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Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. One of the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are known for their positive temperament and athleticism. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source and are commonly used for jobs such as guide dogs. This wikiHow will help you recognize key traits to determine whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs. Males are 23—24 inches 58—61 cm tall, weighing 65—75 pounds 29—34 kg , while females are .Golden Retrievers have rather short ears. The front edges are attached behind and just above the eyes. Go to source The tips fall close to the dog's cheeks and, if pulled over, should cover the eyes. A Golden Retriever's eyes are medium-large, and they can be either medium or dark brown with dark eye rims. Go to source They give the dog an intelligent, friendly expression. The tail of a Golden Retriever is thick and muscular at the base. It is carried level or moderately curved upward, though never curled or between the legs. Golden Retrievers have a muscular build with a strong back and straight legs. Go to source Their bodies are described as being symmetrical and well balanced, and they have a smooth, free gait. Golden Retrievers have firm and resilient outer coats and good undercoats. Go to source Their glossy coats can be either straight or wavy. Golden Retrievers are named for their golden coats. Their coats are a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades", [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club Expert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related. Go to source which can range from a light cream color to a deep reddish gold. Like some other breeds, Golden Retrievers are seen with feathering. Feathering is defined as a "longer fringe of hair on ears, legs, tail, or body". Go to source This feathering, which appears on a Golden Retriever's legs, tail, neck, and underbody, may be lighter than the rest of the coat. Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and are active and athletic. These retrievers need regular exercise to stay satisfied. Golden Retrievers can develop deep bonds with their owners. Did you know? Golden Retrievers are a common breed employed to be therapy dogs. Their kind-hearted, loving, empathetic personalities are known for being able to calm people of all ages. If they're not occupied, Golden Retrievers can easily become bored. It is important that they have things to do to prevent this. Golden Retrievers are reliable dogs. With proper socialization, this trait allows them to make great family pets, and they can be trusted around children with supervision. Some breeds don't do well with other pets, but Golden Retrievers are typically adaptable. Many Golden Retrievers can live peacefully with other animals, such as cats. Go to source It can be difficult to tell Goldens apart from these other retrievers, but if you familiarize yourself with the differences between them, it can be easier to tell whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever. Go to source One noticeable difference between the breeds is that Chessies have wavy fur that is dense, thick, and short. Go to source A Chessie's coat is brown, resembling nature to blend in, though one may have minimal white markings on the feet or stomach. Go to source They are brave, love water, and are willing to work. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also called a Toller, is a retriever of unknown breeding origin, but it was bred to hunt ducks. Go to source Tollers are smaller than Goldens, being the smallest of the retriever breeds. Go to source They have mostly straight, red coats that range from golden red to a deep coppery red, with white markings on the tail tip, feet, chest, or blaze. Go to source Tollers are quick, alert, and determined, and they may even have a slightly worried or sad expression when they aren't working. Flat-Coated Retrievers are also called Flat-Coats and were bred in the mids. Go to source They are fairly similar in size to Goldens but have long, flat muzzles. Go to source Flat-Coats have straight, flat-lying coats that can be either solid black or solid liver. Go to source They are sensible, alert, and cheerful. Curly-Coated Retrievers, or Curlies, are among the oldest of the retrievers. Go to source Curlies are larger than Goldens, weighing as much as 60—95 pounds 27—43 kg. Go to source They have unique wedge-shaped heads, and, as their name suggests, coats consisting of short, tight curls, which come in solid black and solid liver. Go to source Curlies are gentle, affectionate, and more independent than Goldens. The Labrador Retriever, or Lab, is another popular retrieving breed. Labs are roughly the same size as Goldens, though they have a larger scale height- and weight-wise. Go to source Labs can be seen in colors other than gold - their coats can be solid yellow, brown, or black. Go to source Golden Retrievers are typically calmer than Labs. With their soft, warm fur and gentle eyes, these pups captivate us with their beauty and charm. When looking for a purebred golden retriever puppy, first consider breed standards. The American Kennel Club AKC defines this breed as having silky coats that are either cream or gold in color; lusciously long tails; a friendly demeanor; and intelligent personalities. You should also ask for health records from the breeder or rescue organization — any reputable source will be able to provide records showing vaccinations, dewormings, and other medical treatments given to the pup prior to purchase. Finally, take your time observing the dog while interacting with them. If they display signs of sickness such as coughing or vomiting, then they may not be healthy enough to bring into your family. An authentic golden retriever puppy will have all-around good physical health as well as an even temperament when being handled by people and other animals alike. Start by asking friends or family members who have experience with these breeds — they might be able to provide recommendations for reliable breeders in your area. You can also search online; many websites list local kennels that specialize in purebred puppies. When searching for a breeder, make sure to read reviews from previous customers as well as ask lots of questions about their breeding practices. Reputable breeders will be transparent with their policies and have up-to-date health records on all of their animals. They should also allow potential buyers to meet the parents of the pup so that they can get an idea of how the dog may behave when fully grown. Finally, ensure that any vaccinations or dewormings needed are provided before taking home your new furry companion! Choosing a purebred golden retriever puppy is an exciting process but requires doing your research first. Make sure you understand the breed standards and take the necessary steps to find a reputable source before bringing one into your life forever. Visiting a breeder allows you to get an up-close glimpse into their breeding practices as well as evaluate each puppy individually. When visiting a breeder, make sure that you take note of how clean and organized their facility is as well as ask questions about any medical issues or behavioral traits that may be present in some of the pups. When it comes to selecting your pup, make sure to pay attention to its personality and behavior around other dogs. If possible, bring another dog along so they can interact with one another — this will give you a better idea of how compatible they might be once brought home. Also, keep an eye out for signs of aggression or anxiety in any particular pup; these are important things to consider before making a final decision on which one is right for you. Taking your time during this process will ensure that you are bringing home just the right furry companion who will love and cherish you forever! Evaluating Physical Appearance The next step in identifying a pure golden retriever puppy is evaluating its physical appearance. When it comes to their coat, these lovable pups have an instantly recognizable look — one that will make your heart melt! A true golden retriever has a medium-length double coat with feathering on the legs and tail. Their coats are usually gold or cream in color but can also come in white, red, and brown varieties. When examining a potential pup, take note of any unusual markings as they may point to the dog being a mixed breed rather than purebred. Also, consider the size of the puppy; while adult sizes vary significantly between litters, most puppies should be relatively similar when full-grown. Finally, check for signs of good health such as bright eyes and alertness. Make sure that all puppies you examine appear healthy and well cared for before making any decisions about which one you want to bring home. Performing some simple tests can help give you an indication of what sort of personality your puppy may have once they reach adulthood. Golden retriever puppies are renowned for being intelligent and friendly — qualities that make them excellent family pets! One way to assess puppy temperament is by observing how they interact with people, other dogs, and toys. Do they shy away from contact or show curiosity? Are they eager to explore new things? These behavior clues will provide insight into whether or not the pup has the ideal golden retriever temperament. You should also pay attention to any signs of aggression such as growling or barking when approached; these could be indicators that further training is required later in life. Similarly, giving them commands while on walks can help determine how easily they learn basic tasks like sitting or staying. All these traits combined will provide valuable information on which pup best fits your lifestyle needs! Genetic testing can help confirm whether or not your pup is in fact a purebred and may even uncover any hidden health issues that could be passed down from previous generations. Some tests look for known hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia or eye disease while others seek out certain genetic markers like coat color mutations or size variations. All of this information helps pet owners gain a better understanding of what they can expect from their furry friends in terms of physical development and overall well-being! When it comes to deciding which puppy you would like to add to your family, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Purebred golden retriever puppies can be quite expensive, and understanding their price range will help ensure that you get the best pet for your budget. In many cases, health tests have already been done on the parents or grandparents of these puppies too, meaning that you could end up with a healthier pup overall. This means an increased risk for conditions such as hip dysplasia or heart disease down the line — not something any new dog owner wants! All-in-all, considering the potential long-term costs associated with an unhealthy pup versus a healthy one from a quality breeder makes investing in a purebred golden retriever pup worth every penny spent. Being a responsible pet parent of a purebred golden retriever puppy is not an easy task. It requires making sure that your pup has all necessary vaccinations, properly called immunizations or shots. These are required to ensure the health and well-being of your furry friend for many years to come. Vaccines will protect them from several contagious diseases including parvovirus, distemper, rabies virus, etc. It is recommended to talk with your veterinarian in order to determine what type of vaccines are appropriate for your particular breed and lifestyle. The typical schedule should include yearly boosters along with regular checkups during their life span. All in all, vaccinating your purebred golden retriever puppy should be taken seriously because it helps keep them safe from various infectious diseases while giving them peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible for them to live a healthy life! It is possible to find a purebred golden retriever puppy from a shelter. Adopting from a shelter can be an excellent way to get a loyal and loving companion, while also providing homes for animals in need. Shelters often have both mixed breeds and purebreds that are looking for their forever home. When adopting a pet from the shelter, make sure you do some research on the breed before committing to one. Golden retrievers are generally very friendly dogs with lots of energy; they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation or else they can become destructive. Knowing what traits come with the breed will help prepare you for pet ownership responsibly. Shelter staff should be able to tell you whether or not the dog is purebred, so ask questions about its background before bringing them home. Training a purebred golden retriever puppy is like trying to draw in the sand with a stick — it takes patience and consistency. All breeds of puppies require training, but the purebred golden retriever can take longer due to their high energy levels and intelligence. With respect to how long it takes to train a purebred golden retriever puppy, here are some points that will help guide you: Training should start as soon as possible when the pup arrives at home. This helps build trust between you and your new furry friend while also teaching basic obedience. Consistency is key! Golden retrievers learn best through consistent repetition and practice — so stay on top of regular training sessions every day. If done right, training a purebred golden retriever puppy can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. Be sure to research different methods of training before getting started; there are plenty of resources available online regarding golden retriever training and caring for a purebred puppy. Also, consider reaching out to professional trainers who specialize in working with dogs if needed — they can provide valuable advice tailored specifically to your situation. Ultimately, taking the time to properly train your golden retriever will pay off tenfold down the road by having an obedient companion you can always rely on! While these puppies are beautiful and lovable companions, they have some inherent health problems that can arise if not properly managed. Purebred golden retrievers often suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which are both degenerative joint diseases that cause pain and discomfort in affected dogs. These conditions usually develop over time but can be prevented with proper nutrition and exercise. Additionally, certain breeds of Golden Retrievers tend to be prone to eye disorders such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA or cataracts, heart murmurs, and autoimmune skin diseases like allergies or dermatitis. If you suspect any of these ailments in your pup, consult your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment options. Finally, take note if your pet shows signs of anxiety or aggression — although rare in this breed — as these behaviors could indicate underlying medical issues that need attention. Doing so will ensure you provide them with the best quality of life possible! Conclusion When it comes to finding a purebred Golden Retriever puppy, there are many factors to consider. From the cost of purchasing one to the health issues they may face, this breed requires special care and attention. It is important to do your research before committing to bringing home any new furry family member. Finding the right pup for you can be an exciting yet daunting process, but with careful consideration, you will find that perfect companion who brings joy into your life! Doing your due diligence when searching for a purebred Golden Retriever puppy ensures that both you and your pet have a long and happy future together. So bring on all those cuddles, walks in the park, and endless games of fetch—the adventure begins here! About the author Pawspuppy Meet the talented authors of the Pawspuppy team, dedicated to bringing you the best content for dog lovers. With their deep passion for canines and extensive knowledge, our authors provide insightful articles, helpful tips, and engaging stories to enhance your understanding and connection with your furry companions. From training guides to product reviews, our team is committed to delivering valuable and reliable information to help you provide the best care for your beloved pups. Leave a Reply. Conclusion It is hard not to love a purebred golden retriever. They're affectionate, loyal, adaptable, love to play, easy to train , and are great family dogs. People of all ages adore them. Before going to a pet shop or breeder, you should be able to identify a pure breed golden retriever. Some of the reliable means of identification include: Proper Documentation and pedigree This is the most reliable method of identification. It shows that the pup has already been registered with a specific registry. Documentation indicates that the pup qualified for Documentation because its parents have been registered with the registries. AKC certified pedigree contains: The Dog's name and registration number. Colors and markings. Any health-related information available. As the owner, you should take the precaution of making a follow-up and registering your pup yourself. All you need to do is pay the fee and mail out a registration application. You can only claim full ownership of the pup after the breeder has handed over the papers to you. The pedigree is like the pup's family tree and usually dates back to at least four generations and contains the registered names of its ancestors. Although pedigrees are reliable, there are other ways to identify a pure breed golden retriever and adopt one of those lovelies for yourself, even if there are no papers. After all, the absence of paperwork doesn't make a pure breed golden retriever less so. Appearance While many retrievers can look alike, pure breed golden retrievers have features unique only to them and can't be found in other retrievers. They're usually muscular and considered symmetrical with a strong back and straight legs, with smooth, free gait. Take their ears, for example; golden retrievers have short ears that can also fold over. Their ears are always located behind their eyes and just above the eyes. The tips fall over to the cheeks and can be pulled to cover their eyes. Purebreed golden retrievers also have medium to large-sized eyes colored within the range of slightly brown to dark brown and dark rims. This feature makes golden retrievers look intelligent. And don't forget the tail. Pure breed golden retrievers have thick tails that are muscular at the base, with the end of the tail slightly curved upwards. You won't find a golden retriever's tail completely curled it tucked between its legs. The length usually varies from 4 to 12inches. Examine the coat Another way to identify a golden retriever is through its coat. First, the coat must be dense and waterproof. Golden retrievers have a substantial amount of dense water repellent outer coat with a thick warm coat underneath. Their coats can either be wavy or straight. You should also note the color of their coat. Golden retrievers are a rich lustrous gold in different shades ranging from dark golden, light golden, cream golden, red golden, and white gold. Golden retrievers also have feathering on their legs, tail, neck, and underbody and are lighter than the rest of the coat. Temperament Although in varying degrees, pure breed golden retrievers exhibit the same unique behavioral traits and characters. To confirm if the puppy is a golden retriever, you can check how active the pup is. Golden retrievers are very athletic and active; they need long hours of regular exercise before they can be satisfied, so rarely will you see a gentle golden retriever. Although, if they don't have things to be occupied with, they're often bored. Also, golden retrievers are fiercely loyal to their owners and the people they spend the most time with. They're also adaptable as they can live in peace with other animals and are trustworthy, so they make great family pets. Try to look out for these qualities in the pup, as it'll help you identify if it's a pure breed golden retriever or not. Price Purebred golden retrievers are usually pricey than other dogs. This reason for their expensive amounts is because of the extremely high demand for these dogs. If you're looking to adopt a purebred, you should be willing to spend a lot provably to get one. The Different Purebred Golden Retriever Breeds When buying a purebred golden retriever, you should be aware that there are three different types of the purebred golden retriever, namely the Canadian Golden Retriever, the American Golden Retriever, and the British Golden Retriever. However, the three breeds have similar temperaments, personalities, health, and quality of life. Each has distinct features that differentiate the three breeds, although the differences are negligible. Canadian Golden Retrievers Of the three breeds of the purebred golden retriever, this breed is most unique. The Canadian Golden retriever is usually taller than other breeds, it has an average of 2inches on them, and its hair is also shorter and slightly thinner. It is the most handsome of the three breeds. American Golden Retrievers This breed is slightly leaner than its counterparts. It is also not as strong as the other two breeds. Their fur coats are also darker, although they're the same height as the British breed. You can also identify the American breed with its eyes, the pupils if this breed is not fully rounded but rather slanty, forming a sort of triangular-shaped pupils. They've also colored a lighter shade of brown. Although they're pretty shorter than the Canadian breed, they're equally as strong. British golden retrievers have more powerful front legs and broader skulls than their counterparts, and their eyes are colored a darker shade of brown. How To Care For A Purebred Golden Retriever There's still work to do after buying a purebred golden retriever; you should get acquainted with the fact that golden retrievers have living needs that must be satisfied to have a happy, healthy pet. Golden retrievers do not like to be alone; these beautiful creatures cherish companionship more than anything. They love to be seen as a member of the family and treated as such. So its vital you learn how to socialize your puppy with other dogs and humans as well. They're especially great in homes with kids as they are entirely comfortable with the noise, commotion, and non-stop activities children like to involve in. Besides, they are tolerant of other pets, so if you're a cat lover as well, you shouldn't worry about your two pets not getting along. Rabbits, other dogs, or pets are also safe with them. Also, they love playing a lot outdoors. Feeding is essential to retrievers, although their owners should help manage their food intake as they tend to be overweight. Food should be measured and served twice daily, and you should give dog treats moderately. Exercising is also vital, and retrievers are supposed to exercise at least once daily. They have to let off a lot of steam through several activities, or else they direct their energies to unappealing behaviors like digging and chewing. And if you are getting golden, be warned that they shed terribly, and you shouldn't be surprised to find fur even in the worst places. You can help reduce shedding by brushing them regularly. This way, you can detangle their fur and get rid of dead hair before it gets attached to available surfaces. Monthly baths are also recommended. Although, ensure your goldie is completely dry before brushing it. You should have their nails trimmed regularly, about twice a month if you don't want them tearing into stuff. Their teeth should also be brushed periodically, about two to three times a week. Their ears fold over, creating an environment for organisms to grow, so ear care is vital. Watch out for signs of infections and clean their ears with cotton balls soaked in pH-balanced ear cleaner to reduce the risk of diseases. Purebred golden retrievers are generally healthy and live for about years. But when compared to other dogs, they risk having hip dysplasia and cancer. They are also at risk of other conditions like cataracts, hypothyroidism, allergies, and other diseases. Regular checks up should be done to keep them in perfect health. Conclusion Purebred golden retrievers are fine animals suitable as pets by people of all ages, and now that you know what to look out for when choosing one, you should adopt one of these puppies and get you a pet to love that loves you back. More Dogs. Every question you have about selecting the perfect Golden Retriever Puppy will be answered right here and right now! What if a Golden Retriever Puppy has no Pedigree? Some breeders or pet shops may tell you a puppy is a pure-bred but has no papers. They would not be telling a lie, as the definition of purebred is simply that both parents are the same dog breed. Additionally, you have no health record for your pup from before his birth. The health issues are certainly passed down through canine DNA! Aside from not knowing if any health problems are inherent for your puppy, a pedigree is only essential if you plan to make your dog a show-dog, or if you plan on one day breeding your dog to sell purebred puppies. However, one quality that they will share is that they are single-colored. This color distinction is often attributed to separating the American Golden Retriever and the English Golden Retriever. A cream-colored Golden Retriever is often slimmer in physique, with a greater variance between the male and female of the breed. The color is not rare, and the range is wide for variation of the cream color, but again, the dog will be all one color. Additionally, his body will be more compact and streamlined. Rather, it is an extremely pale variation of the cream-color. A Golden Retriever puppy who appears to be pure white will exhibit tinges of cream or gold as the puppy matures. By the time you purchase or rescue your puppy, he will have already had a set of vaccinations and his first de-worming treatment or more. When is the puppy due for his next medical exam? What food is the puppy currently eating? To avoid possible stomach upset in your new puppy I would recommend you begin feeding him the food he has been eating since being weaned at about eight weeks of age. There was a Rottweiler on my mind when I wrote it, but the information certainly applies to any dog breed! Having a small piece of his bedding or something else that may have the scent of his usual surroundings can provide the puppy with much comfort as he makes the adjustment into his new home. Each year in the United States alone, more than , dogs are euthanized annually for the simple reason of not being wanted! For this reason, please consider a shelter puppy or a rescue puppy. There are two ways to observe your potential puppy. Is he the bully or is he being bullied? Is he playing socializing with the other dogs, or keeping to himself, away from the fray? Is he skittish or friendly? Full of lively energy or mellow? It does seem like the puppy is selecting his human in much the same way we select a puppy! Even a pup with a mellow temperament will exhibit the traits of puppy-playfulness and abandon. A lethargic puppy is a clear indicator that this is NOT the puppy for you. Something is wrong, physically or emotionally. Even a sleeping puppy should quickly respond with playfulness upon awakening. Next, pick up the puppy and inspect it. Cloudy and non-responsive eyes are indicators of a bigger problem. Keep shopping. Continue searching if you see these problems. A puppy with discharges is NOT the puppy to buy. His belly should be chubby, but not distended or sensitive to your touch. Any foul smells, old feces, bugs or otherwise unsanitary conditions should propel you right back out the front door! Any aversion the seller has to providing you with all the information you request should also propel you right back through the door! The seller has every bit of this information. If they are reluctant to share it, they are likely hiding something important. A breeder should happily facilitate a tour of the facilities for you to see how the puppy has been living. This should include letting you see the puppy interacting with its mother. If you are kept away from the kennel area of a breeder, this is a red flag! Do Some Research: In these days of instant information, there is no excuse to skip doing the research on any pet shop or breeder you are contemplating! Read the reviews from people who bought their puppies there. Read the complaints, and take note of how the pet shop or breeder handled the concerns or complaints. How Interesting! Before Bringing Your Golden Retriever Puppy Home I struggled with whether to put this section toward the top or bottom of this article and here it is, at the bottom! The time to prepare your home and heart for a puppy is before you rescue or purchase one. Please make sure to consider everything listed below before you bring a puppy home. Here is a handy check-list of questions to answer that will make your transition and adventure of puppy-ownership as smooth as possible: Do you have time for a dog? We live in days where schedules seem to be full from waking until the moment we drift off to sleep at night. For a dog to be healthy and well-behaved in his adulthood, he will need to have one-on-one attention for bonding, training, exercising, grooming, and proper socialization. You can count on this taking from one to two hours daily, although not necessarily all at once. Does your lifestyle allow the addition of a dog? Picture any given month in your life. He will need plenty of exercise time, and will likely delight in any outings for which he is included. Golden retrievers are known for being social and friendly unless they feel threatened. Are breed or weight restrictions going to be a problem where you live? At maturity, a Golden Retriever will stand from inches tall cm and weigh from pounds kg. Please note, the females of the species tend toward the lower ends of the ranges given. Have you counted the cost? Ongoing medical care will be necessary, too, for the life of your dog. Add to that food, safety equipment like leashes, collars, harnesses, or muzzles training, and some toys for entertaining your best four-legged buddy, and you now have a new entry in your monthly budget. Please count the cost! Is your home pet-friendly? You should also be aware that certain houseplants are toxic to pets! The ASPCA has compiled a complete list of plants that are poisonous to dogs, and you can view it right here. I found a great brand on Amazon and had it delivered to my doorstep! You can grab some right here. Food and Water Bowls: These can come from right out of your cabinet, or you can purchase a set. Safety Equipment: Every dog needs a safety leash and a collar or harness. You should also keep a muzzle on hand, not because your dog is mean, but because he is a dog. Toys for Entertainment and for saving your slippers! Help him to satisfy that need without misbehaving by having toys that are just for him! This assortment is a great way to start. Caring for a puppy is NOT for the faint-hearted! It takes time, dedication, and more patience than you may have imagined. The Golden Retriever breed is loving and loyal, energetic and clever, and will love you more than he loves himself. I wish you all the best as you begin this wonderful journey and do stop back by the Big Dog Den soon! Recent Posts.
Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! 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. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.
For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. Purchasing a boxer puppy in North Carolina directly from a breeder can be expensive; however, it is also the best way to ensure that you are getting an animal that has been raised with proper care. Some breeders do not have the right facilities needed to raise healthy dogs and oftentimes these animals may be sickly or lack proper socialization skills due to improper care during development. What Are The Extra Costs? There are very few extra costs associated with owning a Boxer in North Carolina outside of routine vet visits, food, and other supplies that your new pet will need in order to live comfortably. A responsible breeder will typically keep all of their breeding dogs inside of their home and raise them with love and attention. They should also be able to tell you about their history; including any titles that either parent might have earned. A good breeder will give you health guarantees for your new pet as well as plenty of information on how to properly take care of your Boxer throughout its life. Responsible Boxer Breeders will typically not sell puppies to people who plan on leaving them outdoors or alone for long periods of time without supervision because it is important for them to receive plenty of attention while they are young in order for them to grow up healthy and happy. This will give you a chance to learn as much as possible about any sire and dam as well as the environment that they were raised in. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to see their home and how they keep their dogs. This will give you a better idea of what type of environment your puppy is coming from and if the breeder is someone that has invested time into raising healthy puppies. You should be able to tell if someone is being honest with you or not from how they answer your questions and whether or not they seem knowledgeable about the breed itself. A good breeder should be willing and able to help you decide what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and family needs, which can only be done if they know everything about you. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in North Carolina It is a good idea to always ask for references from your breeder or anyone who has purchased a puppy from them in the past. If they have any, you should be able to get in contact with at least one person who can tell you about how their experience was with the breeder and whether or not they were satisfied with the way that everything was handled. If you cannot find any references, then this is something that should raise a red flag and may cause you to reevaluate why there are no people willing and able to speak on their behalf. Not having references does not necessarily mean that someone is a bad breeder; however, it does mean that you should take the time to dig a little deeper. A responsible breeder will usually have plenty of satisfied buyers that are willing to share their information about the transaction with future potential owners because it helps ensure that the people they are selling their puppies to will be good homes. Meeting past customers will also give you an idea of how the breeder interacts with their buyers and if they are willing to allow them to ask questions before, during, and after the sale. A good breeder will not only have a veterinarian that they trust and depend on to take care of their dogs, but they will also be willing and able to share the information about them with you. It is extremely important to find out how often your breeder takes their dogs to see a vet because this can also give you an idea as to just how much attention they pay towards making sure that they stay healthy and happy. If someone cannot afford proper veterinary care then breeding these animals should be A Reputable North Carolina Boxer Breeder Will Ask About Your Living Situation Most breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going into a loving home where each one can thrive and receive all of the attention it deserves. You may find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of questions from your breeder which is perfectly normal. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling your local department of agriculture. Look out for red flags when dealing with an unethical breeder in North Carolina; these may include: Claiming that their lineage is rare or includes show-quality dogs without any proof. Lack of Health Certificates Provided. Constantly being asked to pay a higher price after you have already committed. This may also happen if your breeder tries to do business over the phone and refuses to provide any documentation at first. Refusing to provide their contact information, address, or name. Take the time necessary when looking at boxers in NC that will make sure that their lineage is healthy and well taken care of. If your breeder cannot provide you with any information pertaining to potential health problems then this is not someone you should do business with. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy There are a number of things you will want to consider preparing for before your boxer is set to arrive. First, make sure you stock up on all of the necessary supplies like food and water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, etc. Remember; puppies tend to chew on everything so make sure you keep important documents like remote controls and cell phones out of reach or else they might end up getting destroyed. Puppies also love leather; if given the opportunity they will start chewing away at your furniture corners which will make for a mess to clean up. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Training your boxer to go potty outside will get easier with time; this is one of the most important things you can do when raising your new pup. Remember, patience is key when training any dog; it can be frustrating at times, but you should never hit or otherwise punish your puppy for having an accident. This will only make them more afraid of you and afraid to go near their potty areas in the future. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Boxer puppies for sale in Charlotte NC The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Boxer For Sale in Raleigh .Boxer puppies in Huntersville, NC. Four Seasons Boxer Rescue. Boxer Puppies for sale in North Carolina. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Wilmington, NC. The channel FS2 will broadcast. Boxer puppies in Chapel Hill, NC. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Raleigh, NC Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Charlotte, NC. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American. We have had her since she was a puppy but despite our best efforts, we unfortunately are unable to keep her and have made the very difficult decis more 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Be happy for the ones that have been adopted… The right Boxer is worth waiting for. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by hunters for. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and. Boxers for Sale in Hickory, NC. Westminster is where the best of the best compete to earn their place in the annals of animal history. Boxer breeders in North Carolina Google Map. Whether it's Cardiomyopathy or hip dysplasia, these boxer puppies get the best veterinary attention. We have 8 beautiful boxer puppies for sale with tails docked dewclaws removed wormed and shots ready to go home looking for a great family to be a part of on ! There are obedient border collies and peppy Chihuahuas, springy greyhounds and meticulously. Ice T s previous owners had docked his tail themselves and he was missing over of their fur and was very malnourished. We are centrally located within the state — roughly the same distance to. We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. Boxer Puppies available for good home xxx-xxx-xxxx thats our contact number we also do ar. Boxer puppies for sale Charlotte, North Carolina. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. Boxer Puppies in North Carolina. Boxer puppy for sale in North Carolina. Boxer puppies in Rocky Mount, NC. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in North Carolina Puppies. Pure bred Boxer Puppies parents on sight There are 3 males and 1 female left. Boxer puppies in Asheville, NC. Size: inches tall, lbs. Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. We are centrally located within the state — roughly the same distance to the beach and mountains. Boxer puppies in Apex, NC. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. North Carolina Boxer Classifieds Hoobly. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. What is the average size range of Boxer puppies in Wilmington, NC? The expected weight. The channel FS2 will broadcast highlights from breed judging throughout. North Carolina Boxer Rescue. Boxer puppies in Jacksonville, NC. Adult Boxers typically weigh anywhere from 55 to pounds. Our puppies are born indoors in a temperature controlled area. History: The Boxer. We are a family kennel that raises the Boxer, Cocker spaniel, and Dachshurds. Winn Creek Boxers is a renowned breeder and kennel registered with the. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by hunters for chasing large game. CKC Boxer Pups .We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. See full list on theanimalnut. You can also harness the power of Google Maps to find nearby Boxer breeders. Boxer puppies for sale in South Carolina from trusted breeders. We are just guessing but she may grown into a large medium size dog or a large dog. Tails docked, dew claws removed, heart worm preventitive, first shots, vet checked. Boxers for Sale in Wilmington, North Carolina. Full registration with. The American Boxer Club was established in .The typical life expectancy for Boxer puppies in Wilmington, NC is 10 to 12 years. Boxer puppy for sale in Kinston, NC. Breed judging is streaming live on the Westminster Kennel Club's website Monday and Tuesday from 8 a. We think she may be deaf or hearing impaired. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. It has been recognized by the AKC since .They have short coats that require minimal grooming. Boxer puppies in Burlington, NC. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Charlotte, NC Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Should your first choices have found their forever home, let us suggest a few. All our puppies visit the vet a minimum of 3 times before going to their new home. She is current on vaccinations and is microchipped. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Wilmington, NC Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxers for Sale in Greensboro. Britlyn Boxers are in Pinnacle, North Carolina. Boxer, North Carolina » Raleigh. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to. We put a lot of care into socializing them so they can transition easily into their new lives. Boxer Puppies for Sale in NC Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Boxers for Sale in Boone, NC. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in North Carolina. A simple brush or comb through once a week will get rid of any loose hairs and keep your Boxer looking his best throughout the year. Her mom is a boxer while dad is unknown. Boxer puppies for sale in Charlotte NC. Dog Show How to watch. We monitor closely the mother and her puppies for the first eight weeks. Phoebe is sweet and playful and eager to find her forever home. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area. Boxer mix We are currently sort of fostering an abandoned dog on behalf of Harnett County animal shelter in NC since their. Boxer Puppies available for good home Luckashjohnson. Boxer For Sale in North Carolina .We are a family kennel that raises the Boxer, Cocker spaniel, and Dachshurds breeds. No puppies where found matching your criteria. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Potomac Boxer Club. You may call them with your inquiry at: .Boxer puppies in Gastonia, NC. Hillside Farms is a breeding farm where they raise a variety of pets and animals. Boxer puppies in Wilson, NC. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. This way, the dogs receive one on one care, as well as the love attention that only comes from being in a family environment. We learn their likes, dislikes, and temperament and can address any illnesses or behavior problems quickly. They live indoors with our own pets, as they are our very own! We have many wonderful Boxer dogs available for adoption. An adoption donation fee is required to adopt a rescued Boxer. Most of our Boxers come from high kill shelters. Some of our rescue Boxers were picked up as strays by Animal Control. Some of them have been surrendered by their owners due to divorce, death, financial problems, etc. If you are interested in adopting from our rescue, please fill out an Adoption Application today. We thoroughly screen applicants and check references. Please feel free to browse through our available dogs! Everyone I was in contact with was so very nice, understanding and immediately became good friends… I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for Blue Ridge for putting the three of us together. Alan B A few months ago, my husband and I decided we were ready to open our home up to another boxer. After looking through the available males section we found him. Ruger is a fawn boxer with a little white smudge on his nose. He is also a three-legged boxer…. He has become such an amazing part of our family. We adopted Juneau aka Chrysler four years ago. He has since earned his UKC novice agility title, starred in a local commercial and just recently earned his first leg toward his AKC Novice agility title! Juneau took first place with a perfect score and a course time of .He is the best dog and we can never thank BRBR enough!
Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share!
One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for North Carolina Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in North Carolina? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in North Carolina? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Raleigh Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Raleigh? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Raleigh? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.
One easy way to keep a dog out of the litter box is to put the box in a room or closet and use a baby gate to block access. If your cat can jump fairly easily, he'll be able to make it over the gate. If your cat cannot jump, set the gate up in the doorway a few inches off the floor so that your cat can crawl under. If your dog is roughly the same size as your cat and could get under the gate, try setting up the gate at floor level and leave a box, stool, or chair next to the gate so your cat can hop over. Another easy solution is to set up your cat's litter box someplace your dog cannot access. This will ensure that your dog cannot physically get to the cat's stool, but it's not a guaranteed solution. You'll need to make sure that your dog is not a strong jumper or tall enough to simply stand on his hind legs and access the box. If your cat is old or incapacitated, this plan may not work. Try putting a chair, stool, or cat tree next to the table or counter where you've elevated the litter box. That way your cat can climb up to the box with greater ease. If you can't keep your dog away from the litter box, try installing a cat door into an existing door. You can set the cat's litter box up in a spare bedroom, bathroom, or closet, and after installing the cat door you'll be able to leave the regular door shut. A door chain is similar to the cat door, except it doesn't require cutting into your door. Simply drill and install a door chain that's long enough to let your cat fit through an ajar door, yet short enough that your dog won't be able to fit his body through the crack. If the door won't stay ajar without closing, you may need to prop the door open while the chain is in use so your cat can still get in and out without being trapped. Shop All Cat Food As lovable as dogs are, let's face it: They sometimes do things that are kind of gross. One of those gross behaviors is raiding your cat's litter box and eating what they find there. Learn why your pup is prone to this behavior and how to keep dogs out of the litter box for good. Dogs are natural scavengers who tend to devour anything with a strong smell, even poop. To the highly attuned nose of a dog, cat poop smells like cat food, which, as far as your dog is concerned, is a special treat. Once your pooch discovers these tasty nuggets in the litter box, it's like they've hit the jackpot. But despite this behavior being enjoyable for your dog, it should be discouraged, and not simply because it's gross. Cat feces can carry harmful bacteria, including salmonella, which could make your dog sick. It also can carry a parasite that causes a condition called toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to humans if your dog licks your face, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cat litter can also harm your dog if consumed in large enough quantities to cause an intestinal blockage. The best method depends on the size, temperament and trainability of your dog. Your cat might also have a say in whether certain methods will work. While it might not be realistic to clean up after your kitty every time they go, cleaning the box once or twice a day will help to cut down on your dog's opportunities. A self-cleaning robot litter box can make this task easier, if your cat will tolerate it. You could also switch to an odor-neutralizing litter to discourage your pup. Train Your Dog The most permanent way to keep your pup away from the cat box is to train them to leave it alone. Before you begin, make sure your dog is getting high-quality dog food so that they're not missing any nutrients in their diet. They should also be getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation so that they aren't exploring the litter box out of boredom. Once those bases are covered, try following these steps from the AKC to teach your dog the "leave it" command: Hold a treat on the floor under one hand and allow your dog to sniff it. When your dog loses interest and gives up, say "leave it" as they're turning away. With your free hand, give them a better treat than the covered one. Gradually work up to telling them to "leave it" while they're still inspecting the treat. Reward them with a better treat when they turn away. Once they learn to associate the command with getting a better treat than the one they're investigating, practice letting them sniff the litter box and telling them to "leave it. If you have a small dog, this might be as simple as elevating the litter box out of reach, or placing it inside a bathtub. For larger dogs, a covered cat box might work if your cat will tolerate a lid. If your cat vetoes a lidded box, installing a pet gate or a cat flap to the room where the litter box is stored might be your best option. Whichever method you try, be sure to keep your kitty's preferences in mind. If you need to relocate the litter box, move it gradually, in small increments, to give your cat time to get used to the idea. Similarly, changing litter should be done gradually, mixing a little bit of the new litter with the old and increasing new litter slowly as your cat becomes used to it. She currently lives in the Ozarks with her husband and their gaggle of four-footed dependents, where she enjoys watching a wide array of wild animals in her back yard while drinking her morning coffee. That is until your doggo gets into the kitty litter. As you've probably guessed, cat litter for dogs is not healthy! If you live in a multi-pet household, you probably already know that this has its own challenges. We don't know of a dog proof litter box that exists.We also don't know of litter for dogs that's safe to snack on. Dogs raiding the kitty litter is a problem fur-parents have faced for ages and there are many reasons behind it! But, the truth is, your dog likes to sample the delights of the kitty litter box because it smells of cat food. We all know how dogs are natural scavengers and love to get their paws on an extra snack or two. However, if left unsolved, you can run the risk of opening your home to potential parasitic infections that can be harmful to your pets and yourself. Read the full story on dogs eating cat poop here. So, can you litter train a dog? In our opinion, it's always a good idea to train your puppy to stay out of the litter box from as young as you can. For ways on how to keep dog out of litter box, read on. Finding the right option for you can help ensure happy harmony for the whole household while keeping the stress levels to a minimum. No, and we don't want them in the cat's ones either. When it comes to how to keep dog out of litter box , you have a few options. Before looking up a magical spray to keep dog out of litter box or investing in dog proof litter box furniture, take a look! Install a pet gate If your cat litter is in a dedicated room that you rarely enter, using a pet gate is one way to keep the dog out of the litter box. However, it can be fairly costly and complicated to install - not to mention the hassle of figuring out how it works! A pet gate can be a great option for families who are willing to put in the work. Lastly, many people tend to forget that bigger dogs can easily jump over the gate. Luckily, there are a few pet gate alternatives available. It also does not make for a dog proof litter box. All cats are different, but many cat lovers know that confined spaces can make their kitty feel uncomfortable and possibly even stressed when trapped. Have you ever wondered why cats hate closed doors? Our fickle friends tend to prefer an easy entry and exit when it comes to their bathroom habits. As we mentioned earlier, a cover does not make for a dog proof cat litter tray! In terms of cat box solutions, this one will depend on your kitty! You can also consider an automatic litter box or self cleaning litter box in these instances. Try Dog Training Techniques Dog proofing the litter box can be as easy as teaching your dog "stop it" or "leave it". Teaching your dog these commands can be a great aid in purfecting their behavior and stopping the madness until dog proof litter boxes exist! Before you start dog training , make sure to stock up on the treats! Rewarding good behavior will help reinforce the commands and show your pooch that this is how they should act. For teaching the commands, keep an eye on your dog. As they approach the litter box, stop them in their tracks with a "stop it" or "leave it". If they hear your command and act correctly, reward this action. If not, try again but say the command louder. Soon enough, they should pick up on your intentions and start following suit. It's a lot to remember, but the good news is that we have free resources to help guide you through it. On the downside, this can take days, even weeks to get right. On top of this, it doesn't guarantee that your dog won't get into the litter box when you're not around. Any word on those dog proof litter boxes yet?! Visit the Vet Did you know that one of the main reasons why dogs eat cat poop is a nutrient deficiency? Despite the ick factor, this can be a good indicator that a trip to the vet is needed, especially seeing as cat litter for dogs is not healthy. Your vet will be able to do a full health check and help you navigate supplementing your dog's diet. With a little bit of effort and love, finding the right mix of food and potential vitamins, your dog should stop their feasting ways. Keep the Cat Boxes Clean One sure way for solving how to keep dog out of litter box is frequent cleaning! Without any tootsie rolls to snack on, your dog won't have the need to indulge. Kind of like when we're on a diet, right? Except, the hooman diet does seem more palatable than forbidden kitty Roca! When your cat has finished its business, try swooping in as soon as possible. The less time between pooping and cleaning, the better! This will reduce the chance of your pooch sniffing out the treasure. This seems like a simple enough solution unless you're not home all day! Let's be honest, watching your cat's toilet routine isn't on most of our to-do lists. That being said, make sure to schedule a few checks throughout your day. Soon enough, it will become a part of your routine. Place your Best Kitty Litter Box Out of Bounds Another simple solution to giving your cat their space and privacy is making sure the litter box is unreachable. Sometimes the best kitty litter box to keep dogs out is one your doggo can't find! If your dog has easy access to the forbidden goods, you better believe they're going to take full advantage! Most people place their cat's belongings in a separate room with the door closed. This is an effective way to make sure cat litter for dogs does not become a regular delicacy! However, what about your cat? It's no secret that cats hate closed doors. You may have heard their meows of terror a few times when they've been locked up! This will be something where you have to weigh up your pros and cons. On the one hand, the dog is kept out, but on the other, your cat is left with anxiety and stress. Not to mention the constant having to get up and let your cat in and out! Using a simple and affordable latch is a quick and convenient solution for how to keep dog out of litter box. It also provides owners with the freedom to continue throughout their day without being disturbed by frequent meows or a scuffle in the litter! Using a pet door latch gives your cat everything they need while keeping your dog out. Unlike the covered litter box, your cat has the freedom to roam in and out of rooms with the latch being adjusted to suit the right width of your puurfect pet. Gone are the days of being grossed out and dealing with frustrated cats! You can create your very own diy dog proof cat litter box. Think of how much easier your life can become without the hassle of navigating a cumbersome baby gate, or trying to master dog training commands! Door Buddy does the hard work for you. In other words, it's a must for all fur-milies with cats, dogs, and even curious toddlers who can't seem to get enough of the litter box. If you're worried about pinched fingers, we hear you. An adjustable door strap and slammed doors can be a terror on their own! However, our foam door stopper is the purfect solution. This prevents doors from slamming and keeps fingers and tails safe. Don't believe us? Just take a squiz of our 25, 5-star reviews below. Door Buddy has been a fan favorite for thousands and we hope we become a staple in your home too! If you've gotten to the end of our tips blog post on how to keep my dog out of the litter box and you're wondering how your little chihuahua or miniature poodle will do, we've got you covered. You can figure out how to keep small dog out of the litter box by reading this article here. You can even use these tips to help navigate how to keep puppy out of litter box. However, when it comes to pups, we do think it's best to nip that kitty Roca habit in the bud. You can try these puppy training tips here or try your hand training your dog to stay out of the litter box. The answer to this is yes, if you train your small dog to use the litter box properly. However, we prefer litter boxes for cats only. Who would have thought that the biggest challenge of raising cats and dogs would be arguing about how to keep dog out of litter box? Finding the right dog proofing solution for your household is the key to keeping a happy and healthy home for all! If you need to keep a baby out of the litter box , Door Buddy works for that too. For more pawsome pet information, such as our top cat training tips , keep reading our blog! Aug 21, Share For one reason or another, some dogs love messing with cat litter boxes. This can be dangerous for the dog and the cat. Plus, it can make your house a huge mess. Often, the easiest thing to do is dog-proof your litter box. Use a Baby Gate Cats often have no trouble getting around baby gates unless they are tiny. You can also install the baby gate so that it is just a few inches off the ground, which should allow the cat to squeeze underneath the bottom. This is probably the most comfortable option, but it does mean leaving a baby gate up all the time. Of course, this only works if your cat is an expert climber. You can always put a cat tree near the litter box if your feline needs a bit of extra help climbing. Image Credit: Sharaf Maksumov, Shutterstock 3. Self-cleaning litter boxes can be expensive, but they are a great option if you want something that works. Litter boxes with covers will deter larger dogs, especially since they will not fit into the litter box. Some cat litter boxes are entered through the top. You put something taller, like a cat tree, next to it so that your cat can leap in. The dog will be unable to get in, no matter its size. These boxes work best for smaller dogs, as bigger ones may be able to reach their head in. Install a Cat Door You can also install a cat door to keep your dog out. These are usually made to go on an outside door. But you can put most of them on an inside door as well. Install one going into the room where you keep the litterbox and plan on keeping that door shut. However, your cat will have no problem going through it. Image Credit: AndreasGoellner, Pixabay 6. Instead, you use a drill to install a door chain. Teaching this command is pretty simple. Hold a treat in a closed fist next to your face. Your dog should see you pick up the food and know it is in your hand. Move your hand further away from your space so that your dog has to move its eyes more to look at your face. Next, hold the treat between two fingers so that your dog can see it. Repeat the above steps, but with the open hand. Once your dog has that mastered, kneel on the ground in front of your dog and put a piece of food on the ground in front of you. Tell your dog to leave it. If your dog goes for the food, cover it with your hands. When your dog looks at your face, reward them with a different treat. After your canine has mastered that part, stand up and drop a piece of food on the ground — close to you so that you can cover it with your foot if necessary. Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock 8. Ensure Your Dog is Mentally Stimulated Many destructive behaviors stem from your canines being bored. Different dogs will need different amounts of mental stimulation, which is usually tied to their intelligence level. Smarter dogs need to stretch their mind more than other canines. There are many ways you can keep your dog mentally stimulated. One easy way is to provide daily training sessions. Training is hard for dogs, as they try to figure out what you want them to do. It also makes your dog better behaved and can result in them learning useful commands. However, not everyone has time to train their dog daily. Some dogs may need a bit more mental stimulation than a training session as well. In these cases, consider using puzzle toys to entertain your dog during the day. Puzzle toys come in all sorts of difficulties and utilize food to keep your dog interested. However, a few puzzle toys can keep a dog busy for hours. In this case, it can be challenging to convince them not to eat it, even if they are entertained otherwise. Alternatively, you can also use substances like vegetable oil or canned pumpkin. Okay, it's our product, so we may be biased — but we love it so much, we just have to share it! Use a Muzzle If none of the other methods are working, you may need to muzzle your dog when the litterbox is available to them. There are many different types of muzzles — beyond those used for aggressive dogs. Some are specifically designed to prevent dogs from eating things they are supposed to. They also make muzzles that still allow a dog to drink, which is a reliable option if you need to leave it on your dog for an extended period. Sometimes, our dogs are so persistent in breaking into the litter box that some owners may throw up their hands. However, your dog must be kept away from cat stool. Cats can have internal parasites, like hookworms, that can then be transferred over to your pet. Furthermore, clumping litter is hazardous for canines. When eaten, it will clump up in their stomach and cause all sorts of issues. In some cases, it may cause a blockage that can be life-threatening. We recommend trying a few of the things we listed in this article, as they tend to work best when used together. Related Read:. And apparently, cat food can be a delicacy for dogs We will learn more about this later. Before we figure out how to keep the dog out of the litter box, let us understand why dogs eat cat poop. Cat poop has a high protein content. Because of the high protein content of cat food, some dogs are attracted to cat poop. They will most likely have a lot of protein in their poop as well. Dogs are considered to be natural scavengers. The Dog is Bored and Seeks Attention Another reason your dog eats cat poop is that the dog gets bored. It is one way of seeking your attention. Certain breeds suffer from social anxiety when you do not give them enough attention. Terriers are heavily affected when you do not offer them the attention they seek. They will do everything within their power including gross things such as eating cat poop to attract your attention. They may be Sick It might be a medical condition. Maybe they are suffering from some sort of ailment and the cat poop seems like a perfect solution to them. If so, talk to your vet about this issue. Stress or Hunger They may be stressed out or simply hungry. Feeding your dog a high protein diet from time to time is good for him. If the cat has an intestinal parasite or worm problem, then the chances are high that the dogs will be affected by them too. Fecal matter from cats can contain bacteria, hookworms, and worms that can be transmitted to dogs if they eat the fecal matter. This may cause the dog to bloat. Bloat is an unpleasant condition that may lead to nausea, loss of appetite, or gas. It would take a great deal of litter for this to happen and it is not a common occurrence. If you see any signs of diarrhea, be sure to take the dog to the vet immediately. Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links Amazon Associate or other programs we take part in. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This will keep the litter box away from the dog and in a place where your cat can access it easily. Make sure there are other surfaces close to the litter box to help the cat climb such as drawers and chairs. Install a Cat Door If you want to give your cat access to the outside of the house without letting the dog out, you can consider installing a cat door. Keep the Litter Box Clean all the time When the litter stays in the box for a long time, it becomes more appealing to the dog. To get the best results, always use scoops regularly and keep the container clean. Cats dislike staying in dirty places. If you want to keep the odor away, you can buy special litter for dogs to help prevent them from sniffing at the boxes. This box has a sensor that detects when your cat has finished using the litter box. Purchase a Dog-Proof Litter Box There are several dog proof litter box options available for purchase. Some of them have small openings for cats to get through. A dog cannot fit. If you have a small dog, this may not be very effective. Find out which strategy works best for you. It may be difficult to choose from among the many dog-proof litter box options available for purchase. The design makes it easier for cats to get into and out of their litter boxes spilling no litter. It is large enough to fit any size cat and easy to clean after your cat has used it. Material: Plastic Weight: 4. The top-entrance design keeps cats from scattering their feces while making it easier for them to enter and leave the house. Although the entrance is large enough for the cat, your dog will not fit through the entrance. The box is connected to Wi-Fi and comes with a mobile application that allows simple control from wherever you may be. After your cat has left its litter box, the litter is cleaned up by a filter system. There are no odors or cat waste in this container. You will be required to change the litter tray depending on how frequently your cat uses the box - probably once a month. It may take some time for your puppy to learn everything he needs to know. Be patient with him. Once it gets distracted and gives up trying to get to the litter box, show it how happy you are. Give the dog a treat. Use the other hand while keeping the original treat inside the fist you had originally. Your cat might not like that at first, but it will be fine. Some people add monosodium glutamate MSG to their cat's food. Using MSG in small amounts poses no health risks for cats. A litter with MSG is very unpleasant to dogs and they will mostly refrain from an eating litter that contains this chemical component if they can help it. Baby Gates can Help Baby gate can keep the dogs out. Using a gate to keep the dog out litter box that the cat can easily get through the gaps between the bars of the crib. You could alternatively lift the baby gate a few feet off the floor so that the cat can climb underneath. If you have a small pet, you may place an object near the door so that your cat can jump over it and go outside. Dogs may not jump as adeptly as cats do. Baby gates come in different sizes, forms, and qualities. We have reviewed some of the best baby gates you can get from Amazon below. Gear By Meg Marrs 8 min read April 19, 25 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Did your dog get into the cat litter box…again? We get it — dogs like to eat poop! Good news — there are several different methods you can use to dog proof your litter box. Larger dogs may be able to still stick their nose inside, but small and medium-sized dogs can be kept out. It also has a litter-clinging steps that collect litter as your cat enters and exits, keeping your floors clean. However, fast-moving dogs still may be able to get a bite in before the cleaning can take place. Keep Cat in Gated Area. Some indoor dog gates are specifically designed to let cats slink through while keeping dogs out. Some desperate owners resort to feeding their cats certain types of food that are designed to make their waste less desirable to dogs. Covered Litter Box. Some litter boxes can be set up with a covered opening that only cats can access. Keep Your Dog Occupied. Your dog could be eating poop out of boredom — in which case distraction may be one possible solution to your poo problems. Try setting your dog up with a treat dispensing dog toy that can challenge your pooch and keep him occupied. Dog Proof Door Latch. You can also purchase a dog proof door latch that keeps the door open with enough space that is large enough for a cat to slip through, but too narrow for a dog. 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. If you have a household with both dogs and cats, you know how awesome that combo can be especially when your dog and cat are doing something adorable like snuggling. Dogs getting into the litter box and eating cat poop is easily one of the top problems owners of both dogs and cats deal with. It can be a huge task trying to keep your pup out of the litter box! Believe it or not, there is a reason your dog is engaging in this behavior, and there are several ways you can keep them from doing it again. Dogs are scavengers; they will eat pretty much anything they come across. And they find cat poop to be particularly delicious treats because it smells like cat food to them. The reason it does? In a much rarer case, your pup may be chowing down on poop due to a health problem. The result is them gobbling down anything that resembles food in the slightest. Cat poop can contain a host of different bacteria and parasites that can make your pup ill. Bacteria can include salmonella , campylobacter , and clostridia , amongst others. To make matters worse, salmonella can be transmitted from dog to human. Cat poop can also pass along worms , as well as a parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis which your dog can then transfer to you via a nice sloppy doggy kiss. As far as litter goes, it can also be dangerous to your dog in large quantities. If your dog eats enough litter, it can result in a blockage in the intestines. The good news is that most dogs would need to eat a ton of litter for this to occur. If it seems like your pup is having trouble going or if their poop looks different than usual, get them to a vet. This method is one that requires your time. The quicker you get in there, the less often your dog will be able to get a treat. Click here to learn more and get yourself a bottle. Cover the Litter Box This one is an easy fix to the problem, but it depends on both your cat and dog to be successful. Depending on your cat, this may not be a good option. These litter boxes are fabulous because they will clean themselves after each use. The downsides are they might make your cat nervous, they can be pricey, and if your dog is super-fast, it might be able to get in there before the self-cleaning begins. Image Credit: Litter Robot, Unsplash 4. However, if you have limited space in higher areas and will need to use the space for other things, the idea of a litter box being there might squick you out. Putting up a pet gate will block access to the litter box for your pup, and voila, problem solved! But how will the cat get to it? You can get a pet gate that has a small pet door in it to let your cat in and out. With one of these, you can leave the door to the litter box area cracked open enough for your cat to slip through while ensuring the crack is too narrow for your dog. This is another instance where your pets being close in size will make this a poor solution. Doing this will require the most time and effort on your part. There are too many health issues that could arise from doing this some of which could be passed along to you. The simplest way to get your dog out of the litter box will be cutting off access to it, getting a different type of litter box, or cleaning the box constantly. Once this is done, you can be sure your dog will be much healthier if maybe a bit poutier! 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.
Swine gestation calculator. Dog due date, labor, and pregnancy Your dog can get pregnant between the ages of 2 to 6. The female is most fertile in her 2nd or 3rd heat heat happens every 5 to 11 months. That's also when we can expect the largest litter. When pregnant, your dog will start to eat more and gain weight, and lab tests may show anemia and an elevated number of white blood cells. Remember that false pregnancy is a relatively common occurrence in dogs! Factors that may influence the number of puppies: Breed of the dog large dogs: puppies, small dogs: ; Amount of the male's sperm; Breeding time; Health of a female; and The state of the dog's uterus previous pregnancies. Our dog gestation period calculator will familiarize you with how your dog's pregnancy develops and the time left until her labor. At that time, your dog's temperature will drop by 1. She will breathe more rapidly and have an elevated thirst. The dog will start to get nervous and will gather all her toys in a safe, quiet place. Once we computed the labor date with the dog due date calculator, it's sensible to prepare for it in advance. When the big day comes, you'll need: Sterile gloves; A bottle with prepared formula. Did you know? A dog's egg cell must mature for days before it can be fertilized by sperm! The puppy's wellbeing Once you've used the pregnancy calculator and you know the exact date your new puppies will arrive, try to keep in mind the following rules: During pregnancy, you have to avoid certain medications, including some antibiotics or antifungal treatments. Inform your vet that you suspect that your dog might be pregnant. Check if your dog is consuming enough food. During lactation, your dog should consume twice as much food as usual too. Pups will start to open their eyes after days. They can't discriminate between shapes until the 18th day of their life! So, if they have trouble with sucking, you must help them navigate to their mother's nipples don't worry, they know what to do once there. We hope that our puppy due date calculator helps you assure yourself that everything's ready and under control for the arrival of some new lives! Share the joy! They'll be eager to devour everything once they're older! You may find out more about the possible danger in our dog chocolate toxicity calculator. Here are some signs that your dog may be pregnant: Weight gain;. Shelter pets teach students essential skills for success Our Impact A pioneer of the no-kill movement, North Shore Animal League America continues to lead the way with the development of national and international programs that increase adoptions and raise awareness about the plight of homeless animals. Support our work, donate today! Each month features heroic stories of compassion and some of the special animals we've had the privilege to rescue, nurture and adopt - and we surely couldn't have done it without YOU, and all our loyal supporters. Order yours today! Enjoy delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, a silent auction and plenty of puppy love. Reserve your spot today and join us as we celebrate another year of our lifesaving mission. The Season of New Beginnings I read somewhere that September represents endings and new beginnings, which makes sense. Summer ends, autumn begins, vacation ends, and the school year begins. Speaking of new beginnings, there are currently two young nursing mammas in my program, with a total of nine nuggets. Back to School Tips: Leaving Your Pet at Home The hurried rush of back-to-school and shorter days means families are spending more time focused on school work and active schedules. That may mean leaving your furry friends home alone more often. Now is an important time to incorporate your pet into the family's new routine. This was never more true than for Quartz, who at just weeks old needed all of our resources to survive. Warning, some images may be heartbreaking. Opening your heart to these dogs and cats is a profoundly meaningful and compassionate act; you give them the chance to experience comfort, security and affection in their remaining days. Now fully recovered from his dual hip surgery, Buddy has made quite a mark on the hearts of his caregivers…and even on some of their family members.
Gestation length according to accurate hormone measurements in dogs Please note that these values are averages and individual dogs may have slight variations. Getting Ready for Delivery Before giving birth to its babies, a female German shepherd begins exploring private and safe places for her puppies this process is called nesting. For the comfort of the mother and the safety of the puppy, keep some blankets and towels in the whelping box. She begins to spend more time in her nest. This way you will not have to distribute her puppies in hidden places. Taking Care of German shepherd Puppies Newborns cannot see or hear until 5 to 8 days of age. Puppies do not stand until at least 2 to 4 weeks of age. Same for the barking behavior. If left in the litter or orphaned, or if its mother is unable to produce enough milk, or if the suckle reflex for the puppy is poor, ask your vet for the Lactose-Free weaning milk prescribed for German Shepherd Puppies. Check if the temperature is warm enough as the puppies cannot control their temperature at this stage. You do not need to bathe them this time, because the mother GSD cleans her litter by constantly pressing. If the puppies are orphaned, you can wash them gently using a warm and damp cloth. Mothers for German shepherds , depending on her experience and the size of the litter, work an average of 6 to 18 hours, usually to deliver puppies. When new contractions begin, arrange the already-born puppies with a heating pad fitted in a small box and keep them away until the next puppy is born. Immediately after birth, check that each puppy is breathing properly. Observe closely their movements to make sure there are no faded puppies. German shepherd giving birth for the first time Usually, after birth, the mother cuts the umbilical cord and cleans the puppies by gently pressing their bodies. She starts with the genitals, then the legs complete with the rest of the body. She may not do so if she has no experience, or when she is exhausted after childbirth. This colostrum is very nutritious for babies. Hygiene Mother GSD, by licking its genital area, encourages her litter to urinate or defecate, but if left in the litter, you should stimulate them with potty cleaning essentials because new-borns cannot do this on their own till the first 2 weeks of life. Gently massage the anal area using a damp cotton ball or washcloth. Use a suction bulb syringe if something obstructs the nasal passages of the puppy. Also Read: When do German shepherd ears Stand up naturally? Track the growth and condition of each puppy. Using the Baby Scale, weigh each puppy immediately after birth and log its weight. Healthy German Shepherd puppies weight is about 0. Well-fed puppies sleep quietly, while air-swallowing puppies appear to be well-fed, but behave satisfactorily, initially crying and wandering around a lot, then, not moving enough. German Shepherd puppies are completely weaned and completely independent from their mother by 8 weeks of age, so it is best to train them to avoid behavioral problems. If puppies are not trained to be considered completely stupid, train them now. If necessary, bottle feeding with a canine milk replacement formula can be introduced, following veterinarian guidelines. Puppies should be fed every hours, including overnight. Weaning Introduce a small amount of softened puppy food to start the weaning process. Consult with a veterinarian for appropriate food and feeding guidelines. Start offering puppy food mixed with milk replacement formula, gradually reducing the formula over time. Begin to introduce the puppies to lapping from a shallow dish of water. Socialization Continue handling and gentle interactions to build trust and positive associations with humans. Introduce the puppies to new sounds, sights, and experiences in a controlled and safe manner. Allow supervised playtime with littermates to encourage socialization and development of motor skills. Veterinary Check-up Schedule a veterinary visit for a check-up, deworming, and vaccination recommendations. Hygiene and Cleanliness Clean the whelping area regularly, ensuring a warm, dry, and comfortable environment. Puppies may begin to crawl and explore, so provide a safe space with appropriate bedding. Monitor the puppies for any signs of illness or abnormalities and seek veterinary assistance if necessary. Sleep and Rest Puppies spend most of their time sleeping and should have a designated area for uninterrupted rest. Ensure the sleeping area is quiet, warm, and away from drafts or excessive noise. Provide soft bedding or blankets for comfort. Checklist of essential items for the Newborn German Shepherd Puppies and Mother Here is a list of things newborn German Shepherd puppies and their mother need: For Mom Whelping Box : A safe and comfortable place for a mother to give birth and nurse her puppies. Bedding: soft, clean bedding for the whelping box to keep mother and puppies warm and comfortable. Food and water bowls: Provide easily accessible bowls for the mother to have food and water. High-quality dog food: Provide a balanced and nutritious diet that meets the needs of the mother during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a veterinarian for specific recommendations. Freshwater: Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water to keep the mother hydrated. Medical Supplies — Keep a first aid kit on hand that includes items such as wound cleansers, gauze pads, and other basic medical supplies in case of emergencies or complications. For newborn puppies Help Box: A safe and warm environment for puppies to grow and develop. Bedding: Soft, clean bedding to keep pups warm and comfortable. Heat source: A heat lamp or heating pad is set to a low temperature to provide adequate warmth for puppies, since they are initially unable to regulate their body temperatures. Milk Replacement Formula — If nursing is not possible or additional supplementation is required, a high-quality canine milk replacement formula is available. Nursing bottles or syringes — can be used to provide supplementary feeding if puppies are unable to nurse from their mother or if necessary. Weight standard: Check the weight of the puppies regularly to ensure proper growth and development. Vet Contact Information — Have the contact details of a veterinarian with experience caring for puppies handy for any emergencies or questions. Identification bands: Use different colored bands or collars to help distinguish between puppies and track their progress. Socialization and nurturing toys: As puppies get older, introduce appropriate toys and objects to stimulate their senses and encourage early socialization. Remember to consult a veterinarian for personalized recommendations and guidance based on your specific situation and the needs of your German Shepherd mother and puppies. The mother should be given small, frequent meals throughout the day to support her energy requirements while feeding the puppy or during nursing. How often should newborn German Shepherd puppies be nursed? Puppies should nurse from their mother every 1 to 2 hours during the first few weeks of life. They have small stomachs and need frequent feedings to meet their nutritional needs. When should I start introducing solid food to the puppies? Solid food introduction typically begins around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Start by offering softened puppy food mixed with milk replacement formula, gradually transitioning them away from exclusive nursing. Consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations. How do I keep the whelping area clean? Clean the whelping area regularly to maintain hygiene. Remove soiled bedding promptly, wipe down surfaces, and replace it with fresh, clean bedding. Use pet-safe disinfectants as recommended by your veterinarian. When can I start weaning the puppies from their mother? Weaning usually begins around 3 to 4 weeks of age when puppies start showing interest in solid food. Gradually introduce softened puppy food and reduce the amount of milk replacement formula or nursing sessions. Monitor their progress and consult with a veterinarian for guidance. Final Thoughts In conclusion, newborn German Shepherd puppies and their mother require special care and dedication. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Proper nutrition is very important for mother and puppies. Make sure the mother gets a balanced diet that meets her needs during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. Newborn babies depend on breast milk for nutrition. Make sure they nurse frequently, usually every 1 to 2 hours to meet their nutritional needs. Monitor their weight gain to make sure they are thriving. Provide a clean and comfortable helping area for mother and baby. Keep the area warm, dry and draft-free. Clean and replace bedding regularly to maintain cleanliness. Gradually introduce solid food to puppies at 3 to 4 weeks of age. Start with soft puppy food and gradually transition them away from exclusive nursing. Check with a veterinarian for specific feeding guidelines. Socialize puppies from an early age. Handle them carefully, expose them to different sights and sounds, and introduce positive human interactions. This helps them develop into well-adjusted and sociable dogs. Look for any illness or abnormalities in the mother or puppies. Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice anything concerning. By providing proper nutrition, a safe environment, and early socialization, you can give newborn German Shepherd puppies the best start in life and ensure the well-being of both mother and her precious offspring. Puppies How to Care For a Newborn German Shepherd Puppy German Shepherd puppies are the cutest pets, but can be very fragile at an earlier stage of life, making it impossible for them to fight and survive alone. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about newborn German shepherd puppy care. However, these little babies are often born blind, deaf, and toothless. Since these pups are so fragile at an earlier stage of life, it is nearly impossible for them to fight and survive alone. Unfortunately, due to lack of care, many German Shepherd puppies easily succumb to unfortunate circumstances. It is essential to know that newborn puppies generally require a lot more care and attention than adult dogs. Here, we will dive deep into the world of newborn German shepherd puppies so you know how to take care of them. Important Things to Know About German Shepherd Puppies Newborn German Shepherds are blind until they are between 8 and 14 days old and deaf until they are 5 to 8 days old. These unique-looking puppies are typically born with dark blue or grey eyes, but their physical features keep changing and evolving as they grow. If the first litter of a German Shepherd has more than four puppies, it can render the mother incapable of providing them ample care. This means that there is a potential risk of the newborns getting sick, dying, or becoming very weak until you intervene. Care for the Pups During their Birth Once your German Shepherd has given birth, you will need to check all the puppies to ensure they are breathing properly. Generally, the mother cuts the umbilical cord and cleans up her puppies by licking them gently. She typically starts with their genitals, moves on to their legs, and then finishes with the rest of their bodies. You can start by using a disinfectant to clean the cords and then rub their bodies with a clean towel until they dry. Adjust the Temperature and Humidity Before delivering, a German Shepherd mother searches for a safe and private space enough for her puppies to be born it. So, as a dog parent, it will be your responsibility to provide your pup with a big enough box to suit her and her puppies. Therefore, adjusting the temperature of the nest is a rather significant part of keeping these pups healthy. Generally, German Shepherd mothers are the primary heat source for babies. However, if, for any reason, the mother cannot be in the box, you must provide the puppies with other heat sources, such as a warm lamp or a heating pad. The best way to maintain ideal humidity levels for the puppies is to install a humidifier or keep the nest in your laundry room. Feed the Puppies A significant part of caring for your newborn German Shepherd puppies is providing them with the right amount of nourishment. The best way to do this is to allow nature to take the wheel. The puppies will be nursed by their mother immediately after the birth, even without the pups unable to see her nipples. A German Shepherd mother typically lactates for two months. However, if the mother is unable to provide her pups with this nourishment, you will have to search for other sources. Take Note of Hygiene Maintaining the hygiene of the puppies and their nest is an integral part of keeping them in good health. However, it is best to maintain a clean environment by disinfecting the nest and replacing the blanks or towels once a day. Additionally, you must only start bathing the puppies after 45 days of their birth. Wrapping Up This article only provides you with the basics of newborn German Shepherd puppy care. Discover how to create a joyful, healthy home for your pet. Subscribe to your weekly rundown of practice, real life ideas and training tips straight to your inbox. We offer practical, real life ideas and training tips for a joyful experince, with your pet. All rights reserved. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! Degenerative myelopathy or Canine Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. Epilepsy Unfortunately, some Sable German Shepherds are prone to seizures. How to get a Sable German Shepherd? You can get a Sable German Shepherd through any of the resources below. Red Sable German Shepherd breeders Hayeshaus hayeshaus. Sable German Shepherd breeders near me Several puppy search engines can help you find Sable German Shepherd breeders near you. Try contacting Hayeshaus hayeshaus. They specialize in breeding and selling healthy golden Sable German Shepherds puppies. A Silver Sable German Shepherd puppy usually costs extra due to the rare coloration. Try contacting VomBanachk9 vombanachk9. Certain special colors also influence the price. For example, the black Sable German Shepherd price will likely be lower than a silver Sable German Shepherd price due to their novelty. On the other hand, adoption and rescue can be significantly cheaper options. Sable German Shepherd rescue The best way to find a Silver Sable German Shepherd rescue is to contact your local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Numerous breeders have German Shepherd Sable puppies for sale. Here are some of them. Check out Vomdinaburg vomdinaburg. Puppy search engines will help you out. Sable German Shepherd puppies Illinois Vomragnar vomragnar. Check out Hocking Hills hockinghillsgermanshepherds. Sable German Shepherd puppies for sale Washington Vombanachk9 vombanachk9. Kesyra GSD kesyragsd. Finding a healthy Sable German Shepherd for sale Finding an adult, trained Sable German Shepherd for sale is a good option for people who want an adult canine. Here are some places to search for them. Check out Wolfgang Haus German Shepherds wolfganghausgsd. They have the finest Sable German Shepherds for sale in Texas. Sable long haired German Shepherd for sale If you are looking for a beautiful long hair Sable German Shepherd for sale, check out Rehoboth mygermanshepherd. Sep 27, Jul 8, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you looking for a dog with all the amazing characteristics of a German shepherd, but you also want something a bit different and special? If so, then why not consider a sable German shepherd? The sable German shepherd is not a crossbreed dog but rather a recognized variation within the breed, so the dog retains all the benefits of a purebred pup. German shepherds are one of the most popular purebred dog breeds in the United States, in part thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and intense loyalty. They are also well-loved for their sleek, noble appearance. Interestingly, sable is actually the original color of the German shepherd breed. It is the only variation of the German shepherd that has the same color as the founding member of the breed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these attractive, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. Sable German Shepherd Appearance Sable German shepherds look just like most other German shepherd dogs, with the exception of their distinctively colored coat. The German shepherd is a large breed. You can expect the males to reach up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. The females are a bit smaller. Their heads are domed in shape with a long, square muzzle. They have alert, erect ears and long necks that make them seem even larger than they are. It is considered ideal for the dog to be longer than it is tall with a proportion of 10 to 8. Their bushy tail should extend out in a hook-like shape. German shepherds tend to dip their head low like a wolf when they are running or prowling, which contributes to the consensus that they look very much like the wolf ancestors of dogs. These dogs have double coats with a soft undercoat and a denser guard layer. The guard layer can be either medium or long, though the medium length is significantly more common. Most German shepherds are either tan and black or red and black. The lighter brown shade is usually their principal color, with a black face mask and black markings on their back which often look like a saddle. A variety of other color variations exist, including pure black, pure white, liver, silver, blue, panda, and, of course, sable. Sable basically means the dog has mostly lighter colored hair with a black tips, which can make the dog appear grey or mottled. In reality, the actual color combinations are more varied, and the sable pattern could be any mixture of tan, black, brown, or red. The term is mostly used in the United States. In other countries, such as Germany, these dogs are often just called grey. It has since become a popular working dog for roles such as search and rescue, police, and military due to its strength, trainability, and intelligence. The breed emerged from the s trend to try to standardize dog breeds to assist in certain jobs, such as herding sheep. Max von Stephanitz was a leading thinker in this area and was specifically looking for canine specimens that matched his ideal vision of a working dog. He found that ideal dog at a dog show in .He purchased the dog and named it Horand von Grafrath and founded the Society for German Shepherd Dogs to promote the breed and others like it. Horand, who was in fact a sable-colored German Shepherd, became the center point of a breeding program. Horand himself had 84 puppies, and extensive inbreeding was required to secure the characteristics of the breed. When the German Shepherd was imported to the United States in the early 20th century, it became popular with gangsters and bootleggers for its strength, intelligence, and intimidating appearance. It was also popular in Nazi Germany, and even Adolf Hitler loved the breed. As a result, it has gained a reputation for being a fierce, intimidating, and even dangerous breed. However, this says much more about how the dogs were used than the natural temperament of the dogs themselves. German Shepherd Temperament The color of a German shepherd makes no difference to its temperament, so you can expect a sable German shepherd to conform to the general temperament of the breed. German shepherd dogs are often described as active and self-assured. This, combined with their intelligence and eagerness to learn and please, makes them excellent working dogs. They are also highly obedient and loyal. Their extreme loyalty also extends to family situations. They will raise the alarm with their loud, deep bark if they sense danger. However, German shepherds are not naturally aggressive. This is a reputation that stems from the way that the dog has been used in the past. That said, German shepherds are often associated with severe dog bites. This is largely due to the popularity of the breed and the strength of their bite rather than any innate aggression; there are simply more of them around than many other dog breeds. Tests suggest that German Shepherds have a bite force of over 1, newtons, which is less than a Rottweiler but more than a pit bull. They tend to have a natural suspicion of strangers and like to chase smaller animals. Their intelligence and compliance means they can be trained not to display this behavior, but as an owner, you need to put in the work of training them properly and consistently. German shepherds are a very curious breed in addition to being highly intelligent, which is why they are well suited for search and rescue missions. German Shepherd Energy Level German shepherds are very playful and active dogs, so they need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to thrive. This is another reason why they often do well as working animals. Working gives them both the physical and mental stimulation to complete these challenging tasks. Pleasing their handlers is also attractive to these highly reward-oriented dogs. Ideally, German shepherds need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, preferably spread over at least two different sessions. However, this should be slightly less when they are puppies. There is always a risk of over-exercising puppies, especially when it comes to large dog breeds. As a general rule, you should exercise a puppy daily for five minutes for every month of their age until they are an adult. German shepherds reach adulthood at around 18 months. So, for example, a six month old pup should be getting 30 minutes of exercise a day if we follow this rule, as six months times five minutes comes out to 30 minutes per day. What to know more about exercising your puppy? Read our article: How far can I walk my puppy? German shepherds will love to accompany you on adventures, such as hikes and walks, and they also love swimming. They will do well at the lake, on the beach, or even accompanying you on a boat. However, even though they are excellent swimmers, they should have a doggy life vest if you are out at sea. They will struggle in an apartment, and their large size can make navigating small apartments challenging even for these nimble dogs. Ideally, they should have a backyard where they can move around freely, especially when left at home alone. The intelligence of these dogs means they can get bored quickly. While puzzle toys, such as a Kong , can help on the occasions when you do need to leave them alone, they are likely to become stressed if they are left alone regularly. German Shepherd Health Risks German shepherds have a life expectancy of a little over 10 years. This is normal for dogs of their size, and larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. You should not expect a sable German shepherd to be immune from these, especially since further inbreeding is often required to produce the sable color. It is common for these dogs to develop hip and elbow dysplasia , which is a developmental abnormality of the joints that can restrict movement and cause pain. This is often the result of different elements of the body growing at different speeds. The best way to prevent this is to ensure good nutrition and the right level of exercise during their crucial growing period. Even if the development of hip and elbow dysplasia does not affect the dog at a younger age, it can make them more susceptible to arthritis and other forms of joint pain when they are older. Older German shepherds often benefit from an orthopedic bed to take pressure off their joints. The breed also appears to be predisposed to degenerative myelopathy. This is a degenerative spinal cord disease that generally shows up in older dogs after about the age of seven years. If you are looking for one of these puppies specifically, you may need to go to a breeder. The sable color is relatively rare, and breeders have to control specifically for this kind of coat. As a result, you can expect to pay a bit more for a sable puppy than you would a German shepherd of any other more common colors. Are you thinking of adopting a sable German shepherd, or any German shepherd, into your family? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you and your home are a good fit for this breed. German shepherds are highly trainable and obedient, which means even first-time owners should be able to take on the challenge of training them. German shepherds need a commanding presence to keep them in check. The sad reality is that many people are also afraid of big dogs like these, and their behavior and response to them can cause serious problems. You need to feel confident to take control of your dog in charged situations. These dogs are also very active, so they will do best if they have a bit of outdoors to call their own that lets them run around a little, dig, and play. Just be sure your yard is properly and securely fenced in! German shepherds are very energetic dogs that need to be active a lot, which means you will need to be active frequently as well. As well as daily exercise, they will want to join you on weekend adventures rather than weekends on the couch catching up on Netflix. German shepherds need to spend a lot of time with their owners, as they need both companionship and intellectual stimulation. Thinking about getting a new puppy? Check out our new puppy checklist. Sable German shepherds have a coat with lighter roots and darker tips covering most of their body. The tips are usually black, which means the dog looks as though it has a greyish color. It is a natural color variation within the breed. How common are sable German shepherds? Sable German shepherds are significantly rare in comparison to the popular tan and black or red and black colors that dominate the breed. This is why a sable puppy will probably cost you more than other color variations. However, pure black German shepherds are a bit more rare. Are sable German shepherds bigger? No, sable German shepherds are not bigger than other German shepherds. The females should weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and the males 75 to 95 pounds. Look at the size of the parents to get a better feel for how big your pup is likely to get. Are German shepherds good family dogs? With the right training and socialization, German shepherds are excellent dogs for an active household. They will be loving, obedient, and protective. They are good around children, though small children should always be supervised around dogs, regardless of the breed and their level of familiarity. Accidents happen, even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and know well. What is bad about German shepherds? German shepherds tend to be suspicious of everyone, which can contribute to overly protective and territorial behavior. Proper socialization can help minimize this personality trait, but they will probably carry an element of this with them for their entire lives. The Verdict Sable German shepherds are not exotic crossbreeds but rather a rare color of the purebred German shepherd dog. They are actually the original color of the breed, matching its famous founding member. Sable-colored German shepherds are actually relatively rare, so they can be expensive to procure. However, aside from their unique color, they are just like other German shepherds, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are large and strong dogs with a lot of energy, which makes them well suited to hard work. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them ideal to train to complete complex tasks such as the roles of military and police dogs despite being originally bred as herders. Overall, sable German shepherds are: Rarer than just about any other color of German shepherd No different than other German shepherds as far as personality, temperament, etc. With the right training and socialization, they are very safe dogs. German shepherds are great dogs for active people who have a lot of time to spend with their pup and want a companion to join them on various active adventures. Do you have experience with sable German shepherd dogs? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article:.
This, combined with their sweet nature, elegant looks, and tiny size makes them a great option as family pets. However, they can live between 12 and 14 years — this makes them a commitment! Some good signs include a list of health tests that can be cross-referenced with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA , willingness to show documentation of all test results, and membership in dog clubs American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, or Canadian Kennel Club. If you decide to purchase a puppy from a pet store, make sure to check their reviews on Google, Yelp, other directories, and forums — do everything you can to ensure you are not scammed and are not buying from a puppy mill. When talking to a breeder, do not be afraid to ask questions — check if they test their dogs and keep them current on vaccinations and other treatments. As you may have noticed, many of the breeders on our list require you to fill out an application or questionnaire. Breeders that only care about your ability to pay the full price should be avoided! Remember that not all breeders have available puppies at all times and that it is normal to be placed on a waiting list. Check how many litters they have each year as the American Kennel Club AKC considers 7 or more litters a year to be a high volume breeding — breeders with lots of puppies might not properly raise and socialize each animal. All poodles that are up to 10 inches high at the shoulder are toy poodles — if they are even smaller than that, they are still toy poodles. If visiting in person, check the environment the puppies are raised in — make sure that they are kept in clean areas, there are toys the dogs can play with, they have enough room to exercise, there is fresh water available, and that the puppies are clean and well-groomed. After getting a puppy, have a veterinarian inspect it in the first 48 hours. Remember to check with the breeder that the sire and the dam have been tested and found free of specific hereditary health problems, as this increases your chance of getting a healthy puppy. As with any other purchase, before buying a toy poodle, make sure to do a lot of research, do not buy from the first breeder you see, and take each of these points and many others into consideration when choosing your next pet. Summary And there you have it! Make sure to call at reasonable hours and check if the seller currently has any available for sale, see the animal in person, or request a video call verification, before paying for anything in advance. Poodles can be great pets as they are friendly, easy to maintain, cute, smart, and entertaining animals. Remember to take care of your new pet regularly to ensure it lives a long and happy life. Post navigation. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Houston TX. Uptown makes sure that you can afford a Poodle by giving you the option of breeders, companies and businesses that can offer different prices to you according to the size, color and experience of the breeder. Do your breeders arrange travel for Houston Poodles out of state? Of course! Since the businesses, breeders and companies are highly professional in what they do, finding the perfect families for their pups is the number one goal they have in mind. Therefore, they are used to organizing travel arrangements for the puppies that they love - and that includes transport by plane. How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Houston? We are really strict with breeders, companies and businesses that want to be affiliated with us. There is a strict screening process that they have to pass, they have to take a Breeder Pledge and we have the absolute strictest of standards in place. We look at how professional the breeders are and how well they take care of the dogs and puppies. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Houston? We are different because we care so much. All that matters to us is that puppies connected to us through breeders, companies and businesses end up in happy homes where they will be well looked after for life. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Houston? Most people see dogs as lovely companions and members of the family. But, not puppy mills. The owners of these places look into the eyes of dogs and just see dollar signs. They stick dogs in cages, wait for them to produce litter after litter, and take the puppies away from their mothers when they are too young, causing many health complications. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Houston for sale now? You just need to tell us a little bit about yourself as well as what you are looking for in your perfect pup and, in no time, you will have your perfect pup by your side. There are many different varieties to choose from, so just think carefully about the Poodle type you want, and it will be yours. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Houston? Poodles actually come from Germany and France. It has water as well as herding roots, which makes it a wonderful hunter in the water. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Houston? We are well aware that there are people out there wanting to sell you sick puppies for high prices. We pride ourselves on making sure that good relationships are achieved with both our customers as well as our breeders, companies and businesses. All we care about is that healthy puppies, end up in happy homes - for life!
labrador puppies scotland uk - Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. 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. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. 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.
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labrador puppies scotland uk - Labradoodles can come in a wide variety of coat colors and textures each adorable and unique in their own way. One of these varieties is the straight hair Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with straight hair, also known as a flat coat Labradoodle, is the subject of much confusion and many misconceptions. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Since the Labradoodle is a mixed breed between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, some puppies will naturally take on more traits from each of their parent breeds. Some will have straight, flat coats like the Lab, some will have curly coats like the Poodle, and some will have wavy coats that fall somewhere in between. Russ is a flat coat black Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of adventurussdoodle on Instagram. Are Labradoodles Always Curly? In fact, it can come in a variety of textures ranging from straight, to wavy, to curly. Many breeders strive for Labradoodle puppies that have curly hair, as many prospective owners prefer them due to their likelihood of being non-shedding and allergy-friendly. This is why you may notice more curly Labradoodles rather than straight haired ones. Photo courtesy of nednoodlethelabradoodle on Instagram. As a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross , Labradoodles inherit traits from both of their parent breeds. Coat texture is just one of the many traits that can differ not only from litter to litter but from puppy to puppy. Since this gene is inherited from the Poodle side, a Labradoodle puppy with Cu Locus will have a coat that is more wavy or curly in texture. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing on the parents in an attempt to produce healthier and more desirable puppies. More often than not, breeders strive for curly coated Labradoodle puppies since they are more likely to be low-shedding and allergy-friendly than flat coated puppies. This is why breeders will sometimes refer to straight coat Labradoodles as having improper coats. Genetics are tricky to predict and no breeder can guarantee a certain coat type. However, which generation your Labradoodle is will drastically influence the odds of them having a flat coat. You can also look for a breeder that backcrosses Labradoodles to Labrador Retrievers. However, those parings are extremely rare. Keep in mind that many prospective owners are looking exclusively for curly haired Labradoodles. Are Straight Hair Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? While no Labradoodles can be considered completely hypoallergenic, straight haired Labradoodles have a greater risk of triggering allergy reactions than curly haired Labradoodles. On average, a Labradoodle with a flat coat will still be more allergy-friendly than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Straight Hair Labradoodle Shedding Straight hair Labradoodles will likely shed a moderate amount, but usually not as much as a purebred Lab. After a week, the papers came through, and it turns out we adopted a Labradoodle! We are happy to have an Oodle dog, but it was a surprise! My labradoodle puppy has straight hair?! I googled and came across your video about Goldendoodle coats and wondered if it is the same situation for Labradoodles — and should we expect the dog to shed? We were prepared for a shedding Labrador, so we are not too fussed, just curious. PS our dog sleeps at the foot of our bed too. Here are the expanded answers to your straight hair Labradoodle puppy question! And interesting to know that your dog sleeps at the foot of the bed Labradoodle Puppies Can Have Three types of Coats Like other Poodle mix breeds, Labradoodle puppies will have one of three types of coats. Curly Wavy Straight A curly coat is the most Poodle like, and a straight coat is the most similar to the coat of the Labrador. A curly coat Labradoodle will likely not shed at all and are the best suited for a household that needs a zero shed dog. There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, but a curly coat Labradoodle is often very close. Many allergies come from dander proteins found in dog saliva not just in the coat. We need to remember that there is no guarantee that any dog will ultimately be allergy-friendly. A Labradoodles puppy coat can be straight without any curl at all. Often these dogs will look precisely like a Labrador coat and color. You will see some of the lithe skinny and thinner Poodle skulls and body features. The coat of a Labradoodle does change over time. There is a transition from a Labradoodle puppy coat to the adult coat. This is similar to the Goldendoodle and other Poodle mix breeds. Although there is a coat change, the actual type of coat will not change. A Labradoodle with a curly or straight coat will not turn into another coat type. So if you have a Labradoodle puppy with a straight coat, in general, the type will not change to a noticeable extent. If the puppy is non-shedding, the older dog will likely be non-shedding too. The same goes for a shedding straight coat Labradoodle puppy — do not hold out for a coat change as it is unlikely to come. The type of coat change is gradual. The puppy coat transition for most Labradoodles will not be noticed by the owners. It typically occurs around months of age. Spend a little extra time brushing out the coat at this time. A slicker brush and a stainless steel comb are the best ways to easily brush a Labradoodle like a professional. Which generation of Labradoodle is a straight coat? When a Labradoodle presents with a straight coat, it resembles the Labrador parent. The straight coat genetics are all from a Labrador Retriever. This is why the generation of Labradoodle most likely to have a straight coat is the F1 Labradoodle. An F1 Labradoodle is the first generation. This means one parent was a Poodle, and the other was a Labrador Retriever. A strict F2 generation Labradoodle can also have genetics. Still, you will typically see an increase in Poodle genetics by F1b integration into the breeding. F1 Labradoodles can have any type of coat from curly and wavy right through to pure straight coat. When people think of Labradoodles, they are often thinking of an F1b or F2 generation Labradoodle. It is, therefore, far more likely that an F1b Labradoodle is a wavy or curly coat. It is relatively uncommon for an F1b Labradoodle to have a shedding straight coat! Do Straight Coat Labradoodles Shed? A straight coat Labradoodle will likely shed. They might shed less than a full blood Labrador. Still, compared with other generations of Labradoodle, there will be more hair shedding. Some owners say that they still find even shedding straight hair Labradoodle to be less allergy-inducing than a typical Labrador. Because straight-haired Labradoodles are genetically prone to shedding — it would be incredibly lucky and rare to find a straight hair Labradoodle that did not shed. A super cute miniature Labradoodle named Max Do straight coat Labradoodles have a double coat? Straight coat Labradoodles have individual hairs that extend from the external right through to the skin. Labradoodles, in general — do not have a double coat. A straight coat Labradoodle will have a single coat as an adult. Although you might see a seasonal or winter coat change for a straight coat Labradoodle, it is unlikely to be very significant. Most owners who notice a difference just see a small increase in the volume of hair released when they groom their Labradoodle. A slicker brush and steel comb is the simple way to groom any Labradoodle, from curly coat right thought eh straight coat. Learn the Labradoodle ! Benefits of Straight Coat Labradoodle? There is one benefit of a straight coat Labradoodle that can be very important to some owners. Compared with other Labradoodles, the straight coat Labradoodle is very low maintenance. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Usually, when we think of a Labradoodle, we think of a dog with the friendly temperament and work ethic of a Labrador retriever with the low-shedding curly coat of a poodle. However, it is not always possible to predict what characteristics a hybrid dog will inherit from their two parent breeds. First generation Labradoodles are just as likely to have the coat of a Lab as a Poodle. A straight hair Labradoodle is a mixed Lab-poodle dog that has inherited the straight coat of their Lab parent. They are also called a flat coat Labradoodle. This means they have a high-shedding coat rather than the hypoallergenic coat of Labradoodles with curly hair. But aside from their coat, they have the same overall personality and temperament profile as other Labradoodles. Read on for our complete profile and what exactly to expect from a straight hair Labradoodle. Vital Statistics Breed: Mixed breed of Labrador retriever and poodle Size: 21 to 24 inches for a standard Labradoodle smaller variations also exist Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Coat: Medium to long scruffy coat that is high-shedding Color: Chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, blue Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years Potential Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye issues Temperament: Intelligent and friendly Energy Levels: High; at least one hour of exercise a day Attachment: High; does not thrive when left alone History Of The Breed Labrador retrievers were bred in England in the 19th century from dogs imported from Canada. The result is a breed with a soft mouth and strong work ethic that loves the water. Meanwhile, the poodle is an older dog breed that originates from either France or Germany their exact origin is in dispute. The breed seems to have been around from the 15th and 16th centuries and was a popular lap dog pet by the 18th century. The poodle is highly intelligent and sensitive, making it an excellent companion. The Labradoodle was created in the s by bringing the two dogs together to try and reduce the shedding of Labradors while maintaining their characteristic intelligence and friendly personality. They became popular in the late s when breeder Wally Conron introduced them to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as a new working dog. Labradoodle Breeding Genetics There are a variety of different classes within a mixed breed dog family. The first is a F1 mix, which is a mix of the two parent breeds. In this case, it means a Labrador retriever parent and a poodle parent, though they could be standard or smaller in size. An F2 Labradoodle comes from breeding two F1 Labradoodles. As you head further down the breeding line, you are less likely to encounter Labradoodles with straight coats because this is one of the traits breeders usually control for. One of the purposes of mixing Labs and poodles was to try and control the high-shedding coats of Labradors, so breeders will usually favor the low-shedding poodle coat. Size And Weight The size and weight of a Labradoodle depends principally on whether the poodle parentage is that of a standard poodle, or of one of the smaller types of poodle. Labradors will measure between .Poodles come in standard, medium, miniature, and toy sizes. Standard poodles are quite large. They measure 18 to 24 inches in height and weigh 44 to 70 pounds. Mixing a Lab with a standard poodle will get you a standard Labradoodle, which measures 21 to 24 inches and can weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Medium poodles measure 14 to 18 inches tall and weigh 33 to 42 pounds. Miniature poodles are 11 to 14 inches tall and weigh 26 to 31 pounds. Toy poodles are 9. Introducing one of these poodles into the Labradoodle mix results in smaller dogs. The smaller poodle will always be the mother to ensure a safe birth. Read our full guide to the different sizes of Labradoodles here. Coat And Color In theory, a Labradoodle can inherit the tightly curled and low-shedding coat of their poodle parent or the straight double coat of their high-shedding Labrador parent. Most of the Labradoodles you come across will have the poodle coat because this is a trait breeders specifically control for. But in some rare cases, the coat may show up as an anomaly further down the line, or a breeder may favor this characteristic. Labradoodles with straight hair will more or less look like they have a medium-length scruffy coat, which makes them look a little like a teddy bear. What exactly the coat will look like can vary. It may look a consistent length over their face and body, or it may sprout in longer tufts in some areas or feather along the tail, legs, and face. The coat might be slick and glossy or have a more matte and flat finish to their coat. It is worth noting that while their coat is straight, they will probably not have the double coat of a Labrador. This means less seasonal change and less shedding than a Labrador. But straight hair Labradoodles will still shed a lot and need to be brushed regularly to remove excess hair and stop them from leaving it everywhere they go! But even with regular brushing, dog hair will be a part of life. On the positive side, they do not need to be taken for a professional cut as often as their curly-haired cousins. Additionally, they can be a variety of different colors. While black, chocolate, and yellow are most common, they might also be cafe, parchment, apricot, red, silver, chalk, or blue. Intelligence Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, since both Labrador retrievers and poodles are considered among the most intelligent dog breeds. Labradors are also eager to please and thrive when they have work to do and receive reward. This makes them highly trainable. Poodles can be a little more independent in their thinking and therefore less cooperative, but they are still sensitive to humans. But despite this, Labradoodles tend to be about as easy to train and control as Labradors. This makes Labradoodles great working dogs for disability assistance and search and rescue. It also means they are excellent and obedient pets, even for first-time owners. Temperament Both Labradors and poodles have a friendly temperament and never tend to be aggressive. They bond quickly with their people. For poodles, this bond can be quite exclusive, and they may be a little bit wary of strangers. Labs, on the other hand, tend to like everyone. This means Labs and their Labradoodle offspring make terrible guard dogs, even if they inherit a little poodle wariness. This means if a Labradoodle is barking, it is usually for a good reason, and you should pay attention. Labradoodles are friendly with children, and they also get on well with other animals. They are more likely to form a close bond with the house cat than chase them around the yard. Socializing your Labradoodle from a young age can foster this behavior. Just like their parent breeds, Labradoodles bond with their humans intensely. They can develop destructive behaviors if left at home for eight hours a day while the rest of the family is at school or at work. They do better in homes where there is usually someone around or if they can go to work with someone. So, while they benefit from outdoor space, they will need to be inside the house. This is something to bear in mind with a straight-hair Labradoodle, since they will shed. Diet And Exercise Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, usually a minimum of 60 minutes a day. Also, this should involve running, jumping, pulling, and searching, and not just a casual walk. Labradoodles are adventurous and will enjoy accompanying the family of hikes and day trips. They also love to swim! Their straight coats are actually made to repel water. This means it is easy for them to overeat and put on excess weight. This is not good for their heart and other organs and can also put unnecessary strain on their joints, leading to mobility issues. Remember that all the treats you give them during training or just because you love them also contain calories! Want to know more? Read our guide to the Labradoodle lifespan and what to expect from each life stage. FAQs What is a flat coat Labradoodle? A flat coat Labradoodle is a Lab-poodle mixed breed dog that has inherited the straight hair coat of their Labrador parent rather than the curly coat of their poodle parent. Is an F1 or an F2 Labradoodle better? F1 Labradoodles often tend to be healthier than F2 variations of the dog. But breeders are better able to control for certain characteristics with F2 dogs, so their appearance and temperament can be more predictable. Straight Hair Labradoodles It is very difficult to tell whether a Labradoodle puppy will grow up to have the curly coat of a poodle or a straight coat of a Labrador. So, you may be expecting one and end up with the other. Alternatively, if you are just a fan of the teddy bear look of a straight hair Labradoodle, you can seek one out. Regardless of their coat, Labradoodles have the same wonderful personalities. They are friendly and will want to spend as much time as possible at your side. They are easy to train and will very quickly feel like members of the family. Just remember, if your Labradoodle has straight hair they will shed. Brush them regularly to keep their shedding under control. Read our guide to how much Labradoodles cost. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:. Image Source The summer cut is a fantastic, no-stress option for the warmer summer months. However, it is important not to cut it too short. While it seems logical that removing as much fur as possible would keep your pet cool for the summer, cutting off too much hair coat can lead to dry skin, sunburn, flaky skin, overheating, and irritation. This is especially true for Labradoodles with a straight coat type. Lamb Cut A lamb cut is an adorable option for dogs with hair coats with a lot of volume. In this cut, the whole coat is left a little longer than it is on the puppy cut to make the dog appear more shaggy. Then, the hair of the feet is kept longer but is lightly scissored to blend in with the rest of the body. The hair on the feet can be beveled or rounded. This gives the illusion of the fluffy legs of a newborn lamb. This cut is fantastic for dogs with a smooth coat. The Not-So-Long Cut While the not-so-long cut looks like the style that would need the least work, it can actually be a lot to upkeep. Thus, the upkeep on this coat can be demanding, but it is a great option for a winter coat. Kennel Cut Image Source The kennel cut is a no-nonsense cut for busy dog parents. Keep a 1-inch level coat over the whole body of the Labradoodle. This includes the snout area and the ears. This gives your doodle a younger look, as the short fur seems a lot like a puppy coat. However, be careful not to remove too much while requesting a kennel cut. This works best for doodles with a slightly wavy coat. The hair of the lower legs is kept slightly longer and is blended in with the rest of the body. The face and ears are trimmed short, giving your doodle a puppy-like appearance. This haircut is a lot like a teddy bear cut. The difference is that the teddy bear cut usually refers to doodles with a curly coat, and the puppy coat usually refers to dogs with a smooth coat. Medium Cut Image Source The medium cut is a basic cut that is bound to look great on all Labradoodles. Here, around 2 inches of the fur is kept on and the face area is trimmed neatly. It looks good on Labradoodles with a straight or wavy coat texture. It is very similar to a medium cut, but the eyebrows and mustache of your doodle are kept fairly long, giving him the stereotypical Schnauzer look. To achieve this, your groomer will likely use scissors for the beard and mustache. Beard Trim The beard trim is a variation of the Schnauzer trim, but the eyebrows are trimmed shorter. This is a good option if your pup gets a lot of dirt and debris stuck in their eyes, which you constantly have to clean. However, keep in mind that the long beard will get dirty when your doodle is eating or drinking. Therefore, you might have to keep a small towel handy to dry off this area. Pet owners can do this hairstyle at home with a pair of clippers and a comb. One thing to keep in mind is that the metal clippers can get very hot when using them. Pet owners should own clippers so that you can rapidly switch in between them. Waiting for them to cool down takes a lot of extra time, so switching is a more time-effective option. Natural Coat Image Source The hairstyle that has the lowest level of maintenance is the natural coat. All you need is basic grooming practices; brush your dog regularly and trim areas like the eyebrows and beard, just for comfort. This is very cheap and low-maintenance. You might even find that your smooth coat Labradoodle develops waves if it gets long enough! Ensure that you are brushing frequently to prevent matting. A straight coat Labradoodle is a Labradoodle with no waves or a curly coat. Instead, they have long, straight hair-like fur much like a Labrador Retriever. Breeders may use genetic testing on the parent doodles to figure out how many puppies in the F2 litter, or second-generation Labradoodles, will have a curly coat. In these tests, they check for the Cu Locus quality , which dictates if the Labradoodle has the curlier, more allergy-friendly coat gene, the straight coat gene, or a mix of both. Based on this information, they often breed subsequent generations with poodles to increase the chance of traits like a curly coat and less dander. Are they double coated? Yes, Labradoodles with a straight coat are double coated. This means that they have an inner, softer layer and an oilier, outer layer. These 2 layers work together for efficient temperature regulation. How can I tell if my doodle puppy is straight-haired? Your puppy loses their softer, finer puppy coat at around 6 months. After that, the coarser adult coat begins to come in. It should look like a scruffy labrador retriever with wiry, longer fur. Do straight-haired doodles shed more? In general, these dogs seem to shed more than their curly-coated counterparts. There is a simple reason behind this. Consider a poodle with a fleece coat. However, a straight-coated Labradoodle has finer, straight hair so the hairs that they lose will fall off their body immediately. This is why they seem to shed more than curly-coated doodles. However, they definitely shed less than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Due to this, they are also more allergenic. Essentially, since the poodle has hypoallergenic fur, the less poodle DNA is in your dog, the less hypoallergenic it will be. Thus, flat-coat doodles can cause a more severe allergic reaction than other doodles. Should I get a straight-haired doodle? For example, consider the grooming quality and frequency you can provide. How often will your dog be playing outdoors? How often can you brush them? Brush your doodle regularly with a de-shedding brush, especially in the early spring months. This is because your dog will slowly shed its winter coat as the days get warmer. Only bathe them around once a month using gentle shampoo. If they get dirty in between washes, you can just rinse them with water and rub off any dirt with a wet rag. Make sure to brush them thoroughly after bath time, to catch any loose hairs that fell off. If you have given your Labradoodle a longer hairstyle, then you just need to get it touched up every months. However, if you have a shorter, more shapely style, like the kennel cut or the puppy dog cut, then you must trim it every month or so. In Conclusion It may seem confusing to groom a hair-coated Labradoodle. However, straight-haired doodles are adorable, easy-to-maintain dogs that are actually more common than you might think. Pick out any of these 10 hairstyles, based on how much free time you have and the lifestyle you lead. Make sure to groom your doodle keeping its fur type in mind; you must keep up with regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. As she grew older, this love transformed into a love for dogs. She volunteers in a dog shelter, so she is well-versed in the care and comfort of all breeds of dogs. Leave a Comment. When people think of a Labradoodle, they will often picture a dog with wavy hair thanks to the Poodle aspect in their heritage. While that is the most common way for things to occur, there are times when a Labradoodle is going to have straight hair. Far from it. Also, you may want to know that a straight hair Labradoodle is also known as a flat coat Labradoodle. So, if you come across this term at any point, then at least you know what they are referring to. Anything different sort of throws us off balance, and we automatically think that something is wrong. So, why does it happen? Is there anything for us to worry about? Does it indicate that something is not quite right with our dog? The Answer So the answer is probably what you would expect to happen. You must remember that your Labradoodle gets half of its genetic component from the Labrador, and everyone knows that a Labrador has a straight coat. In this instance, it simply means that part of the genetic component has come through in their coat more than the genetic part from the Poodle parent. But it is a little bit more involved than that. Instead, what we have here is a story all about genetics and different generations of dogs when this could occur. However, the good news is that it does not mean something is wrong with them. In fact, they will be just as healthy as a wavy hair Labradoodle. This goes back to the genetic side of things and how different generations of Labradoodles appear. So, in the case of straight hair, this is likely to only happen when you have an F1 Labradoodle. You see, with an F1 Labradoodle, you have that straight even mix between both parents. However, that changes when you go to an F1b. At that point, you have a Poodle being bred with an F1 Labradoodle. But the good news is that it does also apply to an F2 Labradoodle. However, do keep in mind that you have no absolute guarantee when it comes to a Labradoodle with straight hair. But at least you do increase your chances by half when you go for either F1 or F2. Avoid Any B Labradoodle One thing we must stress is that you need to avoid any Labradoodle generation that has a b in the number. You see, with a backcross, what the breeder does is it takes the Labradoodle and crosses it with another Poodle. That is why the genetic component of the original Labrador drops so much as it is effectively watered down. This applies if talking about F1b, F2b, or anything else. So, if owning one with straight hair comes across as an enticing prospect, then run a mile when you see that B part appearing in their heritage. Aside from a straight hair Labradoodle looking different to what you would expect, should you know of any other potential issues related to them? Well, it turns out that you do need to think about a couple of problems before taking ownership of a straight hair Labradoodle. Shedding Even though a straight hair Labradoodle does not shed as much as other breeds, they do shed more than a curly hair Labradoodle. Hypoallergenic As a result of them shedding a bit more hair, it does mean they are not quite as hypoallergenic as the curly hair Labradoodle. Once again, we do mean such a small difference that the straight hair Labradoodle has significantly more hypoallergenic factors than most other dogs out there. The reason for this is due to the components of the wavy coat. The wavy coat has non-shedding factors with a reduced level of dander that then spreads over the floor. But the straight hair Labradoodle is still a good option for any individual searching for a hypoallergenic dog for thief family and home. At times people simply want to own a Labradoodle, whether the hair is straight or wavy is just not important. But for others, the straight hair Labradoodle has more unique features than the wavy hair. People expect a Labradoodle to have the curly hair, so it just makes their dog stand out from the crowd. But then you need to also remember the earlier point regarding the hypoallergenic nature and low shedding. Both of those points remain key for a lot of people. You Can Actually Do Genetic Testing It is possible for you to have your dog undergo genetic testing to determine if they will end up with a straight or wavy coat. This testing remains the best way of understanding what your dog will look like when fully grown. The main thing that genetic testing is looking at is a specific gene. The Cu locus is a specific gene related to the appearance of curly hair. If the gene is present in their genetic makeup, then it means your dog will indeed end up with curly hair. However, the opposite will also occur. If the gene is not present, then it does mean your dog will end up with straight hair iIt really does just come down to this one single gene. That is how important it is in the grand scheme of things. A straight hair Labradoodle is something that you may find some breeders focus on rather than the wavy hair. However, they have no guarantee of a litter-producing Labradoodles with straight hair. That does mean you need to really shop around if you do plan on taking ownership of a straight hair Labradoodle. You can certainly go ahead and tell breeders of your desire, and they will certainly try to help you out. Basically, you need to have patience and a willingness to really shop around different breeders in order to land a straight hair Labradoodle. Also, if you do go ahead and find one, then make sure genetic testing has been carried out to ensure they will indeed grow into an adult Labradoodle with straight hair. So, the best way to get yourself a straight hair Labradoodle is to ask around and speak to breeders. Overall Summary A straight hair Labradoodle is the result of genetics, and it occurs when the dog gets the genetic component for their hair from the Labrador parent. It usually only happens with an F1 or F2 Labradoodle thanks to the split from a genes perspective. These dogs are still hypoallergenic and non-shedding even with straight hair. It does look slightly different to what people expect when it comes to a Labradoodle. Your dog will still come across as the same wonderful pet with the same characteristics and personality. They will still love you the same way even though their coat is not exactly what you would expect from a Labradoodle. At the end of the day, whether they are straight hair or curly hair, we can assure you that you will still love owning your Labradoodle. The joy they bring to you is something that you cannot even hope to describe. Sharing is caring! All Labradoodle puppies have fine, soft, straight hair at first. But, as they grow, a curlier adult coat may replace this. But, they have easier grooming requirements. A Labradoodle puppy coat will be softer, finer, and straighter than their adult coat. In fact, many knowledgeable Doodle breeders can do a pretty good job of predicting which type of adult coat type a Labradoodle puppy will inherit. Labradoodle adults with straight fur have the hair type coat. Hair Coat Type The Labradoodle hair coat type is not silky straight, it is often thick and slightly wavy. This coat type is most similar to the Labrador Retriever parent. Either way, like the Lab parent, hair coated Labradoodles will shed year-round and may blow their coat during shedding seasons. Despite this, the hair coat is fairly wash-and-wear. A weekly brushing and occasional bath is all the maintenance it generally needs, unless your Doodle rolls in something stinky. The hair coat type is most likely to trigger allergy symptoms in owners that are allergic to the protein allergen in pet hair. Fleece Coat Type Overall, this coat type takes greater influence from the Poodle parent. It is soft and wavy — think angora wool and you are on the right track. If bred to the Australian Labradoodle breed standard, Labradoodles with a fleece coat will have one layer. This coat type is much less likely to shed out visibly than the hair type, but it does shed. The hairs are just more likely to get trapped in the surrounding coat. So, fleece coats may trigger fewer allergy symptoms. Of course, with less shedding, there is more potential for tangles and mats as the shed-out hair gets trapped in the surrounding coat. So, owners will have more brushing and grooming duties. Wool Type Coat The Labradoodle wool coat type is the main coat type that is considered allergy friendly. But, this coat type still sheds. Like the fleece coat, the hairs just get trapped in the surrounding fur rather than falling to the ground. Because of this, it can be truly time-consuming to brush and groom the true wool Labradoodle coat type. Earlier we mentioned how the puppy coat has a softer, finer, thinner texture than the adult Labradoodle coat — no matter which adult type they have. But how can you know if your Labradoodle puppy will keep their straight hair or grow up to have a wavy, fleece coat or a curly, wool coat? By 14 months old, your puppy should have their full adult coat. So, the sort of time that a puppy will go to their forever home. This is more likely when you are working with a later generation breeder. Many later generation breeders will work specifically with fleece or wool coat Labradoodles as breeding stock. This means a hair coat Labradoodle puppy is less likely. Choosing an Older Dog Another option if you really need or want a Doodle with a wool or fleece coat is to consider rescuing an older Labradoodle. This way, you can spend time with the dog before bringing them home. You can see if your chosen Labradoodle triggers allergy symptoms, if this is a potential issue for you. Of course you will miss out on the puppy stages. The Labradoodle breed was first created in an attempt to get a hypoallergenic guide dog. However, studies have shown that there is really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. This is because dog allergens are found in dander, saliva, and even urine — not in fur. So, even wool and fleece type Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic. The main reason they may trigger fewer allergy symptoms is that their curly fur catches shedding dander. But, none of the three hair types are hypoallergenic. They could all trigger allergy symptoms. You dog may yet grow up to have that lovable curly fur! Even if not, Labradoodles with straight hair have all the same popular traits, and they require less grooming! Does your Labradoodle puppy have straight hair? References and Resources Byrnell, J. A flat coat Labradoodle is another name for a straight haired Labradoodle. They take more after the Labrador side of the breed with a scruffy medium length coat rather than a curly or wavy coat that people usually associate with the breed. Standard sized Straight Hair Labradoodles grow to 51 to 66cm and weigh 23 to 45kg. On the other hand, Miniature Straight Hair Labradoodles get to 40 to 51cm in height and weigh 12 to 23kg. Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles need basic grooming like all dogs, requiring a weekly brush to remove shedded hair and the occasional bath to keep them clean. Nevertheless, they do not need to be taken to the groomer for a trim every weeks like their curly coat relatives which can save owners quite a bit of money yearly. Do Straight Haired Labradoodles Shed? Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles shed quite considerably like their Labrador parents. They are the opposite of Curly or Wavy Haired Labradoodles who hardly shed at all. No, Straight Haired Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic as they shed due to the dominance of Labrador genes over Poodle genes. They are unlike Wavy or Curly Haired Labradoodles which are hypoallergenic due to their long, curly coat that needs to be cut. That being said, straight haired Labradoodles are more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador. You can read our full Labradoodle shedding guide here. This is most likely to occur in a first generation Labradoodle F1 Labradoodle when a Labrador and Poodle are bred together rather than two Labradoodles. Whilst most people believe that all Labradoodles have a wavy or curly coat, it is actually very common for Labradoodles to have straight haired coat, taking after their Labrador parent more than the Poodle. Some Labradoodles look more like Labradors then Poodles, especially when they have a straight coat instead of a wavy or curly one. This occurs when Labradoodles do not inherit the curly coat gene called the Cu Locus gene and most commonly occurs for F1 Labradooodles. F2 Labradoodle is when an F1 Labradoodle is bred with another F1 Labradoodle resulting in a fifty-fifty chance of Straight Hair Labradoodles occurring in the litter. If you are looking for a Straight Hair Labradoodle you will want to get an F1 or F2 litter as they have the highest change of the straight hair gene of the Labrador coming through. No, not all F1 Labradoodles will have straight hair however a significant percentage of the litter will. F1 Labradoodles can have any coat type from wavy to curly to straight as it is a first generation breed of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. No, Straight Hair Labradoodles do not have a double coat like their Labrador parent. Instead they have a single coat. As the weather gets hotter, Straight Hair Labradoodles will start shedding a little more than usual. Nevertheless, colour changes as expected for maturing Labradoodles. The colour of their coats often change colour or fade several shades lighter as they become an adult. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely!