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And you would like to get a Haven Kennels German Shepherd. Thank you as I always take that as a compliment and an honor. You have made your decision and now I have my decision to make — whether you are the right home for one of our babies. These puppies are members of our family! We are there when they are born. I sleep on a cot in the puppy room for the first six weeks of their life to make sure our German Shepherd puppies are well socialized and are safe from any harm. A lot of things can happen to puppy in those early days. A mother dog can accidentally lay on a pup injuring it or a pup can choke on something. Rarely will we have a puppy ready for you immediately. All of our litters have waiting lists, and the wait can be a long time sometimes up to 2 years so if you want to have a puppy right away, we may not have one for you. And to be perfectly honest with you, that is the case with most responsible and ethical dog breeders. I make no apologies for the price of our puppies nor do I negotiate price. A lot of work and expense goes into producing puppies of the quality that we offer. If you feel the price is too high, that is your choice. The choice is yours, but do your homework and choose wisely. To download your Haven Kennels Puppy Application, click here. Approval of Your German Shepherd Puppy Application All our potential owners have to go through the same thorough vetting process. The first step is to fill out a puppy application. Please be candid and honest in filling out the application for your Haven Kennels German Shepherd puppy. Your application gives me a lot of information about what you are looking for in a puppy. An informative application aids me in choosing the right puppy to go to your home. I do not allow people to choose their puppy. I have over 50 years of experience in dog training. I have been breeding German Shepherds for service dog work for over 25 years. I carefully watch those puppies from the time they are born and by 6 weeks old I have a very good read on their strengths and weaknesses. When you talk to owners of my previous litters you will find that they are very happy with their dogs and that is because I placed the right dog with the right family. I take great care when I process a puppy application. Trust me, I thoroughly check you out before I allow you to have one of our puppies. I will be calling your vet and local dog officer. I will talk to whoever you put as a personal reference and be asking them lots of questions about you and any dogs you have or had. I will even take a look at your home on Google Maps to see if it fits my standards for an appropriate place for one of our German Shepherds to live. To me it is not about selling dogs but instead finding the perfect home for one of these puppies. If you buy a puppy from Haven Kennels, you will hear from us at least once a year as I check to see how our babies are doing. I love to get emails and pictures of them as they progress through their lives. Once I approve your application and I am sure that you are who you say you are, I will talk with you on the phone. I will also give you contact information so you can call some present owners of Haven Kennels dogs so you can hear firsthand what their experience has been with their dogs and with us as breeders. Our deposits, like most breeders, are non-refundable, except under one circumstance. We will refund your deposit if we cannot provide you with a healthy puppy, meeting the criteria you expressed in your application, within 2 years. We require the 2 year period because a lot can happen in the attempted breeding of a female dog. Female dogs can have split heats, hormonal imbalances, or even skip a heat. We list planned breedings on our home page so you can make a selection if you want a pup from specific parentage. Occasionally we will have quality puppies available from the use of our stud dog, Baratheon von Haven. We are very careful about who we breed our boy to so you can be reassured that one of his puppies are of the same quality as the puppies born here in our kennel. Once in a while, we will have an adult female dog that we are retiring from breeding. These dogs will be years old, neutered, and will be trained and housebroken. It is not very often that we have a retired breeding dog as we tend to not be able to give them up emotionally but we can only keep so many dogs, particularly German Shepherds as they require individual human companionship on a regular basis. These retiring females are a great choice to go to families with small children as they are very tolerant and gentle with kids. Search for:. Degenerative Myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease Perhaps the most well-known is hip dysplasia, a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain and lameness, and eventually requiring surgery. German Shepherds are also at risk for elbow dysplasia, a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Other common health problems include allergies, intestinal issues, and eye problems. With proper care and diet, however, German Shepherds can live long and healthy lives. Finding a German Shepherd puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. While German Shepherds are often considered to be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, their coats do require some care and attention. The most important thing to know about German Shepherd coat care is that the breed does not shed uniformly throughout the year. After the shedding period has ended, you can reduce the frequency of brushing to once or twice a week. In addition to regular brushing, German Shepherds also need to be bathed on occasion. How often you need to bathe your German Shepherd will depend on factors such as how often they play outside and whether they have any allergies or skin sensitivities. Generally speaking, however, a once-monthly bath is sufficient for most dogs. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.
Lifespan Sociability Buying any dog requires commitment. But when that dog is as big as a Boxane, there are a few extra things you need to consider. For starters, these dogs need a great deal of outdoor space. Ideally, that should be in the form of a large and secure yard in which they can run about freely. From a financial perspective, you should also consider whether you can afford to keep a dog this size. Boxanes eat a large amount of food, and not only does the cost of their food add up, but everything they need, including things like vaccinations and holiday boarding, will cost more than it would be for a smaller dog. As is typical with hybrid breeds, particularly those with parent dogs that have significant physical differences, the appearance of your puppy can vary substantially, depending upon which genes are most dominant. This means that fully grown Boxanes from the same litter may have a weight range of between 60 and pounds. Neither the Great Dane nor the Boxer has a reputation for being an excessive barker, a trait that they have passed on to the Boxane. This is not to say that they are not vocal dogs, just that they will usually vocalize with a range of grumbles, growls, and whines. Aggression toward other dogs is a trait that the Boxane can sometimes inherit from their Great Dane parent and is an issue that if left unchecked, can be particularly problematic given their size. Fortunately, this aggressive behavior can be prevented or at least greatly reduced through early socialization, ongoing regular exposure to other dogs, and training. To start with, due to their size, they need a family that lives in a house with a large yard. The Boxane is not at all suitable for life in an apartment. They are typically quite good with children. However, they are excitable dogs, and when they start running and jumping about the place, they can unintentionally knock a small child over and injure them. For this reason, the Boxane is not the best dog to get when you have toddlers and young children. They require a great deal of exercise each day, and you need to be prepared to spend several hours a day taking them out for a long walk or run. You should also be prepared for them to take over and destroy your yard. As any owner of a big dog will tell you, it is next to impossible to maintain a nicely manicured lawn when you have a large dog romping around on it every day. We recommend that a Boxane should be fed high-quality, size-specific dog food, such as Royal Canin Large Adult Dry Dog Food , which will meet all their daily nutritional requirements. Being large dogs, Boxanes can be susceptible to joint problems later in their life, and these can be more of a problem when a dog is overweight. On average, your Boxane will require at least 60—90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. In addition to taking them for a walk or run around the neighborhood, you may want to consider activities such as hiking or trail running , as exploring new areas and different routes is a great way to prevent boredom from setting in. They do, however, have a bit of a stubborn streak. So, unless you find a way to keep their training fun and interesting, you may have trouble getting your dog to go along with the program. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative that in addition to obedience training, you take the time to socialize your Boxane while they are young. It is particularly important that your dog gets comfortable meeting and playing with new dogs while still a puppy, to prevent them from showing aggression toward other dogs later in life. They have short straight hair that will not knot or tangle, so they can typically get away with being brushed once every couple of weeks. Regular bathing is not required either, which given the size of the Boxane, is fortunate. As with all dogs, your Boxane will need to have their nails clipped every four to six weeks and will also benefit from having their teeth brushed with canine toothpaste regularly. A post shared by Mack and Cheese mack. But apart from this, they are generally quite healthy dogs. Of course, there are a few conditions to which Boxanes are susceptible. Some can be avoided with health screening and careful breeding. Diseases to watch out for include: Minor Conditions. When you find a Great Dane puppy for sale, you should never buy any dog or cat on impulse. The cute, loving Danes have gotten so much attention in their short life! They seem to be very playful and sweet, and they get a kick out of having people come up to them. The great Dane boxer mix is actually a hybrid between the boxer and the date. This is a pretty unique type of breed, and many are not familiar with it. They are a great choice for a pet in any home, as long as it has the right owners. Danes are known to be one of the sweetest types of dogs there are, and many people who get one as a pet really love them for it. They are very loving and will never take up too much room in a house, and they will do anything to please their owners. Danes have a variety of personalities. Many people think of a date as a laid-back type of dog, and that may not be accurate. They can be quite playful with others, and they are always open to a new person, or an exciting new experience. If you plan to own a Dane puppy, you should definitely give them the time and attention they need. Danes are also quite intelligent. Many people will tell you that they are one of the most fun pets to own and that they are extremely easy to train. They can learn a lot about people and animals, and you can use this to your advantage in your day-to-day life. A great tip I can give you is to look for cute Dane puppies near you and get one for yourself! You will surely have fun with your little one. They will make a great companion for years to come and will provide you with hours of fun-filled companionship. It is truly wonderful to have a great pet like a dance, and getting a Great Dane puppy for sale near me will make your life a whole lot easier. Enjoy your new friend! Danes were originally bred in Germany, and have been bred for many years in England, and other countries. These animals were used for hunting during the war, and their intelligence made them valuable assets to the military. In fact, some of the top dogs on the planet have been Danes. Luckily, there are great Dane puppies for sale near me that will provide all of the love and attention that you need to have a wonderful pet and a loving companion. I am personally very lucky to be able to own a Dane puppy in my home, and the one I got was no different than many others. She is a beautiful dog with lots of energy, and she likes to play. If you are planning on getting a date, she can be very stubborn sometimes, and you have to be firm with her, but that does not mean that she can not be friendly to your friends. I would suggest you invest in a crate if you are not sure that you can handle the time and attention that your Dane requires. Crate training can take some getting used to, but you should not worry, because you will get over it. If you have the right type of crate, you should be able to handle her easily and your Dane puppy will enjoy being in the crate with you. My friend has found a Great Dane that is a beautiful purebred pup that is very beautiful and very loving, and the one she got is named Lolo. You have done your research, and you are ready to go home and care for this new dog. Now, the question becomes, where do you go to find Great Dane puppies for sale? There are a few places that you can go, and here is a review of them. A great place to adopt a puppy is your local animal shelter. Most animal shelters have puppies available for adoption. The chances of having a puppy are pretty good, as most shelter animals have been trained and socialized, which makes them great pets. The adoption fees are usually nominal, and the time spent caring for a dog at the shelter is very rewarding. Another place that you can look to for Great Dane puppies is a private owner or a breeder. If you have located one in your area, speak with them about getting information and tips on raising a boxer. They will be able to tell you more about the breed and give you specific instructions on how to care for and raise the puppy. This is also a great place to find purebred Great Dane puppies that you may not be able to get anywhere else. Make sure you get all of your questions answered before signing up for the contract. Your next option would be a puppy rescue shelter. There are many different kinds of animal shelters, so it is best to narrow down your search by contacting the ones in your area. Contacting them will allow you to learn more about the dogs, and if possible, see if you can get an appointment for a walk or an interview. These animals were likely abused or abandoned by their previous owners, so they need a special kind of care. They are usually up for adoption and have been checked out by a veterinarian and given a clean bill of health. When you meet a Great Dane puppy for sale, be sure to take it to its home. Get to know the dog first, so you can feel confident about making a purchase. Check for signs of temperament or behavior problems, like excessive barking, destruction of property, or aggression toward other animals. Ask the breeder about any of these issues, and only then should you proceed. Sometimes these behaviors are genetic. If that is the case, you can have the puppies altered and avoid any future conflict. If you are going to purchase Great Dane puppies for sale from a private owner, you should visit the home to see if the place is livable. If the potential owner is living in an RV or trailer, make sure that they show you where the puppies are living before agreeing to buy. This way you can avoid the expense of having them taken away from you and shipped to a pet store. By spending a little time getting to know the people selling the Great Dane puppy, you will save yourself a lot of stress and a great deal of money. Having the puppy house trained will help you have a better experience and make the entire process a fun one. Share this:. Should a Great Dane Mix take after their Dane parent, they will grow to be a huge, lovable dog that is gentle, affectionate, and playful. Great Danes are notorious for their size, but are also known for their sweet, loving, and affectionate personalities. These big dogs love to cuddle and will attempt to be lap dogs. They also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are protective of their families, they will warm up to strangers once they have been introduced as long as they have been properly socialized. The other parent breed will introduce their own set of quirks and traits that could affect temperament. So, you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started to socialize a puppy and train them, but it is up to you to continue doing that once you get your puppy home. Although they are huge dogs, Great Danes are also highly adaptable. The other parent breed may have some traits that affect adaptability in a Great Dane Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. A mix could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, but they could also inherit those common to one or both of them. From the Great Dane side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Great Dane Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and bone cancer. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health history of both of the parents. As a large, barrel-chested breed, Great Danes, and potentially a Great Dane Mix, are at risk for bloat. Great Danes are generally eager to please, intelligent, and easy to train. Their size and exuberance as puppies can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, but they tend to be highly trainable dogs. The other parent breed could make a Great Dane Mix more difficult to train. If that is the case, you will want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. A Great Dane Mix could inherit a coat that is just like one of their parents or one that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Great Dane coat, they will shed year-round, require brushing weekly or a few times a week, and need an occasional bath. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough and weekly ear checks can help prevent ear infections. Daily use of an enzyme toothpaste or brushing every day is an ideal start for doggie dental care and can help prevent painful diseases later in life. Although a Great Dane can be energetic while they are playing, they tend to sit in a low to moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this breed, but they may be up for more if you are. You do want to keep things low-impact until puppies finish growing to prevent damage to developing bones and joints. The other parent could affect the potential activity range to expect in a Great Dane Mix, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them and prepare for whatever potential range that could be. A fully-grown Great Dane usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Great Danes generally live for years. The other parent breed could affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Great Dane Mix. Featured Great Dane Mix Article.
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The company uses the latest upgraded technologies and software systems to ensure a fair and safe shopping experience for all customers. Your details are highly secure and guarded by the company using encryption and other latest softwares and technologies. By Mary Beth Chubby Puppies are loveable, tumbling, stumbling toys that your children are bound to fall in love with. It includes one electronic chubby puppy, four mini puppies randomly selected and some bonus Paw Patrol stickers. Suitable for age 3 upwards. Not only is he super cute, but he presses the ice cream cart buttons in order to produce popsicles. A fun little set for any Chubby Puppies fan above the age of 4. This hilariously fun play set includes various tunnel obstacles, a tennis shoe toy, squirrel toy, dog carrier and an instruction sheet. Perfect for little collectors above the age of 4. Push your pups on the swing or let them enjoy the puppy-powered elevator. Includes one Pomeranian Chubby Puppy, 1 doggy house, 1 spinning dog bowl, 1 swing and instructions. Perfect for little Chubby Puppy collectors age 4 upwards. This adorable set includes a Chubby Puppy and Chubby Puppy baby, as well as a stroller and milk bottle. Using the handle, the King Charles can push the stroller all by herself! He has a sweet, excitable expression, soft grey fur and features the official Chubby Puppies logo. Measuring at 8 inches long and 6 inches tall, this pup is the perfect addition to any soft toy collection. With a cute little waddle, enjoy watching this pug walk across the floor all on his own in search for bacon. He measures at 6 by 4 inches and is suitable for children above the age of 3. Instruct him around the pole course and let him have the best fun ever. The set includes a ball, frisbee and a dog carrier to let him sleep in after a long workout. Suitable for ages 4 upwards. Prices Vary This adorable, big-eyed Golden Retriever pup simply loves chasing after his little pink ball. Throw it across the room and watch him waddle towards it in a humorous way. Perfect for any Chubby Puppies collector above the age of 4. Watch her play and have fun before treating her to a T-bone steak! Perfect for kids aged 4 upwards. Now you can collect this yellow short haired tabby cat and her little kitten to play with your Chubby Puppies collection. Watch them waddle across the floor in a hilarious way and cuddle them up together to sleep at night. For ages 4 upwards. Snuggle up to him at night, stroke his soft fur, or introduce him to your other plush toys for some great imaginative play. Perfect for children above the age of 3. With a hilariously cute waddle, both Mom and baby can walk around on their own for the best interactive play. Prices Vary Add this sweet, big-eyed Pekingese and her adorable baby pup to your expanding Chubby Puppies collection. Watch them both waddle around together in the most hilarious way. Perfect for little ones above the age of 4. Batteries are not included. Bulldog has an adorable expression and is eager to play! Let him drink from the included water bowl and interact him with your other Chubby Puppies for the best possible play. This cute, interesting collectable features a beautiful lavender coat and an adorable expression. Suitable for children above the age of 4. Watch them waddle across the floor in the most hilarious way. Interact them with your other Chubby Puppies for the best interactive fun. Introduce them to your other Chubby Puppies and have the best interactive fun. Perfect for children above the age of 4. This set includes one labradoodle figure and her cute little pup. Watch them waddle around as they walk across the room, and introduce them to the rest of your Chubby Puppies collection. Suitable for ages 3 upwards. Not only is he super cute, but also comes with a little pup of his own! Watch him walk across the room using a hilarious waddling motion. Perfect for collectors above the age of 4. Watch her waddle across the room in a unique and hilarious way. She also comes with a cute little hat that she can wear on her head. Great for little ones above the age of 4. Furthermore, he comes with his own adorable pup. Perfect for ages 4 upwards. Add her to your collection and introduce her to some new friends. She comes with a gorgeous princess tiara, so you can dress her up and watch her parade around! This fun Chubby Puppies set includes a boxer puppy, a hot dog accessory, cake accessory, fashion accessories, 2 hats and a carrier case. Perfect for little ones aged 3 upwards. Not only does he have the funniest wobbly walk, but comes with his own baby pup for company. Add him to your existing Chubby Puppies collection. Suitable for children aged 4 upwards. She comes with her own sweet little chihuahua pup, both of whom enjoy wobbling as they walk. Introduce them to your other Chubby Puppies for the best imaginative play. Husky is soft and squishy, while featuring an adorable, friendly face and gorgeous grey fur. Add her to your soft toy collection and introduce her to your existing Chubby Puppy plushes! Not only does she have a hilarious wobbly walk, but comes with her own removable mermaid tail! Perfect for Chubby Puppies collectors above the age of 4. He comes with a super cute fish themed bow tie that you can dress him up in and has a hilarious walk! Perfect for Chubby Puppies enthusiasts above the age of 4. She comes in a cute carrier case, with five fun accessories including a hair brush, jumping hoop and bow hand bag! Suitable for children above the age of 3. She comes in a pink carrier case, with five fun accessories including a hair brush, jumping hoop and heart shaped earrings! Now you can take her home and add her to your Chubby Puppies collection! Now you can add Dutch Bunny to your expanding Chubby Puppies collection. She even comes with a spotted peach colored bow-tie to wear! The Chubby Puppies and Friends Fashion set features a number of wing accessories and hats, as well as a comfortable carrier case to store it all in. Perfect for Chubby Puppies fans above the age of 4. Now you can add Shiba Inu to your expanding collection! Watch him waddle across the room in a hilariously unique way, while interacting him with his shoe accessory. Now you can add this adorable pup to your Chubby Puppies collection. Watch him wobble and waddle across the room in a hilarious way, and interact him with your other pups for the best imaginative play. Add him to your existing Chubby Puppies collection and watch him waddle across the room in the most hilarious way. Includes a unique squirrel toy accessory for him to play with! A fantastic toy to snuggle up to at night. 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To avoid any confusion, the Frenchton is a designer dog bred intentionally by humans using a Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. The Frenchton and French Bulldog are not the same breeds; however, they can be close in genetic makeup. What we can draw from this is the Frenchton will carry more traits and characteristics from the Frenchie. Just know these two breeds have nothing to do with each other. There are no English Bulldog genes in the Frenchton. Check out the size difference between a Boston Terrier and a Frenchton puppy. The Frenchton Is The Ultimate Companion This designer dog was first developed in the s to be a healthier version of its parent breeds. Amongst these organizations, this breed goes by many names. Faux Frenchbo Bulldog Frenchbo Boston Frenchie Health improvements aside, the Frenchton was bred to be a great companion dog who will sit with you on the couch for hours. People grow so attached to this mix that they buy clothes for it and dress it up in cute accessories. The most common health issue for Frenchton is respiratory. Their short snouts make it harder to breathe after exercise or in the heat. Frenchtons also cannot handle extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Less active Bulldogs are also prone to obesity. Frenchtons need weekly brushing because their coat is thick and dense. They rarely need proper shampoo. The French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix requires high-quality dry food to be accurately measured each time to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding. About two cups a day is perfect. The weight of this mix is vital to its health. If taken care of properly, Frenchton typically lives between 12 — 15 years as pointed out above. This mix is extremely friendly, energetic, loyal, and intelligent. However, their smarts do not make them easy to train. The stubbornness of the French Bulldog could make training difficult and more time-consuming. However, the Boston Terrier is more eager to please. It craves cuddles and tummy rubs from children, adults, and strangers. Ergo, not the best guard dog. The ideal owner for a Frenchton is someone who is home often and keep it company throughout the day. One of an area of caution around this breed is with other dogs. Sometimes, the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix can get snippy and aggressive around other smaller dogs, but cats are just fine. This trait is common with French Bulldogs and could be passed down to the Frenchton. This dog is quite the chunky meatball! Its thick and muscular body takes after the French Bulldog more so than the Boston Terrier. As mentioned above a full-grown Frenchton reaches between 11 — 14 inches 28 — 35 cm and 15 — 25 pounds 7 — 11 kg. The coat colors range from brindle, black and white, fawn, cream, and brown. Arguably their most distinctive feature is that adorable and goofy underbite. Like a bat. Hopefully, that answers this question, you possibly also had. Taking A Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix Home When looking for a Frenchton, keep in mind that designer dogs, in general, are harder to find at adoption centers, rescue websites, and human societies. But hey, we advocate adopting is better than shopping! Breeder websites like Lancaster Puppies in Pennsylvania, Puppy Love Kennels in Tennessee, and Canada-based Kijiji are a popular choice because you know exactly where your dog is coming from and who the parents are. Not a cheap breed. The Frenchton can have brief moments of hyperactive activity, where it runs in circles and scratches its back against the floor. For the most part, this breed only needs 30 minutes of activity each day. But whatever you do, do not take your Frenchton swimming. They can paddle for a brief period on their own, but once tired, they could drown. So, does the Frenchton suit your lifestyle? Comment below and let us know! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I also have a Boston Terrier and they get along fabulous. Highly recommend! Bulldog or Boston Frenchie. The French Bulldog Boston Terrier mix has an amicable and affectionate disposition, immensely craving for human attention, also loving to be cuddled by its owner. These playful dogs enjoy the company of children, with the older ones being more suitable for these canine pets as they would not handle them in a rough way. Though they do not have much hassle in mingling with other pets, they might show aggression towards dogs. Care Exercise Though playful, these dogs have a laid back attitude too, and are well suited for an apartment life. Similar to their parents, a moderate amount of exercise like a daily walk or little bit of jogging in the doggie park would be sufficient to keep them physically and mentally sound. Keeping their amusing nature in mind, you can also engage them in a lot of interesting indoor games. However, they might not be well suited to extreme temperature conditions like their parents, so make sure you do not take them out in the scorching heat or chilling cold. Grooming Because of their short hair, they do not need much grooming. Brushing twice a week would be sufficient enough. Bathe when your dog gets dirty and try wiping him on a routine basis using a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness. Clean its ears with a damp, warm cloth, clip its nails at least in every two weeks and brush its teeth to lessen possibilities of tooth decay. Health Problems Though the Boston Terrier French Bulldog mixes may not have severe health hazards as their parent breeds, however, certain common concerns faced by their parents like respiratory disorders, eye ailments, digestive concerns, sensitivity to extremes of temperatures might be observed in them. Training Though intelligent, it might be stubborn and demanding like its French Bulldog parent, that might make training a challenge. However, a firm and tactful trainer may handle them well. Now try extending your hand out and say paw, your dog will put out its paw in your hand. Keep a treat ready to encourage your pet. To deal with its stubborn nature begin obedience training by teaching him to follow commands. In order to get your pet acquainted with the sit command, hold its favorite treat very close to its nose, move your hand upwards in such a tactful manner that his head follows the treat and its bottom lowers, coming to a sitting posture. Repeat this exercise many times a day until he has mastered it. Feeding Feed it with good quality dry dog food and make sure you fix a nutritious diet for your pet. Has anyone had any experience with 2 puppies at one time? My daughter wants me to give one puppy back because the puppies just end up playing with each other and ignoring her. Not sure what to do as I wanted this to be a great experience for her with the puppies. I thought it would be a good thing for them to have eachothers company and be able to play together, but now I am regretting it a little. Any advice? This designer cross is an adorable small breed that makes for the perfect family pet. These pups are loyal and loving, wanting to give you cuddles and affection. Due to their small size, these dogs are great for those who live in cities or small apartments and can be great for busy households as well as individual homes with the elderly. In particular, they were bred to remove the respiratory issues in the French Bulldog. This designer dog is actually a little difficult to breed, mainly because of the Frenchie parents small hips. French Bulldogs are often artificially inseminated and natural birthing is difficult, with a lot of puppies being born via caesarian section. The Boston Terrier came into existence in the late s in Boston, Massachusetts. The breed was recognized by the AKC in .The Boston Terrier was one of the first non- sporting dogs bred in the US and was the first of the 10 made-in-America breeds that are currently recognized by the AKC. The French Bulldog originated in England and was created to be a toy-size version of the Bulldog. Later, they emigrated to France along with their owners which is how they got their name. It is thought that the Frenchton originated in The United States in the s. They were then recognized by the International Designer Canine Association in .However, we can make a general assumption based on past litters. This heavy price tag is due to the difficulty many breeders have when breeding because of the Frenchie parent. The litter sizes are also normally small, so this pushes the price up. Regardless, you should always make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. They have lost the bulging eyes from the Boston Terrier, which fortunately means they do not have as many eye problems. They have a round head and flat face with a snub nose which gives them an adorable look! This means that they are a great dog for those who have allergies or those who do not want dog hair all over their house! This also means they do not have high grooming needs, although we will go into more detail about that later on. Color The Frenchton can come in a range of colors. The most common colors are black, brindle, black and white, brown, cream and golden. Temperament The Frenchton is an extremely loyal dog that loves people! They bond very quickly to their owners and remain affectionate and loving towards them for life. This is something to think about before buying one of these pups. They can experience bursts of energy and will be happy running around and playing games. However, they will also be happy curling up next to you on the couch and having a snooze. This is perfect for those with neighbors in close proximity. However, they do snore — so be careful! Lifespan The Frenchton has an average life expectancy of between 8 and 15 years. Known Health Issues Although they were bred to eliminate health problems that their parent breeds are predisposed to, the Frenchton can still be susceptible to some issues. We have laid out the main health concerns below. Brachycephalic airway syndrome — this is a condition that is normally seen in dogs who have a short and flattened head and face. It can lead to breathing issues and loss of breath if they are overexerted. Obesity — the Frenchton can gain weight very easily. You must monitor their diet and ensure they get their daily exercise. Temperature regulation — due to their short coat, the Frenchton can find it difficult to regulate their own body temperature. This is something to be careful of if you live in very hot or cold climates. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you keep your pup in the best condition. Daily Life Now that we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Frenchton, we can take a look at what daily life with one of these pups is actually like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. They require around 20 calories per pound of body weight a day. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount of a certain food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. Ensure that the food you feed your Frenchton is high quality and nutritious. It should have the right amount of protein and fat to keep them healthy and energetic. Remember, these dogs are prone to obesity, so monitoring how much they eat is very important. You should never allow them to free feed and do not give them too many treats. If they become overweight, this can cause other health issues and put their life in danger. The Life Protection formula is suitable for adult dogs that need a little extra help. It comes in a pound bag to cover multiple feedings and uses a chicken and brown rice recipe. Thanks to the real chicken used in the formula, your dog gets the protein that it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles. The formula also uses fruits and garden vegetables along with whole grains. Unlike other dog food that uses lots of grains and fillers with a small amount of protein, Blue Buffalo gives your dog a nice dose of protein with just the right amount of grains and no fillers. This food is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and other problems as it is free from soy and wheat along with preservatives and corn. While they have a lot of energy, they will also love to relax when you get home! We have touched on this above, but remember that the Frenchton struggles to regulate their own body temperature. It is important for you to keep them cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather, especially when you are out and about. An excitable dog, it is a good idea to keep the Frenchton on the leash when you are out in public. They are inquisitive and may go and investigate other people and dogs if you are not careful. Family Compatibility The Boston Terrier Mix makes an excellent family dog due to their love of people. They are also a great dog for individuals, couples and the elderly who want a fun little personality in their life who also makes a good cuddle companion. Because of their small size, the Frenchton can live anywhere, even in apartments. If you are going to be out for hours at time regularly, then this dog might not be for you. You also may need employ a dog walker or sitter to look after your pup while you are out. The Frenchton gets on very well with children and will be the perfect playmate. Their intelligence means that the kids can get in on helping to train your new dog, too. With other animals in the home, the Frenchton will need socialization from the minute they are brought home. Training The Frenchton is an intelligent breed and therefore training is not difficult. Like all dogs, they respond best to positive reinforcement and reward based training. This includes verbal praise as well as treats. Sometimes, the Frenchton can inherit a stubborn streak from their Frenchie parent. You will need to persevere with them, but they will understand eventually! You should never get angry or frustrated with your dog when training. They may not understand what is happening and this will cause them to not want to learn. You should ignore negative behavior and praise positive behavior so they learn which is more desirable. They should especially be socialized with other animals that live at the house from a young age, so they learn there is nothing to be afraid of. Introduce them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals in a safe and controlled way and they will grow up to be a well-rounded pup! Grooming Due to their short and smooth coats, the French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix does not actually require much grooming. You will need to brush them once or twice a week with a grooming mitt to remove dead hair and can be bathed when needed. Even though the Frenchton does not have bulging eyes like their Boston Terrier parent, they can still suffer from tear staining and may need to be washed with a gentle eye cleaner. Their ears need to be kept clean too — use an anti-bacterial ear wash solution at least weekly with cotton pads. Try to clip their nails as and when is needed and keep on top of teeth cleaning. Regular teeth brushing will help prevent dental decay and disease. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to breed and the litter sizes can also be small. This is the reason for their heavy price tag. If this price tag is too far out of your range, then you can always check your local shelter. You may find a Frenchton who is looking for their forever home! Is a purebred dog better than a crossbreed dog? There has been a rise in crossbreeding in recent years. This is because there is a desire to breed dogs with certain characteristics and to get rid of unwanted characteristics within dog breeds. With crossbreeding you can get designer breeds, although some worry that they are more susceptible to health problems. In fact, in a recent study, there was no indication that mixed dogs were more prone to health issues that purebred dogs. The most important thing to look for in your dog is the breeder. They should be a reputable breeder and both the breed parents should be healthy. Summary The Frenchton is an adorable little dog that absolutely loves humans and makes an excellent family dog. These pups do not have high exercise needs but have a lot of energy, loving spending time with you outside on walks and playing games. They were especially common in the city of Nottingham, which was well-known for its lace trade. Sadly during the Industrial Revolution, these jobs as lace makers became increasingly threatened by new technology. Many decided to relocate to France and bought their toy Bulldogs with them. The Boston Terrier traces its lineage back to the unfortunate time in England when bloodsport was still incredibly popular. Dog fighting was an especially popular pastime, and breeders of the time were fixated in crossbreeding Bulldogs and Terriers. They created a breed that could excel in both pit-fighting and ratting competitions. From these breeding attempts, a dog named Judge was born who is widely believed to be the very first of the Boston Terriers. He was purchased by an American and was brought back to their hometown of Boston, hence the origin of their name. Frenchton Size The Boston Terrier is the taller of the two breeds at inches. However, they are also the lighter of the two breeds, commonly weighing around pounds. French Bulldogs are slightly smaller at inches but can weight up to 28 pounds. As for the full grown Frenchton adult, they could potentially range in height from inches and weigh around pounds, depending on which parent they take after. If they take after the Frenchie, they may end up significantly more heavyset for their size. They have a very short tail which is commonly referred to as a nub. They have large, erect ears that are rather akin to a bat and bulging, prominent eyes. It is imperative when owning a breed with Achondroplasia to try and prevent any unnecessary wear and tear to their joints and back. Disallowing them to run up or down stairs, and preventing them from jumping on and off furniture can help with this. As for the French Bulldog, they are a bit lower to the ground than the Boston Terrier and are even more stocky and muscular. They have a short, fine and sleek coat that can come in white, fawn, or cream. Their coat can be patterned or a single color. They have similar ears to the Boston Terrier and the same prominent eyes. However, their face is a lot more wrinkled, and the Frenchie holds a lot more loose skin. They have a short tail, which may be straight or screwed. Typical Traits As the parent breeds share some characteristics it is very likely these will show within Frenchton puppies. The short and sleek coat, bat-like ears, flat face, and prominent eyes will most likely all be present within dogs of this cross. If the puppy takes after the Frenchie parent, they may end up with more loose skin, leading to a more wrinkly face and body. They require a standard weekly brush to remove any dead hair and keep them looking at their best. The Boston Terrier does shed a little more than the Frenchie, but both do not shed a lot in general. Both parent breeds have relatively low grooming requirements, and therefore the Frenchton dog will likely have low requirements too. However, it is recommended to regularly clean the wrinkles and skin folds. These areas are prone to infection and irritation. Temperament of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix Despite their history as a fighting dog, the Boston Terrier is a friendly and bright dog with a gentlemanly air about them. Provided that they have been trained and socialized well. They can be quite the entertainer! As for the French Bulldog, they are smart and loving like the Boston Terrier but can be a bit warier around strangers. Therefore, early socialization is critical to curbing any potential negative behaviors. They tend to have a bit of a stubborn side and have a reputation as independent free-thinkers. But like the Boston Terrier, they love to entertain. Frenchton Health This cross does nothing to fix the severe health issues that come with being a Brachycephalic breed. This is due to a deformity bred into the dog that shortens the skull, leaving them with little to no muzzle. This is known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. This is due to the amount of extra effort these dogs need to go through to breathe. The compromised breathing of these dogs is exacerbated further by hot weather and exercise. Therefore, if you own a Brachycephalic breed they must never be taken outside on a hot day. Exercise should always be kept light to moderate. Their difficulty breathing could eventually lead to a severe condition known as Laryngeal Collapse. Unfortunately, difficulty breathing is only one issue brought about by being a Brachycephalic breed. Issues with Eyes, Skin and Achondroplasia Due to the shortened skull, the eyes of Brachycephalic breeds bulge, and are poorly protected. They are much more prone to irritation, infection, and injury. Back problems can also be more common in these breeds, especially those with a screwed tail. These issues can potentially be debilitating and may require complex and expensive surgery to correct. Skin problems are also rampant within Brachycephalic breeds with a lot of loose skin. It can be easy for irritation and infection to occur with the skin folds of these breeds, like the French Bulldog. Many Brachycephalic dogs are unable to give birth naturally, due to the large heads of their puppies. Caesareans are usually necessary. Poor health is almost inevitable As both parent breeds are Brachycephalic, it is certain that puppies of this cross will be too. They will require a lot of care and could potentially be suffering from debilitating issues their entire lives. Despite the good intentions of this cross, it could potentially introduce a second structural health issue into Frenchton puppies. French Bulldogs have short, stout front legs. This is another deformity known as Achondroplasia that has been bred into them over time. This is another issue that may lead to joint problems such as Patellar Luxation or Hip Dysplasia. Or in more severe cases, back problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease. Are Designer Dogs Healthier? Designer dogs have come under a lot of fire in recent years. With many concerns being raised about the health and welfare of these new breeds. There have also been accusations that breeders of designer dogs are just capitalizing on a fad for monetary gain. One study found that purebred dogs were at higher risk of genetic disorders in comparison to mutts. Another study in found that mixed breed dogs tended to live 1. This is suspected to be due to a concept known as Hybrid Vigor. Where increased genetic diversity promotes better health within a dog. Unfortunately, the fact that these breeds both suffer from the same health issues means that many of the potential benefits of mixing are not seen here. A short to medium length walk is usually enough for these two breeds. As both parents have similar energy levels, a daily walk will most likely be good enough for dogs of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix. The Boston Terrier can be a breeze to train due to their love of pleasing their owners. As always, the best method is to provide positive, reward-based training. Depending on which parent the Frenchton takes after, they may end up easier or harder to train. If you are struggling to train your puppy, always enroll in puppy classes and let a professional do it. Potential breeders can be browsed online or found through more traditional avenues, such as newspaper advertisements. Positive feedback from previous customers and recognition from established breeding societies can be signs of a good breeder. Once you have found a puppy you may like, it is important to check over them. Finding a trustworthy breeder who can prove the genetic health of the parent dogs can help reduce the risk certain health issues. However, due to both parent breeds being Brachycephalic, this is a characteristic that will present itself in Frenchtons. Along with all the health issues it brings. As it is a structural issue that is a part of the conformation of both parent breeds, there is nothing you can do to avoid this. It is very important you consider this before purchasing any puppies. The Frenchton has a high risk of suffering from Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. So you must consider the fact that puppies of this cross may not have the best quality of life and may require special care and expensive vet visits. What to check in a Frenchton puppy Are they breathing loudly, snorting and sniffling? And are their nostrils open and free-flowing, or are they pinched tight? Signs of compromised breathing can be a warning sign this puppy may have severe Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. It is also worth considering avoiding any Frenchton puppies who have inherited the short stout legs of the French Bulldog, as this may lead to further health issues in the future. Ask the breeder for proof Ask the breeder to see proof of the following health evaluations being passed for both parent dogs. For the Boston Terrier these are: Patellar Evaluation. Life Span Did You Know? The Frenchton, also sometimes referred to as a Faux French Bulldog, Frenchbo, or a Boston Frenchie, is a designer dog breed that was developed in the s. It is a mix between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier. As a mixed dog breed, the Frenchton can exhibit any combination of characteristics from the parent breeds. Usually, a Frenchton has a sweet personality with the build of a French Bulldog and the athletic nature of a Boston Terrier. This designer dog breed is loyal, friendly, and intelligent. Although small, they are energetic and very playful. They are a companion breed through and through, so they love spending time with their humans and crave attention. They love to cuddle! The Frenchton also gets along well with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Older children are usually a better fit for the Frenchton. Due to their small stature, they can be injured easily by accidental falls or rough play that can occur with younger children. They also get along with other pets, but may not be as open or friendly to other dogs. Socialization early and often can help your Frenchton feel more comfortable when they come into contact with other dogs. They also make alert watchdogs. Frenchtons are moderately adaptable. Although they have an energetic and playful nature, they also tend to be laid-back. This makes them a good fit for apartments as well as larger homes. They are also true companions and crave attention, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As long as they get enough exercise and attention, they will be happy. Because they are small, snub-nosed dogs, they are very sensitive to heat. Their small stature and short coat also make them susceptible to cold. The Frenchton does best in moderate climates. You can get some durable winter gear for your dog to help them better handle the cold. In hotter weather, make sure they have plenty of water available, keep their exposure to heat minimal, and the air conditioner on a comfortable setting. This is a generally healthy dog breed. Because the Frenchton is a brachycephalic dog, meaning they have a small head and snub-nose, they can be prone to developing respiratory disorders, ailments affecting the eyes, and digestive concerns. They also tend to be sensitive to extreme temperatures and are especially sensitive to heat. Your Frenchton will likely snort, grunt, and be prone to gas — these are all normal occurrences. It could be a sign they are getting sick, developing allergies, or are in need of a change in diet. The Frenchton can be a good fit for a first-time dog owner. They are an intelligent dog breed that is eager to please. They can have an independent and slightly stubborn streak, so obedience classes might be a good idea for novice dog owners. This ensures training sessions are effective, stay positive, and strengthen the bond with your dog. The Frenchton has a short coat with fine hair. Common coat colors are black, black and white, brindle, cream, golden, and brown. Although they are not considered hypoallergenic, their coat does not shed much, so their grooming needs are minimal in that respect. Brushing once or twice a week will keep your pup comfortable and their coat healthy. They will also require the occasional bath, but usually only as needed. Daily brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay and to reduce the risk of tooth decay or other dental issues. This dog breed has a moderate activity level. Because they are smaller and are snub-nosed, they tend to get tired quickly and can overexert themselves. Daily walks and the occasional trip to the dog park or playtime indoors will give the Frenchton plenty of exercise. A Frenchton usually stands 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. This designer dog breed generally lives for 12 to 15 years. Frenchton puppy litters usually average puppies. Frenchton Puppies for Sale.
The adoption fee of German Shepherd in Illinois will range from two hundred fifty dollars up to four three hundred fifty dollars. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you would ask people like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that would confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of any trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd should you adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first met. If you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can also avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd in North Carolina because of its shyness. However, this is only a guide, and if the personality of the dog is not that of a big deal for you, you can pick any dog you want. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary In summary, you can pick any German Shepherd you want in Illinois, but you can pick one that is not suitable for you. If you wish to avoid that mistake, you can use the guides above in choosing the suitable German Shepherd rescue in Illinois for you. Other States. I enjoy taking a bath and being brushed. I would be a great addition to the family. All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested if age appropriate , and up to date on preventatives at the time of adoption. All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present at the time of your appointment. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption. The shelter is currently open by appointment only with an approved application. Please note, all applications are considered general and stay on file for 6 months. Specific animals are NOT put on hold for adoption. When you visit, the adoption counselors will be able to make suggestions based on the type of pet you are looking for and help you find the best fit for your family. Animal House Shelter cannot guarantee the breeds of the adoptable animals. The animals are posted on the website as the breed or breed mix based on their physical characteristics they most resemble. We also cannot guarantee the ages of our adoptable animals or how large puppies will be when fully grown. We look forward to seeing you soon! Watch Us On YouTube! Follow Us On Twitter!
Tunnel Dash The Weaving Wonder Games for German Shepherds can include everyday objects that you can find around your house and are fun activities that give your German Shepherd mental stimulation and exercise. Try a few of these activities for German Shepherds and see which ones your dog loves! Hide-and-Seek Treats Hiding their food helps your dog use their noses to explore. Mental stimulation with a food hide-and-seek game keeps your dog sharp by using their noses source. You can use this game indoors or out in your yard or garden. Now hide a few pieces around the house or yard while they watch, and encourage them to find the food. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, and many learn to track. Puppy Puzzles This German Shepherd activity teaches your dog to use their nose and brain together. Food puzzles are activities that keep your dog working for their reward. Use this stimulating mind game to introduce them to puzzles. Next, place their food in the puzzle. Show them how to find food and encourage them to find the food on their own. If you want to feed your dog the right foods, then read this list of healthy, tasty treats for German Shepherds. Break your treats into small pieces, no larger than the size of your pinkie nail to keep their nutrition in check. The Special Delivery activity uses common mailing items as hiding places for their treats. Use a clean box that came in the mail. Place pieces of kibble or treats inside the brown paper wrap. Squish the brown paper or paper towels together to wrap around the kibble. Encourage your dog or puppy to look for their food. When they are finished, refill the brown paper packaging or paper towel balls and start again. Another simple and easy game to put together is a bottle treat dispenser. The bottle slides and moves on the floor to make the game more interesting for both puppies and adults. And, of course, supervise your German Shepherd during games at all times. Save a large water bottle. Make sure it is clean and dry. Let your dog turn, paw, and shake the bottle so the kibble falls out. Repeat when empty to finish their meal. Replace the bottles regularly as they become dirty or worn. The larger the opening, the easier the food will fall out. Brain Training for Dogs Brain Training your German Shepherd keeps them mentally stimulated and physically engaged, ensuring they have a pawsome time! Brain training your German Shepherd is an activity that increases their mental stimulation and is fun for both you and your dog! You can use brain training to help teach your German Shepherd manners and basic obedience at the same time. But… You can read more on my helpful review: Brain Training for Dogs Review to learn all about this engaging playtime program. Setup this game by doing this: Place a few bits of their food or treats in the muffin tins and a ball over the top to cover the cups. You can leave some muffin tins without a tennis ball to make the game easier to start or for puppies learning about brain games. When your dog is finished, refill the muffin tins. To make the game interesting, leave some tins without food, but still cover the compartment with a tennis ball. This makes your dog use his nose more and gives them a surprise when they find the food in some compartments but not in others. Frozen Kong Delight By far, my German Shepherd enjoys this mental exercise the best, as the food seems to last longer and keep her quiet. Get out your trusty, indestructible German Shepherd-proof Kong toy. Place a mixture of moistened kibble in the center. I like to add a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt mixed into the food for extra encouragement. Set this in the freezer for a few hours to stiffen up. When frozen, give it to your dog for a tasty mealtime surprise! If you buy a few Kongs, you can keep them in your freezer for times when you want or need to keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. Trust me, the Kong toys make for engaging playtime ideas for German Shepherds and can stand up to their rough play. Tupperware Surprise These old plastic food storage containers make useful indoor activities for your German Shepherd. Put them to use with this game. Place several pieces of plastic food storage containers upside down, without their lids, over a handful of kibble. You can put the food storage containers all in one room or place them in multiple rooms for a seek-and-find activity. Encourage your dog to go find the kibble, and help them find the first few to get them started. They must figure out how to turn the container over with their paws or nose, which is tricky for some dogs, especially puppies. Use this mental exercise inside or outside, depending on the weather. This game also uses empty cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper. Place their kibble on brown shipping or craft paper, or even a clean paper towel. Next, wrap the kibble up securely and place the wrapped kibble inside the cardboard tubes. Encourage your dog to explore the tubes. You can see my German Shepherd enjoying the game of finding treats in cardboard tubes. As simple as this sounds, the activity keeps my German Shepherd busy as she delicately removes the kibble from the boxes or toilet roll tubes filled with kibble and paper. No worries. This game really gets an active Shepherd moving and keeps them occupied! Start slowly and toss one ball away from you. While your dog goes to chase that ball, get another ball toy ready in your hand. As they return the first ball, toss the second ball across the grass for them to have another sprint. Only play a handful of rounds, and then let your dog have a rest and some water to avoid them overheating. Instead, use these summer activities to exercise your German Shepherd in the heat. Place their kibble meal or another dry treat inside the toy to help provide a challenge to their minds and bodies. As your dog chases the toy around and works to get their reward, they burn calories and have to use their brain power to work the food loose. You can wash this treat dispensing toy, so if your dog is a first-class drooler, you can easily clean their germs away. This is a mentally-stimulating game for an indoor German Shepherd activity for a puppy or even a bored German Shepherd. Tunnel Dash Collapsible tunnels can make for an exciting and fun backyard activity. Owners of our high-energy breed will appreciate teaching their dog both indoor agility to challenge their minds and outdoor agility to challenge their minds and use their energy! You may have to entice your dog through the tunnel by placing them at one end and having them wait while you walk to the other. But German Shepherds love this type of stimulation and are expert tunnel runners! The Weaving Wonder From German Shepherd puppies to seniors, almost every dog enjoys learning how to become a weaving wonder! If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, then add to your agility set by using these easy-to-set up weave poles. Your athletic Shepherd will love to use their brains and their agility to figure out the best way to quickly maneuver through the weave poles. Begin by walking ahead of your dog through the weave poles and have them follow you. Reward them frequently in between poles in the beginning. When they make it to the end, celebrate and reward them again. Eventually, have your GSD make more turns of the poles before the reward. Learn all about the right ways to exercise your German Shepherd for complete health and fitness. Your dog or puppy has many senses they need to use daily. They can see, hear, touch, smell, and think. Many dogs living in our modern, busy lives lack mental stimulation. In the wild, your dog would work alongside their pack or alone to track down prey using their senses. They would then plan an attack, using their mental abilities. Using all these senses during play helps your dog gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities. New experiences ignite portions of their brains to keep them engaged in their environments. An engaged dog is a happy, better-behaved dog! Include 2 or 3 new activities for your German Shepherd a week to begin. You ready for more? From nutrition tips to exercise tricks, this guide has it all. Trust me, your German Shepherd will be wagging their tail with joy! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free guide now and continue fun adventures and activities with your German Shepherd! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Due to the hectic lifestyles that many of us lead today, German Shepherds might spend many hours alone at home every day. Here are some of my favorite ideas. Give them the King of toys — the Kong. Kong toys not only help calm your dog but, when frozen, can keep your German Shepherd busy for a long time. Kongs are great for hiding treats or serving their daily meal and keeping them busy. Stuff the Kong with natural peanut butter, their favorite dog-safe foods, special treats, or even fill with a mixture of all. Most German Shepherds will stay happily busy working for their food. And, a properly stuffed and frozen Kong could take a lot of time for your dog to release all their tasty reward. Is it summertime and you need to help them beat the heat? Kong to the rescue for busy-time and summer fun! Not only can the Kong toy itself be filled and frozen, but for an extra treat fill a freezer-safe plastic container with low-sodium broth and water and drop your food-filled Kong inside the mixture. Leave it to freeze overnight. Then, take the toy and your dog to a safe spot where they can enjoy licking and chewing their giant-size pupsicle! Do you have a teething German Shepherd puppy to keep busy? Place their soaked kibble in the Kong and freeze for them to soothe their inflamed gums and aching jaws while they chew and squeeze away the pain. Want to know the right size Kong for your dog and how to use the toy to help solve and prevent behavior problems? Then read all about Kong toys for German Shepherds. Show them interesting sights and sounds. Some Shepherds enjoy watching the sights and sounds of the world going by. Others will bark at leaves falling. Here are a few stations that dogs generally enjoy: Animal Planet Discovery Channel National Geographic There are even YouTube channels that cater especially to dogs at home that need some visual and auditory stimulation. While watching these videos your German Shepherd can see squirrels, cats, birds, other dogs, and nature scenes — all while hearing the sounds of the animals along with calming music. If you know your dog gets upset hearing other dogs or animals, then look for calming music channels that play soothing sounds and tunes to comfort anxious dogs. Provide a search and sniff scavenger hunt. Did you know that sniffing helps to calm dogs and provides needed mental stimulation to keep their minds occupied source? Encourage your dog to hunt for her meals by hiding small piles of her kibble around your house in safe, easy-to-reach areas so she has to use her nose to find them. Scatter a couple of handfuls of kibble in the places where your dog hangs out during the day before you leave for the day or when you want to keep her entertained. You determine how easy or difficult you want the game to be depending on where you decide to hide the treats. At first, you might need to leave the food in more open areas as your dog learns to play and sniff for their treasure. Easy Scavenger Hunt larger groups of kibble placed in the open smaller groups of food placed under safe items groups of treats together next to items, but not hidden a kibble trail that leads your dog on a sniffari indoors You can make the Scavenger Hunt more difficult as your dog learns the game. You can also hide one of her meals in her Kong puzzle toy right before you leave home. This prompts her to associate you leaving for the day with a positive — as opposed to a negative — emotion and can help lessen the fear of being alone for her. Play a classic game of tug-of-war. Tug can help build confidence in German Shepherds when played correctly. All you need for this old-school game is a tough rope toy and some space to move around safely. To entice your German Shepherd to grab the rope, wiggle it like a snake, let her take hold of it, and gently begin tugging the rope. While your dog sinks their teeth and puts her bodyweight into the pull you get a bit of an upper-body and cardio workout. Plus, did you know that cotton tug ropes provide your German Shepherd the opportunity to easily help clean their teeth? In fact, research shows that playing tug with your dog is much more complex. In one study dogs handicapped themselves i. Tug, when played correctly and with rules, can build confidence in German Shepherds and help teach them more about your owner-dow relationship. Teach your dog a new trick. When was the last time you taught your German Shepherd a fun trick? I bet your brilliant German Shepherd would love to keep entertained by learning a new trick or obedience command. You can pick a hard trick that takes a while to learn or an easy trick that your dog might quickly pick up on. Or aim higher by working on naming all of her toys in her toy box so she can get them by name when you ask. Either way… Your German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything that you take the time and patience to train. Remember, your German Shepherd is so smart for a reason. Whether you have a German Shepherd puppy or a full-grown dog, this is super fun to try! Even better… 6. Include plenty of play with their friends. Having doggie friends is essential for German Shepherds, especially puppies. Sometimes your German Shepherd just needs to play with other dogs and socialize. You can schedule playdates with other well-behaved dogs with your friends and family for some puppy entertainment. Many doggy daycares will provide discounts if you purchase multiple play days to keep the price reasonable and provide your German Shepherd with more opportunities for entertainment. There are separate play sections for puppies and larger, adult dogs, so your dog is matched to their appropriate playgroup. Never underestimate the value of a healthy play session to keep your German Shepherd entertained. Sneak in a new toy. Sneaking in a new toy for your German Shepherd can keep them entertained as they enjoy the surprise. Do you have a dog that loves to play with toys? Then help keep them busy by sneaking in a new toy to spark their interest and keep their self-directed play fun. Just think of how excited your German Shepherd will get when they sniff out their new toy! Also, rotate her toys every week or so to heighten the excitement of playing with her toys. Simply put away a few of the usual toys and sneak in another to replace the missing old toys. Then, rotate them again for a fresh perspective! Teach them how to stay calm. Even busy German Shepherds need to calm down to recharge and relax. Teaching a German Shepherd how to calm themselves and channel their energy into resting and relaxing is actually difficult. If your German Shepherd becomes nervous, anxious, or overactive when you leave home, try these ideas to help comfort them, especially puppies. Give a treat designed to encourage rest and relaxation, like these calming chicken and hemp chews. Use a dog pheromone diffuser. Use a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser if you think your absence causes anxiety in your German Shepherd. Adaptil makes a calming dog diffuser for this specific purpose that is shown to lessen anxiety symptoms and promote calm. The pheromone released by the diffuser is similar to the one that lactating mother dogs emit to calm their newborn puppies when feeding. So, the pheromone is familiar to your German Shepherd and creates a sense of relaxation and calm. Place the diffuser in a room your dog generally uses or spends most of her time in. These calming tools are especially helpful to German Shepherd puppies who might be overwhelmed in their new home and miss their littermates and mother. Include a mid-day walk. Dog walking services are provided in many cities and towns to help you. The typical dog walking schedule for many working owners is in the morning and evening. But the German Shepherd Dog is a high-energy breed and will benefit from a mid-day walk to add some entertainment to their day. Many reputable pet care facilities include a dog walking service and will walk your German Shepherd with other dogs that are similar in personality if you like. I highly recommend that you also get a GPS tracker for your German Shepherd if you have a dog walker. Give remote surprise check-ins. Checking in on your mischievous German Shepherd puppy has never been easier with remote cameras. With all the modern pet technology today you might be overlooking how to keep a German Shepherd busy remotely. Remote cameras are a great way to keep your German Shepherd occupied and surprised. How amazing is that for modern pet technology? Each puzzle takes a combination of reasoning, persistence, and paw dexterity to work out. The very act of leaving a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours or more a day and then being too tired to spend time with them in productive ways is the reason for most of the behavioral problems they develop. How would you feel if you were left at home all day, every day, with no one to talk to, no television to watch, no books to enjoy, no work to do, and no opportunity to exercise? It would be awful! Read this post on how to exhaust a German Shepherd to reduce boredom to learn more about what you can do to help keep boredom at bay. Playing with your German Shepherd enriches your relationship with her on a unique level. Together, the two of you will have a distinctive interaction during your play sessions. This is vital information because play helps build a strong relationship foundation. While some people believe that German Shepherds are rough, tough, working breeds they genuinely have a playful nature and seek out the companionship of play with their special person. German Shepherds seek out play with those they feel close to and are comfortable with. Although there are many different ideas to entertain your dog, every dog is unique and has certain preferences. They tend to develop behavior issues when secluded from their family and can become depressed, act out for attention, and develop other health conditions due to the stress of spending too much time alone. When you understand how to keep a German Shepherd busy and entertained both of your days will go by more smoothly. Remember… The time you put into your German Shepherd creates an unbreakable bond. Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Some owners have large yards and several family members that can help keep the dog busy, but it can be a struggle to keep finding something to do if there are only one or two people in your household. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading while we list several activities you can do with your German Shepherd to keep it happy and well behaved. Fetch Frisbee, ball, throwing toy Plenty of room Fetch is the most basic dog game that almost everyone knows. To play this game, all you need is a Frisbee, ball, or any toy that you can throw so your dog can chase it and bring it back. Balls and Frisbees work well because you can get a good distance with them, which will keep the dog more active. These toys can cause your dog to expend a large amount of energy in a short amount of time without you needing to put in a lot of effort. There are even accessories you can purchase to help you throw the ball further with less effort. The downside to this game is that you need a lot of room for the dog to run. To play this game, you only require a piece of rope with knots in it so you and the dog can get a grip. Many commercial ropes will work perfectly, and there are many varieties available, so you can find one that is comfortable to use. To play, let the dog grab one end with its teeth, and you take the other. It will also help your dog expend energy quickly, especially if you are in good health, and can make the dog work harder to keep the rope. It only requires a fraction of the space fetch does, but it does require considerable strength to play against a full-grown German Shepherd for more than a few minutes. Obstacle Training Obstacles Plenty of room Obstacle training can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. It will help your pet burn off excess energy quickly and sharpen your skills as a trainer. To play obstacle training, you will need plenty of room to set up obstacles. The obstacles can be anything, but we recommend starting with something simple like a piece of wood or a chair. Put the obstacle between you and the dog and call it toward you. If it jumps the barrier, give it a treat and try again. The downside to obstacle training is that it will go a lot easier for someone with experience training, and it can take up a lot of room in your yard if there are several obstacles. Wrestling Strength As strange as it may seem, wrestling is one of the best ways to bond with your German Shepherd because few other activities cause you to be in such close proximity with your attention focused on each other. The dog will climb all over you to try to get the ball, and you can flip your pup over gently to get the belly which will get it all riled up. It has a long pole that you hold. Attached to the pole is a long string that has a toy tied at the end. The toy usually squeaks, and you use it almost like a fishing pole to dangle the toy in front of the dog to get it to chase it. Our dogs get a lot of enjoyment from the Flirt Pole , and the only downside is that the dog chews them, so you will need to replace them every few weeks. Mind Games for German Shepherds 6. To get started, hide a treat in plain sight, then let your dog see you hide another behind a wall. Try a few more easy hides, and when your dog starts to catch on, you can make them a little more difficult. The easiest way to play this game is to wait until your dog is out of sight and then call them but quickly run and hide before they get there. When the dog arrives, they will be confused and begin to search for you and will usually continue looking until they find you. As the dog catches on, they will begin to check past hiding spots first, so you will need to be clever. Call your dog over and watch as they turn them over looking for the treat. As they get more skilled, they will find the treat faster, so you can add even more cups. Ring Stack Ring stacking toy If you have children or know someone that does, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the ring stacking toys for babies. You can also use these toys with your German Shepherd and learn to stack the rings in the right order with a little patience. The best way to play is to start with only a few rings and add more as your dog catches on. After some time, put the item on the floor and instruct your dog to fetch it. After several months, you will be amazed at how many items your dog knows by name. Some are extremely easy and only require the dog to step on a lever, while others are quite complex, requiring multiple steps to unlock the treat. It burns off excess energy extremely fast and helps keep your dog in top shape. The other games are all fun, but they take longer and require a bigger commitment of your time. Luckily, you can play as many games as you want, so you can play fetch every day and do some wrestling on your days off work. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found the answers you need. If we have helped you keep your dog entertained, please share these eleven best games to play with your German Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior.
Pairing the sweet and friendly nature of the Labrador Retriever with the low-shedding Poodle genes, we get the most charming Doods that any owner would love to have by their side. And as both Poodles and Labradors are extremely intelligent, training Labradoodles is an absolute breeze! Thorough health screening helps breeders choose the healthiest pups for breeding new litters. As a result, the new litters have a much lower chance of inheriting any hereditary health issues. Likewise, ethical Labradoodle breeders in Florida also offer a health guarantee, which covers any serious genetic conditions that the parent pups have been tested for. The health guarantees usually cover the first two years, but some breeders also offer three-year health guarantees. However, all of these organizations require their member breeders to follow ethical breeding guidelines and strict health testing standards. And if any of your friends, family members, or neighbors have recently adopted a Labradoodle puppy, reach out to them and ask about their experiences with various breeders in your state. Their goal is to breed happy and healthy Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with wonderful temperaments. At Coastal Labradoodles, they raise all of their puppies in a loving and safe home environment. All of their breeding dogs are family pets first who either live with the breeder or with carefully chosen guardian families. This ensures that each dog is pampered and loved by their very own family. Coastal Labradoodles conducts extensive health and genetic testing on all of their breeding dogs to ensure the health and wellbeing of their litters. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Coastal Labradoodles follows Puppy Culture and Avidog methods when raising their puppies. Since they raise their puppies inside their own home as part of their family, their pups are already well-socialized with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups are well-adjusted to all sorts of household sights and sounds, and they even start with potty training and crate training before the pups go to their forever homes. Puppies receive all age appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a microchip. Waitlist: Yes. She was our world; the best wife, mother and friend. She was also the backbone and heart of this family business. Even though the world seems a lot less bright to us, the CCK family has a very special angel now. CCK Blog Check out some stories about our furry family and what drives us. You'll get a monthly little inside scoop when we have two hands available, post-belly rubs. We may not always be on time with updates, but know it's because our dog's are getting all the love in the world! We have been breeding dogs since .Several of our dogs have been placed in companion programs as service dogs. We're proud to say our puppies live all over the nation, including one in Puerto Rico! We selectively breed for temperament, health and standard of the breeds. Our dogs are family-raised primarily in our house and get frequent socialization from family and friends. All of our dogs are health tested and come with a 2 year Health Guarantee. We live on 5 acres in Loxahatchee, Florida. We have a 2 acre fenced back yard with a lake and a pool. The dogs and pups get a lot of exercise and are acclimated to water early on. We also have chickens and ducks and they intermingle with no issues. We take pride in bringing beautiful, quality and loving pups into this world. We look forward to adding you to our ever growing "Life with Doodles" Family. Next Steps.Check out our puppy page for updates on litters and when you're ready to make the four-legged leap, we're ready to help you. While you're at it, follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more furry family fun! Our puppies are all over the world and would be happy to make you part of our puppy family. Thank you for visiting South Florida Australian Labradoodles. .We are the first multigenerational registered Australian Labradoodle in South Florida. We started in with our first mini Australian Labradoodle and fell in love with the temperament of this breed. Since then, we have held back mostly our own puppies and created the amazing lines we have today. We have generation after generation of our same lines, so our puppies temperaments are very predictable. We have since grown to our wonderful puppies being all over the world. We specialize in Mini Australian Labradoodles and know how important it is to know you are getting an Authentic Australian Labradoodle that is healthy, sound temperament, correct structure and amazing coats. All of our breeding dogs are registered and health tested to the standards of the ALAA. We adhere to a strict code of ethics, breed standard and strive to do everything with the highest integrity. All of our puppies are raised in our home and receive endless kisses by the time they go home. If you did not receive a response please check your junk mail. They are located in the St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and St. Pete Beach areas of Florida. To learn more you can visit their website here or send them an email at tbalusa gmail. They have been in business since .They breed allergy and asthma friendly mini, medium and standard size Australian Labradoodle puppies. All of their breeding dogs are health tested according to the standard of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association. The kennel was founded by Peggy, who opened her business because of her love for dogs and desire for safer breeding practices. They socialize and teach. And, they provide a lot of interaction between their puppies. Individualized attention to their litters. They start training early and send them home vaccinated. They are located in Tampa Bay and Central Florida. To learn more about Seaspray and their upcoming litters, visit their website here. Lakewood Labradoodles Lakewood is a breeder of allergy friendly australian labradoodles. Located in Winter Haven, they raise their puppies inside their home as members of their family. Before you can take them home, Lakewood helps to begin the training process by laying a foundation for a well trained pet. For more information on their upcoming litters, visit their website here. They specialized in miniature to medium sized Australian Labradoodle puppies. I do not work outside of the home and I am fully involved in their upbringing, early development and training. They test for genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, PRA and have eye exams annually. Before you bring your puppy home, they will be vaccinated, given a microchip, dewormed and given a well-puppy exam at 8 weeks. Plus, their litters are evaluated by a behaviorist to ensure good behavior before you bring your new dog home. To learn more about their upcoming litters and to view their dogs, visit their website here. They genetically and radio graphically test all their dogs for genetic disease and any health issues. Their puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. The communication you provided during the process was spot on. With an excited family, it was great seeing the updates on the puppy and the pictures. Beau is beautiful and loved. He has a personality all his own, different than the Labs we owned. My wife Kelly got diagnosed with breast cancer not long after we got Beau and he has been a great pal for her. He loves her and she loves him. They breed their dogs to the highest of standards and each dog is registered and health tested to the regulations of the ALCA. Additionally, they have all of their breeding dogs DNA profiles so you know that you are getting an Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle. Before you bring your puppy home, they use neurological stimulation and activities to promote well behaved and confident pets. We want to raise our Australian Labradoodle puppies to have the best chance to grow into confident, stable and able to handle the stresses and challenges of a modern lifestyle. Fursure Helps Pet Parents Find The Best Pet Insurance Policy With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. We are a small breeder of exceptional companion, multi-generational Australian Labradoodle Puppies. We are located in the central Florida area, minutes away from Orlando and very accessible via all of the major central Florida highways. All of our litters are hand raised in our home, never in a kennel. Our puppies are born in our master bedroom or bathroom, where they remain until they are three and a half to four weeks old. During this early period, we begin using puppy culture techniques in order to help raise very confident, well balanced puppies. At just over three weeks, we introduce a designated potty area, which they often begin finding within a couple of days, we also introduce solid foods at this same time initially goats milk, then a few days later we begin adding raw food. Later they are moved into our main living area, where they are exposed many new sounds, sights, textures and experiences in preparation for joining your family. The majority of our parent dogs share a home with one of our incredible guardian families. Virtually all of our guardians have come to us by way of referral from our existing guardian families - we'd like to think that is indicative of a very positive relationship. By implementing our guardian family team, our mom and dad dogs often live as the single pampered pet of their household. This is consistent in maintaining great family dogs - likely one of the reasons that you are considering an Australian labradoodle puppy. Our guardians are very hands on with the shaping of your future puppy, sometimes even assisting during the birthing process and later with weekly visits to their home - this is good for our momma dogs, their families and of course our puppies. Our visits allow our pups weekly car rides from week one, as well as early handling and socialization in a very safe and controlled environment. Our parent dogs are rigorously health tested prior to being considered for breeding and assessed for their temperament. We have been working with most of our lines for over fourteen years and have continued to refine them. When we give consideration to using outside lines, we are very attentive to the same qualities we seek in our parent dogs. While the majority of our litters are medium in size, we do occasionally offer mini doodles as well as standards. We tend to specialize and be known for our red and chocolate labradoodle lines, but also produce a great variety of other colors and patterns. Thank you for visiting our website! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to becoming part of your happily furever after!
Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.
Conclusion So today, we are going to debunk all the stereotypes about toy poodles by discussing their history, breed, appearance, health, temperament, and fun facts. Keep reading the article and find out why poodle enthusiasts are the proudest breed owners. Shall we begin? About the Breed As the name implies, these dogs fall in the category of toy breed due to their extremely small size. However, even with this small size, these toy poodles have great personalities. Originally miniature and toy poodles were made by breeding small poodles instead of breeding poodles with toy breeds. Many people believe that poodles are the result of the breeding of various European water canines including Russian French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, and Portuguese water dogs. Depending upon the toy poodle mixes, you may get to see a wide variety of sizes in the same breed, from a standard poodle to a miniature poodle. The breed is originally a water retriever by nature and therefore, ranked as the best duck dog. In fact, their English name poodle is derived from the german word pudelin or pudel meaning splashing the water. Whereas in French, these toy poodles have the name Caniche which means duck dog. Their sole purpose is to please their owner either by completing a hunting mission or doing hilarious things. The best thing about this toy poodle dog breed is that they make up for great apartment dwellers and are super social simultaneously. Training toy poodles are super easy which also makes them the perfect choice as a family pet and the best breed for people with a busy lifestyle. Yes, they crave cuddles and companionship, but these toy poodle puppies also understand and get settled according to the lifestyle of their owners. They find their enjoyment to keep themselves busy when the poodle parents are not around remember that famous Tik-Tok star poodle puppy, biscuit? However, like all the other dogs, these also need to stay busy otherwise they might get subjected to huge mental and physical destruction. So you better not leave them for long hours or at least assign these small dogs a task before heading to the office. Luckily, with their many talents, toy poodles love to do every task and indulge in all sorts of sports activities for having super athletic natures. Toy Poodles History Although poodles have been around for more than four hundred years, toy puddles are quite newer than standard poodles. Many people believed that the miniature poodles emerged soon after the original german poodles, but we still think they were not there before the s. Unlike the original german poodles that were bred which were bred to retrieve fowls and ducks from water bodies, toy and miniature poodles were designed for a different job; to perform in circuses, and streets, and to adopt as pure family dogs. Pet owners, especially the French, use these working dogs to search out for mushrooms and truffles in the woods which make up a super essential ingredient in most french cuisine. Since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, poodles were dogs only possessed by rich and famous people whereas, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, toy poodle puppies became a status symbol among the wealthy and merchant class. Due to this very reason, you may easily find famous ancient art pieces, featuring toy puddles, including French artworks, courts of aristocracy, and the paintings of the world-renowned german painter Albrecht Durer. Even today, after hundreds of years, the royalty and aristocracy associated with this dog breed are intact. British kennel poodle club register its very first poodle puppy in whereas the American kennel club registered its very first poodle pup in .Until , toy poodles were extremely rare dog breeds in the US but after world war 2, a fair increase in their number and demand was seen, making them the most popular breeds for more than two decades. To participate in competitions as show dogs, each poodle must have to stick to specific hairstyles — following the rules about where their furry pom-poms and puffs will go. Adult poodles may choose only one of the three hairstyles including the English saddle, the modified continental clip, and the general continental clip. Poodles are one of those dog breeds that contain hair, not fur. Fur refers to hairy growth which elongates to a special length and then shed off whereas hair grows to an infinite length without shedding. Due to their unmatchable agility and intelligence, this intelligent dog breed is serving mankind as service dogs. Toy Poodles Appearance Based on their size, poodles are divided into three groups; miniature, toy, and standard. All of these poodle types look nearly the same, with the same physical attributes dark eyes, ears hanging close to the skull, and black nose , coat, behavior, markings, and texture. All these poodles look extremely fragile with their long, curled coats and delicate moose. The only difference is their height and weight. Well, among the three categories, the smallest poodle is the toy poodle with a size of up to ten inches. After the toy poodles, miniature poodle puppies come which may stand anywhere around eleven to fifteen inches tall. Lastly, the standard poodles are the tallest of all and may stand anywhere from fifteen inches to twenty-two inches tall. Speaking precisely of toy poodle size then the male poodle can grow up to seven to ten inches maximum. On the other hand, female toy poodles tend to grow only up to six to nine inches tall. Weight The weight of the poodles may vary as per their size. For example, a toy poodle may weigh anywhere around pounds whereas a miniature poodle may weigh around pounds. The standard french poodle, on the other hand, is the heaviest of all as it can weigh around pounds. Speaking precisely of toy poodles then male toy poodle may weigh around four to six pounds whereas female toy poodle weighs around three to five pounds. Coat The coat texture of all the poodles is nearly the same with long, curly hair that needs to be groomed every four to six weeks. However, one thing that you should know before owning a toy poodle is that their coats are highly prone to matting so you better trim it regularly and sort it out using a puppy clip or pet clip. Coat Color When it comes to coat colors, the poodle varieties are endless. From black to grey to blue to the brown and white toy poodle, choosing one can be seriously intimidating. Speaking of the most popular poodle coats then red and black ones are considered the supreme options. Toy Poodle Temperament and Personality Speaking of the personality and temperament of poodle puppies then they are super friendly, active, and superb trainable. Since they are famously known as companion dogs, they crave companionship and develop lonesome anxiety very quickly. As a result of this separation anxiety, these toy poodles can turn your entire house upside down by chewing out the couch and digging out the pot plants. Although you can leave them alone for a small period, as stated before, at least assign them some sort of activity to ensure they are busy enough not to feel your absence. As a watchdog, toy poodles are works well since they can hear even the slightest sound and bark their ass off to alert you of invaders. However, This loud and excessive barking also comes out as a problem for dog owners sometimes but since they are super smart, a little training will be sufficient to make them behave correctly. Last but not least thing you need to remember that toy breed standard poodles are intelligent not only to learn good habits but also bad ones. Toy Poodle Health and Care The life expectancy in toy poodles is twelve to fifteen years if they get a proper diet and exercise. Some of these severe health problems are genetic whereas some other arises afterward, due to improper care and negligence. To discard the chance of genetic disorders, make sure you are purchasing your pup from a reputable breeder. Gastric dilation volvulus is generally caused by eating way too quickly, drinking water in gulps, or having a large meal one time a day. If timely medical attention is not provided, your poodle may die. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition in which the retina deteriorates day by day. During the initial stage of this disorder, night vision begins to lose. If not treated, your pup may develop day blindness too, making him completely blind. Besides progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis is also a commonly inherited toy poodle disease in which hair grows at the internal side of the eyelid. The best treatment plan to solve this medical condition is the prognosis and surgical removal of hair. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition in which the thigh ligaments and hip sockets are poorly attached, causing severe pain and soreness in movement. Sometimes, hip dysplasia is also caused by way too strenuous exercises, high chlorine diet, abnormally fast growth, and being overweight. Chiropractic treatments may treat this condition to a great extent but for complete treatment, your pet needs to undergo proper medication, supplements, and sometimes, surgery. Skin Diseases Sebaceous adenitis is quite common in toy poodles in which the hair begins to fade in the form of bare patches and the skin of your poodle turns super dry and scaly. The exact cause of this skin condition is unknown, it takes quite a long time to get better completely. Generally, the vet recommends changing the diet by adding more fatty acid supplements to it. Besides sebaceous adenitis, toy poodles may also develop skin cancer which originates at their toe-bed. The cancerous region often seems in the form of protruded lump or bulb. Despite looking extremely fragile and being suspected to develop so many different health ailments, taking care of your toy poodle is not a too difficult task. And what falls under general care? Well, make sure your dog is getting a healthy diet. For this purpose, search thoroughly for the best dog food around and avoid the ones having high amounts of preservatives or artificial ingredients. Since your toy poodle is super active and energetic, he needs a diet full of calories, protein, and fiber. Vegetables and real meat make a good choice for poodle feed since they offer a natural source of nutrition, without so many fillers. To prevent skin and coat conditions, brush your poodle daily and trim the excessive hair every month. Other things that should be added to the lifestyle of your healthy puppies are Brushing and grooming. The poodle coats tend to be thick, long, and curly which means they can be matted super quickly on wearing a wrong collar or by cuddling a little more extra. Therefore, to save yourself and your toy poodle from the hassle of painful detangling, brush their coats daily, from root to end. Usually, a fine brush with narrow and sturdy nails is preferred to prevent matting. Just make sure you are purchasing your pup from reputable toy poodle breeders so you can get the exact health information about your pet-to-be. If you have any questions related to this cutest dog breed, feel free to drop them in the comment section! Cody Mitchell Cody Mitchell is a pet lover and a passionate pet writer. He has worked as a professional writer for over 6 years, with a focus on creating compelling content for pet-related brands. His work has been featured in major publications. When he's not writing, Cody can be found playing with his two dogs a labradoodle and a cocker spaniel or cuddling his cat. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. I affectionately refer to her as my niece. She is a Toy Poodle and is 14 or 15 months old in this picture. She is so cute and can balance well on her hind legs. She is a Toy Poodle puppy and is 8 weeks old in this picture. She is a very playful and intelligent puppy. She loves to sleep on her back and hides her toys in her bed when playing with them. She gets along great with people and other dogs. Most people that have seen the pictures of her say she is a stuffed animal which I cannot blame them, because she really looks fake. She is just a perfect example of a little princess. Whenever I am eating something he is my best friend, but the moment I'm done he is off to socialize with someone else! He is 10 lbs. His birthday is May 16 and his middle name is Vincent. I was just outside taking pictures of my yard on a windy day, and the wind caught his ears.Teddy is a purebred Toy Poodle. He was 6 years old when this picture was taken. We got him when he was just a puppy. He has been a good dog and companion. He's very sweet, loves to lick you. He can be obsessive-compulsive at times. Some good habits are that he knows what a bath is we have to spell it out.LOL , and he knows when we are leaving!! And a bad habit is he doesn't eat his own dog food, which can be annoying sometimes. So my grandma gave him to my aunt and I paid my aunt for him. At first I had no idea what to call him. He had quite an attitude and was very ornery and still is. It came right out when my grandma and grandpa got him out of the car to go potty when they got him to my house they came from Kentucky to Ohio with him. That little runt squatted right over grandpa's shoe and peed on it! Nobody could understand why I named him that because he looked so innocent, but after a little while they began to see the little troublemaker inside. As he has grown his hair has gone from the rusty pumpkin color in his baby photo to more of a creamy apricot color, but his personality is still pretty much the same: energetic, playful and downright ornery. This is Todo, a year-old Toy Poodle. This sweet little dog is named Daisy. Four-month-old Magoo. Less - The Toy Poodles have a shoulder height of up to 25 cm 10 in and weigh kg lbs. Poodles are very elegant in appearance. They have a long, narrow muzzle, slight stop point at which the forehead meets the muzzle , dark eyes, and wide ears. Toy Poodles have flat backs, straight, docked tails and small, oval feet. Their length is approximately the same as their height. The Toy Poodle is sensitive, intelligent, lively, playful, proud, and elegant. It bonds closely with family and makes a great companion. Toy Poodles are very smart, obedient, and graceful, which makes them one of the most popular pets in the world. The Toy Poodle is bouncy, alert, and usually eager to play. Toy Poodles are more energetic than Standard Poodles, and more likely to bark. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog. PROS: Intelligent, long-lived and easy to train. In the UK these are separate breeds each with their own register. But in the USA, the different Poodle sizes are all categories of the same breed — the Poodle — rather than distinct breeds in their own right. To find the history of the Toy sized poodle, we need to look at the breed as a whole. There they were originally bred as retrievers for fetching ducks and other waterfowl from the water. Poodles are derived from Barbets — water dogs which are still around today. Scaling down Miniature and Toy Poodles were created by gradually scaling down the big Poodle dog. This was first done for specific hunting tasks. But changed to breed them for companionship. Fun Fact! Poodles are loved by everyone throughout history. Elvis was one of these well known Poodle lovers. He adored Poodles so much he often gave them as gifts to his loved ones. He gave one called Little Bit to an early girlfriend, gave one named Duke to his mother, and gave his wife Priscilla Presley a Toy Poodle called Honey! After that a dog would be categorized as a Miniature or Standard Poodle depending on how much bigger they grew. Miniature Poodles can measure up to 15 inches. That puts our curly toy breed on the same scale as other toy dog favorites, Pugs and Shih Tzus. In the show ring, where two of these tiny toy poodles are equal in all other respects, the smaller dog will take the rosette. So what is the magic tipping point when a Miniature Poodle becomes a Toy? This, again, is less than a Miniature Poodle, who should weigh in between 10 and 15 pounds. The toy poodle adult is a very small dog. And their puppies are very tiny indeed. This tiny size makes this small Poodle dog breed vulnerable to injury at any time but especially when they are new puppies, and this is something to consider when deciding between a puppy and a rescue dog. Like many other smaller dogs, this small poodle breed reaches maturity sooner than their larger cousins, and your Toy Poodle dog will be fully grown by their first birthday. How long do Toy Poodles live? This is a breed with a relatively good life expectancy. A small sample of owners in the UK who were willing to complete a survey for the Kennel Club including details of how their pets had died 20 dogs in total , found that the average lifespan of those Poodles in the toy group had been 14 years and eight months. And it is not that unusual to hear of a 17 or 18 year old Toy Poodle. Fourteen is a respectable age for any dog. It also reflects the general rule that small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs the average age for Standard Poodles in the same survey was 12 years. And pleasingly, the leading cause of death when the time came was simple old age. They have dark, oval eyes and their ears hang close to their heads. Poodles have long, straight muzzles, and of course a very distinctive coat. Toy Poodle Tail In the USA the toy poodle tail is usually docked, which means that the tip of the tail has been cut off. This is a procedure that is carried out when puppies are just 2 or 3 days old. Tail docking is illegal in much of Europe and in England and Wales is only permitted for working dogs such as terriers, retrievers, and spaniels. Generally toy dogs and companion dogs are no longer docked there. Toy Poodle tail length after docking is about half to two thirds the original length of the natural tail toy poodle sitting patiently Does A Toy Poodle Shed Hair? That means some form of grooming is a must. It will also need trimming every six to eight weeks. For most Poodle parents, this is as straightforward as an all-over haircut, known as a pet clip or a puppy clip. They will initiate you into the fascinating and dare I say it? A teddy bear Toy Poodle is one that has been given a teddy bear Poodle cut which leaves more hair on the face and paws, giving a puppyish look. And if all this makes you think the that a corded coat might be the way to go, bear in mind they are the highest maintenance coat of all to keep clean. Are They Hypoallergenic? One defining feature that all poodles have in common is those glorious curls! And an important feature of tight curls in any dog is that when the dog sheds, as all dogs do, the shed hair remains trapped in the curls rather than ending up on your clothes and furniture. Because shedding is reduced in Poodles some people with allergies are able to tolerate being around them when they are not able to tolerate dogs with coats that shed freely. Coat Colors There are a staggering ten Poodle colors. Some of them incredibly vibrant — a full grown red poodle, for example is a very striking sight! Other shades are more muted and subtle. There really is a color to suit every taste. You can also get tan Poodles, a pale version of the brown Poodle puppy. Fun and intelligent, your Toy Poodle will romp with you during the day, then sink happily onto the couch to cuddle when the sun goes down. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. With their standard curly fur, small appearance, and tiny stance, the Toy Poodle has been called a handbag dog and even a teddy bear. However, the Toy Poodle, like its parents, is actually loving and cuddly. Toy Poodles are calm and welcoming but are known to bark when strangers appear at their front door. This breed is also very intelligent, which is great for when it comes to training them to get along with other pets, families, and even training them to use the bathroom outside. Image Credit: bodnar. However, this breed is better with older children than younger ones because they can be so easily hurt. So make sure to instruct children on how they should play with your Toy Poodle, no matter what age they are, for the best results. While this breed is great for families, they do need to be socialized and trained from an early age to ensure compliance as they get older. First, however, you need to know a bit about exercise, training, food and diet requirements, and any major and minor health issues you might have to deal with. Remember, they have tiny limbs, so too much exercise can end up with your puppy becoming injured. Positive reinforcement in the form of treats and toys is your best option for training this breed. As with any other dog, starting early is your best bet if you want a well-trained Toy Poodle when he or she reaches adulthood. Brush your Toy Poodle every day, or at least every other day, to avoid painful matting and to keep their fur silky and fluffy. You might also want to take your Toy Poodle to the groomer regularly to be pampered and groomed. Those will be listed below. Minor Conditions.
labradoodle puppies northern michigan - Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.
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labradoodle puppies northern michigan - Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. If your Golden Retriever is like mine, they just want to play all day. It contains a mix of games that will mentally stimulate them, physically stimulate them, games with toys involved, and games with no equipment needed. Here are the best games to play with your Golden Retriever: Chase All puppies love chasing and being chased, so this is a fun way to tire them out. Treat Toss Treat toss is another way to get your puppy practice coming to you. This is a great game to play to pre-practice recall, get your pup some exercise, and have them learn that good things come from you. This game obviously requires lots of food, so instead of feeding your puppy their meal in a bowl, you could just play this game. To play this game, you and your partner each grab a handful of treats kibble will be fine for young puppies and sit across the room from each other. For more fun or more advanced dogs, there are a few ways to mix this game up. The other option is to take it outside. This is best with older puppies who are not so distracted and who are good at coming when called. We play this game with my 3-year-old Golden Retriever all the time in our backyard where we stand on opposite sides of the yard to get him some exercise. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! Tug Tug is a classic game that you can play with Goldens of any age. Once your pup learns how to drop it , you can mix in practicing other commands between sessions of tug. This makes it a great way to get physical and mental exercise, plus bond with them. The only equipment you need to play tug is a rope toy like this one from Amazon. We play fetch with tennis balls he likes the Penn tennis balls better than balls made for dogs or the West Paw Zogoflex Zwig stick. And if you want to make it easy to throw the tennis ball farther, you can get a Chuckit! Launcher to throw the ball like a major league outfielder. Open Sesame This is a fun game to mentally challenge your Golden Retriever puppy and teach them some impulse control. The first step is to grab a treat in your closed fist and hold it out to your pup. The moment they pull away, open your hand and give them the treat. This will teach them that patience, not pestering, will get them what they want. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Airplane Game The Airplane Game is a great game to get your puppy to pay attention to you. To play this game, hold a treat in your hand. She might even jump , bark , or paw at you to get the treat. Immediately reward her for doing so. Muffin Game To play the Muffin Game, take a muffin tin and put treats in it. Then, put balls or other objects over the treats so your pup has to move them to get the treats. Oliver loves this game and this is another idea I got from Brain Training for Dogs. The only requirement is that they either know how to stay or you have a partner to hold them still while you hide. I usually have a few treats to give to Oliver when he finds me, but you could also have a tug toy to play with them as a reward. This game is great because it helps them practice stay and recall , as well as builds the bond with you two. You can also play this game with their toys where you hide one of their favorite toys in another room and they have to go find it. Wrestle Mania Wrestle Mania is what it sounds like — wrestling with your pup! Oliver and I wrestle a few times a week and he loves it. Building A Bond With Them Having a solid bond with your puppy will help them want to behave and obey you more — not to mention this is the whole reason you got a Golden Retriever! Playing games, having fun, and exercising with your pup are all ways to have a better relationship with them. When I was a kid, the only thing that motivated me to learn math was that I wanted to keep score of basketball games. Playing games like Open Sesame will help your pup with impulse control, the Airplane Game will help get them to focus on you, and tug interspersed with tricks and commands is a fun way to practice those behaviors. Have any questions about these games? Let me know down in the comments! Related articles:. Playtime is a perfect opportunity for you and your dog to bond. Luckily, there are several fun games that you can play with a Golden Retriever! As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep your pet active and entertained. Learning some of a Golden Retrievers favorite games will create many memorable moments for you and your furry friend. Read on and learn more about the games that Golden Retrievers like to play! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! There are two ways to play this game. One way is where you hide, and your dog looks for you. Once they find you, make sure you praise and encourage them to do it again. Another way is to hide treats in interesting places and ask your dog to look for them. Since Golden Retrievers love treats, and they will work hard to ensure that they get them. The challenge of looking for the treats uses up some of the dogs excess energy, gives them a chance to exercise their body, and provides the mental stimulation a Golden needs. You can also play a version of hide and seek where you hide a dog treat in a puzzle toy like this one by Outward Hound on Amazon. Your Golden Retriever has to figure out how to get to the treat. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Note: Play Hide and Seek with treats in moderation since giving them too many extra treats will end up causing more harm than good. You can also try playing hide and seek with your dogs favorite toy instead. The game is fun, helps keep your dog active, and is a good way to teach them manners. This is a rope made of special material that will not hurt their teeth or have any harmful chemicals. Try the Mammoth Tug Rope found on Amazon. When playing tug of war, always remember that the game ends when the dog touches your hand with his mouth, so you should teach them this rule from the beginning. This helps ensure that the game remains safe since some dogs can get carried away when playing tug of war. Alternatively, a safer and very fun to watch way to play tug of war with your pooch is to set up a bungee out in the yard where your Golden Retriever can play the game all by himself. Watch how excited these two Goldens are to play with their new tug of war bungee. Like humans, dogs enjoy spending time in the water, especially on a hot afternoon. When teaching, use a doggy life jacket Amazon for safety. After your dog has learned how to swim, you can then have fun playing other Water Games, such as dock diving or swim racing. You can also bring along some of their toys and play a game of fetch in the water. You can play this game both indoors and outdoors. Also ensure that your Golden Retriever is running on a carpet. Otherwise, they are at risk of slipping and hurting themselves when running to get the toy, especially if the floor is slippery. For an outdoor game of fetch, the bouncier the dog toy the better. A Jolly Ball is a ball and a rope combined. This is a durable rubber toy that really bounces! The inside is hollow so it can be filled with peanut butter or dog treats for an added surprise. Clean Up Teaching Your Golden to Clean Up As its name suggests, Cleanup is where your dog will collect the toys that have scattered on the floor while you were playing. Imagine that! Though this may take time for them to get, Golden Retrievers are smart and will eventually be in a position to pickup and put away anything you ask him to. Pretty cool! You can improvise with items such as blankets, old furniture, or wrapping paper tubs, creating your own obstacle course. Use treats to lead your dog through it. This is a fun and an ideal exercise for your dog, especially if you are trying to help them lose weight. Here is a YouTube video to guide you on how to play some agility games: How to play games with agility training. Is it a sport or a game? To ensure safety in the game, make your Golden Retriever sits downstairs while you throw the treat onto the top landing. When your dog is coming downstairs, encourage them to run slowly to reduce the risk of injuries. Under, Over, and Through Golden Retriever Obstacle Course Teaching your dog to go under, over, and through objects is not only a good brain game, it is also good exercise for them. Use an item such as a chair and teach them to crawl under the legs of the chair as a response to the command you give them. You are also likely to bond better with your dog when they see you joining them. You can set up all sorts of obstacles to climb over, go around, and crawl under using items in your home. Cardio Twist Golden Retriever Slalom Game This game is often played in dog competitions, but you can play it at home as well. Set up poles using household items such as chairs or stools and have your dog weave between them. If you have other people in the game, they can also serve as poles. Weave between the poles and instruct your dog to follow you at your pace. Change your pace from fast to slow from time to time. Cardio twist is not only a great workout for you and your dog but it also helps them learn coordination. Golden Retriever slalom. You can also use pillows, chairs, people, anything really. Since dogs have a powerful sense of smell, you can make a game out of it. The follow your nose game is similar to hide-and-seek. You play it by hiding something yummy and smelly in a scent bag and instruct your Golden Retriever to look for it. Avoid hiding the bag in an obvious place. Hide it somewhere where your dog will have to put in the effort to get it, so as to challenge and stimulate them. This dog game is best played outdoors since there are many hiding spots, including underground. Golden Retrievers, young and old, love to chase bubbles out in the yard. You and your dog can have hours of fun with this one without requiring much effort on your part. An old dog will enjoy this game as much as a young dog will! This Golden Retriever loves her bubbles! Conclusion It is impossible to exhaust the list of games to play with your Golden Retriever. But whenever you have a chance, entertain and bond with them by joining them in the games listed above. And remember that safety comes first, so always ensure that your playing area is safe to avoid any risk of injuries for you and your Golden Retriever. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Making sure your Golden Retriever gets plenty of exercise is vital to its health and well-being. Physical exercise ensures your Golden Retriever has healthy muscles and bones, that its heart and lungs get stronger, and it helps maintain a healthy weight. However, for your Golden Retriever to be well-balanced, it also needs mental stimulation and socialization. Boredom in dogs can often lead to destructive behaviors. So, what are some good activities for Golden Retrievers? Good activities for Golden Retrievers incorporate physical exercise and mental stimulation and should include training and socialization whenever possible. Physical activities help burn excess energy and maintain physical health, while mental-focused activities aid in cognitive skills and problem-solving. The game also works on recall skills as a bonus. Fetch is simple and cheap. You throw it an item such as a tennis ball, frisbee, or practically anything your dog can comfortably carry, and your Golden gets it and brings it back. Or, if the weather is lousy, you can play a shortened version in the house. The tug game is widely recommended by most science-based trainers and animal behaviorists. Begin by showing your dog a toy that they like and that is suitable for the dog. You may have to really wiggle it and shake it around if your dog has never played before. The goal is to get their interest peaked, and movement usually does it. Every game has its rules, and this applies to a game of tug too. Your dog cannot make contact with skin or clothes, and you decide when the fun begins and ends. Rules for us humans are that no aggressive pulling is allowed, nor is pulling aggressively up at steep angles or side to side. The tug of war game is an excellent way for your dog to learn and reinforce skills such as let go, sit, and go-play commands. The tug game can be combined with fetch as well. Teach your Golden to let go and ask for a sit. Mixing it up keeps it more exciting and mentally stimulating. Follow the Leader Follow the leader is a great training game that teaches your dog to follow you while having fun. If your Golden goes right, you go left; if your dog runs ahead of you, you slow down; if your Golden slows down or stops, you run. The rule is that he follows you. It can be a quick activity to start or end a play or training session, and it works well as an add-on to other activities. I usually like playing follow the leader before a fetch game. Puzzles and Games Many pet stores and online retailers carry puzzle games and lick mats, so if your budget affords it, these can be fantastic options to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Puzzle feeders can be used with your kibble, while lick mats work well with peanut butter, yogurt, or dehydrated foods such as beef liver treats. All dogs need mental stimulation, especially higher intelligent dogs such as the Golden. Many games engage a Goldens brain and include anything from hiding treats in toys to commercial puzzle games. Or we put a treat or two in a muffin tin, put tennis balls on each hole, and the goal is for our Golden to find the reward. Or create a foraging box. Keep some boxes in various sizes, such as cereal boxes. Sprinkle some treats in each box and then place the smaller box inside a bigger one and those inside an even bigger one. Your Golden has to use its nose to locate the treats and must figure out how to get the goodies out. Kong toys work well also. You can put some loose kibble in there for your Golden to locate, or you can soak the kibble, put it inside the Kong and freeze it for the next day. Your Golden will need to figure out how to get the tasty reward out. You can use make-shift pylons any object will do , use Hoola hoops, small jump obstacles like cardboard boxes, stairs, brooms, rolled-up blankets, and whatever you think of. Teach your Golden to run through the obstacle with you. Have your Golden run-around, over, and under the obstacles. Find a hiding space. Someplace where your dog cannot see you, but your Golden should still be able to hear your when you call. Once you find the right spot, say behind a curtain or door, call his name. Your Golden will find you pretty quickly unless you are a great hider , but they love seeking you out and finding you. Another variation is using treats. You can do this activity indoors or, if you have a yard, then outdoors. Use cheese, boiled chicken, apples, or any high-value treat your dog loves. You may have to show them the first few treats, so they get the hang of the game, but they catch on quickly. Bubble Game Cheap, fun, and no training is required. Great for kids as well. Get a bubble blower. Blow bubbles. Your Golden Retriever will chase the bubbles and jump up, snapping at bubbles to break them. Just make sure the bubbles are pet friendly yes, they make bubbles for dogs , and off you go. You can use a PVC pipe, an old fishing rod, or a sturdy stick think hockey stick, eh. Attach a long rope or string, and now add a furry toy, a rag, or a dog toy, and you have a flirt pole. The flirt pole is excellent for physical activity and mental stimulation. Your Golden has to run, jump, and anticipate changes of direction and plan for what will happen next. It also benefits those dogs with a more innate prey drive by stimulating that instinct. The rule is, though, you must let your Golden catch the lure or toy on occasion. It also prevents frustration. Not allowing a dog to catch its toy is teasing and can cause behavioral issues. Once your Golden catches the lure, now you can transition into a game of tug. All handy things for your Golden to learn. And, the teaching moment is all wrapped up nicely in a fun play activity. Just remember, dog training is supposed to be fun, so keep it that way. It can be fun and still accomplish the goal at the same time. The best teachers know how to do both. Or teach your Golden an invisible boundary, so it stays out of the kitchen or stays back from the door. Not only are these complex skills a great way to invigorate the mind, but it teaches skills that benefit both them and you. Activities That Require Classes Obedience Training Formal obedience classes are a wonderful activity and one that I consider essential. It combines socialization, mental stimulation, and training. Your Golden gets to meet new dogs and people, learn basic commands, and do all this in a distracting environment. Obedience classes ensure your Golden gets a great foundation of obedience and manners while simultaneously building and strengthening communication between your Golden and you. You each must learn to work together as a team. Hold up. Are you looking for a good online training program for your Golden Retriever? I recently wrote an article comparing some of the most popular online dog training systems. Canine sports classes are especially suited for dogs with high energy or dogs with very ingrained instinctual drives like herding dogs. Scent Work Scent work training is excellent for dogs. Scent work is also great for fearful and reactive dogs as it teaches them to focus and be confident. Nose work starts by teaching your dog how to seek out treats and toys, kind of like puzzle games and hide and seek. Then it expands and increases in difficulty to entire rooms, outdoor areas, and vehicles. Scent detection is actually a competitive canine activity. If you and your dog have an interest, then competitive events are an option. Doggie DayCare Doggie daycare is great for puppies and older dogs alike. Just like children need to play with other kids their age to get exercise, mental stimulation, and to learn how to socialize — your Golden is no different. So, you get a day to relax or run errands. It also helps teach your Golden Retriever to be away from you, which can reduce separation anxiety. If you work and have your Golden in there every day, then you know your pup is getting exercised along with plenty of social and mental stimulation. This a tired pup — physically and mentally. A shout-out to his best friend Milo for the fun times. Strictly Outdoor Activities Swimming For this one, you need a body of water. Golden Retrievers are bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes, and their coats are designed for the water. Golden Retrievers are very well adapted to tolerate cold because of their double coats, and they dry off quickly. The result? Goldens are ideally suited to the water and love to swim. Body of water includes lakes or ponds, pools, and even slow-moving rivers or streams. If swimming is done in a pool, be mindful of pool chemicals and chlorine. Give your Golden a good rinse after a pool swim. Did you know that overbathing can be bad for a Golden Retriever? Dock Diving Of course, with this one, you need both a lake and a dock. Once your Golden is comfortable with the water, just run and jump off the dock. Chances are your Golden will follow. Dock diving incorporates swimming plus diving plus fetch all rolled in one. Make sure you put a life jacket on them, though. Kayaking and especially canoeing are easier for your Golden, but paddleboarding will take training for the both of you. These activities can involve swimming too if you decide to take a dip with your Golden sometimes that may be unavoidable. However, the real benefit is mental stimulation new sights, sounds, and smells and the time you spend together. Hiking Hiking is an excellent activity for people and dogs alike. It usually incorporates inclines depending on the terrain and offers a host of other sights and sounds for your dog. Not all trails allow dogs, so check in advance to be sure. And if the trails do allow dogs, then most will require that you keep them leashed. Keeping your Golden on a leash is a good idea anyway since if you lose your dog in a thick brush or a forest, you may never get them back. Also, you want to be mindful of any encounters with small animals like squirrels or porcupines or bigger critters like bears. Just keep them leashed to be safe. Rocky and ungroomed, jagged trails can cause issues with their paws, so be alert to the type of landscape on the hiking path. Make sure to bring water and snacks for you and your dog. Also, throw a small backpack on and take some essentials just in case. Bring a first aid kit along at a minimum. Remove any you find and be thorough. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are not unlike walking or hiking in that it gets your Golden Retriever outdoors and trotting beside you. Usually, groomed trails or shallow snow is best, or your Golden may have difficulty navigating itself through the snow. Bike Riding Biking can be an excellent exercise for you and your dog if you have a well-behaved and well-trained Golden. You want your dog to trot beside the bike, which means you need to keep the speed reasonable. It would be best if you had excellent control of your dog, so training your Golden gradually with the bike beforehand is a good idea. You should also wear a helmet. Be very mindful of temperature in the summer; your Golden can overheat quickly. Bring water and snacks for your dog. If your Golden falls behind, then it may be tiring. Turn around and walk your Golden back home. Yes, you can over-exercise a Golden Retriever. Walking During walks, your dog is exposed to the world outside his home. He gets to experience various sights, sounds, smells, and environments, which mentally engage him. Walking is the foundational exercise for all puppies and dogs, which is no different for Golden Retrievers. Walking should be the staple exercise for your dog throughout most of its life. Dogs love to walk, and walking helps bond your dog to you. You may find your dog wants to stop frequently and check things out. A solution is to mix up your walking sessions. One that focuses on fast walking for exercise and another where your Golden gets time to smell and investigate his environment. One is more physical, the other more mental. Both are social. Running Running is a great cardio workout for both humans and dogs. However, refrain from running with your Golden before 14 to 18 months of age due to developing joints, muscles, and bones and the impact of running on those. And be sure to get a thumbs up from your vet first. Every so often, stop and ask your Golden to sit or change directions and vary the terrain. Keep it fun and your dog guessing. If running in the summer, be cautious of not overheating your Golden, so stick to cooler mornings or evenings and bring water for the both of you. The article details the age they can start, how much they can run, how fast and how far, and much more. Check it out here: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever? There are numerous Golden Retriever games that you can play with your furry friend. Playing is a great way to train your pooch while building a trusting relationship. Are Golden Retrievers Sporty? Golden Retrievers were originally hunting dogs. As such, they enjoy various types of games and outdoor sporting activities, with a great predilection for swimming. These are resilient dogs who like to run, jump, and retrieve objects. They are also very gifted at physical activities that rely on their intelligence: obstacle courses are, for example, one of their specialities, as they require your dog to both be athletic and demonstrate logic. Are Golden Retrievers Playful? Golden Retrievers are playful, easy-going dogs. It's easy to see how they've become one of the nation's favourite dog breeds! Always on the lookout, they never miss an opportunity to have fun. For these curious doggies, everything is an excuse to play. A piece of wood, a ball, a speed race through the garden: there's no shortage of games for your Golden Retriever! These are very sensitive dogs, so fun games and words of encouragement help them to assimilate learnings. Golden Retrievers have a jovial yet willful nature. And, as they love to accompany their masters and be of service in any task, there's so much choice for activities you can do with them! Dog Agility Dog agility is a sport in which the master guides their dog through an obstacle course. This timed race calls for both speed and precision. Golden Retrievers are great at this activity because commands can only be given by voice or hand gesture, and this dog breed is one of the best at obedience training! Flyball Flyball is an activity that combines sport and play. The aim of flyball is to race over a line of hurdles, at the end of which is a box containing a ball. The dog has to press a spring-loaded pad to release the ball, catch it, and then bring it back to its owner by doing the course in the opposite direction. This is an excellent activity for developing speed, jumping, and sociability skills. Canicross With their innate love for running and the outdoors, Golden Retrievers are really cut out for canicross. No need for complicated obstacle courses: your dog just runs in sync with you. All you need to do is equip yourself with the right traction belt and you're good to go! This big dog loves all types of games, but if you really want to make them happy, choose one that appeals to their love for fetching things or their keen sense of smell. Here are some ideas for Golden Retriever games. Frisbee This is a favourite game for Golden Retrievers. Canine frisbee is a very simple game to set up and doesn't require the owner to be a great athlete. Just throw a frisbee and ask your pooch to fetch and bring it back to you. Hide and Seek An unmissable Golden Retriever game that calls on your dog's excellent sense of smell! This simple game consists of hiding one or more objects around the house or garden and letting your dog seek them out. Change more than just your pet food, change your philosophy. The Three Cup Game 1. As golden retriever likes to chase you can make your own chase toy by attaching a toy to the end of a rope and tying it onto a stick you can wave around for your dog to chase. You can also make your own puzzle toy with a muffin tin, some tennis balls and a few treats. Stairway dash If you have a stairway, make it a game to run up it and burn some serious energy. To get the most exercise from this game with the least risk to your dog's joints, start at the bottom of the stairs. Put your retriever in a sit-stay and throw the toy up to the top landing. Make it more exciting by keeping your dog in a stay while creating a buildup, such as saying "Reeady…. Let your dog come back down the stairs at his own pace, encouraging a slower return since it's the downhill climb that risks injury. After 10 or so repetitions of this, golden retriever will be totally tuckered out. Agility Training Golden retrievers tend to enjoy doing dog agility training and are a good way to keep your pooch occupied in every way possible, both their body and mind. And the best part is this can be done in your backyard. Set up items like tables and hula hoops and get your retriever to go around, under, or over them. You can even work on balancing on top of smaller items. It helps you to build a bond with your golden as you work together towards a common goal. Many dogs can be trained to get comfortable on a treadmill. Start off by simply having them in the same room as the machine while it is on so they can get used to the sounds and sights. You can then turn off the treadmill, get them to stand on it, and give them a treat. After they seem comfortable, turn it on at a very low speed and encourage them to stay on with treats. If they have problems getting used to it, try standing in the front of the treadmill and giving them the occasional treat for motivation. Remember to always supervise your dog when they are on a treadmill and never tie them to it. Hiding Treats All dogs love treats and you can take advantage of this to give your golden retriever some exercise. Take some of their favorite treats and hide them around your home in various places. Consider putting them underneath rugs, behind chairs, under tables, or behind doors. Your dog is likely to get exhausted looking for the treats and get a great workout in the process. Just remember to restrict yourself to a reasonable number of treats. Giving them too many can make them sick or defeat the point of exercising by leading to weight gain. Under, over and through Training your dog to perform new tricks like high-fives or lying down is great mental exercise. However, training them to do tricks that require physical skill exercises both mind and body, making teaching certain tricks perfect for pooping out the pooch when inside on a rainy day. One of the things you can do with your dog to get started is training him to go under, over and through objects. Set up an item like a kitchen chair, a step stool, or some other sturdy object on legs. Next, teach your dog how to crawl under the object and stay there, crawl all the way through the object, walk around the object, and how to jump over it entirely. The Three Cup Game Another great nose work starter game. Get out 3 cups and line them up in a row in front of your dog. To start put a treat under one of the cups while your dog is watching, give him the OK to show you which one is the right cup. Once your dog seems to get the hang of it you can make it more challenging by mixing the cups around after you place the treat. More Training. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube Channel as I am going to be showing you some of the things I use to build a small course in my tiny yard. I will also show you how I teach my 6-month-old Lab to navigate it. Biking Biking is an all-out endurance effort for your dog. I like biking with my dog because it ramps up his cardiovascular response and gives him a great workout without killing me. Be careful with these because you will have a problem if you have a pound Lab tied to your bike and that dog decides to take after a cat. Running This is another oldie but a goodie when it comes to exercising your dog. You might not consider this a game, but if you change up your route enough, your dog will love the change in scenery. More important than what your dog sees is what he will smell. Keep in mind that your dog can run much farther than you can. So, unless you are training for a marathon, a typical run might not be enough exercise for your Retriever. Everyone gets stuck in traffic or caught in a last-minute meeting at the end of the day. These treats can be great at the last minute or, with a little preparation, they can be even better. If something unexpected comes up and you cannot get to your planned activity with your dog, then fill one of these with treats and let your dog wrestle with it for a while. Something sticky inside like peanut butter will really force your Lab or Golden to work even harder. You want the food to just be on the point of soggy without turning into mush. Now, fill the KONG treat with your soggy food and freeze it. When you get home, pull out the treat and set it out for your dog. He will work on that treat for 20 to 30 minutes trying to get the frozen food out. Adventure Hikes When you take your dog to a new field you will watch him cover at least 4 times the territory that you do sniffing and marking and learning. So, if you take a nice 1-mile-hike in a new field, your dog will likely cover 3 to 4 miles. In addition to the great physical workout, your Retriever will also be using his mind trying to figure out what he is smelling. Your dog will access long-term memory banks to see if he has ever smelled these things before. Bubbles, Bubbles, and More Bubbles Have you seen these bubble guns? They make my kids go bonkers—mostly the 2-year-old and the 5-year-old. Well, your dog is likely to enjoy chasing these wisps on the wind just as much as your children. My daughter and Odin playing with the bubble maker Get one of these guns and set yourself on one side of the yard hopefully with a crosswind and then fire away. Your Retriever will chase the bubbles and then wonder where it went after chomping down. This is almost always good for a couple of Instagram or Snap Chat posts. To make one of these great tools, get a 5-foot stick or an old fishing pole and tie a rope to the end of it. Hold the toy still on the ground until your dog approaches it. Just before he launches himself for the toy, pull it out of his reach. This will really rev him up. When he gets closer, move it again. After a couple of times, you will probably see your dog go into stealth mode. Crouching and creeping. Odin and me, just playing with a flirt pole that I made out of the Christmas light stick. His mind is going to be racing with ways to get this silly toy. It is an excellent game for both physical and mental stimulation. I like this game because it does not require a lot of me physically. For the most part, I can stand in one place and give my dog a real mental puzzle. Once your dog has those commands down pat, then you are ready to play. It also helps if your dog knows some hand signals for those commands as well. Take your dog to one side of your yard and put him in a sitting position. Then walk 10 or 15 yards away, but make sure your dog can still see you. Hold your arms out wide to your pup. If he is familiar with the hand signal, he should run towards you. Now, in the middle of his run, hold up the hand and give him the STAY command. Hopefully, your Retriever stops in his tracks. Give him the hand signal or the voice command SIT. Repeat the process until your dog reaches you. You should have some kind of a treat in your pocket to reward him for being so obedient and focused. Note: You might need to teach this activity in pieces and start with shorter distances. The mental side of this activity is fantastic. Your dog will have to focus intently on you and your commands. It will require serious self-control and it is important that every dog practice self-control on a regular basis. I doubt the chef in your house is going to want you using the one out of the cupboards. You also want several tennis balls and a smelling treat for your dog. Put the treat in one of the muffin tins and then cover it with a tennis ball. Put several more tennis balls in the other muffin places. This is another one of those activities that will use the mental aspect more so than the physical. It is a great option when you are forced indoors with weather that is either too hot or too cold. Puzzle Games If you are looking to purchase something already to engage your dog, think about one of the following puzzle games from Amazon or Chewy. Games Golden Retrievers Like To Play One of the games Golden Retrievers like, such as swimming, makes them one of the most popular and famous breeds of dogs. They are extremely friendly and gentle dogs, great as family pets due to their gentle and tolerant nature with little children. My Golden Retriever is a great pal to my kids, loves to play for hours with them in a very fun, loving and playful way. It is awesome to watch your pet and your child having fun together and Golden Retrievers like playing games like hide and seek, fetching games and other chasing games. They are quite an enthusiastic breed, very smart and active dogs. Once tired, you will see them snuggling next to you or your child. Golden Retriever puppies love to play games and games are a great way to entertain them while teaching them lessons at the same time. Have a pocket full of little treats to along with your game plan and keep the games short, puppies have short attention spans. Of course with larger Golden Retrievers you can increase the length of time and degree of difficulty. You can increase the distance the more you play catch with him and the more he grows. Bonding Games Like Hide-n-Seek…ready or not here I come… A bonding technique for you and puppy is the hide-and-seek game, where you hide behind something in the room and then call him to find you. He will find you and when he does give him a big hug and another treat. Finding one of his own toys is a great way to teach him the names of his toys and retrieving them as you call them out. You can put them in another room and ask him to find them by name and bring them back to you, he will learn to sniff them out; his nose is good at that. Swimming is another good activity for your Golden Retriever as they just love the water, if you live near the water than taking him for a swim is easy for you. Your children will love to play under the hose with your dog so make it fun for both. By: Connie Glutyk. Golden retrievers are, for a multitude of reasons, one of the most popular dog breeds in the canine world. Whatever the case may be, one thing is normally true for any golden retriever: they absolutely love to play! They were named retrievers for a reason. Retrieving for them is like a game. It could be a ball in the backyard or a game-fowl on a hunting trip. Whatever it may be, they will happily fetch it and bring it right back for another round. They are particularly good at retrieving waterfowl, like ducks. Pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans are all fun places to bring your golden. Remember, start shallow and with heavy supervision. Time for Tug-of-War! Tug-of-war, much like fetch, is an absolute timeless classic. Playing tug is a great way to tucker out your golden. Something about the one-on-one competition draws them in and keeps them playing for hours. You can even play fetch with your tug toy instead of a ball and combine these two favorites in a singular, mind-bogglingly fun activity for your dog. Agility-Based Games Most golden retrievers are high-energy and active dogs, especially in their younger ages. You can probably imagine the stereotypical dog handler leading their k-9 partner through an agility obstacle course. That can be you! Most obstacles can be created with household items and a little DIY. For example, I got my dog to start jumping over a broomstick balanced on two stacks of books. Obedience-Based Games While you are working on ability games, you can also mix in some obedience style challenges. Having your dog spin, roll over, play dead and hold a treat on their nose are all excellent obedience games. When that becomes too easy, you can try any of your favorite commands at longer distances or in faster succession. Goldens Love a Good Puzzle Many golden retrievers are impressively intelligent. They like to use their smarts to solve problems. Ever have your golden figure out how to open up the backyard fence and take itself on a walk? Puzzle feeders are a great addition to keep around the house. Entertaining your dog with a puzzle feeder keeps them occupied both physically and mentally. Chewing While we are on the topic of eating things, we might as well talk about chewing. Golden retrievers, especially young ones, love to chew. When they get bored with one or decimate the squeaker on the inside, they can move onto a new one and keep playing. Depending on your dog, you may consider various types of chew toys: Stuffed squeaker animals Plastic chew toys Bones, antlers and hooves Having a surplus of chew toys around the house is a good idea if your dog likes to entertain itself. And some goes for bones or hooves; when they become too small, they can be a choking hazard. This makes them excellent at following scents. For that reason, golden retrievers have been used professionally to find contraband and even as avalanche search and rescue dogs. It can be as simple as hiding treats or toys around your home and allowing your dog to sniff them out. When they locate the toy or treat, you can praise them, and they will love you for it. That last thing they want is a bellyache. Hiking, Running and Cycling, Oh My! Golden retrievers absolutely love doing whatever their human is doing. This goes for when the human needs to exercise. Bringing your golden when you go out for a hike, jog, or bike ride is a great way to spread out the fun between you and your furry friend. Before You Unleash If you are going for a hike, make sure your dog is solid with verbal commands before considering taking them off-leash on the trail. And for cycling, start slow and with shorter distances. Always make sure you know the leash laws where you are, too. This can be a bit discouraging. However, clean-up can also be a game! Like the retrieving and scenting games from above, training your dog to clean up its toys after itself is a great way to incorporate a game into daily life. When they bring back their toys to home base, you can reward and praise them. Before you know it, your golden will be cleaning up after itself in no time. Conclusion There is no end to the myriad of games that golden retrievers like to play. Young or old, most golden retrievers love to spend their days doing fun activities. Their generally playful personality is one component as to why they are such popular dogs to own. Having these 10 games in your repertoire will do wonders for bonding with your beloved pup and getting them ample amounts of exercise. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog. Now get out there and go have some fun! Share this:.