagging tail more towards the left side almost touching their bodies means they are nervous. How high they hold their tails, shows the mood they are in. So, the higher, the more motionless their tail is, the more they are feeling stressed and can be very unpredictable. Here are some tail positions, movements and what they mean. If a GSD wags its tail widely like mad, it means it is very happy. They usually do this to save energy. A GSD wagging its tail slowly is a sign of confusion. Just like a scared child hiding under the table, a scared GSD will hide its tail between its legs. Another meaning would be a plea not to be hurt. A tail positioned stiffly straight out of its body means the dog is ready to fight. A more aggressive GSD will move its tail high up and over its back to initiate a fight with another dog. Whenever A GSD will hang its tail low horizontally away from its body, it can be a sign of a calmness. They can be seen as if observing the surroundings. The higher the tail position of a GSD is, the more it asserts confidence as if telling the world it is the boss. Sometimes the tail can be seen curled. A GSD that holds its tail upright and stiff means they are the pack leader. They can be heard barking all the time, alerting their owners even on little things. It is amusing to see puppies or adult dogs chasing their tails. They try to catch their tails and even growl when they chance upon catching it. There are many factors contributing to this behavior. By simply analyzing the causes, owners can train their GSD to stop this behavior. Training them as a puppy is a good start. In adult GSDs, distraction can help. Lack of exercise and activity will cause them to chase their tails wider in circles and sometimes in eights. Genetics can also cause this behavior. The behavior might have been passed down by their parents to them. Stress and anxiety will make them chase their tail until they injure themselves. So it is very important to check for stress and anxiety triggers. Another inherited genetic fault that GSDs suffer from is the curled tail. A German Shepherd curled tail meaning it has a gay tail. Characterized by a tail that is carried higher than the horizontal level of the back, curling upwards, gay tail is a genetic fault. Since it is a genetic fault, chances of fixing it is next to nothing. Sadly, some owners and breeders will do anything for fame and money, so they will opt for surgery. Fortunately, not all German Shepherd puppy tail curls. For some it is just a mannerism that can be eliminated by training. Clicker training method can be used to train GSD show dogs to hold their tails in a particular position when standing. This method will need time and patience from the owner. It can also be hounded by a number of health-related issues, since they are genetically predisposed. Anal Furunculosis A chronic inflammatory disease of the skin under the tail and around the anus, it is usually caused by the inefficient response of the immune system and genetics. But how GSDs carry their tail and the thick coat around the anus may be partly responsible. To avoid such disease being passed down, breeding should only be between unaffected GSDs. German Shepherd hair loss tail, Itching and chewing are caused by allergies which may eventually become infected if left untreated. Cuts and scrapes or even dog bites on the tail are all possible reasons for infection, too. Topical antibiotics look enticing for GSDs that they will keep on licking their wounds. Oral antibiotics administered in proper dosage will be the best option. It is usually caused by overwork, injuries or spending too much time playing in cold water. Tail muscles become swollen and painful within 24 hours following exposure to freezing cold water. Long term confinement in cramped spaces may also trigger this syndrome. Prognosis for Limber Tail Syndrome is good as it will go away on its own. It serves as a tool of communication to their owners, helps stabilize them in water and balances them when walking. Owners may encounter some German Shepherd tail problems, some may be genetic and some may be acquired. Regular visits to the vet will ensure GSD tail health in check. 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. Just look at their tails! So, keep an eye out for tails that are just right! The natural tail is well-muscled and has a thick base croup. It typically hangs down when the dog is relaxed. This type of GSD tail is set high and carried in a slight curve that is pointed upward, but does not go over the back like in Huskies. You see, a natural tail is an important feature of this dog breed and is highly valued by breeders and dog show judges. We can see this type of tail in both German Shepherds and Dutch Shepherds. Your German Shepherd may be long-haired if he inherits this type of tail! A bushy tail is not typically associated with any health issues. Additionally, it is not considered a fault or disqualifying trait in dog shows! It can be passed down from mom and dad or just randomly pop up during puppyhood. This type of tail is commonly seen in many German Shepherd mixes. With all that in mind, puppies with sickle tails are not allowed to participate in dog shows as they are not purebred dogs. Straight Tail A straight tail in German Shepherds is a tail that is not as thick as a natural tail and does not curve at the end — it is completely straight. Well, it is not an unhealthy tail, it just indicates that there may be other breeds in the mix. For example, a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix is most likely to inherit a straight tail that is on the thinner side. The straight tail is set high, but it does not curve as a natural tail does. When your dog is excited or alert, he holds his tail straight out and you may notice a slight curve at the tail end. Docked Tail Ever heard of a German Shepherd with a docked tail? Neither have I! Even though your GSD was bred to be a working dog, tail docking is a no-no. This procedure deviates from the official breed standards and it is banned in some states. While GSD tail docking is not as common as Doberman tail docking , some breeders actually do this. And trust me, those breeders are not reliable nor reputable. However, a docked tail in adult dogs may indicate that they have been through tail injuries or infections. It is not unusual to see German Shepherds with completely curly tails, which can be caused by a genetic mutation, which can be a sign that the GSD is a hybrid dog. German Shepherd Tail Positions There are plenty of tail positions that can mean a lot and we may not understand them all. Wagging Tail A wagging tail in a German Shepherd can indicate that the dog is happy and friendly. Tail wagging can also be a sign of GSD anxiety or aggression, depending on the speed and direction of the wag. A stiff tail can be tricky as it can show dominance, signs of fear or anxiety, and confidence. Tucked Tail A tucked tail can be a sign that the German Shepherd dog is feeling scared , threatened, or that it is trying to make himself appear smaller and less threatening. It is a common sign of submissive behavior which can lead to German Shepherd aggression. The tucked tail can also mean that your dog is feeling pain or discomfort, especially if it is followed by GSD whining , panting, or limping. Anal Furunculosis Is your dog scooting around the house? He may be suffering from anal furunculosis , a common problem in this dog breed. The tail hangs down naturally and has a slight curve at the end. Short tails — Some German Shepherds may have naturally short tails that do not reach their hocks. This is usually genetically inherited. Curly tails — Though uncommon, some German Shepherds have tails that curl over their backs or are very tightly curled. This is considered a fault. Bushy tails — Long-coated German Shepherds will have a furry, plumed tail. Short-coated dogs have a more sleek, tapered tail. Docked tails — Tail docking is banned in many countries now, but some German Shepherds may have shortened tails due to previous docking traditions. The breed standard specifies that German Shepherds should have long, hanging tails that reach their hocks and have a slight curve at the tip. Short, curled over, or docked tails are faults, though the dog can still make a wonderful pet! The ideal length is approximately equal to the height of the dog at its shoulders. So for a 24 inch tall German Shepherd, the tail should extend around 24 inches. Of course, there is natural variation in tail length. Here are some general guidelines: Male GSD tail length — inches Female GSD tail length — inches Puppies may have shorter or longer tails while they are growing. You cannot accurately judge if their tail is within standard until they mature around months old. Dogs with these traits should not be bred. Injury — In some cases, tail trauma or repeated injuries can stunt tail growth. Docked tail — Your German Shepherd may have an artificially shortened tail from past docking practices. As long as your dog is happy and healthy, a shorter than normal tail is not a major concern. But you should inform your vet of any significant anomalies. Here are some of the most common German Shepherd tail positions and what they mean: High, Upright Tail What it means — Alert, attentive, excited, curious Looks like — Tail raised high over the back, sometimes with a slight curve at the tip A high, upright tail indicates your German Shepherd is stimulated and paying close attention to something. It can signal excitement, caution or assertion. Low, Hanging Tail What it means — Relaxed, calm, unconcerned Looks like — Tail hangs down naturally, not tucked between hind legs A low, loose tail is a sign your dog is relaxed and content. As long as the tail is not tucked between the legs, a low tail is normal for a mellow or resting German Shepherd. Slow, Loose Wag What it means — Happy, friendly Looks like — Wide sweeping motions, loosely held A gently swaying, loose tail accompanied by a relaxed body often signals a happy, friendly dog. Rapid, Tight Wag What it means — Alert, excited, anxious, asserting dominance Looks like — Small, tight movements, usually high over back Fast wagging confined to the tip of the tail indicates heightened emotion, like excitement, anxiety or insistence on being listened to. It can also signify aggression in some contexts. Tucked Between Hind Legs What it means — Fearful, timid, insecure Looks like — Tail curled under and between back legs A tail tucked tightly against their belly is a sure sign your German Shepherd is frightened or acting submissive. These are just a sampling of the various tail positions used by German Shepherds to communicate. The German Shepherd Dog breed standard explicitly states that a curled tail is a fault. German Shepherds are not meant to have curly tails. However, some German Shepherds are born with curled tails or develop a curl later in life. Reasons include: Genetic mutation — Some lines can carry genes for curled tails which may be expressed randomly. Injury — Damage to tail vertebrae or muscles can cause permanent curling. Degenerative myelopathy — This spinal disease can initially cause a tight curl of the tail as muscles stiffen. Mixed breeding — Crossing German Shepherds with certain other breeds can result in curled tails. But dogs with this trait should not be bred. Yes, German Shepherds can injure their tails or develop painful conditions. Some common tail problems include: Happy tail — Excessive wagging can split the tip of the tail open, causing bleeding and pain. Infections — Bacteria can enter wounds or hair follicles on the tail leading to abscesses or cellulitis. Calluses — Thick, pressure-induced calluses may form from lying on hard surfaces. Allergic dermatitis — Food or environmental allergies can cause itchy, scaly skin on the tail. Fractures — Tail fractures can happen from trauma like being shut in doors or hit by objects. Anal furunculosis — This inflammatory disease causes painful sores and scabbing around the tail base. Any signs of injury, swelling, bleeding, discomfort, or altered posture of the tail warrants an immediate veterinary visit. Most tail problems can be managed with rest, medication, or simple treatments. But excessive, obsessive tail chasing in adult dogs can signal potential issues such as: Boredom — Lack of physical and mental stimulation may cause a dog to endlessly chase its tail seeking activity. Stress — Anxiety, fearfulness, or compulsive disorders can manifest as tail chasing. Pain — Discomfort in the tail area from injury or infection can incite tail biting and chasing. Pests — Fleas, mites or intestinal parasites can cause irritation that a dog tries to address by chasing its tail. Attention seeking — Some dogs learn that tail chasing gets a reaction from their owner, reinforcing the behavior. If your German Shepherd starts displaying frequent tail chasing behavior, consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. Then use more exercise, environmental enrichment with toys, and training to try curbing the behavior. Check for injury — Look for any wounds, swelling or signs of pain. Treat any injury immediately. Wag-proof your home — Use soft surfaces and safely position furniture to reduce happy tail injuries from exuberant wagging. Exercise outdoors — Avoid having your dog out in freezing weather for long to reduce risk of limber tail syndrome. Is it normal for a German Shepherd to have a curled tail? No, a curled tail is considered a breed fault according to the German Shepherd standard. However, some dogs inherit genes for curled tails or develop them later in life due to injury or illness. These dogs can still make very loving pets. What does it mean if my German Shepherd tucks his tail? A tucked tail pressed tightly against the belly signals fear, lack of confidence, or submission. Check for any environmental stressors that could be frightening your dog. Why does my German Shepherd chase her tail? Occasional tail chasing is normal, but excessive chasing can indicate boredom, stress, attention-seeking, or a medical issue. Rule out health problems, then use more exercise, enrichment and training to curb the obsessive behavior. Regularly brush and inspect the tail to catch any injuries early. Wag-proof your home with soft surfaces. Maintain flea control. Exercise outdoors in moderate temperatures to avoid limber tail syndrome. While the ideal tail is long and hangs low with a slight curve, variations exist even within breed standards. I hope this complete guide covers everything you want to know about German Shepherd tail types. Let that magnificent plumed rudder guide you towards a great relationship with your German Shepherd! Related posts:. It is big, bushy, long and sometimes curly. But it is there for more than just looks. It helps them balance, move around, and communicate with other animals and people. You can tell a lot about a GSD just from the position of their tail. From the happy wag to the embarrassed tail between the legs, it is a great way to tell how your dog is feeling. So what are the different German Shepherd tail types and what do they all mean? German Shepherd Tail Types: Similar to German Shepherd coat types , there can be three German Shepherd tail types depending on the length of their coat. It can be anywhere from inches depending on the specific dog and their genetics. According to show standards, the length should at least make it to the hock joint or ankle of the dog. It is bushy and has a sable-shape with a slow curve that is similar to the sword. This type of tail should not exceed the top of the back. Yes, a purebred German Shepherd can have a curly tail. Though it is considered a fault according to the breed standards , it is not uncommon for a GSD to have a tailpiece that curls more than the standard sabre-shape. If the German Shepherd is purebred, the curly tail could be the result of domestication over thousands of years. This is known as juvenilization or neoteny. As dogs were domesticated over the years, more resources became available which meant less competition. Because aggression was decreased, certain physical features became neotenized resulting in floppy ears and curly tails. It could have a hint of DNA from another dog breed such as an Akita. A DNA test is the only way to rule out the latter. For example, scientists have found that dogs wagging their tailpiece to the right are happy or excited and dogs wagging their tailpiece to the left are anxious or nervous. Additionally, they have more recently found that other dogs can recognize their tail wag and can tell what type of mood they are in just based on the tail wag alone. Aside from their right and left tail wag, there are several other positions to look for. Here are some common positions and what they mean. Between the legs: This means the GSD is afraid or scared. They could also be ashamed because they did something wrong and got into trouble. For example, if they peed in the house or rummaged through the trash while their owner was out. Down: This means they are feeling sad or unhappy, especially if their head is down as well. They may also submitting to you as the pack leader. Pointing straight up: The GSD is most likely mad or upset and possibly aggressive. The higher up the tail, the more assertive they are. They may be close to reacting to whatever they feel threatened by. Relaxed and out: This means that they are happy and content with their surroundings. This is a good sign that the dog is feeling at home and loves the people he is with. Straight out: This is a sign that the German Shepherd is apprehensive or worried about something close by. Wagging broad and fast: This means the GSD is happy and excited to see you. He may be full of energy and ready to play. This dog shows us the definition of happy tail wagging after finally recognizing his owner who had lost a significant amount of weight. Wagging slowly: This means that the German Shepherd is assessing the situation and is unsure yet whether or not things are safe. If a dog is holding its tailpiece in any of the positions that could signal he is aggressive, anxious or nervous around someone, grab on to his leash until he calms down. One of them is almost solely associated with GSDs. The repeated blows can cause the wound to worsen over time. It can become very painful for your dog should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tail. Usually, a bandage will be wrapped around the tail to allow healing but antibiotics or medication may be necessary. In the worst case scenario, part of the tail may have to be amputated to avoid chronic pain and a continued infection. Hot Spots: Hot spots, also called moist dermatitis, are infected areas on the body or tail that result in bald spots or hair loss. They usually begin from allergies such as insect bites. Once the area becomes inflamed, the dog will attempt to lick and chew the infected area. This causes them to lose the hair surrounding that area. They can start off small and progressively get bigger and bigger the more the dog licks and chews the area. To treat at home, you can carefully clip the fur surrounding the infected area and then clean with a gentle and safe solution. A follow up with the local vet can help determine what allergy is causing the reaction. Often times a short-acting corticosteroid, like prednisone, is given through injection for treatment. Limber Tail Syndrome: Limber tail syndrome is a muscle disorder that causes most of the tailpiece to go limp. It is most common in sporting dogs but can be found in working dogs as well. The majority of the time it is caused from a dog swimming in water that is too cold. However, occasionally it can happen to a dog from water that is too warm. At the moment there is no known cause, but one theory is that the cold water causes the area surrounding the spinal cord to shrink limiting mobility in the tail. A GSD with this syndrome will have a tailpiece that is horizontal for approximately 4 inches and then goes straight down. It is painful around the base of the tail. It can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and dogs usually recover within a couple of days of rest. Masses or Tumors: Certain types of masses can grow on the body or tail. They can include several different kinds of growths from harmless cysts to life-threatening tumors. The first of these possibilities is an abscess. It usually forms when a wound becomes infected. The result is a soft, warm lump that is swollen and painful to the touch. Occasionally they will rupture and drain leaving a red bump that is raised above the skin. They can be treated with a warm compress to improve the blood flow but they must be drained by a vet to completely heal. The second possibility is a cyst. A sebaceous cyst is pretty common in dogs. It is a small benign growth that is painless and non life-threatening. This fluid filled sac is filled with sebum which is an oily secretion that keeps dogs skin moist and waterproof. This type of growth normally looks like a small volcano on the surface of the skin. Often times it will resolve on its own but it could also wall off or rupture. If it ruptures above the skin, the area should be cleaned and disinfected several times a day. If it ruptures below the skin, a vet should be seen to assess the situation. Last but not least, the growth could be a tumor. It could be either benign or malignant depending on the cause. Parasites: Certain parasites can cause issues with the tail, specifically heart worms, hook worms, round worms, tape worms, and whip worms. Similar to hot spots, you may notice bald spots or hair loss around the base of the tail. The worms can irritate and inflame the area around the anus causing the dog to lick or chew his rear end area or tailpiece. Aside from vaccinations, there are several things you can do to help avoid those pesky parasites. Perianal Fistula: Perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a nasty medical condition that is common in German Shepherds. It is characterized by tunnel-like lesions, sometimes puss filled, surrounding the anal area. It is very discomforting for a GSD and causes a lot of pain around the anal region, especially when they are defecating. Along with the pain of going potty, they may have chronic diarrhea. There are several symptoms including carrying his tail real low, a foul odor, blood in the stools, struggling to defecate, crying out during potty, and excessive biting and licking of the tail. The exact cause is unknown but the theory is that it starts with the oil and sweat glands being inflamed and then progresses from there. This condition is serious and painful and a vet should be seen immediately to diagnose the issue. They will most likely perform a physical and rectal exam to determine the cause. They will most likely do a biopsy of the cells surrounding the anal area. Unfortunately, 8 out of 10 times, this condition recurs so treatment is absolutely necessary. There are several treatments including antibiotics, diet enhancements, and oral medications like cyclosporine and ketoconazole. Treatment usually lasts around 2 months with a major chance for recurrence in most dogs. In Closing: The German Shepherd definitely has one of the coolest tail types of any dog breed. The sabre-like sword shape only adds to the appeal of their already beautiful and majestic look. You can learn a lot from their tail as far as health and communication. Learn how to read their mood using body language and your bond will grow stronger. If you notice any of the aforementioned tail problems, make sure to contact your local vet! Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! What is your favorite tail type on a dog? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal experience! Share this:. Most German Shepherds have straighter tails that hang down with a slight curve. As explained above, German shepherds typically have fairly straight tails. If the curl is tightly wound, held high, and raps around over the back over vertical , this suggests that your GSD likely has mixed genetics. The most common genetic mix causing a tightly curled tail would be from a breed in the spitz family, all of which have tails like this. Can we be sure of that? Typical German Shepherd tails follow the line of their croup lower back smoothly down to their hock joint ankle. When resting the tail should hang lower rather than high, predominantly straight but with a slight curve like a saber sword. When excited the tail will likely raise up and be held in somewhat of a higher position. Photo Examples: Source The end of the tail can sometimes be straight or slightly curled. Genetic make-up plays the most significant role in the appearance of your GSD, as do inherited faults and unique body structure differences. The only true way to know if your GSD is purebred is to have a DNA test done or have official documentation of both parents stating that they are purebred. Is it possible? This is very important to keep in mind. Additionally, tail positions change depending on their current mood, feelings, and temperament. Puppies that are excited and playful will almost always have a raised tail, but this might drop down when they are either calm, resting, nervous, fearful, or anxious. On the other hand, if your GSD puppy has an extremely curled tail that sits high over his back, this does point towards mixed genetics. Brush Regularly Most GSD owners already know that having a regular brushing routine is extremely important. The issue, however, is that the tail is often neglected for other pairs of the body such as the back and neck. The tail needs just as much brushing! Be sure to spend an extra couple of minutes focusing solely on the tail. The best brush for the tail would be a quality slicker brush. This is essentially a mini bath , without the hassle, and without risking those essential oils. A quick baby wipe of the tail will help keep muck, dirt, and bacteria from building up. This sensitivity then causes the GSD to curl the tail upwards. Although this makes sense, to a certain degree, there has been no scientific evidence or any substantial research to back up this claim. Redirection training will likely be your best bet, but this will take time and consistency on your part to ensure you redirect your GSD on to something else, every single time he tries biting his tail. Additionally, be sure to have a quick inspection of the bum area. Anal Furunculosis is another potential cause of tail biting. This is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease and will need veterinary attention. A casual look and feel while your GSD is calm and relaxed in the evening times could get you in front of any potential problems. Last thoughts German Shepherds typically have straight tails that hang down with a slight curve, similar to that of a saber sword. If a German Shepherd has a tightly curled tail that sits high up, curling over the back, this is a strong indication that he has mixed genetics. What kind of tail does your German Shepherd have? Let me know if this article has helped you if you have further questions! Thanks for reading! The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. As such, they have to tell you what they feel and experience through body language, including positioning and wagging their tail. Here are 13 German Shepherd tail positions and what they mean: Tail raised high — alert and excited. Tail hanging down — troubled and submissive. Tail straight out — exploring and undecided. Tail low and wagging left — concerned or unhappy. Tail semi-raised and wagging right — happy. Tail raised and wagging fast — excited. Tail low and wagging slowly — lack of enthusiasm. Tail wagging with up and down broad strokes — very happy. Tail wagging in half-mast short strokes — anxious. Tail carried in a neutral position — relaxed. Tail loose and wiggly — happy. Tail held high and stiff — aroused and confident. Tail tucked between the legs — afraid. This article will explore these different tail positions in more detail so you can get to know your dog a little better. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. The German Shepherd is quite creative at using its tail to communicate. It may be in a neutral, straight out, high, or half-mast position to convey arousal, relaxation, or anxiousness and can vary in meaning when accompanied by a fast or slow wag. A raised tail often comes with erect ears , which could be a sign that: The dog is ready to run and attack. The dog may make a move to face whatever is calling their attention. The dog may make a display of dominance. This is especially true if the raised tail is accompanied by very fast tail wagging, which appears to be vibrating. Stay alert when your German Shepherd has its tail raised high and vibrating as you may need to leash or crate them. If a slight wiggle or wag is added, your dog communicates appeasement. The dog could be meeting someone new — a person or dog — and is unsure what action to take. Your GSD could also be hearing noises whose meaning and origin they have yet to figure out. So when you see your German Shepherd with its tail straight out, just give it time to figure things out. I wanna chase the deer! She has seen some deer in the field, and her prey drive has kicked in! Research has shown that dogs tend to wag their tails to the right when happy, and the left side of the brain directs this tail movement. In fact, the mentioned research found that dogs wagged their tails to the right at the sight of their owner. It could be the joy of seeing you home again after work or of seeing you present his favorite food or toy, or when you arrive at a new place, and the excitement just takes over. However, your German Shepherd can show a fast wagging tail when anxious and ready for action in tense situations. The German Shepherd is meeting a strange dog and is unsure what role to take with the new conspecific. In either case, you should remove your German Shepherd from the uncomfortable situation. In this case, your German Shepherd will also accompany the tail wagging with other body signs of happiness like: A relaxed shaking of the entire body. A grin on its face. A soft open mouth. Your dog could also be showing a lack of enthusiasm and insecurity. If the half-mast short strokes are swift, your dog could simply be greeting and feeling tentative or hesitant about a move. Check out Willow in the above photo. Her tail is relaxed in its neutral position as she is undoubtedly chilled as she loves being in the woods. If the dog is relaxed and feeling extra happy, they may add a little wag to their loose tail. They may accentuate that with a side-to-side wag or in circular motion wags. Your German Shepherd will also have a loose and wiggly tail when the environment is relaxed, and if a gaze towards you accompanies that, they most likely want to play. Pay particular attention to your German Shepherd if it has a high and stiff tail combined with raised hackles , a wrinkled nose, and an open mouth with visible teeth. Together, these signs could be a warning to other dogs or strangers to back off. Your German Shepherd may be about to get aggressive. For example, your dog could be in pain or encountering someone or something that instills fear. The tail should be set smoothly into the croup or the rear end where the pelvis bone is and where the tail attaches to the rump. The tail is raised when in motion, and the saber-curve is emphasized, but not beyond a vertical line. That makes it easy for you to see the tail when you want to decipher the message that your German Shepherd is communicating with its tail position. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Unlike some breeds, they carry it low naturally, and an agitated, swishing tail is not ideal. If it curls under the dog, instead of being held out naturally straight from the body, the dog may be anxious and nervous. Long-coated Shepherds will have a fluffy plume, whereas short-coated dogs will have a sleeker tail. They will be between 18 and 36 months old before you can truly judge their tail type. While the dog is still developing, it can have a longer or shorter tail. Here are some common ones to look out for. High tails: usually a sign of alertness and excitement Hanging tails: troubled or submissive feelings Straighter than normal: exploring, but a little cautious Semi-raised and slowly wagging: usually happy Low and slow wagging: usually means unhappiness or concern Raised and fast wagging: Excitement Low and slow wagging: lack of enthusiasm, but responsive Very broad wagging: enthusiastic Short, curtailed wagging: can be a sign of anxiety Neutral: the dog is simply relaxed, alert, and happy Wiggly and loose: a happy puppy! It can be a sign of a mixed breed dog or a dog with a gene fault at the tail. Can Tails Get Sore? As an expressive part of the dog, tails can get sore or injured. However, these are some more severe problems to watch out for: Anal Furunculosis: This is a fancy term for an inflammatory skin disease around the tail and bum. Skin Infections: Like the rest of the body, the skin here can get infected. Because the skin is tight over the tailbone, it can be tough to treat too. Noted issues include chewing, allergy scratching, and itching. Dog bites can get infected too. Always treat skin issues at the tail seriously. The tail swells and is painful, it comes on about a day after exposure to freezing surfaces. Why do Dogs Chase Their Tails? Is It Bad? Pups and adult dogs alike may chase their tails simply for fun. But sometimes, it can turn into obsessive behavior. Luckily, training can help, especially with distraction and refocusing on toys or activities. What are the bad reasons for tail chasing? Small Spaces: The German Shepherd is a big dog, so narrow spaces can upset them. Stimulation: If your dog is under-exercised and stimulated, they can obsessively tail chase from boredom. Genetics: They may have the habit in their blood, or have learned it from parents. Stress: Anxiety can cause very dangerous tail chasing that often ends in injury, and you need to get to the root cause of the issue. It can cue you into their moods, and help you to avoid issues before they start. Likewise, knowing more about the breed standard for their expressive tail can help you identify potential issues with your dog and understand more about what makes them tick—or should we say, wag! Why is the bushy tail important for the German Shepherd Dog breed? The German Shepherd Dog has a well-groomed, natural appearance. The correct tail is slightly longer than the height at the withers and it should be thick and tapering. It rests low and is never curled over the back nor excitedly switching side to side. The tail is carried low and straightened, but never tightly curled over the back, more like a plume than a buggy whip. A dog with a correctly functioning tail will hold it straight out or to the side when he is working or moving and will curl it between his legs when he is nervous or unsure of himself. German shepherd tail types GSDs will have mainly 2 types of tails based on the coat type, there is single coat german shepherd which will have a normal tail and whereas double-coated dogs or long-haired german shepherds will have a bushy tail. German shepherd tail length GSDs tail length is not too short, or too long. A standard GSD tail length should be long enough that the tail end should reach the hock joint. It should be hanging with a slight curve like a cavalry sword when GSD is at rest. The curve should be emphasized, and the tail should be raised when the dog is moving. German Shepherd Tail Positions and their Meaning: 13 signs and their inner behavior explanation Tail Position Meaning Raised high and curved over the back This can indicate uncertainty or a cautious approach. The dog may be assessing the situation or feeling uncertain. Horizontal and straight Indicates a neutral or relaxed state. It shows that the dog is calm and content. Slightly raised and wagging A confident and alert posture, is often seen when the dog is excited, confident, or on high alert. Low and tucked between hind legs Indicates fear, anxiety, or submission. The dog may feel threatened or uncomfortable in its current environment. Slow wagging Can indicate uncertainty or a cautious approach. Rapid wagging Shows excitement and happiness. The dog may be thrilled or anticipating something enjoyable. Stiff and straight up A sign of alertness and heightened awareness. The dog may be assessing potential threats in its surroundings. The tail held to one side Can indicate indecision or curiosity. The dog may be observing or evaluating something of interest. Tail held straight down Usually a sign of relaxation or calmness. The dog may be in a neutral state or feeling at ease. Tail held loosely and relaxed Generally indicates a relaxed and comfortable state. The dog is at ease and not currently on high alert. Tail wagging in a circle An extremely happy and enthusiastic expression. The dog may be showing great joy and excitement. Tail vibrating or quivering Typically a sign of high arousal, intense excitement, or anticipation. The dog may be highly stimulated. Tail held high and wagging Indicates a friendly and confident demeanor. The dog is likely happy and open to social interaction. Tail tucked and wagging Can be a conflicting or mixed signal. It may suggest submission or fear, combined with a desire to appease or seek reassurance. German shepherd tail positions The tail is usually carried in a curve when the dog is at rest. When the dog is excited or in an emotional state, the tail will sometimes be carried up in a curve or in an even higher position, like a plume. The tail may be carried between the legs when the dog is nervous or is anticipating trouble. German shepherd tail problems and diseases GSD tails are not the only measure of their current sensibilities. Because it is genetically predisposed, it can also be preyed upon by many health-related problems. Anal Furunculosis Chronic inflammatory disease of the skin under the tail and around the anus, which is usually caused by an inefficient response of the immune system and genetics. But how GSDs carry their tail and thick coat around the anus is somewhat responsible. To prevent such a disease, fertility should only be between non-affected GSDs. Skin infection GSD is very difficult to treat for skin diseases on the tail. The tails usually do not have that much skin, so this area is prone to infection. German Shepherd Hair loss is caused by allergies to the tail, itching, and chewing, which can eventually lead to infection if left untreated. Incisions and scratches or even a dog bite on the tail are all causes of infection. Topical antibiotics look lovely for GSDs as they keep their wounds smiling. Oral antibiotics that provide the right dose are the best choice. This is usually due to overwork, injuries, or spending too much time playing in cold water. The tail muscles become swollen and painful within 24 hours after exposure to freezing cold water. Chronic confinement in narrow spaces can also trigger this syndrome. The prognosis for the limber tail syndrome is good because it goes away on its own. Using a warm compress can reduce swelling and pain, but some veterinarians may prescribe painkillers. Puppies or adult dogs chasing their tails can be fun. They try to catch their tails and scream when they catch it. There are many factors that contribute to this behavior. By simply analyzing the causes, employers can train their GSD to stop this behavior. Training them as a puppy is a good start. In adult GSDs, distraction can help. GSDs are large dogs so keeping them in a narrow space can cause them anxiety, causing the tail to chase. Due to lack of exercise and activity they chase their tails in circles and sometimes eight widths. Genetics may also be responsible for this behavior. This behavior may have been passed down to them by their parents. Stress and anxiety cause them to chase their tail until they injure themselves. So it is important to check for stress and anxiety triggers. Do German shepherds have curly tails? The short answer is yes, it is possible for GSDs to have curly tails. However, the fact that not all GSDs have curly tails leads to the question of whether or not German shepherds are capable of producing curly tails. A German Shepherd may have a tightly wound tail that wraps over the backside. You can check out the official standard here. The normal German shepherd could take somewhere between 18 to 36 months to complete their growth and become fully mature. The tail will continue to develop until the animal is two years old. However, the tail will start to change in appearance at around eight weeks. Dogs communicate through a combination of body postures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and tail movements. The dog may be thrilled or anticipating something enjoyable, such as playtime or seeing a familiar person. The dog may be assessing the situation or feeling unsure about how to respond. Slow tail wagging is often associated with a more reserved or tentative emotional state, where the dog may be evaluating the environment or displaying a milder form of engagement compared to rapid wagging. The tail is so important that the German Shepherd, registered with the American Kennel Club AKC , appears prominently on the official breed standard performance and confirmation guidelines. Here are the main points described in the racial standard: The tail should be bushy. The tail should extend to the hawk joint kept away from the body parallel to the ankle joint. The tail should not be short or docked cut. Dog owners who want to show off their German shepherd at dog shows or confirmation competitions run the risk of being disqualified or points deducted if they do not meet each performance guideline of their dog breed standard.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. How much exercise should a Lab puppy receive? Socializing Your Labrador Puppy Socialization is quite simply the act of introducing your puppy to as many different animals, people, places, sights and sounds as possible, in a safe and fun way that results in positive experiences for your lab. Do you know why this is so important? Or how and when you should go about this? Caring for and training a Labrador puppy requires a particular set of skills and knowledge that then leads into training and care for the more mature Lab. So I separated out just those few articles you can see above and moved them into this Labrador puppies section. For more detailed knowledge on the ongoing care and training of your Labrador, please see the Labrador training and Labrador health and care sections of the site. I hope you enjoy it! Recommended watching. For a good overall resource on puppy training, not specific to Labradors, but almost all of it still applies: The Pup Smart category at www. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Should I Worry? Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. A Labrador retriever puppy's friendly demeanor, high energy, and intelligence form a dynamic combination that greatly influences training and care strategies. Their innate friendliness fosters a strong bond with humans, making them eager to please and responsive to positive reinforcement during training. Their abundant energy levels necessitate regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors. Their remarkable intelligence allows for swift learning and adaptability to various commands and tasks, enabling trainers to employ engaging and challenging training routines. To effectively nurture these traits, a balanced approach involving socialization, consistent training, ample exercise, and mental enrichment is pivotal in raising a well-rounded and happy Labrador retriever companion. Building a Strong Foundation Patience is crucial throughout the training process. Each puppy is unique, and it might take time for them to learn and adapt. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and love will help you build a strong foundation for a well-behaved and happy Labrador retriever. Socialization Early socialization and positive experiences are crucial for Labrador retriever puppies as they lay the foundation for their future behavior, temperament, and overall well-being. During the critical developmental period in their early weeks, exposing them to a wide range of people, animals, environments, and stimuli helps them build confidence and adaptability. Positive interactions and experiences promote the development of a friendly and outgoing demeanor, reducing the likelihood of fear or aggression later in life. Socialization also aids in curbing potential behavioral issues like anxiety and excessive barking. Labrador retrievers' innate friendliness can be honed through positive encounters, fostering a strong bond with humans and other animals, making them well-adjusted companions in various situations. By providing a nurturing environment full of positive interactions, puppy owners can ensure that their Labrador retriever grows up to be a well-adjusted, confident, and sociable adult dog. Crate Training Crate training is an effective way to provide your puppy with a safe and secure space while also aiding in housebreaking and teaching them to be comfortable alone. Choose a crate that's appropriately sized — it should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience by placing treats, toys, and a comfy bed inside. Feed your puppy near the crate and gradually encourage them to enter on their own. Begin with short periods of crate time, gradually extending them as your puppy becomes more comfortable. Avoid using the crate for punishment. Potty Training Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after eating, drinking, napping, and before bedtime. Choose a designated potty spot and use a consistent command. When your puppy eliminates outdoors, praise and reward them. If accidents happen indoors, clean them up without scolding — punishment can create fear and confusion. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go, like circling or sniffing. Over time, your puppy will associate the outdoors with potty time. Establishing Routines Establishing routines helps your Labrador retriever puppy understand what's expected and provides stability. Create a consistent daily schedule for feeding, potty breaks, exercise, training, playtime, and rest. Predictable routines reduce anxiety and make training more effective. Gradually introduce your puppy to different experiences, people, and environments to foster confidence. Incorporate mental stimulation through puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play to keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom-related behaviors. A Labrador retriever puppy runs and leaps outside. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement training methods offer numerous benefits when training Labrador retrievers due to their friendly and eager-to-please nature. These methods focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones, creating a positive and effective learning experience for the dog. Strong Bond and Trust: Labrador retrievers thrive on human interaction and affection. Positive reinforcement builds a strong bond between you and your dog, fostering trust and a desire to work together. Motivation: Labradors are often food-motivated, making treats a powerful tool for rewarding good behavior. Using treats, toys, or praise as rewards motivates them to repeat desired actions. Quick Learning: Labradors are intelligent and quick learners. Positive reinforcement capitalizes on their intelligence by encouraging them to associate commands with rewards, leading to faster and more effective learning. Prevention of Fear and Aggression: Labradors' friendly nature makes them particularly sensitive to harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement avoids creating fear or aggression, promoting a happy and confident dog. Consistency: Positive reinforcement focuses on what your dog does right rather than punishing mistakes. This creates a consistent and clear communication channel between you and your Labrador, making training easier to understand. Encourages Problem Solving: Positive reinforcement encourages your Labrador to think and make choices. As they discover what behaviors earn rewards, they become more engaged and creative in finding ways to please you. Reduced Stress: Labradors can become stressed if subjected to punitive methods. Positive reinforcement training creates a stress-free environment, contributing to a healthier mental state for your dog. Long-lasting Results: Since positive reinforcement is based on building a positive association with desired behaviors, the learned behaviors tend to stick around longer. This ensures that your Labrador continues to exhibit good behavior even after initial training. Versatility: Positive reinforcement can be applied to various training situations, from basic obedience commands to more complex tasks or tricks. This versatility allows you to continuously engage and challenge your Labrador. Mutual Enjoyment: Positive reinforcement methods make training enjoyable for both you and your dog. It's a way to strengthen your relationship while achieving training goals. Positive reinforcement training methods align perfectly with the Labrador retriever's temperament, enhancing their willingness to learn and respond to commands. By using rewards, praise, and positive interactions, you create a positive training experience that nurtures your Labrador's natural potential and leads to a well-behaved and happy companion. Two young chocolate Labrador retriever puppies run and play in a dirty and muddy field. Examples of Positive Reinforcement for Labrador Retrievers Labrador retriever puppies are often motivated by treats, praise, and positive attention. Here are some practical examples of rewards that resonate well with them Treats High-quality dog treats that are small, soft, and easily chewable are usually preferred. You can use commercial treats or make your own using ingredients like chicken, turkey, cheese, or peanut butter. Break treats into small pieces to avoid overfeeding during training sessions. Use a variety of treats to keep your puppy engaged and interested. Praise Labrador retrievers thrive on verbal praise. Use an upbeat and happy tone when giving praise to convey your satisfaction. Words like "Good job," "Well done," and "Yes" can be effective markers of success. Combine praise with physical affection, such as petting, scratching, and gentle hugs. Playtime Many Labrador puppies adore playtime as a reward. Engage in games like fetch, tug-of-war, or interactive toys. Incorporate play breaks into training sessions to keep your puppy's energy and interest levels high. Life Rewards Allow your puppy access to positive experiences as rewards, such as going for a walk, meeting a friendly dog, or exploring a new environment. Opening the door to the yard or taking a short car ride can also be exciting rewards. Verbal Encouragement Use an enthusiastic and cheerful voice to provide encouragement and let your puppy know they're doing a great job. Food Puzzle Toys Labradors love to use their intelligence to solve problems. Food puzzle toys that dispense treats can engage their minds while rewarding them. Short Training Breaks During training sessions, incorporate short breaks where your puppy can play, explore, or simply relax. Combination Rewards Combine different rewards for maximum impact. For example, after a successful training session, you could offer a treat along with verbal praise and a quick game of fetch. It's essential to observe your Labrador retriever puppy's individual preferences and adjust your rewards accordingly. Keep training sessions fun, upbeat, and positive to maintain your puppy's enthusiasm for learning and to strengthen your bond. Energetic Play and Exercise Labrador retrievers are known for their high energy levels and enthusiasm, making regular exercise and playtime crucial for their overall well-being and behavior. Engaging them in both physical and mental activities helps channel their energy positively and prevents boredom-related behaviors. Regular Exercise Labradors require a significant amount of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Aim for at least minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. Activities like brisk walks, jogging, hiking, and swimming are excellent choices. Labradors often enjoy water-based activities due to their natural love for swimming. Interactive games of fetch, frisbee, and agility training can provide intense physical workouts. Playtime Engage in interactive play sessions to stimulate their minds and strengthen your bond. Tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, and playing with toys that challenge their problem-solving abilities are all great options. Social play with other dogs, if your Labrador is friendly and well-socialized, can be incredibly enriching. Mental Stimulation Activities Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys make your Labrador work for their treats, providing mental exercise and preventing boredom. Nose work activities involve hiding treats or toys around the house or yard, encouraging your Labrador to use their sense of smell to find them. Basic obedience training and teaching new tricks engage their minds and teach them to focus and follow commands. Agility and Obstacle Courses Set up a mini agility course in your backyard using items like cones, tunnels, and jumps. This engages their physical and mental capabilities, and it's a lot of fun for both you and your Labrador. Scent Work Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your Labrador to use their nose to find them. This taps into their natural scenting abilities and provides mental stimulation. Playdates and Dog Parks Social interaction with other dogs is not only physically stimulating but also mentally enriching. Supervised playdates or trips to a dog park can provide a positive outlet for their energy. Rotate Toys Keep a variety of toys and rotate them regularly to prevent your Labrador from getting bored with the same items. Learning Activities Teach them new commands, tricks, or even basic problem-solving tasks like fetching specific items by name. Remember, a tired Labrador is a happy Labrador. Balancing physical exercise with mental stimulation is key to preventing destructive behaviors that can arise from boredom. By incorporating a mix of these activities into your Labrador's daily routine, you'll provide them with a fulfilling and enriched life while fostering a strong bond between you and your furry friend. Nine Labrador retriever puppies lie down in a red wagon. Behavioral Challenges and Solutions Labrador retrievers are wonderful companions, but like any breed, they can exhibit certain behavioral challenges. Here are effective strategies to address common issues such as jumping, chewing, and leash pulling: Jumping Labradors are often enthusiastic greeters, but jumping can become a nuisance. To address this behavior: Consistent Training: Teach your Labrador a command like "Off" or "Down" and use it consistently. Reward them when they greet people calmly with all four paws on the ground. Ignore and Reward: Ignore jumping behavior and only offer attention when your dog is calm. Reward them with praise or treats for sitting politely. Ask for an Alternative Behavior: Teach your dog to sit or offer a toy when they want attention. This redirects their energy in a positive way. Use Leash Management: When expecting visitors, leash your dog and guide them into a sit before people enter. This helps control their excitement and prevents jumping. Chewing Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, but it can become destructive if not managed properly: Provide Appropriate Chewing Items: Offer a variety of safe and durable chew toys. Rotate toys to keep your Labrador engaged. Supervision: Supervise your Labrador when they're not crated, so you can redirect them to appropriate items if they start chewing on something they shouldn't. Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog when they chew on appropriate items. This encourages them to choose those items over furniture or other forbidden objects. Leash Pulling Labradors' enthusiasm can lead to leash pulling, but with consistent training, this behavior can be improved: Basic Training: Teach your dog loose leash walking using positive reinforcement. Reward them when the leash is slack and gently stop when they pull. Change Direction: If your dog pulls, quickly change direction. This teaches them that pulling doesn't get them where they want to go. Use Proper Equipment: Consider using a front-clip harness to discourage pulling. This redirects their forward motion when they pull. Reward Calm Behavior: When your Labrador walks beside you without pulling, reward them with treats, praise, and verbal encouragement. Remember that addressing behavioral challenges takes time and patience. Consistency is key in training. If you find that you're struggling to manage these challenges on your own, consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide tailored guidance to suit your Labrador's individual needs. Nutrition and Health Care Labrador-Specific Dietary Needs: Labradors are prone to obesity due to their love for food and tendency to overeat. To meet their dietary needs: Choose a high-quality dog food formulated for their age, size, and activity level. Follow feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging and adjust portions based on your Labrador's individual metabolism and activity level. Monitor treats — use them sparingly and factor them into their daily calorie intake. Importance of Regular Veterinary Check-Ups Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining your Labrador's health: Puppies need frequent visits for vaccinations, deworming, and general health monitoring. Adult Labradors should have annual check-ups to catch any health issues early. Senior Labradors may need more frequent visits to address age-related concerns. Regular check-ups allow your vet to detect and treat potential health problems before they become serious. Managing Weight and Promoting Overall Health Managing weight is vital for Labradors to prevent obesity-related health issues: Measure food portions and avoid free-feeding. Split their daily intake into multiple meals. Use treats for training and rewards, but choose low-calorie options. Incorporate regular exercise — daily walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating activities help burn calories and keep your Labrador healthy and happy. Monitor their weight regularly and consult your vet if you notice any significant changes. Additional Tips for Overall Health Provide fresh and clean water at all times. Brush your Labrador's teeth regularly to prevent dental issues. Groom their coat to keep it clean and healthy. Be mindful of allergies — some Labradors may have sensitivities to certain foods. Mental stimulation is important — provide puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play to engage their minds. Remember, every Labrador is unique, so consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on their dietary and health needs. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention, you can ensure your Labrador enjoys a long, healthy, and joyful life. FAQs How can Labrador retriever puppy owners strike a balance between providing enough exercise and preventing overexertion? Striking a balance between providing enough exercise and preventing overexertion for Labrador retriever puppies involves tailoring activity levels to their age, energy level, and physical capabilities. Incorporating multiple short play sessions throughout the day, including interactive games, short walks, and supervised social interactions with other dogs, allows for sufficient exercise without overwhelming their growing bodies. Paying attention to signs of fatigue, such as excessive panting, slowing down, or reluctance to play, and offering ample rest and water breaks helps prevent overexertion. Gradually increasing exercise intensity as the puppy grows and consulting with a veterinarian can ensure a balanced exercise regimen that promotes healthy development and avoids strain. What role does socialization play in shaping a Labrador puppy's behavior, and how can owners ensure a positive socialization experience? Socialization plays a pivotal role in shaping a Labrador puppy's behavior by exposing them to various people, animals, environments, and stimuli, helping them develop confidence, adaptability, and appropriate social skills. Positive socialization experiences during the critical developmental phase can prevent fear, aggression, and anxiety later in life, resulting in a well-adjusted adult dog. Owners can ensure a positive socialization experience by gradually introducing the puppy to new situations, people, and animals in a controlled and positive manner. Using treats, praise, and a calm demeanor during introductions, allowing the puppy to approach at their own pace, and avoiding overwhelming situations are essential in building a foundation of trust and comfort. How can positive reinforcement training be adapted to address the breed's potential stubbornness or distractibility? Positive reinforcement training for Labrador retrievers can be adapted to address their potential stubbornness or distractibility by employing techniques that enhance focus and engagement. Incorporating shorter training sessions with clear cues and consistent rewards helps maintain their attention span. Utilizing high-value treats or rewards that match their level of distractibility, along with using interactive toys as rewards, can sustain their interest. Breaking down commands into smaller steps and progressively increasing difficulty helps prevent frustration. Additionally, incorporating mental enrichment activities and varying training environments keeps their minds stimulated, making the training process more engaging and effective despite any tendencies towards stubbornness or distractibility. Are there Labrador-specific health concerns that owners should be aware of, and how can these impact training and care? Labrador retrievers are prone to certain breed-specific health concerns such as hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, and eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. These health issues can impact training and care by necessitating modified exercise routines to protect joints, maintaining a healthy weight to prevent strain, and considering visual impairments when teaching cues. Understanding these vulnerabilities allows owners to tailor training methods to accommodate potential discomfort and adjust care practices to promote overall well-being, ensuring a happier and healthier life for their Labrador companions. What are some creative ways to keep a Labrador retriever puppy mentally stimulated and engaged beyond physical exercise? Beyond physical exercise, keeping a Labrador retriever puppy mentally stimulated and engaged involves various creative approaches. Utilizing puzzle toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving can challenge their minds. Incorporating scent work by hiding treats or toys around the house taps into their natural hunting instincts. Teaching new tricks and commands encourages cognitive engagement, while interactive play sessions that involve obedience commands or simple agility exercises enhance their focus. Engaging in positive social interactions with other dogs and people also provides mental enrichment. Regularly rotating toys and introducing novel objects, textures, and environments prevent boredom and promote mental curiosity, ensuring a well-rounded and content Labrador retriever. For more information about training a puppy, check out these articles:. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Bloomington Illinois and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Our goal is to produce healthy puppies from AKC registered parents, which begins with ensuring our dogs are genetically tested. Our love of Labradors keeps us busy and fulfilled! We would love to help you find the missing membe. Puppies Available Now: Available Pets. Please feel free to contact Julie at Rock Creek Labradors at .These puppies are highly intelligent and very loving. Rockycreek All Purpose Labradors. A strong dog with energy for days, the lab is a perfect park companion, as they're playful, loyal, and very trainable, though they need space to play. Here at Rock Creek Farms we are a family of five who love animals. Rock Creek Labradors. His five-year F1 career resulted in a win but ended after more. Lola passed away unexpectedly, and Gunner moved in with a family where he can. She is an incredible marker and loves to be in click on name for more info. Global integrated solutions together with You. Rockycreek Labradors, Columbia, New Jersey. Rock is hard driving, high flying and just as great around the family. Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend. Home of the Polar Bear White Lab Puppies Nestled in the fertile farmland of Middle TN on the banks of Rock Creek, Twinponds is a small kennel whose goal is to produce Snow White Labradors that are not only beautiful but possess soundness and a docile temperament that is a hallmark of the breed. From day one we were so impressed with the warm welcome we received to come and visit all your puppies on site. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. While searching for the perfect puppy, we discovered our region needed more Labrador breeders. Mom loves to fetch and retrieve. You are truly dedicated and responsible breeders. RockCreekLabradors, Roberts, Montana. Our Story Our love of labs began when we adopted our Labrador mix, Lola, in .Find Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. As a family, we have a love of all animals and raise them with kindness and quality care. Breeds: Labrador Retriever. We are a Pennsylvania state licensed kennel. This girl has such a sweet, gentle and graceful personality Elegant describes her well! Rock Creek Labradors Montana. We have been breeding Labradors since that go back to American and English lineage. Remi is now happily enjoying her retirement living with one of her sons in Georgia! This dynamic duo kept us entertained and our hearts full. This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. We have completed health testing through Embark on all our dogs and can provide proof of their clearances. The easy-going temperament and playfulness of the British Labrador makes it the perfect choice for a family dog, as well as a hunting companion. Remi is the daughter of Lucy and. Famous Racecar Drivers from Italy. We live on an acrage with a cow calf herd. Many years ago Sherry Mateer was my mentor and helped me with purchasing some of my breeding stock to start my wonderful. All puppies are AKC registered and are caught up on vaccinations and dewormer! Contact me today at ! Currently breeding black and yellow Labradors. Less than 10 years later, the couple officially opened the doors to Beaver Creek Kennels. We breed Yellow, Chocolate and Black. We are breeders of Labrador Retrievers in PA. She brings back the same stick even if it is thrown in a difficult spot. Kennel Name: Walnut Creek Labradors. Rockycreek Labradors and Foxwood Norwich Terriers. All of our dogs are part of our families daily activities from playing on our farm, feeding cattle, playing fetch, taking obedience classes, participating in 4-H activities, hunting, and. These pups are ready for new families! Dad is a chocolate lab who weighs 60 lbs and mom is a yellow lab that weighs 55 lbs. They are especially good with kids. A Retro American Restaurant. We specialize in AKC registered Labrador Retrievers, all of our dogs come with a health guarantee and have excellent pedigrees. RockCreekLabradors specializing in british type labrador retrievers. Physical Characteristics Females typically run pounds and males run pounds. We have been involved with breeding labs since .We had no immediate plans to began our breeding program, but found ourselves searching for a female companion for Ruger to grow up with anyway. There's nothing cuter than a snow white lab puppy, We love the stocky, big headed style Labrador so that is what we try to breed for. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America. Sherri's litter was born December 22nd. Rock Creek Labradors is committed to quality not quantity, and to producing healthy Labrador Retrievers with wonderful temperaments! Puppies are sold on Limited Registration, with a few. Pups have 3 sets of vaccinations, declaws are removed, and they are microchipped. The puppies they breed are broad, stocky, and healthy and make great companion animals. Our dogs are health tested, and all puppies come with a health warranty. She is extremely loving, playful. Our main priority is ensuring the health and well-being of all our animals from birth until they leave with their forever family - and beyond. Labrador Retriever Lab Puppies For. They enjoy pleasing their owners and can be trained quickly for any job or trick. He is the younger brother of rock-singer Gianna Nannini. Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. This girl has such a sweet, gentle and graceful personality Elegant describes. This little yellow dog, affectionately known as "Caleb" would be the start of a journey that they never could have imagined. When we decided she needed a friend, we adopted a yellow Lab named Gunner. Rocky Creek Labradors is a small Chocolate Lab breeder. Ridge Creek Labs offers Labrador Retriever puppies in all colors, and they even have an option to purchase a full registration. Charcoal Labrador Retriever Puppy. He participated in 75 Grands Prix, debuting on 7. With a Mini Labradoodle around, joy and adventures are a guarantee. We can only sing praises for Rock Creek Labradors. The company's filing status is listed as Good Standing and its File Number is .Our dogs receive daily love and attention. Questions Post Question There are no questions yet for this company. Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to ask any questions. The content on this website is not public domain. AKC Labrador Retrievers. Varedo Milanese: Varee is a comune municipality in the Province of Monza and Brianza, in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 15 kilometres 9 mi north of Milan. Specializing in very light almost white Labrador Retriever Puppies. However, have 30 years of experience under their belt. New litter born in December! Get in Touch. The Humboldt County Animal Shelter lists all found and adoptable animals on 24petconnect. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Eureka who need a home. My Puppies for Sale No current listings. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Puppies for Sale in Eureka California. Gail's Doodles- Bernedoodle, Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Puppies As one of the highest quality breeders of Bernedoodle, Goldendoodle and Labradoodle puppies in California, we strive to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. Isis, mom aka was mated with rottie, but we have 3 brindle 2 males and 1 female, and we are keeping. Humboldt Dog Obedience Group. Humboldt County Animal Shelter. Look at pictures of puppies in Humboldt who need a home. We have some of the best red nose pit bull puppies for sale. Compare the best dog breeders near Humboldt County, CA and learn about poodles for sale and labrador retriever breeders on our directory. All pups have had first round of. They always have hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available. Find puppies for sale from Humboldt Pit Bulls. Please click a classified ad for more details or to reply to it. McKinleyville Animal Care Center. Find your puppy for sale in Humboldt, IL Puppies. Our First dogs Gunner and Roxy were our first labradors back in .Our puppies are 11 weeks 5 days. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Puppies For Sale in Humboldt County .If you don't live in the Emerald Triangle. Nearby City Locations Arcata akc chihuahuas for sale. Nearby City Locations Arcata akc golden retrievers for sale Blue Lake free to good home golden retrievers. Fully vaccinated ,if interested xxx xxx-xxx2 View Detail. Search local classified ads at ClassifiedAdsLocal. Champion bloodline comes with 3 generati. Puppies and Small Dogs in Need of Homes. She is spayed, microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, and on heart worm prevention. These adoptable shelter dogs living in various shelters are waiting for loving homes! Free online listings of cute German Shepherds. Vet said they were in awesome condition and well cared for and ready for their new homes. Dogs in Humboldt Tennessee. Boxer puppies for sale in Humboldt County CA. The result is a strong, agile red Pit Bull with super conformation. Our family has been raising labradors for the past 16 years. Our dogs are treated as part of the family. No puppies are available. Wormed de flead and toilet trained. Free online listings of cute Dachshunds. Filter Dog Ads Search Rottweiler. We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. He will be 8 weeks old on Thursday. Very small, short legged and short muzzle. Parents are also available to. Rottweiler, Iowa » Gilmore City. Humboldt California. We live in Carlotta , Ca which is located in Northern California. Shown below are the classified ads. As dedicated dog breeders of the APBT, we add only similar lines to the dogs that we currently have. Up to date on shots Located in Humboldt county Contact: xxxxxxxxxx Buy Now 3 male pitbull puppies 9 week old male pitbull pups available contact for more information Buy Now. Hope for Paws is a C-3 non- profit animal rescue organization which is based in Los Angeles, California and it was created by Audrey and Eldad Hagar. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. For Sale in Humboldt County 5. We have 5 puppies for sale. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. For Sale in Humboldt County 1. Available on a foster to adopt basis! This animal is. Our dogs and puppies receive meticulous care and live in immaculate facilities. Boxer puppies sale in Humboldt County CA. Nor Cal's Next Litter April 22, .Doberman puppies Cute little Doberman puppies looking for their next loving home. How to choose the right doodle puppy. Chihuahuas in Humboldt County, CA. Advertisement No listing found. Awesome Female and Male Toy Poodle puppies for sale now. You just need to visit the site and check the availability of pitbull puppy. Humboldt County Pet Classifieds. Home breed and well socialized. Puppies for Sale from Humboldt Elite Bullies. Not Tennessee not Nevada, not Iowa and not Canada. Humboldt Pit Bulls has triditional pitbull puppies for sale. We breed tight red nose American Pit Bull Terriers puppies for sale by using only dogs with the best family lines. If you have any questions or are interested in any of my puppies, please contact me today. Find your puppy for sale in Humboldt, IL. Puppies for Sale in Humboldt Tennessee. The American Boxer Club was established in .The pedigree has Woods Snooty,Garners. Advertisement No listing found ClassifiedAdsLocal. He was then imported to the United. They have had their first shot's and wormed. Over the years we have grown and now have 2 sires and 3 females. Located in Northern California we provides wonderful pets for loving homes. Including families like yours in Northern California! Goldendoodles A cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle Height: inches Weight: lb Lifespan: years Group: Not Applicable Best Suited For: Families with children, singles and seniors, houses with yards, families with allergies Temperament: Intelligent, lovable, energetic, friendly Price upon approval of application. Today is an exciting day! You are shopping for a puppy. You can contact us at jeffersondoodle gmail. In order to do this, every puppy comes fully vaccinated, micro-chipped, partially potty trained, and certified healthy by our veterinarian. The F1 Goldendoodle has more of a shaggy coat with looser curls. Abbey Acres Goldendoodles. Crockett Doodles plans to have mini Goldendoodles, mini Bernedoodles and Cavapoos raised in California. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. Puppy Application Goldendoodles. They work with the most prestigious Service Dog training facility in the nation called Hand and Paw. Welcome to Golden Buttes Doodles! Make a deposit and get on the list for one of our Puppies. It's our greatest pleasure to assist you through your puppy journey. Doodles for Sale in California. We are taking reservations on all of our Winter litters as well as Spring .A so all of their breeding dogs have undergone rigorous genetic and health testing. Nearly all breeders in the state have different types of doodles and multiple Goldendoodles. Denim and Diamond Doodles. The rescue holds adoption fairs every week, and you can apply to foster a dog through their website. They're a small family breeder and the puppies are raised in their own home as their own pets. We love our Penryn Doodle! Best decision! Go home date will be fall .Sunshine Doodles has been breeding top quality doodles for over a decade. The amount will be applied to the final purchase price amount. If you're looking for Mini Goldendoodle breeders in California, you might want to see what this breeder has to offer. Our babies have gone to families of all different lifestyles, even many therapy situations, including juvenile detention therapy, medical alert dogs, and pet therapy for hospital patients. Also, the charity welcomes volunteers to help at their site. Located in the rolling hills of California's eastern. This puppy has a very low-key temperament and is sure to be a good fit with your family. We breed, raise, board and even ship our cute puppies all over the United States. Goldendoodles F1, F1b. Welcome to O'Hara Doodles! Mini Goldendoodle Breeders In California. Our puppies are low to non-shedding and make great family pets with their wonderful happy-go-lucky personalities. Almond Blossom Goldendoodle breeders are located in central California. If you would like to be put on our waiting list email us at: masseygoldendoodles gmail. Located in the Central Coast of California, our puppies often find their homes in. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. Both parents are DNA Heath tested. They are well socialized through a playful environment that. Here at Dainty Doodles, we specialize in mini and micro-mini goldendoodles and mini and micro-mini bernedoodles. Welcome to Sunshine Acres, where our Goldendoodle puppies enjoy interacting with our family throughout each day. Skip to Content Penryn Doodles. Here at Golden Point Puppies we strive to provide top-quality mini goldendoodle puppies to our customers. They are gentle and affectionate dogs with an easy-going temperament. Current Puppies Available. They also have a 1-year health guarantee on any Goldendoodle puppy they breed. Goldendoodles are a versatile dog that adores people. Our babies have gone to families of all different lifestyles, even many therapy. At Central Illinois Doodles, we are a reputable Goldendoodle breeder, and you can find the sizes we breed below. Gail's Doodles is a high quality breeder of Labradoodle, Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle puppies. Our desire is to raise healthy, happy puppies for your family. Whatever your needs, we are sure we can find the right. Best Goldendoodle Rescues in California. We treat your pets like the valued family members they are. Improved cardiovascular performance heart rate 2. Goldendoodle Breeder Details: Location: Northern. We are a small family breeder based in the Sacramento Area in Northern California with over 20 years of experience. We are accepting 3 more reservations for male pups from this litter. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Therefore, all of the puppies are raised either in our home or on our 5-acre Ranchita in SE Arizona. A so all of their breeding dogs have undergone rigorous genetic and. Puppy picks done in order of deposit. They breed Teddy Bear English Goldendoodle puppies alongside their family. We blend the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly, small package lbs full-grown for our Goldendoodles and lbs pounds for our bernedoodles. Our goldendoodle puppies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to ask any questions. We are not a kennel, but a home, family breeder. Miyagi; Petite Goldendoodle Penny and Mr. Goldendoodle Puppies - Sacgoldendoodles. Located in scenic central California, our country ranches and professional breeding program are approximately 1. If you plan to get a Mini Goldendoodle for your family, you can consider one of the breeders from our list above. Miyagi had 5 adorable petite goldendoodles on April 5th. Located in the rolling hills of California's eastern Stanislaus County, our facility features spacious outdoor and indoor kennels and two large, grassy private dog parks. It is our sincerest desire to have happy. They also breed miniature Goldendoodle puppies in California which are highly sought after. Penryn Doodles Providing adorable new fur family members since ! We are a small family operated doodle hobby breeder located in Northern California. They have an extremely social personality. You can also find our Goldendoodle puppy sizes indicated on their profile page. These Mini Goldendoodle and Micro Goldendoodle Puppies are so great at being helpful and they are always there when you need them, it will not take long for your Goldendoodle to find a place in your heart and continue to offer up many years of special moments that only they can give. Qualities: Weight: These pups will be Standard F1b Goldendoodles and are estimated to grow to approximately .Our pups are currently all over the United States as well as in Canada. Ready to take a puppy home? Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. The Goldendoodle natural qualities are loyal, loving, smart, playful, curious and adorable snugglers. Miniature Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale in California. They are extremely intelligent. Puppy picks done in order of deposits. Several years ago some friends of the Crocketts asked to partner with Crockett Doodles and raise mini Goldendoodles in the San Francisco area of California. Meet and greets will be at weeks old. CA, our 5 acre ranch is in northern San Luis Obispo county which has become the center of the. We try to make it easier for buyers by personally vetting and evaluating breeding businesses and Goldendoodle breeders Northern California based on our own, independent standards. We sell our puppies all over the country. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. Our Goldendoodles range in size from 16 to 45 pounds. Breeding, designing, raising, caring and loving is what we love to do. We are a small miniature Goldendoodle breeding operation in Sebastopol, California, located about an hour North of San Francisco in the heart of wine country. All our dogs and pups are considered part of the family until they leave and become part of your family. Australian Labradoodles; Goldendoodles; Goldendoodle Puppies. Mini Goldendoodle Breeders in California! Not to mention their mild temperament and natural born gift to serve you! What We Do Experienced Breeders uniting loving families with healthy, happy puppies! Always Open. A Miniature Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a. We are a family of seven, and have fallen in love with the goldendoodle breed. Please call us if you have any questions! Almond Blossom Doodles is the heart and soul of two sisters raising these special. Nearly all breeders in the state have different types of doodles and multiple. Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale in California. Selection day is May 13th and the pups will go home May 31st. Darby Kelley darbylk gmail. California Mini Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. At Windy Hill Doodles we are first and foremost devoted to the health and well being of all our dogs: sires, dams, and puppies. For countless families, the perfect dog is a Goldendoodle—cuddly, loving, friendly, loyal, smart and so much more, it's easy to see why Goldendoodles are one of the most popular breeds around. Let our team help make your doodle wishes come true! We have 2 girls, cream and apricot, and 3 boys, 1 parti and 2 apricot, that should weigh approximately lbs as adults. As experienced, ethical Goldendoodle Breeders we help match many families to their wonderful. Address: Yuba City area in California and Phonix, Mini Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. As we add more California partner homes, we hope to expand our breed offering in CA. Check out our available puppies page and parents and planned litter page. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. If you have any questions about Labradoodles, Goldendoodles or Ultimatedoodles you can find information on our breed pages or contact us and we will answer any specific questions you may have. Our pups are raised to be the newest member of their "forever family", not just another pet. Looking for cool doodles? Where else can you find cool labradoodles than in Cool, California? You can reach us at- coolcaliforniadoodles gmail. Goldendoodle California Dedicated to healthy legacy Call There's much to see here. Genetically tested parents-Health Guarantee. They focus primarily on English Cream Golden. Our puppies are known for their great temperaments. Most families prefer to pick their puppy up our main facility in silicon valley Los Gatos. Some of our key friends at a great Christian Camp near. Uptown is the best breeders joining forces to deliver the most amazing dogs to the most awesome families. Mini Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale in California. Located in CA and now also in AZ! Contact us at: Abbey Acres Goldendoodles cell abbeyacresgalt gmail. Located in the rolling hills of California's eastern Stanislaus County, our facility features spacious outdoor and indoor kennels and two large, grassy. They have an extremely social personality and love to be with you. The F1 Goldendoodle has more of a shaggy coat with looser. We blend the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy. Goldendoodles come in four main sizes based on their Poodle origins—standard Goldendoodle puppies for sale California, medium Goldendoodle puppies for sale. Denim and Diamond Doodles is always working to ensure we produce happy puppies and match them with happy homes. They are sporting, hunting, water loving animals that are smart, loyal, enjoy exercise, attention, socialization and family interaction Colorful Coats. Dogs Without Borders works with rescues and shelters across Southern California to find foster homes for all small breeds of dogs, including Goldendoodles. That variety is part of the reason these dogs are so popular! Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. Wine Country Goldendoodles. Goldendoodle Puppies For Sale. Through our many satisfied adoptive families, we are becoming increasingly well known throughout the world. Best Goldendoodle Breeders in California! Find that info under the individual puppy. They're great friends for people of all ages, as they're affectionate, confident and playful. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Australian Shepherd puppies in Metropolis, Illinois. These pups are smart, affectionate, and are the perfect breed for active families. Aussies are known as one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. Australian Shepherd Aussie Puppies. Tiskilwa, Illinois. Toy Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted. Near Illinois. Toy Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois from. He is a gentle giant who loves noth… more 4 days ago on Adopt-a-Pet. The average Australian Shepherd for sale Chicago IL should grow to a maximum height of about 25 to 32 inches. The Toy Aussie is petite, but it's got a big personality and heart. Browse these Australian Shepherd rescues and shelters below. All of our adults are health tested and competing. Quality Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois. Due to their athleticism, this active breed needs an owner who will keep them busy and stimulated. We live on 5 acres in Illinois where our Aussie's get to run, play with kids, chase chickens, love on horses, swim in their puppy pool and enjoy life. We have been breeding Mini Australian Shepherds for the last 12 years in order to become the epitome of perfection. Australian Shepherd Dog Puppies and Dogs for sale near you. Make sure to do research on th MORE. Blue Moon Mini American Shepherds are great for agility, fly ball, Frisbee, obedience, rally, conformation, and most of all, your new best friend! Miniature American Shepherd puppies. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Good Dog helps you find Australian Shepherd puppies for sale near Illinois. Aussiedoodle puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted breeders. Blackhawk Aussies Call or text us: .Their mama is Ruby, a good tempered Australian Shepherd, dad is unknown but possibly a lab mix. She's a lively and playful gal who enjoys being outdoors and going for walks! Barbie can live in a home with other dogs and children. Flower is a pound bundle of love and affection, who is people-friendly and enjoys the company of other anima… more. Double R Doodles has been in business for 25 years, breeding dogs for over 50 years. Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .Illinois Australian Shepherd Rescue. Illinois Australian Shepherd Classifieds Hoobly. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy Australian Shepherd puppies from the best breeders. The Aussiedoodle puppies Illinois for sale from our partners combine two incredibly popular breeds - the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. Lakeside Farm Puppies raises healthy, socialized Mini Aussiedoodles a hybrid of the Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, resulting in a wonderful low-shedding family. With herding dog DNA, they need lots of exercise. We are a Christian family business doing what we. We are committed to breeding authentic, multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with bloodlines originating from the two breeding research centers in Australia, Rutland Manor and Teagan Park. The puppies are trained early on and socialized to be adaptable to new environments and lifestyles. Happy New Year to you! Some puppies, known as second generation or F2, have two Aussiedoodle parents. One left!! DNA tested and healthy farm raised pups. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted. Australian Shepherd Puppies. Campbell Hill, IL. If you live in an apartment or small home, you might like to. If you live in an apartment or small home, you might like to consider adopting a mini Chicago IL Australian Shepherd puppy for sale, instead. They also tend to be a good fit for hiking, playing frisbee or fetch, training for dog sports, and more. Our dogs are clear for good or fair OFA hip rated lines. Please take a few minutes to explore our website. Fully-grown Australian Shepherds usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. We have chosen our dogs carefully from fully genetic health tested parentage. Australian Shepherd puppies and dogs in Metropolis, Illinois. Blue Moon — Mini American Shepherds. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Alaina Niemerg. Miniature American shepherd puppies. He has two white markings on the back of his neck. Authentic Aussies IL. Aussiedoodle puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted. Aussie Puppies near Mascoutah, Illinois. Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Illinois. You will find Australian Shepherd Dog dogs for adoption and puppies for sale under the listings here. Grizzly is a big boy, weighing in at 70 pounds, but don't let his size intimidate you. Australian Shepherds for Sale in Chicago. Find your puppy for sale in Illinois. Multigen Australian Labradoodles are consistently non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly, loving, calm, intuitive and at times quite comical. Aussies generally live for years on average. The farm consists of wooded acreage, ponds, creeks and rolling hills for our dogs to run and play. Welcome to Lakeside Farm Puppies! The whole litter is h more 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. They're current their vaccines and deworming. Dew claws removed and tails docked, first shots and wormed. Meet Flower, a gorgeous 1-yearmonth-old Australian Shepherd mix who is looking for her forever home. Breed: Australian Shepherd. Health tested parents with AKC Champion bloodlines. Mini Australian Shepherd Puppies. The Aussies are extremely friendly, and they make great pets. Find your Aussiedoodle puppy for sale in Illinois. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation. Our Aussies are part of our family and the puppies are raised with lots of love and socialization around children. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 8. We are centrally located in Illinois, meaning we can quickly ship to just about anywhere in the US. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted breeders. They don't shed and their hypoallergenic. Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale. You've reached the best place to find Mini Aussies for adoption. Dogs and Puppies, Australian Shepherd.

Fox red Labrador breeders Labs come in three colors, yellow, chocolate and black. As well as some pale, dilute forms of those colors. The red fox Lab, or fox red Lab, is a dark coated variety of the yellow Labrador Retriever. Breeders are selecting darker red Labrador Retrievers to breed from as they become more popular companions than paler yellow Labs. Sometimes known as the ruby Labrador or fox red Lab, these are smart, energetic dogs are best suited to active owners. Yet at one time, almost all Labradors were black. This was partly due to nature, and partly due to a little human interference. Chocolate and yellow Labs were both harder to breed for and less desirable. Horrifically, yellow or brown puppies were often culled at birth! Yet all three colors of Labrador Retriever, black, chocolate and yellow including the red shade , share the same origins or history. Bred to be hunting companions, with bags of intelligence and a friendly disposition. In recent years, these rarer colors are becoming more popular. Which leads to more people selectively breeding for them. And therefore more dogs being born with these coats. Red Fox English Lab vs American Lab The trend in Labrador coat colors swung to paler and paler colors in the s, and remained that way for decades. Especially among the dog showing community. Fortunately a pool of dark yellow or fox red Labs remained popular in the working sporting dog community. Possibly because a pale yellow dog, being far too easy for wildfowl to spot, is not an ideal hunting companion. American Labs are slimmer built, with less stocky heads and chests. They have a stronger prey drive, are a little less forward and playful. Even today you are unlikely to find a Red Labrador with a show background. Any dog advertised as an English fox red Labrador will probably have a pedigree that is a mix of American and English dogs. It is largely from this pool of working retrievers that we now have the stunning fox red Labrador Retrievers that we see today. And because they are often the American Lab type rather than English Lab type, they are often taller and more athletic in appearance than the paler yellow Labs. And if you live in the USA, you may have to do plenty of detective work to find one at all. You may have more luck looking for an American Lab type, from working lines. They are very intelligent and trainable, with loyal, loving personalities. Although they have the usual Lab friendliness, they can also be a little more nervous and wary of strangers and slightly high strung. Lots of socialization and plenty of attention will keep these dogs happy. Coupled with lots of exercise, and both mental and physical activities to keep them busy. Presumably because breeders are selecting for the popular deeper coat color in order to increase puppy sales. There is a lot of pressure on breeders to produce certain colors. But a responsible breeder should not choose parents purely on the basis of color. Especially when there are not large numbers of fox reds to choose from. You may be tempted to skip this — but give it a go — it might be easier than you think! Think of a Labrador as a basically black dog. Black is the default color. The black coat is caused by a pair of genes called the B genes Your dog inherits one from his mother and one from his father — in a pair — like this: BB B genes come in big or little versions. So a black dog could have a pair that look like this instead: Bb Little b carries the code necessary to make a brown coat instead of a black one. BUT, big B is dominant and switches off little b. So little b only gets a say, if two of them get together like this: bb, and when that happens, you get a chocolate Lab! This is done by two little e genes. They also come in a pair like this: ee And when they get together they have the amazing power to completely block the genes that cause black and brown coats. A lab with two little ee genes cannot have a brown or a black coat and so the coat color now defaults to yellow. Now we are getting closer to our fox red color. E genes can also be big like this: EE or mixed like this: Ee, but when that happens the big E switches off the little e, and takes away its power. Yellow vs Red Fox Lab Coats A red Lab is a variation of yellow, and every red dog has those two essential little e genes that switch off black and brown. But then it starts to get a little bit more complicated. It centers on a pigment called pheomelanin. And it is controlled by two different sets of genes. The A gene controls the production of the red color. And the C gene controls whether or not it is fully expressed or diluted. This is what makes things a little more complicated. In fact, I am still over-simplifying it a bit. Otherwise the B gene will override them. And you are back to black or brown. Fox Red Lab Breeders Your first step when bringing any Labrador into your life should be to make sure that this is the right time for you to do this. The next step is to find a reputable breeder of Labradors. Finding a nice fox red stud dog and making a list of all his recent matings is often a starting point. You are most unlikely to find a good breeder who only breeds fox reds. This is because color is not the top priority for a responsible breeder. And remember, in most yellow litters there will be a range of shades. Puppies may darken as they grow, or they may not. No breeder can guarantee you the final color of your puppy. Make sure that both parents have good hips, elbows and a clear eye test, as well as a PRA clear certificate. Then your pup will have the best chance of growing up healthy. Red Fox Lab Puppy Prices When it first starts to trend, a fashionably colored dog may be more expensive, and this is still happening to some extent with reds. My advice is to be wary of paying an unusually high price for a red lab puppy. It could indicate that you have found an unscrupulous breeder who may be cutting corners on health or other important matters. The reason I say this is because many respectable breeders will look down on selling puppies of different colors for different prices. In fact paying the same price irrespective of color could mean you have a better breeder, and a healthier pup! This shade gets increasingly darker over the first few weeks. By three weeks old they are starting to look much more like the Labrador you know and love. By the time you take them home at 8 weeks old they will have that lovely fox red shade. Not all the puppies in a litter will be the same shade, even if both of their parents are fox red themselves. Just like any other Labrador, it will be important to dedicate their first few weeks in your home to getting them settled. Starting to work on important things like potty training and setting food habits. They really benefit from positive reinforcement training. Using rewards to help encourage them to behave in a way that will help them to fit nicely into your family. Start off with no more than a few minutes of formal exercise a day when they are small puppies. And work up to any big walks or runs very gradually over time so as not to accidentally hurt them. Did you turn up here hoping to learn about red fox Labs, only to find us referring to them as fox red instead? There are no consistencies in the way fox red Lab is spelled. Whether fox red is one word or two. Or whether the fox or the red comes first. Of course, we know fox red is much more special than that. At least it means you can spell it any way you like! I tend to say fox red Labrador, you can say redfox or red fox Labrador if it makes you happy. Ultimately they are all just gorgeous Labradors, with a darker shade to their yellow coat. More about Labrador Types and Colors! Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average.

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