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We enjoy a long-lasting relationship with our puppy parents and will be by your side every step of the way. Learn More! Responsible Partner Breeders We care deeply about where our puppies come from. We make an extra effort to partner with breeders, whose practices emphasize quality, care and responsibility. We value the trusting relationship we have with our partner breeders who share our dedication and commitment to providing clients with healthy, socialized puppies. That is why we are guided by our presiding veterinarian and abide by the AKC good breeding standards. When we visit their homes, it warms our hearts to see their devotion to the exercise, socialization, and exceptional veterinary care of their dogs. The Club Commitment It is our promise to put your puppies welfare as our top priority. That is why we have 24 hour on-site team members to care for your puppy everyday. We are committed to ensuring your new puppy is healthy and ready to join your family. Up to 10 Year Health Guarantee Welcoming a new family member into your home is an exciting journey and we want to provide confidence when you take one of our fur-babies home! Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Breeder Sharee Avila offers lively and healthy Moyen, or medium-sized, Poodle puppies as family companions. Each puppy is microchipped and placed on a spay or neuter contract and has a one-year health guarantee. Toy Poodle and Maltese Perfection is an innovative breeder that offers hearty, colorful litters for anyone who prefers smaller breeds. McKenzie socializes her Toy Poodle puppies with children, adults, and other dogs to help them become accustomed to their potential new homes. The puppies also receive up-to-date veterinary evaluations to keep them in top condition. When her puppies are eight weeks old, they are placed on a spay or neuter contract; they have a one-year health guarantee. Asking questions about their experience is a great way to get insight on how to keep your dog happy and healthy. This screening helps them evaluate whether buyers are responsible enough to care for their puppies. Many of them raise their puppies inside of their homes; they feed them nutritious puppy food to help them grow and do not confine them in cramped kennels. Responsible breeders give new Poodle owners up-to-date medical records, including a vaccination and deworming history. They also provide health guarantees for genetic health issues, like vision loss and epilepsy , to ensure that the pup is healthy before going to its new home. Those prices are red flags for unethical commercial breeders or puppy mills. Poodle Puppies in North Carolina Poodles are one of the most popular and versatile dog breeds for families across North Carolina and the rest of the United States. Their playful and friendly nature makes them perfect for homes with kids, while their low-shedding coat makes them ideal for people with allergies. Poodle puppies come in several coat colors. Some breeders offer black Poodles, while others sell apricot and white Parti Poodles, for a unique pattern consisting of white and another color. Poodles require extensive grooming to prevent matting, so you can expect to get them groomed every six weeks. I also recommend brushing them every day to remove any traces of dander in their coat. Many breeders specialize in one or more Poodle sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The smaller sizes are ideal for apartment life. Regardless of the size you prefer, this high-maintenance breed needs plenty of exercise. Therefore, you should take them on an hour-long walk every day. Conclusion Although searching for trustworthy Poodle breeders in North Carolina can feel intimidating for first-time dog owners, you can find several of them across the state who love caring for their dogs as much as you do. If you are interested in owning a healthy, energetic Poodle, feel free to ask these breeders any questions about their pups and practices to see if they are the right pick for you. Similar Posts.
Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. A 6 month old German Shepherd is now out of the juvenile growth stage and is officially an adolescent. You will need patience now more than ever as these big fur balls show their true colors and try to see exactly how much they can get away with. Overall Behavior: At 6 months old, they are still big kids with plenty of youth and enthusiasm to go around. But watch out because they are still quite the trouble makers at this age. However, hopefully by now some of biting, chewing, and jumping has subsided and they are a bit more mature than the previous month. Especially if you have been busy socializing and training them consistently. They will now begin to exert their independence and do a lot of exploring. They can also start to get a bit rowdy around other dogs and may get a bit rough with younger children. Resource Guarding: One month ago, you were most likely dealing with biting and zoomies. Unfortunately, this behavior should not be tolerated and must be dealt with to avoid future issues. It can lead to possible aggressive confrontations with other people especially at a dog park or public location. It is much better to find local dog owners for play time. Training: At the 6 month mark, your German Shepherd should have the basics mastered. They are still highly susceptible to training at this stage so you want to continue consistent training. The window for socialization typically closes at around 16 weeks, so at this point they should be fairly comfortable around other animals or dogs. If not, it will be more difficult at this stage. Some helpful tips for training effectively: Continue to instill that you are the leader but never force them to into listening and learning. Learn how your dog communicates and try to relate on their level. Practice patience and be consistent, training them for at least minutes daily. Use positive reinforcement to instill obedience rewarding them with praise or treats. Intermediate Commands: Crawl — Get your dog in the down position. Lure them forward by holding a treat a few inches from their nose. Get them to follow the treat as you move back. Reward them when they obey. Fetch — Get your GSD to chase a ball or stick. Reward them for chasing it. Then call them back to you. Reward them with praise and a treat when they obey. We recommend teaching your German Shepherd two new intermediate commands a month. If you are ahead of the game and your GSD already knows crawl and fetch, you can check out the full list here. If you need a little help with training, this video has some great tips and tricks: Physical Development: At month 6, they are still growing like a weed and should be at least half of their future adult size. They most likely packed on another pounds since the previous month. Males should now be standing almost a foot and a half tall and in the range of 16 to 18 inches at the withers. Females are only an inch or two behind and should be standing around 15 to 17 inches at the withers. By now the males should be half of a hundred pounds and officially considered a large dog breed. Any dog over 50 pounds and under pounds is considered a large dog breed Males should be somewhere in the range of 49 to 57 pounds. Females on average are 5 pounds less and should weigh in the range of 44 to 49 pounds. Their full adult double coat of fur should also be completely filled in. That means a good weekly brushing with a good undercoat rake is advised. Sexual Maturity Begins: Now that they are half a year old, they will begin the sexual maturity stage of development. This is equivalent to puberty in humans. They will also simultaneously begin to mark their territory. Females on the other hand, may begin to go into heat as their estrogen kicks in. They are still young and should either be eating a high-quality puppy kibble or a homemade diet. We recommend feeding your dog an all-natural diet that includes raw meats such as chicken, fish and turkey. Combine that with fruits and veggies and your dog will be healthy and happy. Just make sure to avoid any toxic foods in their diet. As much as you are tempted, avoid giving them too many treats throughout the day. And if you are training make sure to use small, lean treats without too much fat. Obesity can exacerbate health issues that German Shepherds are already susceptible to including hip dysplasia. Being overweight also increases the risk of your GSD getting various diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and even cancer. Try to be consistent with your feeding times. Health: We mentioned earlier how fast they are growing but you want to make sure that they are meeting the recommended height and weight requirements for their age. You can keep up by referring to this size chart and writing down their size each month. If you are thinking about neutering or spaying your German Shepherd , you may want to reconsider. While some vets recommend getting it done at the 6 month mark, most breeders disagree and recommend you wait until they are at least one year old. This can be hard with a female that is going into heat but keep her lean and try to wait as long as you can when possible. The reason for waiting is because GSDs that are neutered or spayed before 6 months of age are at a higher risk of the joint condition hip dysplasia. Overall, your German Shepherd should be thriving at this age with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. That being said, it is a good idea to take preventative measures for any future health issues. You can get a step ahead by doing some research into their parents and pedigree for any possible hereditary problems present in their bloodline. You can also use tools such as a DNA test to possibly predict future conditions. While it is too early on to worry about major diseases, you still want to keep an eye out for any type of sickness your GSD may encounter. Signs and symptoms to look for: Change in normal sleeping pattern Coughing, gagging or sneezing in excess Decrease in appetite Drinking and urinating a lot Dry itchy skin. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. We may get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties. A 6-month-old German Shepherd is a bundle of energy, curiosity, and potential. With the right balance of care, training, and patience, they will grow to become loyal, loving, and incredibly intelligent companions. At this age, they are developing their personalities and exploring the boundaries of their world. This stage can be challenging for owners, but you can navigate it successfully with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. This period marks the beginning of their journey, characterized by significant developmental milestones. Their eyes and ears, initially sealed, will start to open, introducing them to a whole new world of sights and sounds. Puppies begin exploring their immediate surroundings, albeit clumsily. Their weight at this stage usually ranges from 4 to 9 pounds. Early socialization also begins in the litter with their mother and siblings, providing the first lessons in canine communication and behavior. Month 2 — German Shepherd Puppy Development: German Shepherd puppies become noticeably more active and lively by their second month. They start engaging in early play behaviors with their siblings, learning vital skills through these playful interactions. This month also marks the time for their first set of vaccinations, an important step in ensuring their long-term health. At this stage, puppies are exceptionally receptive to socialization, making it an ideal time to expose them to various gentle experiences, including different sights, sounds, and handling by caring humans. Month 3 — German Shepherd Puppy Development: Three-month-old German Shepherd puppies are bundles of energy, displaying an insatiable curiosity about their environment. Their explorative nature is paired with an eagerness to learn, making it the perfect time to initiate basic obedience training. Their dietary needs continue to increase, and they should be fed high-quality puppy food four times a day to support their rapid growth. Typical weight at this age can vary but often lies around pounds. Month 4 — German Shepherd Puppy Development: The fourth month is a time of rapid growth and developing confidence for German Shepherds. Their curiosity about the world around them remains high, and they may start to push boundaries, testing their owners and their environment. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training becomes even more crucial during this phase to shape good behavior and curb any potential behavioral issues. This month, they also start teething, losing their puppy teeth to make way for their adult dog set. Providing appropriate chew toys can help alleviate any discomfort associated with this process. They have plenty of energy at this stage, so multiple short walks and periods of play each day are recommended to keep them happy and healthy. Their mental capabilities continue to expand, and training can incorporate more complex commands and tasks. Their increasing intelligence and ability to learn make this a prime time for advancing their training. Weight is individual, but many five-month-old German Shepherds will weigh between pounds. This period can be marked by signs of stubbornness and a newfound sense of independence. Your puppy may begin to test boundaries even more during this time, attempting to find their place in the world. The importance of firm but fair rules and consistent training cannot be overstated during this phase. Their need for physical exercise remains high, often requiring over an hour of exercise each day. A high-quality, large-breed puppy diet remains crucial for their development, with typical weights ranging from pounds. Socialization should also continue to be a focus, exposing the pup to different environments, people, and situations to ensure they grow into well-rounded adult dogs. Despite being just halfway through their first year of life, a German Shepherd puppy could potentially be half the size of an adult dog or even more. Their swift growth is a clear testament to their future stature as one of the larger dog breeds. Remember, training sessions should be engaging and rewarding. According to a Frontiers in Veterinary Science study, dogs are more responsive to reward-based training. It helps build a positive relationship between the dog and the owner and reduces stress, enhancing the overall learning experience. Socializing your pup from a young age can result in a more confident, well-adjusted adult dog. This includes exposure to different environments, people, and other animals. Always ensure that new experiences are positive and non-threatening, and never force your puppy into a situation where they feel uncomfortable. This is because puppy food contains higher levels of protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals to support their growth and development. As a general guideline, a six-month-old German Shepherd needs about 3 cups of puppy food each day, divided into two meals. However, this amount may vary based on their individual activity level, metabolism, and overall health. At this age, your puppy should have completed their series of vaccinations, including distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Discuss spaying or neutering with your vet. This procedure can have health and behavioral benefits, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and unwanted behaviors related to sexual maturity. However, it should be timed properly, especially in large breed dogs like German Shepherds. Exercise: Balancing Physical Activity and Mental Stimulation Exercise is vital for a six-month-old German Shepherd, not only for their physical health but also for their mental well-being. A combination of physical exercises, such as walks and play sessions, and mental stimulation, such as training and interactive toys, can help keep your German Shepherd healthy and happy. Be mindful of their growing bones and joints. Overexercising at this age could potentially lead to joint issues, including hip or elbow dysplasia. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, German Shepherds rank among the top breeds for hip dysplasia, with about .German Shepherd Weight and Size: Male German Shepherd puppies tend to be larger than their female counterparts in terms of size and weight. A six-month-old male puppy typically weighs between pounds and stands approximately inches tall at the shoulder. On the other hand, female puppies are usually a bit smaller, with weights ranging from pounds and standing about inches tall. However, remember that these figures can vary based on individual genetics and diet. Temperament and Behavior: While both male and female German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature, subtle variations in temperament may become more noticeable at six months. Male dogs often display more dominant and territorial behavior, particularly around other male dogs. They might be more inclined towards establishing a hierarchy and marking their territory. A Female German Shepherd dog, in contrast, are often characterized as more focused and easy to train at this age. They may demonstrate quicker maturity compared to their male counterparts and are sometimes seen as less distracted during training sessions. However, they can also be independent and may become reserved around strangers. Interaction with Other Dogs: Interactions with other dogs can also reveal differences between male and female puppies. Male puppies can become more assertive at this age, particularly around other male dogs. They may be more likely to engage in dominance-related behaviors such as marking or posturing. This characteristic could become more pronounced if the male puppy is not neutered. On the other hand, female German Shepherd dogs may exhibit less aggression towards other dogs. However, they might have periods of mood changes due to their heat cycles, which can start anytime from six months onwards. Female German Shepherd vs. Male German Shepherd Round-up While male and female German Shepherd puppies make excellent companions, understanding these differences can help potential dog owners make informed decision based on their living situation, family dynamics, and personal preferences. Their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability have won the hearts of many. These characteristics also make them excellent working dogs, commonly seen in roles such as police dogs and search and rescue dogs. They typically live between years, providing a substantial period for loving and fulfilling companionship. Your puppy will grow into a confident, well-behaved, and healthy adult dog with your guidance and care. Enjoy the journey, and remember, patience and consistency are key. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty, which will surely make all your efforts worthwhile. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd is in a significant period of their life, but with love, consistency, and guidance. FAQ 6-month-old German Shepherd 1. What are the physical changes that a 6-month-old German Shepherd will go through? Males will typically be larger than females. Their height will be about inches at the withers, and their weight will be about pounds. Their coat will start to fill out, and they may start to shed their puppy coat. What are the behavioral changes that a 6-month-old German Shepherd will go through? They may start to test their boundaries and exhibit some unwanted behaviors. It is important to be firm and consistent with them during this time. Some common behavioral changes that 6-month-old German Shepherds may exhibit include increased independence, destructive behavior, and aggression. What are the dietary needs of a 6-month-old German Shepherd? At 6 months old, your German Shepherd puppy will need to eat high-quality puppy food. The food should be specifically formulated for large breed puppies. You should feed your puppy times per day. The amount of food you feed your puppy will depend on their weight and activity level. What are the training needs of a 6-month-old German Shepherd? It is important to use positive reinforcement training methods with them. This means rewarding them for good behavior and ignoring or redirecting bad behavior. You should start teaching your 6-month-old German Shepherd basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, heel, and advanced commands like fetch and roll over. What are the health concerns of a 6-month-old German Shepherd? Some common health concerns of 6-month-old German Shepherds include Panosteitis, Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, and allergies. Taking your 6-month-old German Shepherd to the vet for regular check-ups is important to identify and treat any health concerns early. What are the socialization needs of a 6-month-old German Shepherd? Socialization is important for all puppies, but it is especially important for German Shepherds. They need to be exposed to a variety of people, places, and things so that they can learn to be well-rounded dogs. You can socialize your 6-month-old German Shepherd by taking them for walks in different neighborhoods, taking them to the park, introducing them to new people, and taking them to puppy classes. What are the exercise needs of a 6-month-old German Shepherd? German Shepherds are a high-energy breed and require plenty of exercise. At six months old, your German Shepherd should have several short walks along with a play session each day. Remember to keep exercises controlled since their bodies are still growing. Around this age, German Shepherds are in the process of losing their puppy teeth and gaining their adult ones. How important is mental stimulation for a 6-month-old German Shepherd? Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for a German Shepherd puppy. Around six months, German Shepherds may go through fear periods. During these periods, providing positive experiences is important as avoiding pushing your puppy too far out of its comfort zone. Be patient and supportive during this time. What should I know about neutering or spaying my 6-month-old German Shepherd? Always consult with your vet to determine the best timing for your individual dog. More about the author Team Dogsized Crafted with care by Team Dogsized, your trusted guides to all things dog size for your canine. But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community. At 6 months old, a German Shepherd puppy is still in the early stages of development, but they have already started to show some distinct characteristics that will give you a good idea of what to expect as they grow into adulthood. One of the most noticeable traits of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy is its energy level. These dogs have a lot of energy and require plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. At this age, they may become restless and even destructive if they do not get enough exercise or mental stimulation. Another characteristic of 6-month-old German Shepherd puppies is their curiosity and desire to explore their surroundings. They may start to test boundaries and push their limits as they try to understand their world. This can lead to some mischievous behavior, such as chewing on objects or digging in the yard. However, with proper training and supervision, these behaviors can be redirected in a positive way. At 6 months old, German Shepherd puppies may also start to display some protective behaviors. They may become more vocal and alert when strangers or other animals approach, and they may even start to show signs of guarding behavior. Finally, a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy may start to show signs of intelligence and trainability. These dogs are highly intelligent and excel in activities such as obedience training, agility, and tracking. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn a wide variety of commands and behaviors. At this age, your puppy is more active and playful, and you can expect them to have a lot of energy. Here are some tips to help you create a schedule for your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy: Morning Routine Start your day early by taking your puppy for a walk or a jog. German Shepherds are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. You can also use this time to practice basic obedience training , such as sit, stay, and come. Make sure you feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and size. Mid-Morning Playtime Playtime is essential for a growing puppy. You can use this time to engage in interactive play with your puppy, such as fetch or tug-of-war. You can also provide them with chew toys to keep them occupied and prevent destructive behavior. Lunch Break At mid-day, your puppy may need a break. You can practice obedience training and work on more advanced commands, such as heel or stay. You can also use this time to introduce your puppy to new experiences, such as meeting new people or exploring new environments. Make sure to feed them a balanced meal that meets their nutritional needs. Evening Walk End the day with a brisk walk or jog. You can use this time to provide your puppy with a comfortable sleeping space and some quiet time to relax. At six months old, a German Shepherd puppy is well on their way to reaching adult size, although it may still have some growing to do. On average, a six-month-old male German Shepherd will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds kg , while a female German Shepherd of the same age will weigh between 40 and 60 pounds kg. Additionally, German Shepherds are a large breed of dog, and their growth rate can be affected by their environment, health, and other factors. Feeding your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy the right amount of food is crucial for their growth and development. At this age, your puppy will be growing rapidly and require a balanced diet to fuel their energy needs. The amount of food your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy needs will depend on their size, activity level, and overall health. Generally, a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy should be fed around cups of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into two or three meals. Look for a food that contains a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, and is specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. If your puppy is very active, they may need more food than a more sedentary puppy. Just like humans, puppies require an adequate amount of sleep for their overall health and development. At 6 months old, a German Shepherd puppy should be sleeping for approximately hours per day. You may also consider providing a cozy bed or crate with a soft blanket to help your puppy feel secure and comfortable. German shepherd puppies may not sleep for long periods at a time and may wake up frequently during the night. As your puppy gets older, it will gradually begin to sleep for longer periods at night and require fewer naps during the day. Additionally, providing your German Shepherd puppy with regular exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day can help promote better sleep habits. A 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy needs a lot of exercise to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. German Shepherds are active and energetic dogs, so regular exercise is necessary for them to stay happy and healthy. At this age, a German Shepherd puppy needs at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, divided into two or three sessions. Exercise can take many forms, including walking, running, playing fetch, or going to the dog park. Always keep in mind that exercise should be appropriate for the age and physical abilities of the puppy. It is also essential to monitor the temperature outside during exercise as German Shepherds are prone to heatstroke. Exercise should be avoided during the hottest parts of the day, and plenty of water should be available to the puppy. In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is also important for a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. Games that challenge their mind and encourage problem-solving, such as hide-and-seek or puzzle toys, can help keep their minds sharp. Every puppy is unique, and their exercise needs may vary based on factors such as size, energy level, and overall health. Training Your 6 Month German shepherd Training your 6-month-old German shepherd is an essential aspect of ensuring they become well-behaved and obedient adult dogs. At this age, your puppy is likely to be full of energy and curiosity, and may also start to display some challenging behaviors. Therefore, it is important to start training your German shepherd early to establish good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors from developing. One of the most important aspects of training your German shepherd puppy is socialization. This involves exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments to help them develop good behavior and social skills. Make sure to expose your puppy to different sounds, textures, and smells to help them get used to new situations. You should train your German shepherd puppy to behave appropriately around other dogs and animals. They should learn to be friendly and play nicely with other dogs and not chase or harass smaller animals. Consistency and patience are key when training a German shepherd puppy. Training sessions should be short and frequent, and you should always end on a positive note. You should remain calm and avoid punishing your puppy, as this can lead to fear and anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training to help your German shepherd puppy learn and develop into a well-behaved adult dog. Here are some common behavioral patterns you may see in your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy and how to deal with them: Biting and Nipping At six months old, German Shepherd puppies are still teething. Biting and nipping are common behaviors. To deal with this behavior, provide your pup with plenty of chew toys and redirect their attention when they start biting or nipping. Jumping German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and jumping up on people is a common behavior. Separation Anxiety At six months old, German Shepherds can start to develop separation anxiety as they become more attached to their owners. Fear and Aggression German Shepherds can be protective and territorial dogs, which can lead to fear and aggression towards strangers or other animals. To deal with this behavior, socialize your pup from a young age and provide them with plenty of positive reinforcement when they interact with others. Leash Pulling As German Shepherds grow, they can become strong pullers on the leash. To deal with this behavior, train your pup to walk calmly on a leash using positive reinforcement techniques and a no-pull harness. As a responsible owner, you should take certain precautions to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. Ensure that you feed them the right amount of food, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. Exercise Regularly German Shepherds are active dogs and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Take your puppy for walks, and runs, and engage them in playtime to ensure they get enough physical activity. Socialization German Shepherds are known to be protective of their owners and can be aggressive toward strangers. Socialization is crucial in shaping their behavior, and you must expose your puppy to various people, environments, and other animals to avoid developing behavioral issues. Training Training your German Shepherd puppy is essential in shaping their behavior and ensuring they respond appropriately to your commands. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best for German Shepherds, and you can enroll them in obedience classes or hire a professional trainer to help with their training. Health Checkups Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential to ensure your German Shepherd puppy is healthy and up-to-date with their vaccinations. They can also check for any underlying health conditions and provide you with advice on how to take care of your pet. Safe Environment German Shepherds are curious animals and can easily get into trouble. Ensure your home is safe for your puppy, and keep harmful substances out of reach. With patience, consistency, and love, you and your German Shepherd can enjoy a long and happy life together. She especially enjoys combining her lifelong love of dogs with her passion for writing. Read more about her.
Many a dog owner has played with their pup until they themself were exhausted and, much to their chagrin, their pup was still raring for more. As puppies, this can be the same for English Bulldogs but, as a brachycephalic breed, they do have their limits. This especially goes for activities like running and jogging. Similar to all breeds of dogs, English bulldogs need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. When it comes to running and jogging, however, they do have their limits due to several factors. Yes, they can run, or jog, by your side, but for very short distances and under the right circumstances. They are also prone to joint problems, especially their knees and hips, and running or jogging puts a lot more pressure on these joints and can hurt them even under normal conditions. Most English bulldog experts agree that they should only be allowed to run around for 30 to 40 minutes, and less on a hot, humid day. More than this and you risk that they will dangerously overheat, have difficulty catching their breath and cause damage to their joints, including their hips and knees. There are exceptions to the rule, of course. If your English bullie buddy is a fully-grown adult with minimum health problems and the temperature outside is moderate they may be able to run around a bit longer without any risks. This would be something that you, as their dutiful and loving owner, would need to evaluate and decide on your own. This is a question that must be answered on an individual basis. That being said, 30 to 40 minutes is the advised amount of time to exercise your furry buddy so, for example, if you want to take them on a short jog or run at a moderate to slow speed simply make sure that you go as far as will get you back to your home in 30 to 40 minutes. Weather is also a factor when running or jogging with your English bullie. Yes, it definitely can be, unfortunately. These are malformations of the hip and elbow joint that can make it difficult for English bulldogs to walk and move around, let alone run or jog. If your English bullie already has these problems running and jogging will undoubtedly worsen them. Furthermore, as they get older more severe joint problems can arise as well, such as degenerative spine disease. Running and jogging can exacerbate these problems significantly, causing much pain and discomfort for your beloved pooch and the possibility of expensive veterinary visits too. They include; The Weather. Too hot and they will overheat quickly, too cold and they will get a chill just as fast Their Age. The Distance. Running or jogging at a moderate to slow pace is recommended, especially when you consider how quickly English bulldogs can overheat and also that they have very short legs Their Overall Health. The healthier your pupper is the longer they can run or jog without any health risks Is it Worse for English Bulldog Puppies or Adults to Run? Like everything else we talked about this depends on several factors. What you need to consider is that English bulldogs go through several growth phases during their first year of life. If they are allowed to run or jog indiscriminately, it can cause permanent damage to many of their joints and lead to lifelong problems and pain. That includes their knees, hips, shoulders and other joints. Their heart and lungs are also developing and running or jogging can have a detrimental effect on these vital organs too. Which is worse? That being said, we recommend not jogging or running with your English bulldog or, at most, only engaging in this activity once in a while and only if your buddy is an adult in good health. There are many different activities that your English bulldog boo can do with you safely and still have a fun time. Here are a few toys that you can use to play with your bulldog bud and help them get their daily dose of exercise. These are great for tugs-of-war and fetching! American bulldogs less so, however, as American bullies are larger with longer legs and somewhat fewer overall health problems than both their English and French counterparts. However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. Pin2 2 Shares One of the funniest things about having a Frenchie is when they get what we call the zoomies and start running about like crazy. Our own French Bulldog get zoomies after a bath, late at, during play in the garden, after a poop, or sometimes with no rhyme or reason whatsoever. Why do French Bulldogs get the zoomies? French Bulldogs will run around like crazy with the zoomies to relieve pent up energy or even stress. Why do French Bulldogs run around like crazy? Animal behaviorists are unable to provide a scientific explanation for the zoomies, but there is a common observation. Dogs, and French Bulldogs get the zoomies in a variety of scenarios, typically when aroused by excitement, pent up energy that needs to be released, or even stress. They usually last a few minutes or less. It is not known what causes animals to engage in FRAPs. Our own French Bulldog Claude gets the zoomies in a variety of situations. When he does, he will like crazy, running from one end of the house to another, jumping on beds and couches with furious bursts of speed. Our Frenchie will often get the zoomies when out on a walk. When outdoors he will run fast laps of our garden with sudden direction changes and wild spins. When we incite hectic play with him in our house. He will run, look at us, put his head to the floor, then take off again the minute we take one step towards him. I assume he gets the zoomies for two reasons; one he hates towels, and two he runs like crazy to shake all the water off his body. Are the zoomies dangerous? Despite how fast and frenetic your Frenchie runs like crazy, they will rarely injury themselves as they seem to know the dimensions of their body and the space around them. There are also people more educated than me about dogs who have written about this interesting behavior. So, all we can do is make the assumptions as outlined in this post, and they make a lot of sense to me. If you want to prevent it, I can only recommend that you get your Frenchie more active both mentally and physically. Here are some Frenchie toys I can recommend which might help. With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies isolated against white background English Bulldog puppy in grass Two English Bulldogs against wooden background English Bulldog puppy isolated on white background English Bulldog puppy lying on floor English Bulldog puppy sitting on rug English Bulldog puppy on leash English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. Your first pet will most likely feel threatened and protective over his territory and get jealous. Here are my tips for introducing your French bulldog to a new puppy. It has something to do with their scent — puppies have a different smell than adult pups. He stopped drooling around her after a couple days. Apart from that, have your dog meet your new puppy for the time first time in an open location, like a large park If possible, let them reach the meeting location at the same time and keep the leashes loose or even off-leash. Sometimes on-leash, dogs can become more agitated and aggressive. Let them eat individually with their own dishes. Let your first pet go straight into the house while your new pup runs around the yard. This is because at night, dogs have a harder time seeing one another, which can put them on edge. And at mealtimes, many pups can get territorial. That includes feeding dishes, toys, beddings and other shared items. Additionally, clean up their common area and let the existing pet have an idea that another pet is set to arrive. Weston went in there occasionally to roll around in the bed and mark it with his scent. Whenever we left the house, we had Fira stay inside her playpen which was her safe place. Play with them, train them together and always give lots and lots of love to the older pet. He will also make his own rules with the new sibling, so allow him to create his own boundaries and teach the younger one his rules, how to play and more. Fira never did it again. Interactions between your Frenchie and your new puppy should not be forced. Weston did such a great job teaching Fira how to play and wrestle. Follow us on Instagram wtfrenchie to see all our updates in real-time. Related Posts. New born puppies are very helpless. They are born blind and deaf and unable to regulate their body temperatures, so we have to use an external heat source when the puppies are not in direct contact with mom. During this time period, their mothers have to stimulate them in order for them to urinate and have bowel movements. This is a very busy time for us and we are usually very sleep deprived because we assist the mothers every 3 hours around the clock to make sure that all puppies are latching on well, growing, and being stimulated to urinate and defecate. It is a critical time in which the puppies are so small that an unaware Frenchie mother could accidentally smother one or more of her pups, so we monitor them very closely. Lacey takes a video of each litter at 3 weeks of age and posts them on our website under New Puppies so that our clients near the top of the list, as well as other clients and prospective clients, can get a early look at them. They continue to gain weight rapidly over the next several months of their lives. At two weeks age their ears open and they are able to hear, and another big part of their new world opens up. Prior to this event, about all they do is grunt or mew, but afterward their vocabulary includes yelps, whines, and even little barks. At three weeks of age the more advanced puppies start taking their first shaky steps; prior to this their basic mode of transportation is basic army crawling. They are now able to urinate and defecate on their own and will move away from their sleeping area to do so. Up to this point it is strictly the mothers and us Donna, Lacey, and Bick who have handled the pups with lots of hand sanitizing before and after and they have been kept in their kennel. Even though it is hard on the kids, we do not let them or their friends handle them until 4 weeks of age. At four weeks we start introducing them to solid food initially crushed and moistened. By the end of the 4th week they are eating their crushed puppy food, with no water added, three times a day. Because they are not nursing as long or as often, we provide fresh water for them at all times. The kids are allowed to hold them now closely monitored and with clean hands and we allow the puppies to run around and explore our large main room in the house. At 5 weeks of age they are starting to run around all over the place when they are let out to play, and, when they are in their kennels, they play sometimes rather roughly with litter mates. It is during this time when some of their adult personalities will start coming out. By the end of this week their puppy teeth are all in, and they love to chew on things, including fingers if you let them. However, even at this age, they will spend most of their time sleeping, probably close to 20 hours per day, with only short times between naps when they are alert and active. By the end of the 6th week they are completely weaned from their moms and eating solid food well. We frequently take them out of their kennels to scamper around. They are full of energy and love to play with their litter-mates and the kids. This is the time that we really focus on socializing them and we even start their paper training. By 7 weeks they have already passed through most of their puppy milestones and are continuing to grow rapidly; they are generally in the 4 to 6 pound range. This is when their personalities really start coming out! It is so fun to watch them play with the kids and their litter-mates and observe their new fascination with toys. They have become somewhat accustomed to going potty on pee pads so that when they are out running around the room they often recognize them on the floor and will go potty on them. Though they are fast, active, playful little puppies at this point in their lives, they still are like babies and require lots of sleep probably over 18 hours per day and are still quite fragile. This video will show the color and conformation of each puppy, in addition to its personality. Their their third DAPP and 2nd Bordetella vaccinations are given at 12 weeks and then a yearly booster thereafter. The rabies shot can also be given at 12 weeks no later than 16 weeks. They are also regularly de-wormed and given a medication for the prevention of coccidia and giardia. Occasionally we hold onto puppies a little longer if we do not feel they are quite ready to go to their new homes. Our clients are encouraged to come to our home to meet their fur babies if this is feasible. When this is not possible, we arrange for one of our responsible puppy chaperones to hand deliver our puppies to meet their new owners at their nearest major airport. In fact, even as adults they will sleep at least half of the day in a series of long naps, and probably closer to 14 hours per day. Have More Questions? Puppy and physical activity - how not to overload continental bulldog puppies? How much physical activity is fine and how much is too much? As with humans, all dogs are different, and therefore there are no exact tables for an ideal level of physical activity. Nevertheless, in this short article we will try to state simply and clearly the amount of movement for puppies that we consider appropriate. And also what we already consider to be overloading. How is a puppy different from an adult dog? Continental Bulldog is a molossoid breed, i. Therefore, it is appropriate to pay great attention to the physical activity in puppy age. The period of changing teeth and the greatest growth, roughly between 3 — 10 months of age, is the most critical for a puppy in terms of proper nutrition more info: Dog nutrition — how to feed a Continental Bulldog? A familiy takes over their new family member from a breeder usually at the age of about 2 months, when it is still a tiny cute teddy bear, but which will soon grow to its final height by the age of about 10 months. If we look at a puppy that is 9 months old, we can see a long-legged long-eared creature. Why is it? A puppy will first grow to height and length, only then will it slowly begin to thicken. The age of 18 months can be considered physical adulthood. However, a Continental Bulldog will not reach the final adult body structure until about 3 years old. The musculature, which in adult age easily holds all the joints firmly together and effectively prevents overload, is not so strong and firm yet in the case of puppies and growing dogs. Therefore, the risk of injuries associated with the musculoskeletal system is much higher than with adult dogs. Physically, a puppy is far from being able to handle what an adult dog is. But as the puppy grows, it dares to load more and more, looks less and less like that cute puppy and more and more like an adult dog. And the family often forget that they still have a puppy at home and start behaving as if they had an adult dog at home. They go on longer and longer trips, let the puppy fool around for hours with other dogs, and often start doing sports with the puppy. But it can be. Probably the most common injury caused by excessive physical activity of Continental Bulldog puppies is broken knee ligaments. This injury is insidious for several reasons. There is no way to see this injury coming in advance, we notice it suddenly as the puppy has difficulties to stand up or starts limping. Conservative treatment is often ineffective so a surgical treatment is necessary, with long convalescence. The price of the treatment, which can exceed the purchase price of the puppy, is certainly unpleasant for the owners. And it is important to mention the fact that during the period of convalescence the dog puts more strain on the healthy leg, therefore the knee ligaments of the healthy leg often break too. The joints and ligaments are not yet completely mature, moreover they do not have as much support in musculature as in adult dogs. Of course, there are many more movement difficulties caused by excessive load of physical activity, whether it is injured tendons, inflammation of the musculoskeletal system and more. How not to overload a puppy? What is an apropriate injury prevention? We discuss this topic in great detail and carefully with families who are interested in a puppy from our kennel. In this article, we will try to be as concise as possible for clarity, although it is not entirely possible. It is true that each puppy is individual, but in our breeding we generally strive to observe the following rules. The ideal amount of physical activity At the age of two months, the appropriate walking time on a leash is practically zero. We may spend more time with a puppy in one place to let them explore it. On the other hand, we make sure that we take a puppy to various new places to get used to all kinds of traffic, presence of other people and animals. Each month we add a few minutes of classic walks on a leash. But really only a few minutes a month, there is no need to hurry. The adequate length of a regular walk at 12 months of age is about 1. At the age of 18 months, i. It is still valid that less is more. In the case of walks where a puppy can run freely without a leash, we follow the time of the walk, not kilometers. A freely running puppy makes far more kilometers than we do. We add literally just a few minutes each month, so that at 12 months of age, the length of a regular walk is about 20 minutes. Up to 18 months of age, we should not exceed 40 minutes of a regular walk without a leash. However, this does not mean that we should not take a puppy to new places, puppies needs to have as many new stimuli and perceptions as possible, they needs to socialize with other people and animals and get to know new environments. We interrupt such play often to provide a puppy with enough rest. In the beginning, we only let a puppy play with animal friends for 5 minutes or so, then a rest follows, we let a puppy drink and calm down. After a while we can repeat the play. At the age of 2 months, these are really only short socialization plays, because frantic movement during dog play is very demanding on the musculoskeletal system. At the age of 12 months, occasional games with dog friends should not exceed 20 minutes per day, and at the age of 18 months, 30 minutes per day. In addition, there is no further walk or other physical activity during these play days. If we go to a dog trainer with a puppy, if we practice obedience etc. So again, we make sure that no more physical activity takes place on these training days. Movement in our own garden where it is familiar is very suitable for a puppy. There are not any new sensations that would make a puppy go crazy and run. A puppy usually only occasionally runs, mostly just walks, nibbles at grass, chews sticks, rests, occasionally goes to drink water, or just lies on a sunny place and looks around. This very gentle movement on a healthy surface grass is ideal and when the weather is good, a puppy can spend hours and hours a day this way without worries. Optimal physical condition The basic prevention of injuries is the optimal physical condition of a puppy. Even for adult dogs it is advisable to be slim. It is even more important for puppies not to be overweight. With every extra kilogram of weight, the musculoskeletal system is significantly more stressed and the risk of injury increases greatly. If the ribs are clearly tangible even with a slight touch, the puppy is not overweight. When we have to put more pressure to feel the ribs, or when it is even a problem to feel the ribs at all, then it is necessary for the dog to lose weight. It is very risky to be overweight, but it is not the goal to have an undernourished puppy either. Therefore we do want a puppy to look as emaciated as possible. The goal is to have a puppy in an ideal physical condition, i. But if we can see all the ribs very clearly even if, for example, a puppy is huddled in a dog bed in the shade, then the puppy is probably undernourished and should gain a bit of weight. As already mentioned, Continental Bulldogs reach their final adult body constitution at about 3 years of age. And the time will come. It is a common mistake, many owners often unknowingly make this mistake. However, it is not beneficial for dogs and also it increases the risk of injury of the musculoskeletal system, so we consciously do our best not to make this mistake. Other principles of prevention It is necessary to think about a suitable surface on which a puppy moves. Extremely unsuitable are smooth surfaces such as tiles, hardwood flooring etc. Not only are slippery surfaces often associated with a worsening of the degree of joint dysplasia, but they are also very risky in terms of injuries. It is not so problematic when a puppy sometimes walks calmly on a slippery surface, but there should definitely not take place any play with other dogs on it, no running around on it, etc. In adulthood, this is no longer a big problem, but it is necessary to adjust the floor so that a puppy does not slip. The solution may be, for example, a piece of carpet, etc. When playing with dog friends, we make sure that a puppy has suitable terrain to run. Any rugged terrain and places full of stones, roots, we definitely omit. The risk of injury in the case of a jump with a bad landing is extremely high. We can also help the musculoskeletal system with suitable nutritional supplements. When bringing a new family member home, however, it is necessary to initially adapt to them and do our best for their healthy development and future well-being. After all, Continental Bulldogs normally live to a fairly old age, so there is no hurry. And for all of that, we need them to be vital and healthy.
Buying a Doberman Shepherd puppy for a very low price usually indicates they came from a puppy mill. Here are some reputable breeders where you may find Doberman Shepherd puppies for sale: AKC Marketplace — A great way to find a Doberman German Shepherd mix is to trace it back to its parent dogs. Vom Hismerh German Shepherds and Dobermans — Having been in the industry since , this breeder imports their top-quality dogs straight from Germany. All of their dogs are of show quality and free of defects, ensuring that your next Doberman Shepherd mix is healthy. A quick search on this site yields over a hundred listings for Doberman Shepherd puppies! Aside from the sources above, check out our comprehensive list of Doberman and German Shepherd breeders for more options. You might be able to score local shepherd dogs near you! If it seems complicated to find a reputable breeder in your area, or if you want to save some cash, you can try your luck with adopting Doberman Shepherd puppies instead. Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus — While this non-profit organization primarily focuses on Dobermans, they also accept other official breeds and mixed breeds. If you adopt a Doberman Shepherd from this rescue, you can be assured that your future companion dog is already neutered, vaccinated, and treated for heartworms. To help you further, check your local German Shepherd rescues since they are more likely to cater to mix breeds than Doberman Pinscher rescues. As a bonus, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. Here, you can learn extremely helpful tips about acquiring rescue dogs to make adoption a breeze! First, here are the advantages of owning a Doberman German Shepherd mix: Their appearance is enough protection. While most dog owners are simply in awe of the striking looks of the Doberman Shepherd, some people are intimidated by this dog breed. Being seen with this loyal guard dog may be enough to deter robbers. Doberman Shepherds are natural bodyguards. They may act all soft and friendly with human family members, but this dog will go head-on with any threats. Although the Doberman Shepherd has more potential to harm humans than other dogs, they receive commands quite well. Training will be even easier since they make it a goal to please their masters. Indeed, the Doberman Shepherd is a good balance of brains and brawn. Now, here are the disadvantages of owning a Doberman German Shepherd mix: Their size might be too much. A mix of this size is challenging for first-time dog owners. Apart from consuming a lot of food, Doberman German Shepherds are prone to breaking items in your home if bored. Additionally, a larger dog can be brushed and bathed more often due to its larger stature. Doberman Shepherds may develop serious health problems. Doberman German Shepherds are prone to various severe health problems. Moreover, most of their diseases are very expensive to treat and require intense medical attention. They have higher energy levels compared to other dogs. Doberman German Shepherds are indeed the offspring of two highly energetic parent breeds. If you cannot keep up with such liveliness, you might end up with chewed-up furniture and broken glassware. Doberman Shepherds have both advantages and disadvantages strongly correlated with their size and intelligence. Other Canine Clubs Adoptapet. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a Doberman German Shepherd mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Doberman parent dog, its short hair does not result in excessive shedding. The Doberman German Shepherd does not like bathing in water, so the dog should be trained to tolerate bath time during puppyhood. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and made of a coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It is made of aloe and oatmeal and helps in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat for the dog. The dog shampoo also has a pine scent and is a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the Doberman German Shepherd mix also needs its nails trimmed using specialized nail clippers for dogs. The occasional cleaning of the ears and brushing of the teeth should be done as well. Regular exercises and occasional visits to the vet is recommended to prevent the following health problems: Cardiomyopathy. This umbrella term covers both Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or Enlarged Heart, is a disease that affects internal organs and results in lung and heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or Heart Disease, is a rare case of blood distribution problems by the heart in dogs. The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include abnormal breathing patterns, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, blueish skin discoloration, and loss of awareness. Wobbler Syndrome. Scientifically named as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, wobble syndrome is a predisposed condition in large dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher. It is described by a bone malformation in the cervical spine which is located on the neck of the dog, resulting in wobbly walking and neck pain. Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Megaesophagus is generally characterized by the enlargement of the esophagus in dogs. It is a congenital or inborn, disease that causes problems in traveling food from the mouth to the stomach. Some signs and symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bad breath. Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is described as the slow degeneration of the spinal cord in the dog. It may eventually result in paralysis as well. Warning signs include a steady weakness of hind limbs, stumbling, inability to stand, muscle atrophy, poor hygiene, stress, and depression. Separation Anxiety. Part of viewing a health issue should not only remain within the physical aspect. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also prone to mental disorders like separation anxiety. This occurs when its owner spends less time with the dog despite its deep attachment and loyalty with the person. The Doberman German Shepherd mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were explicitly pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Doberman Shepherds Food Requirements As a big and energetic breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix may eat plenty of food and become obese if the dog is not supplemented with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. It needs to consume substantial amounts of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats and is fed twice a day depending on the activities that the dog did during the day. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. Your hairy companion deserves the best, so choose the highest-quality dry dog food in the market you can find. Whelps need the energy to be active, and lots of vitamins and minerals too. Food that rounds off everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different necessities, so take a look at the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay strong and show off proudly. You can also find useful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will adore. German Dobermans Exercise Requirements This is an active and energetic dog with parent dogs that were bred for working. The Doberman German Shepherd mix requires a substantial amount of exercise to channel and release its stored energy. Intellectual activities are also sufficient sources of mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Racing. A team of four dogs is set on the course that fetches a tennis ball through an obstacle course and returns the ball to its handler. The first team to complete the task with all their dogs wins. Like the Doberman and the German Shepherd, the Doberman German Shepherd mix can significantly benefit from this activity. Since most dogs live in urban settings, herding allows the dog an opportunity to utilize its herding instincts that were long unused. Military Training. Sending the dog to the military is an advantage for the dog to act on command and the owner to gain leadership points. On the softer side, the dog may be used as a service dog for war veterans or soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are renowned guarding dogs and, and its offspring are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards suspicions and threats. The dog should learn how to safely interact with different people and animals, especially with children. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Socialization. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a dog with a bold disposition. The dog needs to be exposed with children and other animals and dogs as a puppy to help expand its sense of protectiveness and guarding instincts towards others. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and become more mature to regulate its aggressive tendency. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Knowing how to address this reaction of the dog on its guarding instincts is vital before it grows older. But the Doberman German Shepherd mix is also a loyal and affectionate dog once it grows up. It may even feel emotional when its owner deprives the dog of reciprocation or companionship. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house. The dog needs a backyard space to deplete its energy levels throughout the day. It is not an ideal dog for people living in an apartment since the dog may always feel insecure and wary of strangers that walk the hallways every day. It may even act more aggressively to different people who you interact with and affect your social life as well. If your family lives in colder states and have fewer opportunities to bring out the dog, then it is not a suitable dog for you. Altogether, the Doberman German Shepherd mix makes a fearsome but loving family dog. The important thing to remember is that it is a dog that will protect the family with its life no matter how dangerous the situation could escalate References:. Should a Doberman Mix take after their Doberman Pinscher parent, they will be a large, powerful, and protective dog that is affectionate with their families. They may look imposing as they grow, but they are playful, energetic dogs that can make great family pets. Doberman Pinschers are quintessential protectors. As such, they require a lot of training and socialization to become a happy, well-balanced, and well-mannered dog. A properly socialized and trained Doberman is fiercely loyal to their families and is also a loving companion with a fun personality. As long as they are properly trained and socialized, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and even other pets. If a Doberman Mix takes after their Doberman Pinscher parent, then you can expect a similar temperament. However, the other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential traits and quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of her temperament and to see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should be starting socialization and training. Dobermans are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their large size and high energy, they are better suited to homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to making sure they get the exercise and attention they need to be happy and healthy. Doberman Pinschers do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because of their short coat, they may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm on walks during the winter. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar in terms of adaptability, then you can expect the same from a Doberman Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you have a better idea of what mix of traits and quirks a Doberman Mix puppy could end up with. Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes healthier than purebred dogs. The other parent breed will have their own set of potential health concerns, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to help avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be planning to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any relevant health tests or clearances that have been done. Doberman Pinschers are also one of the dog breeds at a higher risk for developing bloat and a Doberman Mix will likely have the same risk. Bloat in dogs is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal if gastric torsion occurs. Although Dobermans are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they are also strong, powerful dogs with a strong will as well. If they are not socialized properly or well-trained, they can become unmanageable, destructive, and pushy. Because of this, a Doberman Pinscher is usually better suited to more experienced owners. Novice owners can do well with this breed, but obedience classes or enlisting the help of a professional trainer is highly recommended. The other parent breed could make a Doberman Mix easier or more difficult to train. Make sure you ask the breeder about them and then be prepared to enroll in training classes either way. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should a Doberman Mix end up with a Doberman coat, it will be short and will shed a little year-round. A quick daily brushing and the occasional bath is enough to keep this coat healthy. Good dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Doberman Pinscher is a high-energy dog breed that needs a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run or another activity are usually enough for this dog. But, they are happy to be active with you, so they will likely be up for activity if you are. These dogs are powerful, athletic, and versatile. So, once puppies finish growing , you can try a wide variety of activities with them. You can try hiking, swimming, running, playing frisbee, training for dog sports, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect your Doberman Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed has a lower activity level, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A fully-grown Doberman Pinscher is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you want to ask the breeder about them and also pay attention to which breed is the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Doberman Mix. A Doberman generally lives for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Doberman Mix. Featured Doberman Mix Article.
Source Due to the remarkable abilities of German Shepherds, it is easier for them to adjust in any situation and environment. As a pet owner, you need to make sure that your dog feels safe and cared for in your house. All in all, German Shepherds are pretty good at adapting changes and new environments. Hence, for adaptability, they have scored 3 out of 5 stars. Some important factors behind such ratings are: They can be your good roommate in your apartment. They don't dislike the apartment lifestyle and will do great if trained properly. Make sure to provide them with a healthy lifestyle and a lot of love. They'll learn to live in your apartment quickly. If you want German Shepherd to be the first dog that you would own, you need to think it over. Since German shepherds are working dogs, they might be quite difficult for you, a newbie, to handle. German Shepard Dog require more attention, care, exercise, activities, and training than other dogs, which seem tiring and exhausting to the novice owners. So, German Shepherd Dog scored only 2 out of 5 for novice owners. The reality of the breed that is often considered to be the most courageous and brave among all is that the same breed is highly sensitive as well. They might look and act fearless and muscular, but deep down, German Shepherds are very emotional. They tend to get tensed by the slightest of inconveniences. That is why they have scored 5 out of 5 stars of sensitivity. German Shepherds like to be around their family. They would do anything to create a strong bond with their owner. If left alone for a long time, they might end up getting anxious and tense. This will increase their aggression, which results in destructive behavior such as chewing, barking, and whining. If you have a tough routine and are afraid you won't be able to give your pet much time, then you should not adopt German Shepherd. Their tolerance being alone scored 2 out of 5 stars. They are strong enough to tolerate cold weather. They can easily live in cold weather though you must make sure they're not out there 24 hours. But staying out for a while won't be an issue. Their tolerance to cold weather got 4 out of 5 stars. They can live in hot weather too. Make certain that they have access to cold water and shade, though. Their tolerance to hot weather scored 3 out of 5 stars. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? I purchased Georgie on the 20th January .Georgie was desexed by Dr. Ton Tancharoen on 26th of March .Full veterinary treatment history included from The Lost Dogs Home. Georgie is now 5 years old, Georgie has been known to show aggression towards smaller dogs than herself and female dogs in particular. Georgie is very loving, loyal and protective over her family. Over the past year Georgie has shown a huge improvement in her behaviour as we introduced a Saint Bernard puppy into the family. Georgie must go to a home without birds or cats. I'm moving back in with my Dad and there isn't enough room for her there. Please consider Georgie to be a part of your family. Olympia Arnold Purebred German Shepherd puppies looking for a loving family and forever home. It is considered a low-maintenance dog due to its grooming needs. They are pretty faithful and have fearless personalities. Pros and Cons: Pros: Intelligent, protective, ideal companion Low maintenance Excellent herding and working skills Ideal for homes with lawns Fewer Health issues Cons: High Activity requirements Not recommended for allergy sufferers. I have 5 males and 1 female from a purebred Red Cattle dog and purebred German Shepherd. The pups will be ready at 8 weeks on the 22nd September. Pups have had their first vax and been wormed. Please message me your interest. Legitimate buyers only. Well fed and well looked after. Dogs are mostly from Europe and USA. I can help with boarding and all training needs. I will happily take back ANY dog I have supplied for whatever reason. Dogs are fed raw. Bob Border Collie x German Sheppard Shollie The Shollie is a excellent family dog who forms close bonds with the humans in their life and will act as a protective guardian. The mixed breed is also known for being smart. It cannot be stressed enough that the Shollie is a smart and energetic dog—so they need a family who can commit to an equally active and involved lifestyle. Available for their furever home .I will not be selling to anyone. Furever homes only. They have been socialized with children and adults from birth and are very friendly, cuddly and healthy. They have been fed perfectly and are big robust pups. The puppies have been vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. They are ready for their new homes and will make wonderful family pets and property protection dogs. Bella and Jacko their parents are friendly but alert. We live in the country so the pups have plenty of room to run, roam and explore. Please text or phone me so we can chat or I can give you more info. We have been breeding German Shepherds for 12 years and take great pride in the health and well being of our dogs. We strive to make the best pups possible for their new family. Vaccinated, microchipped and vet checked. Up to date on worming and flea treatments. Comes with a puppy pack and 4 weeks pet insurance. Great temperament, very loyal. Would also make a great guard dog. She has grown up with kids and other dogs. Ali's Kennels Shepskt These dogs have an abundance of energy and require a firm pack leader to get the best from them. Shepsky is loyal, alert, affectionate and intelligent. They are good with children and have protective instints and generally, they are calm, gentle dog with a slight hint of michievousness. Aries is 7 months old, intelligent, and incredibly loyal. He loves long walks, playtime in the park, and cuddles on the couch. Aries has been raised in a family environment and is well-socialized with children and other pets. He is up-to-date with vaccinations, regularly vet-checked, and in excellent health. Due to a change in my living situation, I am sadly unable to keep Aries. I am looking for a responsible and caring owner who can provide him with the love and attention he deserves. If you think you can offer Aries a safe and happy home, please contact reach out. Aries really is a wonderful dog and I would like to see him go to a home where he will be loved and cared for with someone who has time to nurture a strong relationship with him. Rehoming fee negotiable based on circumstances. Thank you for considering Aries and giving him the love he deserves. They are all happy with cuddles and lots of play. Scheduled for forever homes by Sept 3rd. Blue dob. Lola is their Mum. Lola loves her cuddles and her rope for fun. Frankie is their Dad. Frankie can play fetch with his ball for hours! Three predominantly black with a little tan and the rest black and tan mixed. All wormed vaccinated and microchipped. Mum is a beautiful black and tan lean family dog raised around children and pets and can be veiwed. Dad is a long hair dark tan and black and can be shown a photo. Both parents and puppy have beautiful temperaments, very well socialised and children friendly. She is very affectionate and gentle, sleeping through the night and is house trained. Pure black puppies from working line parents. The parents are protective of their home and family. She has had her health check and is microchipped and vaccinated. She is pure breed with paper. She is de sexed and up to date with Vet appointment. She is very docile and playful. Loves people, kids and other dogs. Walked daily. Glamour coat, medium coat and sables available. Puppies are German shepherd, health checked, no heap problems, vaccinated and microchipped. They all great with family, and children. They are gentle, active and happy puppies. Mum and dad are in the photo for your review Majd German shepherd puppy's, 2 boys and a girl, 7 weeks old, microchiped and vaccinated, toilet trained and responde to basics commends, ready for their forever new home, with their new loving family.
Conclusion How do Goldendoodles react to being alone? Goldendoodles are renowned for their sociability. This pup is grown to treat their family as their pack, so they behave the same way with their human family. They have multiple traits that qualify them for being the perfect family dog for first-time owners. This breed is nothing but friendly, loving, loyal, and incredibly intelligent. Their low maintenance nature and quick learning are what make them adapt quickly to any environment. Goldendoodles are the most laidback pups you can interact with. They go with the flow and can settle and enjoy in any situation. So, these adaptable pups can definitely be left alone at home for a few hours. This also comes into play when you plan to leave them at home for prolonged hours. So, leaving them alone at home may not be as hard for them as it could be for you! Can I leave my Goldendoodle puppy alone? While adult Goldendoodles can adapt to living alone for some time, the same cannot be said for Goldendoodle puppies. The maximum amount you can leave your puppy at home is maybe 4 hours. This is because extended periods of loneliness may trigger your pup to have certain conditions that may affect their livelihood over time. This is because this loving puppy can grow incredibly attached to their owners, which results in dependency on their presence at all times. Separation anxiety can cause your pup to be destructive, be agitated, and bark aggressively. They need to relieve themselves every few hours, so if you leave them without guidance, there may be a disaster all over your house. So, how can I leave my Golden doodle puppy at home? In some situations, leaving your puppy at home cannot be avoided. In that case, you should prepare for the situation by taking the following options into consideration. This will not only make you feel safe, leaving your pup at home with someone trustworthy but also make your dog feel like they have some company. These professionals can definitely handle your pup for a few hours with extreme care and love. This will help your puppy fall right to sleep when you get back home and get dinner done for them. So, you can quickly go out for the night while your Goldendoodle sleeps away peacefully. By following through with all these steps, you will not only be relaxed when heading out but also make your Goldendoodle feel relaxed. These steps will help familiarize your pup with the idea of staying alone at home. They can also train your dog to be self-sufficient and independent. Start shorter, extend over time The first and perhaps the most critical step you need to take is to gradually ensure your pup adjusts to the time left alone. So, start small and extend the period over time. You can start by leaving your pup home alone for 2 hours and then gradually increase the time by 30 minutes. This will make sure that your pup is safe from external threats. Additionally, the indoor environment can help the Goldendoodlefeel relax and comfortable and help them feel reassured. Comfort is necessary Being comfortable is vital for a good time, and the same applies to your Goldendoodle. Make sure that the pup has immediate access to food, water, and the toilet. Always stock up on snacks and water for your Goldendoodlebefore, leaving the house. Goldendoodles will require regular grooming and upkeep. Give safe distracting puzzles toys Put soft stuffed toys and puzzles next to your pup. Toys can be destroyed and become a danger! A reasonably indestructible chew toy is a Kong. You can stuff a Kong and freeze it — giving a hour long distraction as your dog unravels the treats. Distracting toys that make sounds or have lights can keep your pup engaged for hours. Additionally, dog-friendly puzzles prove to be an interactive way to distract your intelligent Goldendoodle. These toys will undoubtedly keep them distracted from your absence at home. Make sure that your pup is relaxed and relieved of any and every energy they might have in them. This will get them tired and most likely to fall asleep as soon as you leave. Avoid hyping your pup up before leaving the house. The more energy they have, the more chaotic the aftermath could be. So, you should take them out for a walk or play with them an hour before you need to leave. Create a calm environment Creating a relaxing environment for your Goldendoodle is essential in calming them down before you leave. Keep the ambiance low and soothing, and refrain from leaving your pup in pitch-black darkness. This will scare your Goldendoodle or trigger them. However, steer clear from strobe lights as they might make your dog get hyper or make them anxious. Consider a quiet radio or Spotify playlist Leave on some soft and calming music or podcasts in the background. This will make the pup believe that there is someone at home, and that idea alone can help with their separation anxiety. However, do not leave the TV on for them. The television can be visually engaging for your pup and may cause them to be hyper. So, opt for radios or playlists instead to ensure a calm and soothing environment. Teacup Labradoodles are a miniature size petite dog. They can be easily carried around even as full grown Teacup Goldendoodles. They can assure that your dog is properly cared for and make your Goldendoodle feel safe and comfortable and limit separation anxiety. Can Goldendoodles be left alone in a crate? Crates are an excellent choice for trained pups if you intend to keep your dog at home for a little while. However, the container should never be used as a toilet, and keeping them locked in for a long time will result in discomfort. We suggest investing in an open crate for your Goldendoodle or building an indoor fenced area. Conclusion So, to answer your query, yes, you can definitely leave your Goldendoodle at home if you keep a few things in mind. Good luck! 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. Can You Leave a Goldendoodle Alone? July 31, About Goldendoodles Some dog breeds do not do well when they are left by themselves. They might get depressed, anxious, or nervous. They might bark, whimper, and whine. Some dogs may destroy your house or yard, or try to escape when left by themselves. Goldendoodles are one of the most sociable and friendly dog breeds, but they are also adaptable; you can leave a Goldendoodle alone without worry. The time away from your adorable Goldendoodle will be harder on you than on your Goldendoodle! They learn quickly, they are low maintenance, and they get along well with everyone. Goldendoodles are also good at adapting to their environment. Some dogs require a lot of special attention and accommodation in order to stay happy. However, Goldendoodles go with the flow. They are fun-loving dogs that enjoy themselves in almost any setting and any situation. Whether you enjoy an active lifestyle of biking, paddling, and hiking, you love entertaining guests and hosting dinner parties, or your idea of fun involves a night on the couch with a great movie, Goldendoodles can quickly adjust to match the speed of your lifestyle. Goldendoodles are friendly and loving without being dependent. They love being social, but they are also fine with solitude. Make sure that your dog has toys to chew on and play with. Dogs eventually learn to sleep, rest, or relax while their family is away, but you want them to have something other than your shoes, trash, or furniture to play with if they get bored. Walk or play with your dog before you leave the house. Also be sure to walk or play with your dog when you get home. Dogs need physical activity every single day in order to stay happy and healthy, just like people. Make sure your yard is safe if you leave your dog outside. Close and latch the gate, and make sure that there are no gaps or holes where your dog could escape. Also, take steps to prevent pet theft. If your dog has to be alone for longer than six hours — especially if your dog must stay indoors — you might want to consider signing him up for doggy day care. Alternatively, you can find a way to check on your dog during the day: come home during a lunch break, find a friend, neighbor or relative to let your dog out, hire a dog walker or sitter. As a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, these dogs offer the best of both worlds and possess the best qualities of both breeds. Their numerous positive qualities make them good choices for therapy dogs, service dogs, companion dogs, and family pets. The result was a dog that became popular almost overnight and continues to win popularity contests wherever they are. Getting a Goldendoodle puppy may seem like an easy choice, but many people work long hours, which leaves little time for caring for a dog. Can Goldendoodle puppies be left alone? If so, how soon and for how long? With good preparation, Goldendoodle puppies can be left alone for a certain length of time. Although they probably will be a bit unsure when left alone, this gets better with time. Like children though, it is important for them to adjust and adapt to these situations. Everything you need to raise the dog of your dreams, all in one place. Grab your copy today! Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are dogs that enjoy being around their people and tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. Learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. Although Goldendoodles typically do better when there is someone home with them, they can be left home alone for several hours with proper preparation and training. If your Goldendoodle is still a puppy, an hour or two is the maximum amount they should be left alone. My Dog Chachi, who is around 7 months old now, was really great at being alone. I think we were more stressed than he was! Also, he was well on his way to being potty trained. Lots of comfort items around, like his bed, crate, chew toys these are the best — such a bargain! No products found. If the dog is an adult dog, he can be left alone for several hours. Most dog owners with full-time jobs work are gone from 8 to 10 hours with commuting time added in. Not sure what to look for when selecting a crate? No worries. This article lays it all out for you. Need one right away? This double-door crate comes with a divider allows the crate to grow with your pup , collapses easily for storage or transport, features a removable bottom tray, and is quite reasonably priced. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to come to your home and let the dog out for a bit. How Many Hours is Too Many? The maximum number of hours a dog should be left alone depends on the dog, the age of the dog, the environment, and if the dog is in a crate or given free rein of the home. If the Goldendoodle is a puppy being left in a crate, avoid leaving him in more than two or three hours. If the dog is an adult left loose in the house, he can be left alone for up to 12 hours. Get Your Copy Today! There may be people in your neighborhood that provide dog walking services or dog-sitting services. There are also professional services that will send someone to your home to take your dog out for a walk or spend some quality time with the dog. While this may not be the ideal solution, you may want to consider getting a second dog. Your dog will not be as lonely if he has a companion with which to play or sleep. We examine the pros and cons of having two dogs in this article. Things to Make Alone Time Easier for Your Goldendoodle When you put your Goldendoodle in the crate, put in some chew toys or treats that you know he enjoys. Goldendoodles love and need mental stimulation. Be sure to check with our Ultimate Guide to Mental Stimulation to learn the many benefits mental stimulation provides and for creative ideas for giving your dog a mental workout. Leaving him with interactive puzzles or treat-stuffed toys will occupy his mind and keep his mind off being alone. Coming up short on ideas? This sliding tile puzzle features 28 hidden treat compartments and sliding tiles to keep your dog entertained for a long time. Best of all, there are no removable pieces that could be dangerous. Just drop a few pieces of kibble in all the compartments and let your dog figure out how to move the tiles in order to get to the goodies. Most dogs love Kongs for chewing, chasing across the floor, and playing fetch, but when you stuff one with peanut butter, yogurt, small dog bones, or whatever your dog enjoys, you have a guaranteed winner. They last practically forever, serve multiple purposes, and are super affordable. Check Price on Amazon As soon as you return and let him out of the crate, remove the toys or treats and put them away. For us, when we give Chachi either a Milk Bone or Greenie , he just naturally takes it away to his little bean bag and eats it there. This is our queue to leave the house. Goldendoodles are fairly active and need lots of daily exercise. Find out how much is recommended here. A bored dog often becomes a destructive dog. Do Goldendoodles Like to Be in a Crate? In Conclusion It is a good idea that they are trained before being left alone for any length of time to minimize issues that may arise from stress, anxiety, boredom, or curiosity. Certain dog breeds, including the Goldendoodle. This health issue can cause stress and anxiety as well as unsavory behaviors in dogs that suffer. Potential pet parents seeking a gentle and loving companion animal that can spend a little bit of time alone while they are away will be delighted with this dog breed. The Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog that originated from the combination of two distinct purebred dogs the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. They were bred to be companion animals, so they thrive best in homes where they can play an active role in a family or be right beside an individual or loved one. This type of scenario allows their character and personality to shine and keeps them happy and thriving. Their nature and personality are gentle, loving, sweet, and affectionate. Their personality is low-key and easy-going, making it easy for their family or owner to leave them at home for a bit while they go out. While the Goldendoodle may be less than thrilled about this, they will tolerate it with the same laid-back attitude that they do everything else. Proper training is essential before any dog, regardless of the breed, is left home alone. Obedience training will teach the Goldendoodle what is okay and not okay behaviors. This training will start them off on the right foot when they need to be home alone for a little bit. Proper planning is always necessary when leaving any dog home alone, Goldendoodle or otherwise. Many factors determine if a dog, regardless of the breed, should be left home alone. Of course, breeding factors in determining whether a Goldendoodle can be left home alone. Certain breeds can struggle with anxiety, stress, and separation issues that make it hard for them to be left home alone. The Goldendoodle is one of those breeds. They are a breed that can struggle with separation issues that can cause problems if left unmanaged. With proper training and preparation, they might not enjoy being left home alone, but they can manage this for a little bit. Personality is by far the most important aspect of determining if a Goldendoodle can be left home alone. Questions can be asked to determine how well they will handle this, they include: Do they get bored easily? Are they very curious? How do they handle being left in another room or a short distance away? Are they destructive in any way? These other questions can help determine what type of personality they have and how they will handle being left alone. Age is a critical factor in whether a Goldendoodle can be left home alone. Puppies have many needs. There can be many issues that arise in a short period with a pup alone in the house. Senior Goldendoodles and those that suffer from illness or injury can also be tough to leave home alone. Their existing health issues can require more frequent care and responsibility. This can make it hard for them to be left home alone for long periods of time. The home environment plays a role in whether a Goldendoodle can be left home alone. The home must be safe and healthy for them to live in while the owner or family member is gone. What type of planning should I do if I want to leave my Goldendoodle home alone? The first step in planning to leave a Goldendoodle home alone is to ensure that the house is safe and healthy. Depending on where the Goldendoodle will be staying, certain areas will need to be made dog safe. Trash might need to be removed from the places they will be staying. Furniture should be safe, so they cannot knock anything over while their owner is away. Puzzle toys are a great option for a curious Goldendoodle. If the time they spend alone will be at night, leaving on safe and soft lighting can be soothing. From a crate, you could also create a small play space where they are allowed to roam while you are gone and work up to leaving them out so they have access to their food, toys and room to just be! Exercise your pup before you leave, take them on a walk or outside in the backyard to run around and play with them giving them lots of attention before you leave to wear them out so they will be tired for a while. A general rule of thumb is that dogs need around 60 minutes of exercise a day, so try giving them minutes at least before you leave and then the rest when you get home! You may also want to invest in a doggy cam so you can check up on them throughout the day. If the separation is to be longer than a few hours, it is best to have someone check in on the Goldendoodle to ensure that they are healthy, happy, and safe. This breed can struggle with separation anxiety making them prone to emotional issues when their loved ones go away and leave them behind at home. And when you get back home, consider spending some extra time and attention on the Goldendoodle, especially if they were alone for a long time. Take them on a good walk and play a few games to get that energy out. Keep an eye out for any signs of separation anxiety in your dog so you can treat that as necessary. You can help your dog with this anxiety by the training above, getting professional help, and possibly medication prescribed by your vet if problems persist despite training. Separation anxiety is an emotional issue in a dog where they have a hard time being away from their loved ones or caregivers. Dogs can exhibit negative behaviors from the added stress that the situation causes them. Some breeds suffer more than others. The Goldendoodle dog breed can and does suffer from this emotional condition. Proper planning, ritual, and a backup plan can help create the right environment for their happiness. Time and a pattern that allows the Goldendoodle to understand and know what is coming can help them adjust more comfortably to this situation. How is Isolation Distress Described? Isolation distress refers to the conditions that affect dogs that fear being left alone at any specific time. They prefer to be around other creatures. The dog will not be fussy and would be comfortable even when left with a cat, a fellow dog, or a human being. On the other hand, dogs with separation anxiety must be around people or humans. It is not just any human, but once they have bonded and formed a close relationship. Their stress levels will continue to rise despite being left in the care of other people until their returns. What can be done if my Goldendoodle hates being left alone? There are quite a few things that can be done when leaving an unhappy Goldendoodle home alone. Proper planning is necessary, but so is a routine or ritual followed each time the owner or family leaves home and the dog. It can be as simple as sitting for some snuggle time right before leaving, offering some soothing words and a hug goodbye followed by a treat or two. Whatever method is used, it should be done consistently so the dog comes to understand and know what is coming. With time and patience, they will know when certain words or a particular series of events happen that next, they will be home alone. It can, however, minimize the potential for problems. Having multiple tricks and methods will help each family or individual determine what works best for their Goldendoodle. Each dog is unique and will respond to what works best for their emotional and physical needs. Talk to their customers and see how happy they are with their service. Spend time with them with your dog to see how they interact. Make sure to exchange contact info so they can always reach you in case of an emergency. Before you leave your dog to be taken on walks consider the following: Their tags are up to date Inform walker of any issues beforehand any behavioral issues on walks such as if they pull, try to run away, are aggressive towards other dogs etc. Leave route instructions if needed, any places needing to be avoided aggressive neighborhood dog etc. Ask questions such as their rules and regulations for breaking up dog fights, giving dogs breaks, sanitation, hours etc. Can mini Goldendoodles be left alone? Miniature Goldendoodles can stay home alone for a few hours. Because of their smaller size, they will need to be let outside to go potty more frequently than standard Goldendoodles, but a well-trained mini should still be able to make it up to 8 hours. If the Mini Goldendoodle is a puppy and not trained to use the bathroom in a designated place, then they should be left in their cage or playpen instead of roaming around the house. Leaving a mini Goldendoodle alone is much the same as leaving a standard one. However, these smaller dogs have smaller bladders and therefore cannot hold their potty breaks for as long as larger dogs. You may find it more difficult to train your mini Goldendoodle to hold it in for long periods of time. But other than that, the process for leaving your mini Goldendoodle home alone is much the same as for standards. In Conclusion Being alone is hard for everyone, dogs, and humans alike. The loneliness and boredom a dog feels can happen fast, just as soon as their owner closes the door. If we take a moment to reverse the roles and see how much they depend on us for every aspect of their life, we can understand how our family pets must feel. Proper planning and a few tricks can make it easier for a Goldendoodle to be left home alone for a long period of time every once in a while. Thankfully, most of us that have one of these fur babies for a family member will find it hard to stay away for too long anyway. They will be waiting with lots of love to share as soon as you return! For dogs such as Doodles that are so loving, faithful, and friendly, being away from their human family can be stressful, especially in the early days and months. Why Goldendoodles Hate Being Left Alone All dogs are natural pack creatures that do best when living in a group or pack. Every pack has a natural hierarchy within which every dog knows its place. When a member of the pack leaves, even temporarily, the other dogs get anxious and insecure because the familiar order has changed. Your Goldendoodle regards you as the pack leader. As pack leader, you provide your dog with food, shelter, direction, and security. So, when you leave your Goldendoodle alone, he might have issues with separation anxiety. What Is Separation Anxiety? Most dogs with this condition follow their owner around the home, refusing to be separated from them for even a few minutes. Usually, dogs with separation anxiety begin to show signs of stress as soon as they realize that their owner is planning to go out without them. Common separation anxiety behaviors include: Excessive barking or howling. Destructive behaviors, such as chewing items of furniture, damaging wall coverings, even chewing through wooden doors! Defecating and urinating in the home or crate, even though the dog is potty trained. Sometimes, separation anxiety is confused with another condition called isolation distress. These dogs need to have another creature around to keep them company. That could be another dog, the family cat, or a member of the human family. Goldendoodles are generally pretty chilled-out dudes that can cope with being left home alone for a bit of time once they have been acclimated to your regular routine. Most adult dogs are okay with being left for a while, as long as they know that you will come back to them. However, there are some practical things to consider when deciding how long you can reasonably leave your Goldendoodle home alone. So, how long can a Goldendoodle hold its bladder? As a general rule of thumb, a healthy adult Goldendoodle of over 18 months of age should be able to hold on for up to six hours maximum before he needs to pee. You should not expect your dog to wait to relieve himself for longer than that! Can Goldendoodles Be Left Outside? Some dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies , are content to be left outside while their owner is out at work. Goldendoodles do not like to be kept outside. Secondly, as previously mentioned, the Doodle is prone to separation anxiety, and they need to be with their family as much as possible. For example, many pups enjoy destroying things, such as your cushions, shoes, even chewing wooden skirtings and doors. A naughty Goldendoodle might even mark your floor coverings out of frustration by urinating on them! Confinement Anxiety Also, some dogs suffer from confinement anxiety. Confinement anxiety is a similar condition to claustrophobia in humans. If your Goldendoodle suffers from confinement anxiety, it would be cruel to shut him in a crate, even for a short period. Goldendoodle puppies are like children in that they do best when settled into a routine. That way, you can let your puppy out regularly for potty stops. When your puppy is older, you can leave him alone at home in the secure, safe environment of his crate for very short periods, gradually extending that time so that your pet gets used to being left by himself when you need to go out. How Soon And How Long? That could seriously stress the little guy in the very early days in his new home. A puppy aged between two and three months can be left alone for longer, up to around two hours. Puppies aged four months can wait for around four hours, so you can leave them alone for up to that length of time. After that age, you can leave your puppy for a little longer, but never for more than six hours at a stretch. Exercise Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that need plenty of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy both mentally and physically. Before you leave your furry friend at home alone, taking him out for a walk or playing fetch in your backyard can help your dog to relax and settle down when you go out. So, if possible, give your Goldendoodle something to eat half an hour or so before you leave. Potty Break A few minutes before you leave, take your Goldendoodle outside for a potty break. Something familiar can help to relax your dog, especially if that item smells of you. Work From Home If possible and practical, ask your employee if you might be permitted to work from home for a few days or hours per week. The Covid pandemic has seen many people being forced to work from their home office. That strategy has generally worked very well for employers and employees, so many organizations are content to continue with that now that lockdowns are easing. Take Your Dog To Work! These days, many companies recognize the positive effects of their staff bringing their pets to work with them. In fact, commercial giant, Amazon has over 7, dogs in their employ! Depending on what kind of business you work in, taking your Goldendoodle to work every day might be an option for you. Come Home For Lunch If you live close enough to where you work, you can save yourself some cash and solve the problem of leaving your Doodle home alone by coming home for your lunch break. So, enjoy lunch with your dog and give him a comfort break before you go back to work. Doggy Daycare Goldendoodles are happy, friendly dogs that usually get along fine with other pups. Your pet will be supervised, fed, exercised, and can enjoy a happy time playing with his new furry friends. Hire A Dog Sitter For dogs that suffer from isolation distress, hiring a dog sitter can work very well. Ask A Friend To Check In On Your Pet If you have a dog-loving friend or neighbors who are also pet parents, you could ask them to check in on your Goldendoodle from time to time during the day. Your friend could even bring their own canine companion, too, for a mini doggy playdate. In Conclusion Did you enjoy our guide to leaving your Goldendoodle home alone? If you did, please share. On average, you can leave a Goldendoodle over 18 months of age home alone for a maximum of six hours. That alone time might be less for senior dogs and for those with health conditions that affect their bladder control. When it comes to leaving puppies alone, it depends on the age of the pup and his capacity to hang on before needing to relieve himself. Generally, an eight to ten-week-old Goldendoodle puppy can last for only one hour. Two to three-month-old puppies can usually wait for two hours, and four to eight-month-old pups should be able to wait for around four hours. Tell us your strategy in the comments box below! Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Most Goldendoodles enjoy some independence and do just fine when left alone. If your dog is properly trained and is used to you leaving them alone, then they will likely have no problems. But some dogs may suffer from separation anxiety, which can manifest itself in destructive chewing, barking, howling, whining, or going to the bathroom inside the house. Fortunately, my dog, Bailey never did this. If you are sure your Goldendoodle is suffering from separation anxiety, you should seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. Don't try to fix the problem yourself with outdated methods such as "letting them cry it out", as you could make it worse. Yes, your Goldendoodle puppy can be left alone, but depending how old it is, will determine how long you can leave it. So, if your Goldendoodle puppy is 2 months old, it can be left alone for up to 2 hours. If it is 3 months old, it can be left alone for 3 hours and so on. But keep in mind, this is just a guideline and your puppy might not tolerate being left alone for that long. It also depends on if your puppy uses pads or is already potty trained. If they are not potty trained , you will need to come home more frequently to let them out to go to the bathroom. What I did with Bailey when I got him as a week-old puppy, was I started leaving him alone for 1 minute, then 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and so on. If he was doing well, I would start to leave him for 30 minutes to an hour. Building up this independence gradually will help your puppy become more comfortable with being left alone and reduce the chances of developing separation anxiety. Separation Anxiety in Goldendoodles Separation Anxiety is when a dog experiences anxiety or stress when left alone. It doesn't matter if there are other people or animals in the house, as long as you're not there, they get anxious and can even show destructive behaviors. COVID puppies are dogs that were adopted during the pandemic when everyone was forced to stay home. And since their Goldendoodle owners were home all day, the puppy never learned how to be independent and develop confidence by themselves. Now that things are slowly returning back to normal and people are going back to work, these COVID puppies are having a hard time being left alone and are developing separation anxiety. So, if you adopted your Goldendoodle during the pandemic, make sure to give them plenty of time to get used to being by themselves before leaving them for long periods of time. Isolation Distress in Goldendoodles Isolation distress is different from separation anxiety in that your dog is fine as long as there is someone in the house, it doesn't matter who. But as soon as everyone leaves, they start to feel anxious. This is common in puppies and young dogs that have never been left alone before and need time to adjust. How long you can leave your Goldendoodle puppy alone matters on its age months and where you are in the process of giving it alone time. Puppies 8 weeks and younger shouldn't be left alone for more than 30 minutes. Goldendoodle Puppies 3 to 6 months old can be left alone for 1 to 3 hours. And puppies 6 to 12 months old can be left for 4 to 6 hours. Keep in mind, these are just guidelines and your puppy might not be able to tolerate being left alone for that long and might need more frequent potty breaks. It's important to start with shorter periods of time 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour and gradually increase it as your puppy gets more comfortable. No, you shouldn't leave your Goldendoodle alone outdoors. Goldendoodles are not the types of dogs that can be left outside by themselves for long periods of time. Dogs are social creatures and need companionship. They need to be around people to feel comfortable and secure. When you leave them alone outdoors, they feel isolated and anxious. Unless you have a big yard for them to run around in for an hour or two, it's best to keep them indoors. No dogs should really be left outside all day, regardless of the breed. Usually, lazy people who don't want to take care of their dogs will do this. If your Goldendoodle is correctly crate trained, you can leave them alone there for a few hours. However, just like anything, this should be done gradually. Start with 1 hour and work up to 5 or 6 hours as your puppy gets more comfortable being in the crate. The crate shouldn't be a way to punish them. It is a confined space where they can feel safe and can go on their own too. It's also a way to keep them safe when you can't watch them. A Goldendoodle puppy can hold its bladder for 1 hour for every month old they are. So, a 3-month-old puppy can go for 3 hours without going to the bathroom. When Bailey was about 5 months old, he could easily keep it in for the whole night while we were sleeping and didn't need a potty break at all. An adult Goldendoodle can hold its bladder for 8 hours. It really depends on how you potty trained them and how often they go outside to relieve themselves. Tips and Guidance for Leaving Your Goldendoodle Alone There are a few things that you can do to make leaving your Goldendoodle alone a little easier for both of you: 1. Practice Leaving Your Goldendoodle Alone The most important thing you must do is to practice leaving your Goldendoodle alone. As I mentioned in this article before, there are a lot of COVID puppies who haven't had a chance to experience being left alone yet. Start with short periods of time while you're home. First, just go to another room and come back. Then go to another room, close the door, make some noise and come back. Work up the time to the first 1 minute, then 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, 20 minutes and so on. When your puppy is comfortable with you being in another room and doesn't whine, start leaving the house for short periods of time. First, just step outside and come back in. Then step outside, close the door and come back in. Desensitize them to the sound of the door closing. You want to make it as uneventful as possible. Don't say goodbye to your puppy or make a big deal out of it when you arrive back. Work up the time you're gone to first 1 minute, then 5 minutes, then 10 minutes and so on. Once you reach the minute threshold, you can step it up to an hour and then a few hours. It's important that you do this daily so your puppy gets used to it and knows that you will always come back. Tire Your Dog Out A tired dog is a good dog. This is especially true for puppies. You want to make sure that your puppy is tuckered out before you leave them alone. This way, they're more likely to take a nap while you're gone. Dogs need to tire out physically and mentally before you leave the house to make sure they don't get too anxious. For the physical part, take them on a long walk or run. For the mental part, you can do training with a clicker that makes them think. For example, place two bottles on the floor and only give them a treat and a click once they touched the right one. You can easily tire out a dog mentally in mins with this kind of exercise. Just act like it's any other day and you're going to work or run errands. The same goes for when you come back home. Don't greet your puppy right away or make too much of a fuss about it. Just simply walk in, put your things down, wait a few minutes until they calm down and then you can greet them. What happens when you make a big scene when you leave is like you are winding up a toy. Your dog gets more and more excited and anxious and the second you leave, that is when they blow up. Just think about it, in their natural environment, would their mother make a big scene when she leaves them? No, she would just leave. Do the same! I know it's hard, I always want to cuddle Bailey when I leave, but it's better for him to just stay calm. Create a Calm and Safe Environment When you're leaving your puppy alone, you want to make sure that they're in a calm and safe environment. One good trick I do is turn on the radio and the TV so there's some noise in the background. This way, it doesn't feel so quiet and empty for Bailey when I leave. Also, make sure their cage is open so they can go in and out if you don't want them to stay there while you are gone. Also, leave a few toys around for them that they can chew on. Try Puzzle Toys or a Frozen Kong To keep your puppy entertained while you're gone, try giving them a puzzle toy or filling up a Kong with some dog food and freezing it. This way, they have to work for their food and it keeps them occupied for a little bit. There are a ton of Kong Toys out there, that you can stuff with treats, kibble or even peanut butter. Consider Doggy Daycare or a Dog Sitter If you're going to be gone for a long time or if you just don't feel comfortable leaving your puppy alone yet, consider a doggy daycare or hiring a dog sitter. Doggy daycare is a great option for them to socialize, but it shouldn't be the first time they encounter other dogs as it can be overwhelming. A dog sitter is a great option if you want someone to come over and check on your puppy, take them on walks or just play with them. You can find a reputable dog sitter or dog walker on websites like Rover. Just think about how it would feel for you if you're hungry and someone locks you in a room for hours. Not fun, right? The same goes for your puppy. They need to have a full stomach so they're not too anxious while you're gone. You also want to make sure that they have access to fresh water at all times. Can Goldendoodle Puppies be Left Alone? Yes, goldendoodle puppies can be left alone, depending on how old they are. The simple formula is if your puppy is for example 3 months old, they can be left alone for 3 hours. However, all puppies are different so make sure your puppy is comfortable with being left alone. Conclusion Leaving your Goldendoodle home alone doesn't have to be a stressful experience for you or your puppy. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your puppy is safe, entertained and well-fed while you're gone. Do you have any other tips on how to leave a Goldendoodle home alone? Share them in the comments below! In general, dogs are incredibly social animals and are hardwired with a pack mentality. We can gather this information simply by observing wolves, dingoes and other wild dog species that live in tight-knit family groups with complex social lives and hierarchies. The domestic dog was slowly bred down from these wild counterparts to be even more companion-oriented so as to be able to work closely with his master performing many useful jobs such as herding and hunting. Despite most dogs no longer having dedicated jobs, today in the 21st century, we often ask a lot more of our dogs. We want them to be our best friends and closest companions and yet allow us to work full time. We want them to be the very best snugglers on the couch while we watch Netflix, but we also want them to be calm, well-behaved indoors while we are gone for hours at a time. This is quite the psychological challenge for our dear furry friends, but one that they can overcome if we set them up for success from a young age. Poodles, and therefore doodles, are known for being incredibly people-oriented and intelligent. They have often been described as almost humanlike in both their overall smarts and emotional intuition. The result is the most devoted companion you could ever ask for, but again, the downside is that this is not a breed that is content to be left alone for the entire day. The typical doodle will want to be with you in any room of the house — often waiting for you outside of the shower, following you to the bathroom, etc. To have a happy, well-behaved doodle, an owner must be prepared to spend time with their pup and should not be surprised that their doodle prefers to be at their feet or on their lap all day every day. The good news is that doodles are highly trainable and adaptable. So as long as you train them to be alone from an early age, they can adapt to your schedule within reason. When it comes to leaving a puppy alone, we strongly recommend crate training Puppies need to be confined in a safe area when away from their owners as they are prone to getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. Chewing on electrical cords, eating plants, or swallowing tiny objects all seem like great ideas to the 8-week-old puppy mind! Keeping your puppy in a kennel while you are gone not only keeps them safe, but when utilized correctly, the crate actually feels like a safe, cozy place to your pup and will help keep him calm and at rest when he must be left alone. Please note that early introduction to crate training is critical. Finding a breeder who exposes a puppy to crates and individual time before they go home definitely puts your pup one step ahead with crate training. At Jenna Lee Designer Doodles, we begin crate introduction when our pups are 3 weeks old. By the time they go home at 8 weeks, each pup spends an hour in their kennel alone daily. Assuming your pup has been properly introduced and feels comfortable in and around their kennel see our article on crate training for tips! You want to consider their potty needs as well as social and energy needs, both of which are greater now than they will be when your pup is an adult. For an week old pup, we often recommend starting with hours in their kennel at a time. At weeks of age puppies have very small bladders so they need to potty at least that often during the day. So short play sessions followed by short naps work best. The good news is that puppies grow up fast. By the time they are weeks old, your pup can stretch his alone time to 3 hours. And by weeks of age, hours is attainable. During this puppy phase, make sure your pup has frequent access to water throughout the day before you plan to leave him for a longer period of time so that he avoids drinking a whole bowl of water right before kennel time! And of course, a potty break right before you leave is critical. He will still have a lot of energy, but he will be able to go for more sustained periods of exercise and settle down for longer periods of time. We do not recommend leaving a doodle, no matter how old, alone for longer than hours at a time. As a high energy, social breed, doodles need at least some kind of interaction and activity half-way through a full work day. Coming home for your lunch break to play fetch with your pup, hiring a dog walker, or sending your pup to doggy daycare to play with some four-legged friends, are all options frequently utilized by full time employees. As social, energetic animals, how and when you give your pup alone time matters when it comes to his contentment and avoiding separation anxiety. One important factor is an appropriate amount of exercise. A tired pup will be much more willing to relax and nap when alone than a pup who has pent up energy. Doodles are moderately active dogs and need daily exercise — especially when they are young. Another way to help your dog accept being home alone is giving him something to do while he is in his crate. There are a number of long-lasting chews, puzzle toys, and snuffle mats that can occupy your doodle for at least some of the time you are away. Finally, make sure that when you are at home with your pup, you are meeting his social needs by spending quality time with him. Doodles tend to love affection as well as play time. We also recommend sleeping with your doodle in the same room as you. Dogs thrive on predictable routines, so with a little practice and training, your pup will soon adapt to being on his own for part of the day. Can Goldendoodles be Left Alone? If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. And for good reason! Based on our ongoing survey results , there is no definitive answer. As of November 29, , we have received total responses to our Doodle Characteristics Survey. The data you see below pertains only to Goldendoodles responses. About the Graphs The graphs below are updated in real-time as people submit their responses to the survey. All ratings are based on a scale from Poor to Excellent. Each graph is interactive so you can hover over the sections on a computer or tap on the sections on a mobile device for more info. On mobile devices, the graphs might look cut off, but you can use your finger to tap and drag to scroll and see the full graph. Are Goldendoodles prone to separation anxiety? Some people who took our survey left comments specifically mentioning that their Goldendoodle has issues with separation anxiety. This usually happens when a dog is overly attached or dependent on his family members. Some signs of separation anxiety include barking, destruction, or house soiling. See Also: Click the image Perhaps the graph just above reflects the different levels of separation anxiety that Goldendoodles are prone to. From a house training standpoint, most survey participants reported Excellent and Very Good. Whether or not making a dog wait that long is fair or healthy, is a different subject. Goldendoodles may become bored when left alone for too long, and may try and find an outlet for their intensity. Complaints such as coming home to find garbage all over the floor, destroyed pillows and shoes, half-eaten socks, and entire missing cakes and meaty roasts are all too common. Luckily, since Goldendoodles are very easily trained, these types of behaviors can be fixed with time, effort, and consistency. Need help with training? Can Miniature Goldendoodles be left alone? A crate-trained Miniature Goldendoodle can be left alone overnight for six to eight hours, and no more than four hours during the day. The Miniature Goldendoodles are highly sociable dogs that will prefer the company of their owners, rather than being alone. Many Miniature Goldendoodles have separation anxiety and have a hard time staying alone. Miniature Goldendoodles are a mix of a Poodle and a Golden Retriever and are an adorable breed that enjoys spending every moment with their human family. This dog requires all the affection and love that it can get. There are a lot of things that you as a pet parent can do to reduce the possibility that your Miniature Goldendoodle will suffer if left alone. This is something that can be done in a day. It takes time and training to get to the point where your Miniature Goldendoodle can be left alone. There is something that you need to keep in mind. This is for their health and well-being. Miniature Goldendoodles are highly sociable dogs that enjoy human company. They simply love spending time and getting affection. They are also high-energy dogs. This makes staying alone a little bit more complicated. If they are left alone for a long period of time, they might cause damage to your furniture. How long can Miniature Goldendoodles be left alone? An adult and well-trained Miniature Goldendoodle can be left alone for eight hours overnight, and no more than four hours during the day. Many people consider Miniature Goldendoodles the perfect apartment dog. That trait makes them a good option for an indoor pet. However, they are considered to be highly attached to people. So, how long can Miniature Goldendoodles be left alone exactly? There are some factors that determine how long you can leave your dog alone for: 1. Holding in for that long can cause damage to the bladder. A one-month to a four-month puppy can be left alone for no more than two hours. A five to eight-month puppy can be left alone for no more than four hours. Puppy older than eight months can be left alone for six to eight hours. They are so devoted and simply love spending time with their human parents. If you absolutely have to leave your Miniature Goldendoodle for six, eight, or ten hours, make sure they are entertained and have where to relieve themselves. However, leaving your Miniature Goldendoodle frequently for long periods of time might cause depression. Spend as much time as possible with your dog and leave them only when you absolutely have to. Energy levels and curiosity Miniature Goldendoodles are high-energy and curious dogs. This is a combination that no one asked for but still got it. If you have to leave your Miniature Goldendoodle alone, make sure that he has enough toys to entertain himself. By playing, they will spend that high energy. Another great tip is to try and hide some treats around the house for your Miniature Goldendoodle to find. Also, high energy and curiosity are something that can get your dog into trouble. If left alone, a Miniature Goldendoodle can become extremely curious in the house plants or chew up cables. By entertainment, I mean a lot of toys. Also, remove anything that might cause temptation and get them into trouble. When I leave my Miniature Goldendoodle to go to work, I always take him out for a long walk. After the walk, my doodle falls asleep and I go to work. When he wakes up, there are plenty of toys that he can play with. Is it okay to leave your Miniature Goldendoodle in a playpen? Leaving your Miniature Goldendoodle in a playpen is okay and totally safe. Playpens are a great idea, especially if you have to leave your Miniature Goldendoodle for more than eight hours to go to work. Leaving your Miniature Goldendoodle to roam around the house is a bad idea because a bored doodle is a chewy doodle. When I got my Miniature Goldendoodle three years ago, I was working a full-time job. So, even though it was heartbreaking for me, I had to leave my pup alone for eight hours. Instead, a friend of mine suggested getting a playpen. I went online and ordered a dog playpen from amazon. Playpens are a safe place to leave your dog unsupervised for a longer period of time. I use the playpen every time I have some work around the house, or when I go to work. However, you should start slowly, maybe leave your dog for an hour at first. Then, work your way up but make sure you do not go over eight hours. What can be done to make a Miniature Goldendoodle more comfortable with being left alone? Proper training and socialization are needed to make a Miniature Goldendoodle more accepting and comfortable with being left alone. Miniature Goldendoodles learn what is good and not good behavior through training and socialization. That gives them an idea of what is required of them in life. Once your Miniature Goldendoodle matures physically, emotionally, has been trained, and socialized, they will have a better understanding and will behave well when left alone. You should start slowly and leave them for twenty to forty-five minutes and progress slowly. The leaving alone process should be handled slowly because Miniature Goldendoodles are known to suffer from separation anxiety. As a pet parent, you should have a good leaving and returning ritual. You should never associate bad behavior with leaving. This process begins by taking your Miniature Goldendoodle for a walk, sharing a treat while cuddling on the couch, saying a quick goodbye, and leaving the house. Do not make the leaving process a drama. If you make the leaving process dramatic, start to cry and etc, your dog will take it hard as well. When you get home from work, give a treat to your Miniature Goldendoodle. Always say how good a boy or girl they are and snuggle for a little bit. Always perform the same leaving and returning ritual. When you notice that your dog is handling the leaving process without any major stress, increase the time. Some Miniature Goldendoodles will not accept this very good. You need to perform the leaving and coming back process until they are showing no signs of distress. Doggy daycare is similar to kindergarten. You can drop off your Miniature Goldendoodle before work and pick him up after you finish work. Doggy daycare can be provided by a business or a person. In any case, your dog will be taken care of. At the doggy daycare, your Miniature Goldendoodle will spend time socializing with other dogs and humans. I never took my dog to a doggy daycare because I spent a lot of time training my dog. Almost all dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will love to spend some fun time at the doggy daycare. There, they will socialize with other dogs and will look forward to it every day. The only downside of a doggy daycare can be the price. These services are known to be pricey, so always do your research and ask for prices before you sign up.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our home-based, family-owned Australian Labradoodle breeding program is located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. 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. Multigen Australian Labradoodles are consistently non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly, loving, calm, intuitive and at times quite comical. All of these qualities make them wonderful family companions as well as excellent therapy and service dogs. Raising puppies is a lot of fun but it is also a lot of work!! As a breeder, it is our responsibility to make the most of our puppy's critical growth periods and introduce them to as many new sights, sounds, smells and situations as possible. At birth, days 3 to 16 with Bio Sensor Stimulation, and right through to the day you take your new fur baby home we are handling and socializing our puppies. Ultimately, it is our goal is to provide you with a healthy, well socialized, intelligent, lovable, easily trained doodle that will be a joyful addition to your family for many years to come. The main goal of Brightstar Labradoodles is to introduce and produce healthy, intelligent, and loyal dogs that go far beyond what you expect from a dog. Their puppies receive daily socialization to ensure that they are well-rounded, confident, and affectionate. They also receive lots of love from the family so that their children can learn how to interact with them properly. They provide a genetic health guarantee for all of their labradoodle dogs and lifetime support for their customers. All Labradoodle breeders in this article except Brightstar Labradoodles are accredited with ALAA, so you can rest assured that their pups are healthy. They also take responsibility for the Labradoodles they raise before they can be taken home, making sure their families give them all the love and care they need before settling into their new homes. If you are looking for a labradoodle puppy, it is highly recommended to purchase one from an accredited breeder. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Contact Ericas doodles is committed to helping our families bring a new family member into their lives. We have decided because families are struggling to stretch their dollars but still want to bring joy into their families we are reducing our prices effectively immediately. We have been professionally breeding Doodles over 20 years. We know this doodle breed inside and out. We are also state-licensed we are not a backyard breeder we stand behind our dogs. We are 45 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. We are a family of 6 that loves the doodle breeds. My husband, myself and my 4 children are all involved in the daily care of our beautiful dogs. We have researched and selected the best quality dogs for our breeding program. Our dogs get lots of free time with our children to run free on our ten beautiful acres. Our puppies are raised in our home underfoot and get handled from the day they are born. We truly believe that our children are very instrumental in helping with the daily socializing of our babies. Socialization is the key for puppies developing into the lifelong companions that families can be proud to own. Our goal is to breed the most beautiful and healthy puppies that will bring happiness and joy in any family. 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 Mahomet 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. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Illinois? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Illinois. Our dogs are bred to be even cuter than normal, which is probably why so many of our pups have their own Instagram profiles! Extremely Intelligent Australian Labradoodles combine the brains of the Poodle with the obedience of breeds like the Labrador Retriever to make one smart puppy. To help you and your dog live the best life, we provide top-notch Labradoodle food, training materials and supplements to raise the ultimate Labradoodle. Perfect Family Pet Australian Labradoodles are laid back and adaptable, letting them fit in great with just about any family—including kids, other pets, solo travelers, retired couples, and everyone in between. Labradoodles get along with everyone! That makes picking your dream puppy easier than ever with Uptown! Highest Illinois Labradoodle Breeder Standards From breeding retirement ages and litter number limitations to our mommy dogs, providing awesome guardian families for our mommy Doodles, and ensuring our pups live the best lives possible, our breeders follow the highest standards around. Elite Illinois Labradoodle Genetic Lines Each of our Labradoodle litters is bred to be better than the last as we constantly work to improve our genetic lines. That means bringing out that awesome Doodle personality you love while minimizing and hopefully eliminating debilitating genetic disorders.
The breed is named after a region in Europe where the GSDs were originally bred source. Although the name Alsation Dog is rarely heard, it is more popular in Europe and the United Kingdom vs. Regardless of their name, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in both America and Great Britain. Female vs. Male Temperament Female German Shepherds tend to have a gently, friendly disposition. Generally, female GSDs are sweeter and friendlier companions to have around a family. They tend to have a gentle disposition compared to male GSDs. Male GSDs are more territorial in nature. They mark their territory by urination and this can annoy some owners. They are also more likely to have stronger personalities and a proud sense of character. Female German Shepherd dogs are gentle when compared to males. They are more gentle and friendlier towards their family. The female GSD tends to have a higher tolerance for strangers and other people, in general. They can, however, turn more protective when they have a litter of their puppies around. This breed is known to stick closely to their person, which can turn into possessiveness if not corrected early. Having different family members use positive training and taking turns working with your dog can help prevent this issue. Males are considered more aggressive and protective. Both males and females are known to bark to alert their family of people or other dogs in their yards or along the street. Some owners find this makes them an excellent watchdog, but other people, like your neighbors, might not appreciate the barking. Males tend to become more dominant and aggressive, which can increase their protectiveness for their family. They are better suited for protection roles and families without children. But a female German Shepherd will still bark and alert you of strangers and intruders on the property. A prominent dog psychology researcher even named the German Shepherd as the second breed most likely dog to bark as a watchdog source. So, this can be seen as a more protective feature of male German Shepherds. Both sexes have an intimidating bark and are athletic, large dogs — a protective feature that usually scares outsiders. Male vs. Female Size Comparison While there are exceptions to every rule, the male German Shepherd is generally larger than the female German Shepherd. Males also tend to have larger muscles, while females tend to have sleeker muscles. Both males and females should have an athletic form and should not be overweight. A male has a height of 24 to 26 inches at the withers shoulder area , while females are about 22 to 24 inches tall at the withers. The male can weigh up to 95 pounds, while the female typically is lower — anywhere from 75 to 85 pounds. Males may exhibit more protectiveness due to their muscular build and larger size. Female German Shepherds should be considered for families with kids. Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training. And both males and females are powerful dogs with lots of energy… including jumping. These traits could make them harder to handle around small kids or children. Generally, female GSDs interact better with children due to their maternal, less dominant nature. And male GSDs tend to be larger, more muscular, and may become too powerful for smaller children. Their large personalities and behavior may push around the kids and they are more aggressive in nature. Females are a better match for a family with children. Children and Training The German Shepherd enjoys the company of children when trained. Even children can learn to control this breed with the right guidance from their parents. While some parents of young children are afraid of choosing the GSD breed due to their size, the main concern comes from properly training the dog and the children to live together. Early training of both parties has the greatest chance of a strong bond between the pair. And parents should not only train the dog themselves but show the children how to train their German Shepherd. Younger children might see their playfulness, such as ear tugging or tail pulling, as cute or funny. Kids must learn to respect the breed, and parents must show their children how to do this in a positive manner. German Shepherds may seem reserved or aloof at first. But, they have a funny sweet side when comfortable with their family and are truly lifelong companions. Both sexes of the breed can become possessive, but males tend to show this behavior more easily. Having different family members train your dog can cut down on overall possessiveness. One-Person Connection Both male and female dogs prefer to have company with their people. They may develop anxiety when left alone or not given the proper attention for long periods of time. Their personality can become demanding for attention, so when you choose a German Shepherd, know they want your undivided attention and will suffer without it. Male German Shepherds tend to pick one person with whom they bond the strongest. This can lead to possessiveness or overprotection of this individual. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds to own. They are highly intelligent and have a natural curiosity to learn new commands and behaviors. German Shepherds are ready for you to train them daily and are easier to train compared to many other dog breeds. Males can also become more dominant, especially as they mature, and may become difficult for you to train. While females tend to want to appease their owners more readily and are better suited to a new owner. Training a German Shepherd The most important and best way to train a German Shepherd is through positive training, which engates their minds and bodies. Choose a positive training program that you find fun and will participate in almost daily. For the best results use these tips: Start training as a young puppy to develop the good habits you want. Keep the training sessions short, especially for puppies. Use a high-value reward that is also healthy — choose from this list of GSD treats: The Healthiest Treats for a German Shepherd Enroll in a training program that uses their mental ability to increase your bond With plenty of training the right way, you may find your German Shepherd, both male and female, excels at sports, such as agility and rally obedience. And, this breed is a true tracker with their excellent scenting abilities. Certain traits make male German Shepherds better as police and military working dogs. Female German Shepherds are used in police and military service, but they are generally outnumbered by male German Shepherds. This is in part to selective breeding for certain traits, such as: Aggressiveness Size and build Athletic ability As working dog breeders tend to choose these traits over others they may choose male dogs that fit this profile. So, more male GSDs wind up in police and military dog units. As mentioned previously, males dogs also make better working dogs in the protection service due to not only their larger size, but their protection and aggression drive. These drives are highly sought after in the police fields for K-9 units. Male German Shepherds are seen as more intimidating and male handlers may even want to choose a male working partner over a female as male dogs are seen as more tough and rugged. Both male and female GSDs have a tough exterior that makes them suitable for military and police work. When a female goes into heat she is more distracted and less likely to listen to commands and become more moody. Other male dogs would also make it impossible to have a female GSD around unless she was spayed. Female German Shepherds are in heat generally twice a year, or about every 6 months. This schedule also coincides with the blowing of their coat. She will generally be in heat for about 21 days, though this can differ from dog to dog. There is some bleeding that is noticeable, so many owners prefer to keep their female GSD secure in an easy to clean room with hard floors, away from the male dogs. A female GSD can begin her heat cycle as young as 6 months old. This may vary anywhere between 6 months to 1 year, depending on their individual genetics. On average, she will come into her heat cycle every 6 months, though this could be as early as every 4 months for some females. Being in estrus, or in season in heat can make a female dog moody and temporarily change its behavior and personality. This is normal, but owners should be aware of this difference in their female dogs. Owners must secure and contain their females to avoid any unnecessary mating and unwanted litters. All males within a short and long distance can smell a female in heat, so due caution must be taken. Health Concerns This breed is susceptible to a number of health concerns that you should consider before choosing a German Shepherd. Only adopt or choose your dog from a respectable breeder that has completed the necessary testing for their health. Some issues the German Shepherd is susceptible to include: Hip Dysplasia. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Male vs. Dec 12, Both male and female German shepherd dogs make fantastic active family pets. They are great family guardians and companions. Both are extremely smart and easy to train. Both need lots of exercise, guidance, and socialization. As with any breed, there are subtle differences between the sexes. In German shepherds, these differences can vary greatly due to their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is more active than the more low-key American show line dog. The German shepherd dog is considered a medium sized dog. However, there are many breeders producing large or even giant shepherds. Physical Appearance: Male German shepherds are slightly larger than female German shepherds, with deeper chests. They are typically heavier boned, more muscular, and have larger heads. Females are inches high and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Male shepherds tend to have a more masculine look about them while female shepherds have narrower heads, narrower snouts, and are more feminine around the eyes. One can usually guess which shepherd is the male or female simply by looking at them. Characteristics As with any breed, the upbringing of the dog plays a huge role in how a dog behaves. Dogs that are raised in a secure, social environment act very different than dogs that lack leadership and affection. German shepherds that lack training and guidance can suffer from behavior problems, no matter what sex they are. How they are raised from puppyhood is crucial to their personality development. In general, both sexes are typically confident, loyal, and athletic. Both are smart and, as herding dogs, naturally alert and protective. Both dogs can be aloof, however, their upbringing and socialization plays a huge role in how they greet strangers and new situations. The males tend to be pushier, bolder and more aggressive than the females. However, many German shepherd dog owners will tell you their female is moodier than their male. Since females are naturally more maternal, they can also be more reactive than males. Males tend to be more possessive. Many German shepherd owners will also say that their males are more affectionate and goofy while their females are more reserved. That is not to say that females are not as sweet, some just may not be as cuddly. Both sexes are extremely curious about everything going on in their household. Unspayed dogs may exhibit more extreme differences. Unspayed females can be more moody than a male dog. However, an unaltered male can become more frustrated when a female is in heat. Both can be more inattentive to their family during these times. An unaltered male will be more prone to marking and guarding his territory. Personalities German shepherds are a dominate breed and need training from a young age. Both sexes are equally smart and will try to rule the house and outwit their owners if given the chance. Most owners will tell you that males tend to vie for dominance more often than females while the females are more laid back. Both sexes bond strongly with their family. The more maternal female shepherd tends to attach themselves to the entire family while the males can become more bonded to one person. That is not to say the male will not be attached to other people in the family, it simply means they have a tendency to play favorites. All in all, although there are differences between both sexes, their breeding, rearing, and how well socialized they are is more important to their personality development than their sex. These traits are simply generalities and not hard and fast rules. You can learn a lot about the future personality of a dog by understanding their lineage and providing a stable, loving home with lots of guidance and training. A German shepherd dog that is well loved, well trained, and secure will return that love and respect in great measure-it does not matter if they are a male or female. I will examine the unique temperament, personality, and characteristics of these gorgeous girls, and to help you decide which gender is the right fit for you. Male vs Female German Shepherds For some people, aside from simple size, weight, and height considerations, there really is no important or measurable difference between a male and a female German shepherd. But for other people, even the subtle differences between a male and a female German shepherd can be sufficiently important to make one gender a preferable choice to the other in certain specific situations. Female German Shepherd size, height, and weight One of the most obvious general distinctions about the female GSD is that she is generally leaner, smaller, and shorter than her male counterpart. The female GSD stands 22 to 24 inches high paw to shoulder , a full two inches shorter than the male. And the female GSD will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, which makes her about 15 pounds lighter than the adult male. Coat Color and Pattern The bi-color coat pattern is the most common and recognized color for the German shepherd dog of either gender. In most cases, you will find a black female German shepherd that displays one other secondary coat color, either cream, red, tan, or silver. In certain cases, you may see a single-color GSD in blue, gray, liver, sable, or white, although these are not breed standard colors and may render your dog at fault or deemed ineligible certainly in the case of the white coat color for the show ring. There is no gender-related differentiation in overall coat color or pattern that is seen in the male versus female German shepherd. Female German Shepherd Personality The German shepherd female temperament can also show marked differences in behavior and personality that can be related back to her gender. Whether these differences are present and how apparent they may be will vary depending on the traits of the specific parent dogs, which is why it is important to be able to meet and get to know each parent dog as you are selecting between male and female German shepherd puppies. More likely to bond equally with more than one family member aside from the principle person responsible for training and meals. May be easier to train and more sensitive to commands and cues. Possibly a better pick for service dog or therapy dog work. Good for rally, agility, and obedience training due to lighter weight, smaller size, and more graceful body structure. Less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers. Female German Shepherd Training The GSD is currently the second most popular family pet dog in America, and this is for good reason, but ongoing regular socialization and puppy training is a huge reason why! This is one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds! Your German shepherd has an incredibly strong work ethic with tremendous drive and focus while on the job. They will also bond strongly with the entire family. Positive training methods focus on delivering praise, playtime, pets, and treats in response to well-learned tasks and commands. German shepherds of either gender are hands-down one of the most popular police and K-9 dogs in the world. Some of these are German shepherd mix dogs while others are purebred GSDs. Socialization Everyone in the family should play a part in feeding and training your new pup. This will go a long way towards developing her tendency to bond closely with each family member. Make sure that she meets lots of strangers outdoors and at home. The window for socialization closes around 16 weeks old, so your first few weeks together are going to be busy. While a female German shepherd is lighter and shorter, she will still be strong from the get-go! Choosing the right collar and lead system will help you. Female German shepherds will need plenty of early socialization with young children in the family and with other family pets. Young children in particular will need to be supervised at all times in interactions with your female GSD puppy! Children may be unintentionally rougher with a puppy that can be easily tolerated and this can lead to preventable incidents. These issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, eye issues, autoimmune thyroiditis, and degenerative myelopathy. Only hip and elbow dysplasia are currently required tests for reputable breeders, with the remainder being optional recommended health tests. German shepherds can sometimes contract a blood disease called hemophilia A. Female German shepherd dogs are usually carriers and, unlike males with the genes for the condition, will not show symptoms. There is a health test to detect this disease, which is present from birth. Idiopathic Epilepsy Interestingly, this condition is less likely to impact female German shepherd dogs than males. The reason is not yet known, although researchers suspect there may be several genes polygenetic involved. German Shepherd Spaying Having an un neutered female dog is inconvenient, but only for a few weeks of the year. Spaying is a commonly carried out procedure, but it does come with some risks. Certain health conditions are more common in girls that are spayed before 12 months old. This is because spaying gets rid of some important hormones. Urinary incontinence, mammary cancer and joint disorders are all more likely is your girl is neutered before a year old. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.
Our mission is to improve the breed standard, produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Come and see the difference. Whatever task you may have - a canine from West German Shepherds. Welcome to West German Shepherds. Our mission: to improve the breed standard, to produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Committed to producing exceptional canines with 14 years of hard-earned expertise and insight; here, you will glean insider information on selecting a German Shepherd pup and why West German Shepherds. She passed away in my arms on Monday September 16th at AM. Brownie was our reigning queen, an alpha female who earned her stripes the hard way; as a result she never flaunted her position but rather ruled with a strong bark and gentle paw. Great with families, working bloodlines, very protective. When the AKC American Kennel Club or CKC either of the 2 following entities Canadian Kennel Club or the Continental Kennel Club registers a new puppy, it does so sight unseen - without ever having evaluated the appearance, health or quality of the parents of the litter. In fact only a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of breeding dogs all across America have ever been evaluated. While registration is a great place to start, there is more to consider than whether the dog is registered. Sadly, the marketplace is chock full of puppies with bad genetics and these are from officially registered canine parents. A puppy born with a slight genetic abnormality might come from purebred parents, and can still be registered. An inexperienced or unscrupulous breeder may not recognize the uneven hips on a puppy and sell it to someone who will later breed the puppy. The final outcome will be a new line of registered dogs that are genetically inferior. None of these statements are made to be derogatory of the AKC or CKC, these registration organizations do many wonderful things to improve the health, welfare, training and advocacy of ALL canines. Yes, AKC registration is an important factor that should not be overlooked, but there is much more to contemplate. The pedigree of both parents should be considered as part of your quest for a puppy, the pedigree will list all of the ancestors historically for 3 or 4 generations back up the family tree. All of the canines listed in the pedigree impact the genetics and thereby the health of the offspring. The pedigree itself does nothing to convey the health of a puppy, but it tells the dogs lineage, their titles and country of origin. By searching, you can find a breeder offering puppies from parents with exceptional pedigrees, that have correct body structure, a superior visual appearance, plus the temperament to match your expectations. What is an exceptional pedigree? The more champions in a pedigree, the better. Here is a quick run down of German Shepherd championship titles. The German Sieger beats hundreds of other Champions to be selected this coveted title. The only higher title accomplishment attainable is the World Sieger. It is the same as the Sieger - but is for the female winner of the German National Championship Conformation show. Not many people are familiar with the word Sieger but even less are familiar with the word Siegerin outside of German Shepherd professionals. The Sieger show is held annually in Germany. VA-2 is the Vice- Sieger, etc. The best genetics possible are found in Sieger show winning adult German Shepherds. The puppies born from these bloodlines will be the absolute best in quality and appearance when compared to the average German Shepherd you see on the street. An analogy would be like comparing a shiny Ferrari against a rusted out Ford Pinto. The top bloodlines are found in the VA titled dogs and filtered down into their offspring, but be prepared to pay a significantly premium price for that level of parenthood and prestige. You will hear of dogs described as being from show lines, herding lines or working lines. Show lines refers to canines that are used to compete in conformation shows, herding lines means canines used to herd sheep, working lines denotes canines used to work in protection, Schutzhund or other disciplines. Primarily there are 3 main types of German Shepherd Dogs. Czech Shepherds are longer and leaner in body frame, more narrow across the chest and have taller rear hindquarters. Typical coat colors are black and tan, black and creme, black and silver, brown sable, silver sable and brindled. The coat patterns of a Czech Shepherd run from blanket-back to saddleback and brindled but most are blanket backed. We do not produce Czech Shepherd pups. Yes, Dutch Shepherds still fall under the umbrella of German Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds originated in the Netherlands and are very similar to Czech Shepherds in body form however they are typically more solid, weighty and sturdy than Czech Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds are not very commonly found outside of police or military use. They also present as a harder dog meaning they require an experienced trainer, handler or owner. Obviously there are exceptions to these generalized statements. Dutch Shepherds are brindled in coat color, brindled simply means a mottled and multi-colored un-patterned coat appearance. We do not produce Dutch Shepherd pups. West German Shepherds come from the democratic capitalist state of West Germany. West German Shepherds have shorter more compact torsos, thicker across the chest and have the squatted or lowered hindquarters. It is not that the dogs are stacked or posed for pictures, their rear bone structure is genetically encoded to be positioned more angular than that of a Czech Shepherd. The coat colors of a West German Shepherd are black and red set in a saddleback pattern. While interesting, we do not own or breed for these types, nor am I going to invest any time delving into them further. Over the past 25 years I have owned and bred different types of German Shepherd dogs. I keep track of the litters being sold in our geographic region. The West German type German Shepherd dog is the most sought after type. This is the number one variety of German Shepherd dog that previous GSD owners, consumers, enthusiast and new first time owners are actively seeking. You might assume that the cheap dogs are not as healthy or desirable, and the more expensive ones are a better, safer choice. Breeders know this. Many breeders will put a higher price on their low quality dog to look professional and make their dogs appear more valuable. Some breeders import very expensive dogs so they can breed them to sell puppies at a higher price bracket. An experienced breeder can evaluate a dog by comparing the conformation or show quality, health, physical performance and the ability to work; but can only do so after having studied the breed and being immersed in these canines for many years. One factor that has impacted price structure is the difference between Czech Shepherds and West Germans Shepherds based on an over-inflated value. Many first time German Shepherd buyers are ignorant of this fact. The new buyer will look at a few breeder websites, see the price tag, then sticker shock sets in; so they search again based on a lower initial purchase price and soon find a breeder that sells at lower price tiers. It never was a bargain. Czechoslovakian Shepherds sell for less money for a number of reasons. The market is diluted with them, it seems they are on every street corner. If you want the best German Shepherd for your money you will need to hit the perfect trifecta: choose breeder, bloodline and puppy very wisely. Breed level dogs or dogs used for breeding purposes should be exceptionally beautiful, it should be like a day versus night comparison. Its time for a really bad analogy, but it should be like comparing the cute girl you saw at BurgerDoodle against the hot supermodel on TV. Or for the lady readers, it would be like comparing an overweight plumber to a ripped fitness instructor. There should be an impressive difference between the quality of a German Shepherd breed dog when compared to the German Shepherd you just saw on the street corner. Both parents should have correct body type, not be excessively underweight or overweight, they should have dark eye colors, the coat should be exceedingly beautiful with vivid color pigmentation. The body should be proportional to the animals overall size, the body should not be too short nor should it be too long. The dog should not be a giant massive pound beast, nor should it be a petite 55 pounds worth of dog. The withers should be the high point and the back line or top line should gracefully slope to the hind quarters from there. The torso should appear rugged with powerful legs, the angulation should be correct and the stance when viewed from the side should look as if the German Shepherd were ready or capable of striking in a nanosecond. The West German Shepherd is a herding type breed and should weigh between 70 to 90 lbs and be 22 to 26 inches tall. That is 22 to 24 inches for a female and 24 to 26 inches for a male Toss a ball and observe the adults as they run, their movement should be easy, graceful as if to announce - yep, I can do this all day long! Look to see if the movement is fluid or constrained. Check the eyes, ear and teeth. Eyes should have dark pupil colors, teeth properly aligned, ears should be set close and stand erect, they should be reasonably clean and not coated with goo inside. Do the adult dogs track you as you move around? Are they agitated or nervous at your presence there? Pet them, handle them and look for their response. Nearly every German Shepherd breeder in America will tell you that they have champion bloodlines. Immerse yourself by studying, looking at pictures, making comparisons, asking questions via phone, text or email and then going to visit several of the top contenders. Go visit, meet them in person, ask questions, make notes etc. Choosing a breeder does not sound like a complicated task, however you should visit with several individuals and keep a skeptical eye open. Just because this breeder has nice looking German Shepherds - does not make them an ethical or honest person. Nearly everyone has heard the term puppy-mill. This refers to a large breeding operation that mass produces puppies to sell in a variety of retail outlets. Some of the puppies go to pet stores and boutiques, others are sold on-line and shipped in crates via carrier or air-freight, still others are to be sold at events like dog shows, local flea markets, farmers markets, outdoor festivals or from the back of a pick-up truck. Please beware of purchasing from the aforementioned venues, a large portion of these animals also come with very serious life threatening diseases. The puppy mills are known for over-crowding, unsanitary conditions and harsh treatment of animals since they often operate in secrecy in a warehouse or very remote type location. Another type of breeder is the novice, money driven or back yard breeder. These types are largely copy cats. They read websites of professional breeders and the on-line ads, familiarize themselves with the terminology, soon enough they begin executing their forgery. They position themselves as professional breeders but on a smaller scale, offering puppies that are hand raised etc. If you were to look around their property - they place looks like a normal home, there is no footprint or significant investment to indicate that they have created a top-notch, professional environment for their canines. See the selecting a breeder section for more information on how to identify unsavory breeder types and more specifically what to look out for. The canine breeder should be a walking encyclopedia about the overall health, housing, care, nutrition, exercise and training necessary for the type of canines they are breeding. They should have built up a considerable amount of knowledge, expertise and experience around their breed, they should also be proficient at mating and whelping too. Their kennels and property should reflect careful consideration about every decision that impacts the housing, health and environment for their canines. I highly recommend you visit with a few breeders, there is no substitute for this step. This is an opportunity for you to evaluate the breeder, to observe the adult canine animals and also the time to examine the relationship between the breeder and their animals. If the breeder is a professional - then there should be compelling evidence that they have made a significant investment in providing great facilities for the animals. What is the condition of the fencing, the shelter, the dog house, the whelping area etc? How does the breeder talk, do you feel extremely comfortable with their knowledge, character, speech and demeanor? This is the precise moment in time where you need to follow your gut. I have visited other breeders and seen unbelievable things, such as: When the puppies eat, play, then take a nap; mice scurried out from under the shed and begin scarfing crumbs of food dropped by the puppies. Another breeder had a koi pond with long strands of green slime pond scum, the puppies were using this as a water source; the issue was every time that it rained, the runoff rainwater drained back into the koi pond carrying with it the germs and bacteria from the waste products generated by the puppies. I have met a few great breeders and many really bad ones. In the final analysis - you are not just buying a puppy, but you are buying into the combined genetics of both parents, you are buying into the kennel, the breeder person, their level of knowledge and expertise, lastly whether or not that person is honest and ethical. Believe me - there are some real unsavory characters out there breeding dogs, selling puppies and offering stud service. For more info please read - Selecting a Breeder. The health of the animal is determined by genetics as passed down from both parents. Each pup has 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great grandparents 16 great great grandparents all of these ancestor impact the offspring. Inquire of the breeder if there are any known genetic problems. Inquire about the frequency of those genetic problems occurring. If a breeder proudly says there have never had a problem with any of their animals then you should consider 1 of 2 possibilities. The very best kennels in the country have encountered genetic problems, but because of strict quality control protocols they move to a different pairing of adults to eliminate the genetic problem or they stop breeding that line altogether. A sincere breeder should offer a health guarantee to protect the customers investment. Always read the contract and ask questions long before making a deposit. A genuine breeder should want to stand behind their puppies, they should want to protect their reputation and provide detailed records. Furthermore a breeder should encourage open communication and build a relationship with their customers, how else will the breeder stay abreast of the health, wellness and genetic factors that are happening within their bloodline? An experienced breeder should have insight as to the traits of each puppy in the litter. The breeder should be able to help show you which puppy best suits your needs based on the criteria you have stated. What is the singular most important trait to you? Do you travel frequently and want a protective dog for your family? Are you seeking a dog for companionship? Is your situation that you have a big family, a lot of friends, neighbors and relatives who visit often and want a family dog? Were you planning on working the dog? Share this information with your breeder and ask them to help steer you towards a puppy that exhibits traits that are well suited for your primary intended purpose. Many clients want to actively choose a puppy, while others are more comfortable with a passive approach, spend time with the litter and allow the choice to be more organic and mutually made by the puppy that is attracted to them. There is nothing wrong with either method but I will offer this - If you want to ensure that you get the puppy with the traits that most closely match your needs, then for optimum results take an active role in making the selection. In each litter there will be certain trait variations the pups have inherited from their parents. Any German Shepherd puppy born in the litter can be trained to serve or work in any type of role that you desire, however some pups are more naturally suited to be self starters and do the task with minimal input from you. A German Shepherd is not naturally a mean or vicious dog, however they are alert, aware and protective. These traits have been locked into them from the start by the nature of the breed, these animals were coded to be discerning from the start. A Golden Retriever is a great congenial dog, it loves everyone it encounters right down to the burglar who is prying open the back window of your home with a crowbar. The Golden Retriever will hold the door open and wag its tail as the contents of the home are being ransacked and loaded into a truck. Now flip the script and try that with the German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd dog has already been eyeballing everyone long before they set foot on the property. Even if the dog was inside and did not see someone coming - it is always listening for sounds that are non typical for its environment. Go ahead and pry the window open with the crowbar - lets see how that works out for you. Someone may actually get inside but I am pretty confident they will be encouraged to leave hastily by the canine with intense actions of fierce barking, deep growling, hackles up, ears on high alert and eyes laser focused on the intruder. The uninvited guest will drop everything - run out the door with empty arms, a chewed up backside, a renewed fear of God Almighty and total respect for the German Shepherd Dog… Again, the German Shepherd is not a mean dog, it is not a vicious dog, but it is a vigilant dog. It is a watch dog - it is a dog that closely looks after the people that it is bonded to and the place where they live together. All things considered - a German Shepherd is a very practical investment for peace of mind regardless whether you are young or old, single or have a large family. On pickup day I will spend a minimum of an hour and a half with each new owner going over paperwork and the best practices for feeding, health, training, tips on care, etc. With West German Shepherds. You are buying into the tremendous wealth of bloodlines we have selectively cultivated and created, you are buying the expertise we have accumulated in 14 years of running a top notch breeding program. I am passionate about this breed and ensuring that everyone who wants a German Shepherd - has an amazing experience. Please contact me if I can be of service to you. Thank you for visiting West German Shepherds. The original quote was intended for every breed of dog; as German Shepherd owners already know - these canines are far superior to any other breed on the planet! I often repeat - some days you are the dog, some days you are the fire hydrant. More quotes can be found at the bottom of each page. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night. Do you get the difference? The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment. Contact Us for Details on Our Puppies! The joy of owning a working line bred German Shepherd is immeasurable — but a companion and workmate that gives itself over to you so completely requires a significant reciprocal commitment. Do you have a fenced yard? Are you able to devote at least 30 minutes per day to exercising your dog? Will your puppy be raised inside of your home as a part of your family? Do you have small children, infants or other animals in your home currently and if not do you plan to in the future? Do you plan to crate train your puppy in addition to housebreaking? Are you prepared to feed a high quality food to your dog such as a grain-free or holistic food as a regular diet throughout its lifetime? Do you know the difference between the temperaments and character of a Working Line German Shepherd Dog over a show line or an American bred German Shepherd? Have you already consulted with a private trainer or know of obedience classes that are offered in your area that may be more specific to working dogs over an average Pet Store style all breed pet training class? Do you plan to spay or neuter your puppy when he or she is old enough? Are you financially prepared to provide care for your dog and seek veterinary care in the event of an emergency that may require hospitalization of your dog? If you are planning on breeding, do you have at least 5 years minimum experience as a Breeder? Are you educated in canine reproduction and development, have the basic knowledge and understanding of genetics as well as proper care for newborn pups, neonatal intensive care and experience in identifying reproductive complications or emergencies should they arise? Our breeding stock come from show rated and titled West German Sieger show lines. All of our dogs tested negative for all 11 German Shepherd specific genetic conditions including DM Degenerative Mylopathy and all additional genetic conditions. We breed for sound tempermants, character, structure, along with dark black and red pigmentation. All of our puppies are hand raised from birth in the home. References Dear Walter and Joanne Robert is a wonderful dog! He has fit in nicely here at the house and loves to go to the beach. He sleeps in our bed room and is never anxious to go out in the night. In between walks and the beach we go to for car rides to the office and the parks. We walk at least 3 miles a day and take lots of car trips. Hotels are no problem. I bring food, water, and a dog bed for him to sleep on. Thank you so much for getting us this great dog. My baby boy is just so curious about her and she is so gentle with him. My older dog is in heaven to have a playmate again. Hope all is well with you and your beautiful dogs. When I walk into the training class with her, people just stop and stare. She really is a beautiful dog. Talk to you soon. She has turned out to be a beautiful family dog and I have worked very hard to socialize her with people, children, cats and horses. We have 11 horses and my daughter, Rebecca, is a licensed riding instructor and Olga is very good with her students. I have been very busy running my business in North Attleboro, helping with the farm and all. When that is complete I would like to breed Olga as I did not spay her. I would like your advice when it comes to that. Thank you, Polly Schaefer. We are number 1 out of 50 Top rated breeders in America!!! Rated by happydoggo. There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. We take payments only over the phone by a credit card or with quick pay Zelle. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. These phone numbers has Chicago Illinois area code. Please do not trust scammers and beware. We are the top rated German Shepherd licensed breeder located in the Northwestern suburb near Chicago, Illinois. We show and train our dogs with known World Champion trainers. We offer German Shepherd puppies for sale as well as trained adult German Shepherd dogs. Our German Shepherd puppies range from 8 weeks old to young males and females. We ship dogs within United States and Worldwide. Please contact us about pet transport information. Owned and operated since by Natalya Babenko. Not interested in award-winning show dogs? No Puppy Mills Our puppies are our babies. All of our puppies have plenty of wide open spaces to get all of the physical exercise their growing bodies need Puppy Power We work hard to match the perfect pup for you and your family. Give us your preferred puppy specifications and expectations and we will do our best to surpass them Breeding purebred West German Showline German Shepherds are our passion. If you share our passion and is looking for a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in providing the highest quality show dogs, protection dogs, working dogs, service dogs or family companions, your search just ended. You can reserve the puppy over the phone and pick up the puppy at 8 weeks old. Our Chicago kennel has several litters each year. However, we strive to breed healthy dogs with best bloodlines in mind. We breed dogs with good temperament and character. We breed to the established SV Standard. They are black and red, solid black, and red sable in color. Our dogs are raised and socialized in a home environment with children and other dogs. We are proud of our achievements! Take a look at the latest show results. Why To Choose Us.
labradoodle puppies for sale new jersey - Helps with joint lubrication 4. NSAIDs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Just like humans, dogs can benefit from taking certain pain medications to treat their hip dysplasia. In particular, NSAIDs can benefit your dog by reducing some of the pain and inflammation that hip dysplasia causes. There are some great charts available online that show you how much your German Shepherd should weigh at various stages of his life. Hard surfaces can be especially painful for your dog to walk on, so avoid walking on asphalt and sidewalks and instead take him for a walk in a grassy park. Repair and Prevent Cartilage Deterioration We mentioned cartilage a bit earlier. When your dog moves, cartilage helps cushion the joint. But it can become damaged when your dog has hip dysplasia. Over time, this cartilage deteriorates, causing pain and inflammation. Another word for this cartilage deterioration? Fortunately, certain active ingredients can help maintain joint health and reduce the likelihood that the secondary condition of arthritis will form as a result of German Shepherd hip dysplasia. In particular, the active ingredients of chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs help maintain cartilage health. These two naturally occurring substances work together to not only repair damaged cartilage but also prevent it from deteriorating in the first place. Lubricate Joints Hyaluronic acid is another key active ingredient that benefits dogs suffering from German Shepherd hip dysplasia by improving joint mobility and reducing discomfort. In particular, hyaluronic acid may help reduce the pain your dog experiences as a result of hip dysplasia. And how does it do that? Well, hyaluronic acid is an important component of synovial fluid. So it stands to reason that making sure your dog has enough hyaluronic acid is a great way to ensure his hip joints can move as smoothly as possible. But fortunately, MSM, a powerful antioxidant and building block for healthy joints, can help reduce the pain and inflammation your dog experiences from hip dysplasia. And the great news is that this ingredient is often found in joint supplements. Additionally, MSM may become even more effective when used alongside glucosamine, another common active ingredient. Yes, that is indeed our product. Reviewed by Petal Smart Petal Smart is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has been an editor in the veterinary and medical sciences since .She has edited more than assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals, continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. Canine hip dysplasia is most often seen in large breeds like German Shepherd dogs , Saint Bernards , and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs , but a dog of any size and both male and female dogs may be affected. The cause of canine hip dysplasia isn't known. The condition is thought to have a genetic link, and dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Puppies from parents that have hip dysplasia will be more likely to develop the condition than puppies born to parents with normal hips. However, even dogs with normal parents can develop hip dysplasia. What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia? The pelvis cradles the head of the femur thigh bone in a cup-like socket of bone that forms the hip. Puppies typically are born normal, but as the puppy matures, the hip joint alignment becomes progressively worse. This places abnormal stress and wear on the bones when they rub together, and causes further joint degeneration and pain. Bones respond to stress by growing thicker, which makes the fit even worse. As the dog matures, this damage predisposes to arthritic changes and painful joints. Signs and Symptoms Severe hip dysplasia may become noticeable as early as four months of age, but is more typically seen in pups aged 9 months to 1 year. The painful condition causes limping , favoring of limbs, and difficulty rising, running, or jumping. Dysplastic pups may exhibit an odd wobbly gait when walking and "bunny hop" when running or climbing stairs, which may help to ease joint stress. Stairs can prove a particular challenge for these dogs, and sore hips and pain may prompt aggression , causing the pup to snap or flinch when touched. However, there are degrees of severity. Some pups may show few to no signs at all, and mild cases may go undiagnosed until the dog reaches middle age or older. How quickly, or to what extent degeneration occurs is in part determined by the pup's activity level. While healthy, normal hips probably won't be adversely affected by hard work or exuberant play, the dog with mild to moderate hip dysplasia develops more noticeable signs more quickly when excessive stress is placed on these joints. Fortunately, only a relatively small percentage of pets suffer the severest, most crippling form of the condition. The condition may also be influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, body weight, and activity level. The puppy is placed on its back and the veterinarian looks for the typical arthritic changes and subluxation laxity of the joint. Some changes may not become evident until the pup reaches 2 years old, and experts say there may be considerable changes from 6 to 9 months up to 1 year. The OFA provides a consulting service for purebred dog owners and breeders, through which it reviews hip X-rays provided by an owner to evaluate the dog's conformation and, when normal, certifies that fact. The PennHip testing method, developed by Dr. Reputable breeders have dog parents tested prior to breeding to make sure they do not have hip dysplasia and reduce the chance of the condition in puppies. Dogs can be certified free of hip dysplasia by sending appropriate X-rays to either the OFA registry or the PennHip registry. This is evaluated by three radiologists who score the hips fair, good, or excellent. PennHip evaluation uses computer analysis to compare the X-rays to all the other dogs of that breed in the registry. Management of Hip Dysplasia There is no cure for hip dysplasia. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving joint function. How well treatment works depends on the severity of the problem. Often, mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia can be managed with gentle exercise, a healthy diet, and oral pain relievers like buffered aspirin or Rimadyl as prescribed by the veterinarian. Moderate exercise helps maintain and improve the puppy's muscle tone, which alleviates painful wear and tear on the joint. Encourage your dysplastic puppy to take short walks with you. Swimming is an ideal exercise, but jumping and prolonged running should be discouraged. Keep your puppy lean; obesity increases joint strain and can make the condition worse. Massage can also help the dog feel better. Severe cases of hip dysplasia may benefit from surgery that rebuilds or removes bone or alters the muscles and tendons to reduce pain. More from The Spruce Pets. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Hip dysplasia HD is a disease of the hip coxofemoral joints. Dysplasia means abnormal development. Both hips are usually affected Brass .It is a complex disease that results from a combination of genes that predispose a dog to developing hip dysplasia interacting with environmental factors that lead to its full development and expression Riser .It is characterized by hip joint instability which, if compounded by environmental factors, then results in secondary osteoarthritis and the clinical signs of hip dysplasia which include pain, lameness and disability Zhang et al .To fully understand hip dysplasia, it is necessary to understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is the joint at the top of the hind leg, where it articulates forms a joint with the pelvis. It is described as a ball and socket joint, as in normal hips the ball-shaped head of the femur the thigh bone fits perfectly into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis, the acetabulum. The head of the femur femoral head and the acetabulum are normally covered with cartilage which produces a smooth, low friction surface. Within the joint there is also a fine layer of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant between these cartilaginous surfaces. This thin layer of synovial fluid, along with the round ligament a ligament that runs round the edge of the acetabulum — between the acetabulum and the femur , keeps the two cartilaginous surfaces together by creating a suction-like effect. The ligaments and the joint capsule also help to hold the ball and socket closely together. In newborn puppies, because the bones are soft and not fully ossified turned into bone as they need to grow and develop, they are still deformable if abnormal movements or stresses and strains occur in them. Riser suggests that, in a normal six month old individual, ossification of the bones and soft tissue strength the strength of the surrounding ligaments, joint capsule and muscles have developed enough to prevent hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is described as a biomechanical disease. The hips appear normal at birth. However, in affected individuals, the hips develop abnormally due, at first, to joint instability sometimes called joint laxity Riser .This means that the developing femoral head and acetabulum are not held constantly, closely together, and can move into abnormal positions relative to one another. This puts abnormal stresses and strains on the joint. Riser states this is due to the soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscle, not being strong enough to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum ie the constant contact between the surfaces of the bones is not maintained. The pathological changes seen due to the joint instability are progressive inflammation and degeneration of the tissues that together form the joint. Brass details the following changes in the joint: The joint capsule can become thickened and the round ligament can become stretched or ruptured leading to additional, excessive movements. The synovial fluid increases in volume and changes in nature, due to inflammation, this pushes the joint surfaces apart. The cartilage on the bone surfaces gets worn away exposing subchondral bone the layer of bone beneath the surface cartilage. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings and such exposure will commonly cause pain. The rim of the acetabulum becomes damaged and flattened and later new bone starts to grow here as the body tries to stabilize the joint. The femoral head becomes deformed and flattened and also grows abnormal bone called exotoses or osteophytes. This changing of the shape of the joint with new bone growing in abnormal positions, and being lost in others, is called joint remodelling. The signs that are seen with hip dysplasia can vary hugely in their severity, the age at which they first appear and their progression. In mild cases dogs can be free from clinical signs for years; however, for more severely affected individuals, signs of pain can develop whilst they are still immature less than a year old Signs include acute pain, particularly after strenuous exercise or movement. This may show as lameness or reluctance to jump, to go for walks, climb steps or move at all if really severe. The pain may be worse in cold, wet conditions Brass .These signs may start intermittently, but over time can become constant. Muscle wastage is often seen in the hindlegs Brass .There appears to be little correlation between the severity of pain shown by the dog and physical abnormalities felt on examination by a vet or revealed on an x-ray Brass ie some dogs can be in severe pain but have few changes on x-rays and vice versa. This is typical of any joint disease. Controlling food intake during growth has been shown to decrease hip dysplasia in Labradors ie by reducing excessive energy intake and therefore excessive weight gain during growth Kealy et al .High calcium intake during growth has been shown to delay maturation of the skeleton and increase the risk of hip dysplasia in Great Danes Hazewinkel .It is thought that controlling the amount and form of exercise during development may also help Corr .Bennett and May suggest excessive exercise during development can lead to hip dysplasia. Treatment for hip dysplasia is complex; many surgical interventions have been developed to prevent signs appearing in young animals with high joint laxity and to treat dogs with severe osteoarthritis. All need specialist surgeons. Various medications to aid pain relief are also available, along with recommendations to reduce the effect of environmental factors. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Though some dogs may be mildly affected, for many German Shepherd dogs with hip dysplasia, the impact of the condition is major and life changing. These animals suffer pain that is severe and debilitating, leading them to be in pain even with small everyday movements such as standing up. Their quality of life is severely affected so that they are unable to enjoy normal canine behaviours such as walking and running. It is not uncommon for dogs to be euthanased due to the pain and disability of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease with signs seen from any age. For some dogs pain starts before a year of age. Signs may be intermittent to start with but often progress to be constant. Medical treatment and advice can help control pain and possibly slow progression, though a cure can only be obtained with major surgical intervention in dogs that are considered suitable candidates for such surgery. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Hip dysplasia is the most common joint problem of large dogs Smith et al .UK VetCompass data for dogs overall, showed that 7. In this sample, diagnosis of conditions affecting the pelvis eg hip dysplasia did not significantly differ between purebred and crossbred dogs. Figures vary greatly for how frequently German Shepherds are affected by hip dysplasia, depending on the method by which they have been screened and the database reviewed. The frequency is likely to vary for geographically different populations of the same breed Brass .However, Paster et al suggested that the OFA population was biased, as it is not compulsory for radiographed dogs to have their x-rays submitted to the OFA scheme so some owners may have had dogs pre-screened and only submitted apparently non-dysplastic ones for consideration and scoring. In this study, German Shepherd dogs had a higher odds ratio of hip dysplasia occurrence than Dobermanns, Labradors and Rottweilers, indicating that the breed is at a significantly higher risk of hip dysplasia development. Return to top 5. Diagnosis For a young dog suspected of hip dysplasia, a diagnosis can be made on the clinical signs shown at home and on examination of the dog, including assessment of joint laxity and joint pain plus evaluation of radiographs x-ray pictures of the hip joints Corr .Assessment of the joint laxity and radiographs may need to be performed by a specialist vet who is used to checking for this condition. For a formal diagnosis, the radiographs are usually submitted to a panel for evaluation. There are three methods of assessing joint laxity. Radiographs and assessment of joint laxity need to be performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia Corr .Return to top 6. Genetics Hip dysplasia in dogs is a polygenic disease; many genes are thought to play a role in its development. Most of these genes probably have small additive effects quantitative, polygenes and some probably have larger effects Zhang et al .Heritability estimates are used to demonstrate how much variation in a phenotypic trait is due to genetic variation among individuals in a population. Using hip scores published by the British Veterinary Association, heritability for hip scores of German Shepherd dogs was 0. Genes are not solely responsible for whether a dog with the genetic potential for hip dysplasia develops the condition. Environmental factors play an important part. They are discussed in the clinical and pathogenic effects section above. However, there are significant breed predispositions to this condition and the German Shepherd dog is one of the breeds affected. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? There are a number of breeding schemes around the world developed to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dog breeds. These schemes assess potential breeding animals in somewhat different ways. All aim to give breeders and owners a strong indication of which dogs are likely to produce healthy offspring and which should not be bred. However, this is by no means straightforward for hip dysplasia as it is a polygenic condition in which the genetics are poorly understood and which is also affected by environmental factors in a major way. This lack of clarity has produced much debate over the best way to assess potential breeding dogs. A brief summary of the various schemes follows including some current evidence for their benefits. All dogs must be at least 12 months of age. There are nine radiographic features which are scored, including the Norberg angle NA - a measurement for hip laxity taken from the EHR and each dog is given a score out of 53 for each hip total of up to for both. A low score indicates healthy hip joints eg Greyhounds would score 0, as is not seen in this breed and a higher score indicates worse hip dysplasia. Breeders are recommended to only breed from animals with a score lower than the breed medianscore e. It is also based on an extended hip radiograph EHR , which is then graded by three independent experts to give an overall grade. All dogs must be over 2 years of age to be assessed. There are seven possible grades for the radiograph: excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate or severe hip dysplasia. Dogs must be between 1 and 2 years of age and the radiograph is graded by someone appointed by each breed club — they do not have to be an expert. Grades include: A- no signs of hip dysplasia, B — near normal hip joints, C — mild hip dysplasia, D — moderate hip dysplasia, E — severe hip dysplasia. Older dogs can be assessed but the likelihood of more secondary osteoarthritic changes is taken into account. Dogs from 4 months of age can be assessed. It involves the assessment of three different radiographic views of the hip joints called the distraction view, the compression view and the EHR. The radiograph must be taken by a vet who is registered with the scheme and the radiographs are assessed by vets at the PennHIP Analysis Center. Dogs with a DI lower than 0. Dogs with increasing DI values over 0. Advocates of the PennHIP method like it because it accurately identifies individuals who have hip laxity - the primary phenotypical abnormality that predisposes dogs to hip dysplasia. The other schemes only look at the EHR and though the NA can be measured from this, the NA has been shown to be an inaccurate method to assess hip laxity Culp et al .Much of what is assessed on the EHRs are secondary arthritic changes, these are not specific to hip dysplasia and are affected by many environmental factors. Recently, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have confirmed that the Distraction Index DI is a significant risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. In other words, DI scores give a very good indication of the likelihood of osteoarthritic changes, due to hip dysplasia, developing in the future Smith and others , , , Smith , Runge et al .These and other researchers argue that the other schemes are not as good at detecting animals that have hip dysplasia as the PennHIP method and, despite older schemes existing for over 40 years, little improvement has been seen in hip dysplasia in the general pet population Corley , Kaneene et al , Leppanen et al , Paster et al .In fact, one recent study looking at a database of over 1,, dogs found an increase in the prevalence of hip dysplasia Witsberger et al .However EHR scores were found to have a much higher heritability 0. Heritability studies are difficult to compare between different populations with different environmental influences. To improve the gene pool, phenotypic traits that can be easily detected with strong links to the genotype genetic make-up of animals have to be found. Ideally, any potential pet would have had its hip joints assessed by one of the above schemes prior to purchase, although this is often unhelpful, as most pets are purchased as young puppies. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee all their offspring will be free from hip dysplasia. Certainly any potential breeding animal should be assessed prior to breeding using an appropriate scheme. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Hip dysplasia is a complex trait which involves multiple unknown genes and environmental factors. Eradication schemes have been running in some countries for decades and still it is commonplace. Thus prospects for its quick elimination are low. In a recent study, Zhang et al suggested that using scores from four hip traits combined to create a breeding value for each animal would help speed up elimination of the condition. They felt that information on the single joint trait EHR eg the OFA scheme gave insufficient information to provide the basis for breeding decisions. The DLS is a measurement made from an x-ray taken in a weight-bearing position to measure the subluxation of the femoral head Farese et al .In this study on two populations of dogs where environmental factors were strictly controlled, heritabilities for all these traits were found to be relatively high eg heritabilities were 0. The researchers suggested these heritabilites were higher than expected due to the controlled environmental conditions. Zhang et al suggested an improved way for selectively breeding out hip dysplasia would be if breeders could be given breeding values derived from the four traits for each potential breeding animal, plus a measurement of the inbreeding of any potential mating eg the inbreeding coefficient. This way, they suggest, inbreeding can be avoided and only animals with phenotypes strongly indicative of healthy hip joint genes would be bred from. This scheme is a more organised form of others that have suggested using a combination of breeding values determined from pedigree information and phenotype score Ginja et al , Hou et al .As described by Bell , when breeders are prioritising raising dogs that have good hip dysplasia genotypes for future breeding the phenotype has to be used as a marker for the genotype. Although the diagnostic signs can be affected also by environmental factors such as feeding and exercise regimes. It is important that the puppies are raised in a standard and not excessively protective way. Otherwise, dogs that would normally have developed radiographic signs of hip dysplasia will have this masked and their genes will be perpetuated. Future development of genetic tests to help identify some of the hip dysplasia genes, along with more use of pedigree data that includes the health of ancestors and progeny for clinical signs of hip dysplasia and also for other inherited defects of German Shepherd dogs , may well help to improve methods used to eliminate this condition. Currently we have to continue to rely on choosing phenotypical traits which apparently indicate the presence of healthy genes. Return to top 9. Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Originally bred as working dogs, they were favored for herding sheep and defending them if attacked. Known for their athleticism, intelligence, affection, and protective nature of their owners, they are also known for diseases that affect their breed disproportionately, because of poor practices by some breeders. Sadly many of these great animals end their lives in pain, often unable to stand. There are three common causes for that, which might appear the same to an untrained observer, but require different treatment regimes. This allows the bones to move beyond their appropriate range of motion, causing bones to rub together. Over time that causes inflammation, along with increasing discomfort. Dysplastic hips show the femoral head fitting loosely in the pelvis. Elbow dysplasia is the same problem at a different joint. In either case, there are a few treatment options. Diet can help reduce inflammation, and keeping a healthy weight will reduce the strain on the joint. Warm and dry sleeping areas help manage the pain and inflammation as well, especially if arthritis has set in. Pain medication can be used, although some dogs will have conditions that are contra-indicated for pain medication, and it is better to avoid for long term use. It is not painful but affects the quality of life, and often causes complete debilitation within a few years. Myelopathy will cause abnormalities in the spinal cord, eventually leading to debilitation. Most treatment regimens focus on nutritional support and exercise. Acupuncture, casts and braces, and physical therapy can also help. Unfortunately, there is not a lot to be done. One website, www. Myelopathies are not inflammatory diseases, so the healing process is different than for dysplasia. Yet a few months later she could run as though she had never been affected. In some cases, remission occurs, in others, the progress of the disease is greatly slowed. Panosteitis A dozen or so of the breeds recognized by the AKC become affected with panosteitis. A sudden lameness characterizes the disease, and diagnosis might include gait and motion analysis, comparison t other limbs, a verbal report from the owner, or x-rays. An easy way to diagnosis for those with experience is to pinch the middle of the affected bone, which will cause the dog to yelp or show discomfort. Dysplasia and other joint diseases would not cause such a reaction unless the area pinched was near the joint. You can see the area of the bone with Pano is more sense, and looks like it has fibers where there is usually only marrow. It occurs specifically in the humerus, radius, and ulna of the foreleg, and the femur and tibia of the hind leg. Generally, it is a foreleg that first gives way with an onset of lameness. The bone itself may become misshapen due to pressure from within. The pain caused by Pano varies but may make the dog unable to walk. Most dogs will have more than one bone affected. Often a particular leg will be lame for a week or two and then shift from one leg to another. Luckily there is no harm done if left untreated, although diagnosis by an inexperienced breeder or vet might come up with a wrong diagnosis. As an inflammatory problem, Panosteitis might be greatly helped by PEMF therapy, improving recovery times for affected dogs. Inbreeding and health problems The German Shepherd is the second most commonly bred dog in America, according to some sources. This popularity has been the problem, as many breeders made poor choices in breeding certain lines too closely, causing the problems that have become so common today. A shepherd with a doggie wheelchair- sometimes a solution for dysplasia or some stages of myelopathy.
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labradoodle puppies for sale new jersey - Showing 1 - 33 of 33 resultsPage 1 - 33 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Dewormed, first vaccinations and clear health check. These babies are desensitized to.See all Female Puppy Brockville Looking to re-home a 13 week old puppy, part shepherd, husky and retriever. She is very active. Born on June 29th, just a little over 2 months old. Straight backs. We are a small family-owned dog.I would like to find a good and loving home that has space for them. They still need a little bit of leash training but they know all of the basic.He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. The parents Jax and Ember are the best of friends, both have kind and loving temperaments and have been raised in our family.They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.Golden, Husky and Shepherd Mixed Puppies!!! Puppies will come with vet papers that include their first shots and.Looking for a furry bundle of joy? Look no further! These 4 adorable puppies are ready to find their forever homes. They're cute, cuddly, and full of love. Don't miss out.Currently rehoming him due the fact I am overworked and after a recent tragedy in the family I no longer have the time nor emotional capacity to care for.Contact for further information. Serious enquires only please. There are 3 girls available. They will come fully vet checked with first and second shots, de worming and a clear bill of health.Mom is our family pet, quiet and calm and loves children. Ready to go home with you! Females and males available. 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.