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THese are scams and should be avoided. Facebook and craigslit are full of puppy scams and you need to watch out. Nothing is cuter then a little puglet, yes many cant afford the large price tag that most breeders are asking. So recently we have seen a ton of advertisements boasting "free pug puppies". I'm here to tell you, sadly, that they are all scams. I recall when I was in college my friends Billy and Ted loved playing practical jokes on each other. Once Billy took out an ad in the local paper advertising "Free Baby Monkeys" and gave out Teds phone number as a contact. Ted had to change his number at the end of the week there were so many calls and inquiries. That was a prank, but the reality is that cute baby animals sell, and nefarious characters can use that to their advantage. Don't trust any sites that offer free pug puppies. In fact, if your interested in getting a pug, definitely do your research first. Pugs are cute and snuggly but they are a lot of work and often a lot of money! Since pugs are a pure breed they sometimes have congenital health problems and those can cost you big big bucks! Ouch, that definitely set back a lot of our life goals. But what are you going to do? Medical expenses aren't cheap, so when thinking about getting a new member to your family, plan for it financially as well as emotionally! There is no such thing as a free pug puppy. Hopefully you won't have any large medical expenses, but even the yearly visits to the vet and vaccines cost money. You got three main options. There are lots of people just like you out there who say "I neeeeeeeed one of those super cute pugs", they manage to get one and then realize that the costs are too high. They realize they don't actually want a little stinky fur ball shedding all over the house. Perhaps there are behavioral problems like barking or chronic peeing that the family simply can't deal with. The pug comes down with a medical problem and can't afford the giant vet bill so have to give up their new love to a pug rescue who will foot the bill. Whatever the reason, there are always pugs being given up for adoption and there are plenty of pug rescues waiting with open arms to find them loving homes. Well, even these adoptions are cheap! This is both to help keep the shelter running think of it as a donation and to make sure that the new pug owner is really committed to getting a new family member. There are lots of people on the web trying to sell pug puppies but some of them are really just puppy mills in disguise! Dogs bred irresponsibly can have greater risk of congenital health problems and even all sorts of bad behavioral problems. The human society has a great PDF resource for how to find a responsible dog breeder. Print out the checklist and if the breeder you are looking at doesn't meet the criteria, please just walk away! Basic tips for Breeder Research: Good breeders allow you to visit where the puppies live. They keep the puppies like you would keep your pets or a family member! Always try and get the vibe from who your buying from. Do they seem like they are cranking out puppies for profit or is it someone who has the occasional litter and wants to promote pug love? Don't forget to ask lots of questions. The breeder should be picky about you as well. A responsible breeder will want a responsible new best friend for their little puppy. Not to say that all pet stores are bad, but they definitely get a bad rep as being food for the puppy mills. So good luck on your pug hunting! WTVD -- If you are looking for a puppy this holiday season, watch out as scammers are trying to get your money. Alea Taylor was hooked as soon as she saw pictures of cute Yorkshire puppies while scrolling through Facebook. It was a friend of mine and my mom who knew who the person was. She communicated back and forth with who she thought was her Facebook friend. But before getting the puppy, Taylor was asked to pay more. Feeling uneasy about it, Taylor reached out to the friend who posted the puppies on Facebook and learned it was all a scam. The friend's Facebook account had been hacked and Taylor had been communicating with and sending money to scammers. Experts at Veterinarians. The group released this study that breaks down the states with the most puppy scams in , and how to spot a puppy scam. Here are the Troubleshooter takeaways when it comes to puppy scams. The first is to not get lured by cute pictures of puppies, those pictures are often stolen from legit breeder's websites. You can always do a reverse google image search. Also, try and see the puppy in person before you send any money. If that's not possible do a FaceTime with the seller. When it comes to money, be very careful before sending any. Make sure you research the seller to see if they're legit. Of course, you can always adopt as opposed to shopping as local shelters are in great need of your help this holiday to clear the shelters. She filed a police report, a claim with her bank and the Better Business Bureau. Beaulieu is now content with 4-month-old Milo and week-old Apple. She purchased the pups through the American Kennel Club and wants to warn others before they buy a pet online. The BBB serving Connecticut has this advice to help consumers avoid falling for a puppy scam. Don't buy a pet without seeing it in person. Do an internet search of the picture of the pet you are looking to purchase. If the same picture appears on multiple websites, you may be dealing with a scam. Never pay a stranger through a money order, Western Union or Moneygram. Always use a credit card in case you need to dispute the charges. If the seller demands payment through other methods that you don't feel comfortable with, you may want to find another seller. Make sure prices make sense. Research prices for the breed you are interested in adopting. If someone is advertising a purebred dog for free or at a deep discount, it could be a scam. Research the seller and obtain references. Visit bbb. Ask the breeder for references and contact people who have bought puppies from them in the past. Consider adopting or buying locally. Visit your local shelter and see if rescuing a dog may be right for you. When you purchase an animal from out-of-state without seeing it first, there is no way to know how healthy or young it is, or even if the pet exists at all. This article tagged under:. What an amazing time to get a pet! Everyone is at home, we can train and look after our new pet! It makes sense that with COVID comes skyrocketing incidents of this scam—a threefold increase from this time last year. The BBB received 1, reports of pet scams in the past few months, up from for the same period last year. While many times these fake listings appear on websites like Craigslist, some scammers find ways to position themselves as reputable breeders by stealing personal info from them. BBB did an earlier study that found that these types of frauds depend on bogus, often sophisticated advertisements to hook unsuspecting consumers. Victims were often told that they needed to send money for special climate-controlled crates, insurance and a non-existent COVID vaccine. The woman told BBB the seller subsequently notified her that COVID had delayed shipment of the puppy and would not issue her a refund; she tracked the gift card and found that it had already been spent at a Target store in Texas. The seller and shipper subsequently both turned out to be fraudulent, and the woman did not receive refunds or either puppy. See the pet in person before purchasing Reluctance to have you meet the animal should be a red flag. And when it comes to photos, scammers will often use stock images or photos off the internet when advertising for their scheme. Beware sketchy payment methods If a seller is asking for money wires or gift cards, you should be on the lookout for a scam. If you pay with a gift card, wire money, or use a personal transfer service like Venmo, there is no way to retrieve your payment. Research the price These scams often advertise full-breed animals at an unbelievably low rate. If the listing says the animal is registered, check out that registration before turning over any money Beware extras Scammers often try to charge money for transportation or other extra perks along the way. Be on the lookout for these. Consider adopting rather than purchasing Animal shelters nationwide are full of wonderful dogs and cats waiting for forever homes. Fees are nominal and usually cover vaccinations, microchipping, and other costs associated with adopting out an animal. Get started on your puppy search safely!

Standard Poodles! Poodles are goofy, social, fun-loving, intelligent, highly-trainable, and desire human companionship. It is thought that the Poodle originated in Germany as far back as the Middle ages. Taking its name from the German word pudeln, which means "to splash in water". The Poodle was once exceptional at retrieving ducks from the marshes. The versatile Poodle is among the most intelligent and capable of breeds. It is easily trained and remains a popular family pet to this day. Our Poodles are all from Standard lines and are regal and calm, though they love to play. They bark to alert when someone arrives at the house, but are not barkers without purpose. Standard Poodles love to be near their family and are wonderful with other dogs and children. We produce solids, parti-factor or abstract, as well as Parti Standard Poodle Puppies! Our Parti Standard Poodle Puppies range from red and white, apricot and white, brown and white, black and white, and sable parti puppies. Our Poodle Dams and Sires are AKC Registered from excellent bloodlines and have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. We do not currently offer miniature or toy puppies. Poodles can be black, red, white, apricot, brown, cream, Cafe Au Lait, silver beige, silver or blue, and may be a combination of these colors. Poodles carry the color patterns brindle, sable, ticking, abstract, tuxedo, parti, and phantom. They require brushing a few times a week, plus clipping and shaping every months. This longer clip though does require more frequent brushing at home to prevent matting of the Poodles curly coat. According to Slate Magazine, Poodles were originally used as foul hunting dogs. An unshorn Poodle's thick coat could weigh it down in the water. With the bottom half of its body shaved, the animal was more buoyant and could swim more freely. The long mane and hair around the chest were left intact to keep the poodle's vital organs warm in the cold water, and owners also kept the hair around the joints to protect them from cold and injury and to help prevent rheumatism. Shaving the hair around the face left the poodle's mouth and eyes free so it could fulfill its retrieving responsibilities, and tying the hair on a poodle's head into a "top knot" also kept hair out of its eyes. Owners eventually tied these knots with brightly colored ribbons to help them identify their dogs from afar. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. They love games and many are attracted to water and love to swim. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Poodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our poodles are family members, not kennel dogs; they live in our house, sleep in our bedrooms, and keep us company when we travel. Our goal is to produce athletically built, temperamentally sound standard poodles with proper structure that avoid the over-angulation becoming common in the breed today. Our color lines trend toward apricot, cream, blues and silvers in both solid and multicolor. All our puppies are dual AKC and UKC registered standard poodles from parents that meet or exceed breed-recommended health-testing. We do not produce doodles or merles. Puppies are raised in our home with a focus on positive developmental exposure and early socialization using protocols from Puppy Culture and the now archived Avidog program. Enjoy some of them below. Standard Poodles are smart, versatile, balanced dogs who desire to be part of the family. They're discerning and willing to jump through hoops literally! Our poodles match our mood: They are couch potatoes when we're relaxing at home, and they're ready for action the second we get off the sofa. They like to sleep in as much as we do, and equally appreciate car rides, hikes, festivals, camping trips, and visits with friends. We encourage people to ask anything and everything that they might want to know. This includes questions about temperament, training, care, nutrition, exercise, or anything else. All Rights Reserved. Orlando, Florida. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. I hope your visit to our site is fun, emotional and informative. Are you a Standard Poodle owner, or have you ever owned a Standard Poodle in the past? If you qualify as either of the above mentioned people, you know how loyal and loving the Standard Poodle is. The intelligence of this amazing breed is common knowledge for you. With each look of devotion from your Standard Poodle you have felt the goose bumps and familiar feeling each time they snuggle so close. If you do not own nor have ever owned a Standard Poodle you have so much to look forward to with one. These dogs will amaze you with their endless understanding of the human language. Whether you have been gone from home ten minutes or eight hours, the greeting you will receive will be exuberant. Their companionship will always be a comfort to you. The Standard Poodle is a large breed but the soft, feather like touch they have will surprise you. When your Standard Poodle jumps up to give you a hug it will be so gentle compared to the heavy touch or push from other large, but gentle breeds. Obviously your search for a new family member has led you here, to our Family Affair Standard Poodle website. Since you are here we hope our knowledge and our 30 plus years of experience breeding will help you find the perfect Standard Poodle puppy for you and your family. Each page is designed and written to help you and your families make a well informed, confident decision to purchase your Standard Poodle puppy here at Family Affair Standard Poodles. You will see slide shows of Holley and me including childhood pictures. You will also see us as we are today, with our own families. You will get to see pictures of our facility, which we are very proud of. In addition, you will see slide shows of the sires dads and dams moms of the younger litters of our Standard Poodle puppies that will be ready in the near future. There will also be a video of the entire litter. You can view slide shows, testing results and pedigree information on the canines, Ladies and Gentlemen of Family Affair Standard Poodles. In addition we have posted the color and approximate height and weight of each of our canine Ladies and Gentlemen at Family Affair Standard Poodles. You will also get to meet all the humans involved in this Family Affair. We retire all of our adult Standard Poodles between the ages of six and seven. Occasionally we will have a younger adult up for adoption or a puppy with special needs. This page will give you an idea of what to expect from these retiring girls and guys as new family members. You will be able to read letters or notes from previous people who have adopted our adult Standard Poodles. These are questions you need answered prior to the decision to adopt or purchase and after the arrival of your new Standard Poodle Puppy or Adoptee. Questions about the health issues and the wide range of colors in the Standard Poodle breed will be addressed. There will be training and grooming tips and lots more. We have provided an explanation of how the purchase process works from the deposit until the payment in full is made for your Standard Poodle Puppy or Adult or Special Needs Adoptee. These contracts serve as your guarantee, medical record and receipt all in one. Each contract has specific instructions at the top on how to fill out and submit these contracts. It will explain how our Standard Poodle Puppies are shipped and put your mind at ease concerning shipping. You can read about our personal delivery service, the advantages of this service and the fees involved. There are also pictures and letters concerning successfully shipped or delivered puppies. There are certain things you need when you take your new Standard Poodle puppy home. This package will have almost everything you need when you take home your Standard Poodle puppy. These packages will start with your correct size crate and end with the grooming shampoo and tools and everything in between. On this page we pay honor to the people in our lives that have made all of us who we are today and those who have helped to make our dream a reality and worked side by side with us through the good times, as well as the hard times. We also recognize the animals that we have been blessed to know throughout our lives and who have passed on to Rainbow Bridge and are sorely missed. Some of these people have been gracious enough to allow us to list their emails so you can email them directly for a reference. We also have a link to view a letter from our annual AKC inspection. You can view letters of our previous vet of 15 years and our present vet who we have been with since .It also has groomers and vets as well as trainers listed. This is where the puppies are raised. In our opinion the most versatile breed anyone could ask for is the Standard Poodle. Standards are very happy on a farm, hiking, swimming, hunting and playing games. They are also very content to be a couch potato in an apartment with brief outings to play. They enjoy homes with a houseful of children, older couples or a single human companion. They do great with other pets as well. Enjoy your visit to our Family Affair Standard Poodles website. We hope to hear from you soon so that you can become a part of our Family Affair.

Nevertheless, no matter which parent a Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix puppy takes after, one thing is for sure: he grows up to become a medium- to large-sized dog. However, he might be either leaner or stockier. As for colors, these dogs exhibit several of those, but without any dark spots like their Dalmatian parents. The cross also has darker legs and liver-colored spots all over the chest. The coat is also known for shedding more than average. Coupled with their unrivaled intelligence, they are also physically strong, alert, and lively. This mix loves running or swimming beside its owner. But when not properly exercised, they may also engage in detrimental behaviors like digging up the yard to expend the pent-up energy. The Dalmatian German Shepherd cross is one of the most exciting dog crosses, as they like to play and learn new things throughout their lives. Since they are intelligent and sturdy, they can be trained to serve as watchdogs. The blend is ideal for any circle of relatives. They are wise, love playing with children and different puppies, and are very patient. That said, you will have to teach your kids how to socialize properly with your dog. One downside, however: if left on their own for a long time, Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix becomes problematic. So, make sure you always have time to give him lots of cuddles when needed. Moreover, they thrive best in surroundings where they can sense safety from strangers. However, various sources claim that these canines were first bred in in California. Some sources also claim that the mix is no older than just a decade. Moreover, these canines should get about three cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals. However, note that if your dog is old and inactive, he should not have more than 2. Furthermore, for a wholesome diet plan for your lovely mixed-breed dog, stick to the following tips: Never feed your dog too many treats. Avoid feeding your dog human food. It can lead to stomach disorders and flatulence. Do keep your vet in the loop while deciding what to feed your dog. Grooming German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix dogs are fluffy dogs, shedding regularly. They are not a desirable option for people with allergies. As these dogs are heavy shedder, they require more frequent grooming sessions to keep their coat in tip-top condition. You should brush your Germatian pup at least once a day. A smooth-tooth comb enables taking off all damaged hair and saves tangles from forming on the sensitive skin of these dogs. Besides brushing, bathing your dog every other month could help maintain coat health and limit the amount of shedding. You should keep in mind that more frequent bathing could rob your pup of its natural bodily oils, which are crucial for the skin and coat health. Moreover, whatever shampoo brand you opt for, make sure it is vet approved. Exercise Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix are high-energy dogs and thus need about two hours of exercise every day. Ensure a nice place in your yard for the dog to walk around frequently. The space should be enough for him to play fetch and other retrieving games easily. By these needs and descriptions, one thing is clear: these dogs are not for apartment dwellers. Since these dogs get intelligence and watchful instincts from their parents, it is vital to keep honing their brainy skills from time to time. Get your dog suitable toys or puzzles to do the job. Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Game is an awesome toy to keep your dog alert. With variable difficulty levels, let your dog find the hidden treats. Training Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix dogs are eager to please their owners. Thanks to this attitude, their training sessions go smoothly. Besides, they love to learn new tricks and commands. Despite these plus points, you should never forget proper socialization. Expose your pup right after you bring him home to various sounds and experiences. This will make him adjust well in your home, especially with your family and other pets. Then jump on to teaching him basic commands like come, sit, and stand. If possible, enrolling your puppy in training classes will give some added benefits. Health Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix dogs are overall healthy, but they inherit some diseases from both parents. These diseases can be avoided with proper care and maintaining the exercise and diet plan. Deafness Stones in kidneys and bladder Allergies Dysplasia Note that these problems are more likely to occur in dogs bought from non-reputable breeders. Also, some of these issues can lead to fatal outcomes. Pros The mix is incredibly versatile, with the traits of both Dalmatian and German Shepherds. Easy to train, thanks to their eagerness to please their owners. Very intelligent, alert, and lively, making them perfect guard dogs. Cons Not purebred and hard to find. Prone to the diseases inherited. Needs early and proper socialization. Not for apartment dwellers. Family Integration The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix, also known as the German Shepmatian, is a unique and eye-catching breed that may pique your interest. A puppy of these two breeds combines the robustness of the German Shepherd breed and the friendliness of a Dalmatian parent. When it comes to temperament and behavior, you can expect your German Shepmatian to be an active, trainable dog that thrives with daily exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs often make excellent family pets, possessing the working drive and protective nature of the GSD alongside the playful, sociable nature of the Dalmatian. With its strong, athletic build, this mixed breed can have a variety of coat types — from the short and dense coat of the Dalmatian to the medium double coat of the GSD breed. As for color, you might see the iconic Dalmatian black spots on a German Shepmatian, but it could also inherit the more traditional GSD coat colors. Size When it comes to size, the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix is a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy structure. Keep in mind that their size and strength could vary depending on the traits inherited from their parent breeds. Height Your German Shepmatian can stand anywhere between 19 48 cm and 26 inches 66 cm tall at the shoulder. This range is due to the varying heights of their parent breeds — a GSD typically stands between 22 53 cm and 26 inches 66 cm , while a Dalmatian can range from 19 48 cm to 26 inches 66 cm in height. Be prepared for a dog that may end up being taller or shorter depending on which parent breed they take after. Weight In terms of weight, you can expect your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix to fall within the range of their parent breeds. This crossbreed will likely weigh between 45 20 kilograms and 80 pounds 36 kilogram , again depending on which traits they inherit. Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Characteristics and Traits Temperament The German Shepherd and Dalmatian mix is a loyal, active dog with high energy levels, making it a great companion for dog owners with an active lifestyle. They make loving companions, and their temperament reflects the best of both Dalmatians and GSDs. They are friendly, outgoing, and they easily bond with their human family members. Intelligence Typically, German Shepmatians are highly intelligent dogs, which is a trait inherited from both of their parent breeds. Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to train and eager to please. With proper training, your German Shepmatian can learn quickly and be a well-behaved companion. Energy Levels This mix breed is known for its high-energy levels and high activity levels. Therefore, they must have plenty of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. Because of their size and energy, you might find it challenging to accommodate their needs if you live in a small apartment. A house with a fenced yard would be more suitable for their lifestyle. Exercise Requirements Your active, high-energy German Shepmatian will require daily exercise to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. This can include activities such as: Long walks or runs Fetch or Frisbee games Agility or obedience training Remember to use positive reinforcement during training to encourage good behavior and maintain a strong bond with your dog. This will help them become well-adjusted to different situations, people, and other animals. Regular exposure to new experiences will ensure that your dog remains confident and comfortable in various environments. While Dalmatians were originally bred as coach dogs, GSDs are known for their guarding and protection abilities. Your German Shepmatian mix may inherit these traits, making them a potentially protective family member. However, proper training and socialization can help prevent aggressive or overly protective behavior. This mixed breed may have a lower risk of inheriting certain genetic conditions, but you should still keep an eye out for common medical issues. For instance, your dog may be prone to hip dysplasia, a joint condition that can impact their mobility. Additionally, skin allergies are another concern you should watch out for. Since the Dalmatian breed is known for being susceptible to deafness, you may want to ensure your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix receives regular ear checkups. Kidney diseases and urinary system issues are also potential health concerns, as both parent breeds can be prone to them. Lastly, anxiety could be a problem for your dog, so maintaining a consistent routine and providing lots of mental stimulation can help keep stress levels in check. To ensure your dog has a long and healthy life, be diligent about attending regular vet checkups, providing proper exercise and nutrition, and staying attentive to any signs of health concerns. With proper care and attention, your dog will have a great chance of enjoying a healthy and fulfilling life by your side. These dogs have medium to long coats that require regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting. A fine-toothed comb or a slicker brush will work well for this task. Brush your dog at least once a week, but consider doing it more often during shedding seasons. Diet The diet of your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix plays a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. A well-balanced diet consists of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh water. Ensure that the dog food you choose is specifically designed for large, active breeds like the German Shepherd and Dalmatian. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health problems. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or beef. They also make a great low-calorie treat. Avoid Human Food: While it may be tempting to share your meals with your dog, most human foods are unhealthy for them and can cause digestive issues. If you notice excessive shedding, consider changing their diet to improve their hair health. Aside from diet, ensure your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks, playtime, and obedience training are all great ways to engage your dog physically and mentally. Training and Socialization Bringing home a German Shepherd Dalmatian mix means that you should start focusing on training and socialization early. These dogs are highly intelligent and energetic, which makes them relatively easy to train, but also demands your time and effort. Training Techniques As with any dog breed, begin by establishing a strong bond and trust with your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and toys for engaging and motivating your pup. Keep training sessions short, consistent, and fun for best results. Interaction with Other Pets Your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix may inherit strong guarding instincts and protective nature from both parent breeds, making it essential to socialize them with other pets early. Introduce your dog to other friendly dogs and animals gradually, under controlled settings. Monitor their interactions until you feel confident they understand how to play and communicate appropriately with other pets. Continue this process throughout their life to ensure they stay well-adjusted and sociable. Family Integration A properly socialized and trained German Shepherd Dalmatian mix can be an excellent family dog, loyal and affectionate to all family members. Encourage every member of your household to participate in the training and care of your dog, reinforcing the bond between them and your pup. Ensure each family member knows the importance of consistency during training to avoid confusion for your dog. When integrating your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix into your family, keep in mind their energetic nature and need for physical activity. Schedule daily exercise, such as walks, jogs, or games of fetch, to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Moreover, remember their working dog heritage, as engaging in activities like agility or scent detection can tap into their instincts and further deepen your bond with them. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. It is important to note that purebred Dalmatian breeds cannot tolerate high amounts of protein well, but German Shepherds can. This makes it essential to find a balance between the two requirements. This means a certified raw food diet if recommended by a veterinarian nutritionist can be a good source of food for them. Kibble mixes may contain too many carbohydrates that will not be beneficial to their health. Ultimately, too many carbs in the Dalmatian German Shepherd diets can cause digestive issues and is a cause of yeast infections in the German Shepherds. Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Exercise Dalmatian German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and active dogs that need lots of space to let out their energy. This includes daily walks, a large open-spaced garden, and human interaction through toys such as tug of war. It is common for Dalmatian German Shepherds to go through an energetic period throughout the day where they will around the garden in an attempt to relieve some of their energy. They also enjoy playing chase with other large dog breeds and walks are known to be their favorite time of the day. If you enjoy going on runs yourself, you can even take your Dalmatian German Shepherd with you on a lead to run as well. Many owners who cycle will also tie the lead around the bike and cycle a short distance with this dog breed. As they get older, their activity levels will decrease, and they will sleep for longer periods. Since Dalmatians are prone to obesity and arthritis, it is important to keep them active alongside a healthy diet. They can learn tricks quite easily like lie down, give paw, rollover. There are also many tasks you can teach this dog breed, such as fetching the newspaper or even bringing the ball back after you throw it. Dalmatian German Shepherds rarely acquire behavior issues, but if it is inhibiting your ability to train your dog, then you should call a canine behavioralist to help you with the situation. They have various coat layers and are shed regularly. This makes them undesirable dogs for families with fur allergies or for families that do not want a dog that sheds through every season. This dog breed should be brushed regularly, ideally once a day. They should also be bathed every few months with a gentle shampoo to get rid of dirt and debris that accumulates on their fur. Take care not to bathe them too often as this removes the natural oils their fur needs to remain healthy and shiny. Various coat supplements can contribute to a healthier coat and skin which can help control shedding. A post shared by Jessica Lynn jessikuhlihn Health and Conditions Dalmatian German Shepherds may be strong and sturdy dogs, but this does not limit the number of health conditions they can develop. If kept healthy, this dog breed does not fall ill easily. If your Dalmatian German Shepherd does fall ill, it is crucial to take them to the vet right away. Minor Conditions. Positive reinforcement is used to discipline and train these dogs because of how sensitive they can be. A German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix responsiveness depends in large part on whether or not it was properly socialized as a puppy; this means interacting with different people and animals during childhood development which builds psychological stability for life. Its tail is also medium-sized and may be thick or slim, depending on your preference in terms of style. This is a breed with an assortment of coat colors and shedding. With both short or medium coats, you can have black-colored dogs that will shed just as much as their longer-haired counterparts. However, this breed may possess liver spots across their chests while others might be covered entirely by dark fur instead. The markings on this dog are more distinguishable and are even inside its mouth. If you want to have the best of both worlds, then a German shepherd crossed with a dalmatian might be your perfect match. Fortunately, for you though they have a variety in their coats. They stand around inches tall when standing on their hind legs and they can range from small dogs less than 40lbs up to large sizes depending on many factors like diet choices. They have an average life expectancy of around years long when cared for properly which makes these adorable creatures perfect as family pets. This high-energy dog can be loyal, alert, and energetic with an unmatched intelligence level. It loves running or swimming beside its owner. In addition, it will love engaging in destructive behaviors like digging up your yard if not exercised enough. With such high energy levels that are matched only by its loyalty towards humankind. The German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix is perfect for any family. It will thrive in a kind environment where it can feel safe from strangers with open paws. If you are looking for even-tempered dogs that will thrive in an environment where kindness reigns supreme then look no further than German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix who has been bred specifically just like us: loyal kiddos full of intelligence waiting patiently on your every command. Daily brushing will help keep up a healthy coat, but even more so bathing sessions should be kept at around three per year because frequent bathing can lead to excessively dry skin that may result in allergies for some dog owners who are sensitive about this issue. You might be wondering how a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix likes to get clean. As the pup grows up and becomes more active with its newfound freedom in your home; let them come across lots of other pets or people to get acquainted with too. Happy to get Trained: German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix have been known for their intelligence and easy trainability, but this does not mean they always work out. Is the German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix fine to own? This German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix breed is a brilliant and faithful pet. If you want to have an active lover for your house then this mix would be perfect! Final Thoughts: The German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix is a gentle and loving breed that can never be matched with its candied characters. The needs of this breed are suppressed by giving it all the love in your heart, so you will not regret it for one second. Just take care of them well enough for their temperament; these dogs will not let you down. Post navigation. Photo: Instagram The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix borrows a decent amount of its physical appearance from both parent breeds. If your Shepherd Dalmatian inherits more of its Dalmatian parent, it will likely have a smooth coat and black spots. The German Shepmatian will adopt the face shape of either parent breed they have a similar face shape, to begin with , though it will likely have the floppy ears of the Dalmatian. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. We can glean a lot from what we know about the Dalmatian and German Shepherd breeds. Both are European dog breeds, with the Dalmatian being an older breed by a few centuries. It may even have been a result of an accidental mating. The History of the Dalmatian The history of the Dalmatian is thought to stretch back to the 14th century, with the first written account of the Dalmatian coming in , when a Slovenian Bishop mentioned a spotted hunting dog from the Croatian region of Dalmatia in his writings. Later paintings and documented descriptions of the Dalmatian stretch back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It was referred to as Dalmatian in by Thomas Pennant, a Welsh naturalist and travel writer. As time wore on and society became more egalitarian, Dalmatians found themselves used in different roles, primarily as working dogs — either war dogs during the First and Second World Wars or as firefighting dogs — escorting firefighting apparatus. They are also competent hunting dogs due to their energy levels. Much of their early American history is as fire station mascots, although they are now firmly beloved family pets. Dalmatians in the United States began their time in North America as firehouse dogs and hunting companions due to their high capacity for intense physical exercise. However, the Dalmatian has since transitioned from a working dog to a firm family companion. They sometimes suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Dalmatians typically do better with experienced dog owners and are not recommended for the elderly due to their size and exercise requirements. How Did Dalmatians Come About? However, we do have first-hand accounts from a Slovenian bishop — Peter — that tells of a black and white-haired dog with spots on its body that he observed in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. We also have illustrations from the 17th century that provide a picture of the Dalmatian, but there is not much by way of cynological history to go on. The history of crossbreeding of the Dalmatian is more elusive than the history of the Dalmatian itself! But the when, where, how, why and by whom remains elusive. Crossbreeding dogs in the United States became very popular in the s and early s, having been introduced into the canine culture of the country in the s. The Dalmatian and its various mixed-breed offspring were likely bred during that time. A German man, ex-cavalry Captain Max von Stephanitz, first purchased it. Stephanitz was a former German cavalry officer, a farmer, and a former veterinary college student. Captain von Stephanitz needed a highly intelligent breed that could do tireless physical activity for his farmland. While at a dog show, on the hunt for the perfect breed, he noticed a dog that he thought would fit the mold. Thirty years later, the Society for German Shepherd dogs had more than 50, members. The modern history of the German Shepherd maintains its workhorse nature, as the GSD has been used routinely in military and police functions, owing much of that to its size and strength and its notoriety as a highly intelligent breed. German Shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, ranking in most popular dog breeds in the United States, routinely ranking inside the top ten. Because of their need for moderate daily exercise, the GSD is often viewed as one of the best family dogs if the family is active. German Shepherds are also natural guardians — like their Dalmatian mix — another notch in the column for the perfect family pet. The German Shepherd was first called Horand von Grafath and was purchased by Max von Stephanitz from a dog show in .German Shepherds are often bred to breed standards, and crossbreeding of GSDs is far less prevalent in Europe than in the United States. However, German Shepherd crossbreeds do happen, like the German Shepmatian. One of the most important parts of owning a dog is researching beforehand. Part of this research into your new potential dog will be its temperament. Like the Dalmatian puppy, active puppies and dogs will require an active, outdoorsy family with plenty of room to grow as they mature. The German Shepmatian will likely adopt different parts of the temperament of its parent breeds — including some negative traits, such as separation anxiety and possible aggression if not adequately socialized — commonly found in German Shepherds. You can expect your Dalmatian German Shepherd mix to have a highly energetic temperament, possibly with a high prey drive. Still, they generally make excellent family pets if properly trained and socialized from an early age. German Shepmatians are known to be wonderfully friendly animals, with both parent breeds being friendly dogs, producing an even-tempered mixed breed. As individual breeds, the Dalmatian and the German Shepherd are very used to intensive training and command-following, so you can expect your German Shepmatian to be equally easy to train. Be aware that until adequately trained , your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix may exhibit some destructive behaviors associated with separation anxiety. However, German Shepherds and Dalmatians are incredibly intelligent breeds, so they should pick up on training quickly. The average weight of a German Shepmatian is 60 to 80 pounds. The average height of a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix is between 22 and 26 inches tall. Similar Sized Breeds The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix is a large breed similar in size to a few different, including both their parent breeds. You can expect your Dalmatian German Shepherd mix to be a heavy-shedding dog. Dalmatians are single-coated dogs and shed moderately, while German Shepherds have two coats and shed heavily. Regarding exercise, the Dalmatian German Shepherd mix is among the most energetic dogs. The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix requires at least 45 minutes of exercise each day, including at least one day of off-leash running, fetching, or hiking on the weekends. It helps maintain a healthy weight, along with various other health benefits. The life expectancy of a Shepherd Dalmatian is between 10 and 12 years. It will likely be leaner if it predominantly takes after the Dalmatian parent or stockier if it takes its physique from its GSD parent. Coat Having a Dalmatian parent does not always lead to spotted offspring. A Dalmatian x GSD cross can take after either parent and even puppies from the same litter can appear dramatically different from one another. Pups of this cross can either have the short and dense coat of the Dalmatian or the medium-to-long double coat of the German Shepherd. A cross that takes its coat after the GSD parent will need more frequent bathing and brushing, and will likely blow off their coats twice a year. Their ears will also need more attention if they take after their Dalmatian parent. Unlike the GSD, which has large upright ears, Dalmatians have large floppy ears, which need to be checked frequently and dried thoroughly after every bath. A German Shepherd Dalmatian mix will undoubtedly be strong and athletic. In terms of bite force, the GSD has a pretty serious bite at psi. Speed A Dalmatian-German Shepherd mix will undoubtedly be quick on their feet, especially given the heritage of both parents as working dogs. German Shepherds are already known to be fast runners. German Shepherds run at speeds of approximately 32 miles per hour. However, the leaner bodies of Dalmatians enable them to run even faster at about 37 miles per hour. Apart from speed, you can expect a GSD-Dalmatian cross to have incredible agility and stamina. This makes them potentially good working dogs or companion dogs for active humans. Exercise Requirement Given the energy levels of both its parents, the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix will undoubtedly need plenty of exercise. At least one hour of physical work per day is ideal for these dogs. Additionally, they should have ample space to roam independently so they can build their confidence on their own. The intelligence levels of both the GSD and the Dalmatian also signal that a cross between the two will likely need plenty of mental stimulation. These dogs will thrive with plenty of training and opportunities to work their brains. Otherwise, they could quickly develop some destructive behaviors. Trainability German Shepherds are among the smartest working dog breeds in the world. In fact, it ranks 3rd and shares this tier of intelligence with breeds like the Border Collie, Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Doberman. At this level, dogs are expected to learn new commands in fewer than five tries. At this level, they may take up to 25 repetitions to master a command. No matter which of the two parents a crossbreed will take after, however, it is expected to be highly trainable with a good work ethic and a strong eagerness to please. These dogs are good-natured and adaptable to almost every kind of environment. However, a lot depends on its training and socialization. When properly socialized—ideally during puppyhood—these dogs are not only stable but also playful, loyal, and affectionate. Health Like most large dogs, the Dalmatian-German Shepherd mutt might be prone to hip dysplasia. However, national breed clubs require their breeding stock to be tested for such issues. If both parents of a mutt are from reputable breeders, the crossbreed puppy should be perfectly healthy. Lifespan The lifespan of a German Shepherd-Dalmatian cross is expected to be between 11 to 14 years old, which is based on the typical lifespan of both its parents. Given that mixed breeds are less likely to suffer from certain genetic conditions , however, it is likely that the GSD-Dalmatian mix will live close to the higher end of the range. However, such crosses can still participate in certain AKC-hosted canine competitions, including Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Tracking. How popular is the German Shepherd x Dalmatian mix? That makes the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix pretty rare. It would be difficult to find reputable breeders that specialize in this crossbreed as these pups are often the result of accidental mating. Nevertheless, there are still proponents of the Dalmatian x German Shepherd mix. They believe that purposely crossing the two breeds results in beautiful, healthy, and vibrant dogs. When trained properly, they are also excellent working dogs. Just like the Australian Shepherd and Dutch Shepherd , they tend to be incredibly intelligent and energetic, so, they thrive in households that give them plenty of opportunities for physical exercise and mental stimulation. Bernard German Shepherd mix! IMDb described it as a movie where the villain plotted to steal Dalmatian puppies to use their fur in making an extravagant coat. The movie made the Dalmatian breed a household name. Dogumentary TV described Dalmatians as delightful dogs with eye-catching spots of black — the most distinctive coat in the dog world. It is a medium to large size dog and was originally used to guard horses. To date, Dals are considered as one of the most reliable watchdogs to have. These unique black spots slowly appear as Dals grow. The spots can be scattered, in one place or just all over their bodies. They even have spots inside their mouths. Dals also comes with a strong body from their muscular muscles. According to AKC , one thing that you should consider if you will get a Dal is their weak urinary tract. Dals have a high risk of developing bladder stone problems. He owned the first registered GSD whose name was Horan. A handsome dog, the GSD is known for its great looks, agility, and bravery. The unique trait of German Shepherds is their soft heart. Aside from being brave, this breed of dog is known for taking a risk when saving the life of its owner. They are also intelligent and easy to train. According to its website, it is a dog that can weigh up to 95 pounds. For its positive traits, a German Shepmatian is expected to show protective and guarding instincts. It inherits its protective instinct from its German Shepherd parent and the guarding instinct from its Dalmatian parent. Is There a Demand for a German Shepmatian? Having a Dalmatian and a German Shepherd breed is not a wise choice according to a Quora member. The Quora member explained that both breeds have serious medical issues. The German Shepherd is known for having bad hips and back problems while Dalmatians are known for having skin and gall bladder problems. This probably explains why there is not much demand for a German Shepmatian in the market today. Even breeders are not attempting to produce one. Your options? You can either get a purebred Dalmatian, a purebred German Shepherd or find a popular mix of breeds from these two. What to Expect from a German Shepmatian? If you will breed a GSD and a Dalmatian together, you should be aware of the following factors according to the All Shepherd website. Coat GSDs have thick and medium-length coat while Dalmatians have a short and smooth coat. Combine them and you can expect a dog with medium to short hair. Both breeds are heavy shedders. Sweeping and vacuuming might become a part of your daily task once you got a German Shepmatian. Color GSDs are mostly available in tan, black, sable or a combination of these colors. Dalmatians come with white skin covered with black spots. Size GSDs and Dals are medium to large dogs. You can expect the German Shepmatian to be a medium to large dog that can weigh up to 90 pounds. GSDs can grow up to 26 inches while Dals can grow up to inches. You can have a German Shepmatian that can grow as tall as 26 inches. Temperament The German Shepherd and Dalmatian have the same traits such as being loyal, alert, and intelligent. Both breeds are also highly trainable. If you will mix them, you will have a very focus German Shepmatian from the herding experiences of a German Shepherds and a great companion from the coach companion experiences of Dalmatians. Exercises and Physical Activities Although they have a different purpose, German Shepherds and Dalmatians are both used as human partners. GSDs are very energetic while Dalmatians are very powerful and can run for miles. A German Shepmatian means having a very active dog that will need physical activities regularly. Diet German Shepherd should be fed with a high-protein diet. Dalmatians have low-tolerance with the high-protein diet because of their unique urinary system. You should watch what you fed your German Shepmatian because of this. Besides, Dalmatians gains weight easily and are at risk of becoming obese. Skin allergies and dysplasia are common to both breeds. When breeding, the genetic factor is a big consideration. Breeding is being done in the hope to copy some good characteristics of a specific breed and pass it onto another breed. Open Learn believes that if you will breed two dogs with the same traits, passing the said trait is higher. However, in some cases, negative characteristics care also passed on to the cross-breed pups. In the case of a German Shepherd Dalmatian mix, their medical condition is one of the negative traits that each parent might pass on to their offspring such as: Congenital deafness is common in GSDs High risk of developing bladder stone Heart enlargement is common among large dogs Skin allergy High risk of developing obesity With No Demand for German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix, What Are Your Options? Because of the possible medical issues that a German Shepmatian can have, breeders, are not too excited about this breed. Allshepherd revealed that there is little or zero demand for this mix. If you still prefer a cross-breed with GSD or Dalmatian as a parent, here are popular mix breeds to choose from. Pitmation Pitbull Dalmatian mix — do you want a tiny cute Pitbull with dots on its body? Try looking for a Pitmation. You can find some spots on its legs based on the image of K9ofmine. Dalmador Labrador Dalmatian mix — this is one of the most popular mixes out there for a Dal. These two dogs have common traits and body size too hence breeding them is easier than compared to other dog breeds. Combine its genes with the strong and powerful German Shepherd and you got one fine soldier to guard you and your home. Shollie Collie German Shepherd mix — brave, easy to train, and a great companion — this is what a Shollie is. Expect it to have that thick and long hair that sheds every day. Rottweiler Shepherd Rottweiler German Shepherd mix — in the image provided by K9ofmine , you will have a dog with a German Shepherd body and a face of a Rottweiler. Get a Dalmatian — want a family pet that can accompany your kids while you are doing some stuff? Get a German Shepherd — GSDs are considered as one of the best house dogs in the world according to PetsWorld because of its intelligence and calm nature. Just make sure to train it as early as possible to control its temperament. A German Shepmatian is a good-looking pet companion that you can bring wherever you go. It mirrors strength and power. However, since both breeds are susceptible to common medical conditions, the chance to have a pup with aggravated hip dysplasia, gall bladder issue or skin problem should also be considered. Plus, the diet of these two dogs is very different hence taking care of a German Shepmatian pup requires serious attention.

It commonly occurs anywhere from eight weeks to six months. So, any German Shepherd parent would know that these adorable dogs have floppy ears when they are just puppies. However, stronger cartilage will be developed as you give them the proper nutrients. It might mostly occur as a response to your call or noise in the surrounding area. It can be a result of poor nutrition or slow development. Your German Shepherd needs abundant vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Lacking these nutrients in their diet will result in weak cartilage. Switch to better food or visit the vet for a checkup. They are still incredibly cute, anyway! If you want to ensure that you have a pooch with perky ears, make sure to look for parents with standing ears. Do all German Shepherd ears stand up? Even if you have already, you can know whether your pooch will have floppy or perky ears when it grows. It can compromise their health and adversely affect their growth, including strengthening the cartilage. Regular checkups and fecal exams can help prevent or abate that problem. Your vet can give your dog deworming medicines to see that your growing furry friend is free from parasites. Any traumatic injury to the ears can cause permanent damage and prevent the ears from growing strong enough to stand. It can be caused by a child pulling its ears and rough play among its littermates. Regularly monitor your pup and keep anyone from playing with its ears when they are in its developmental stage. But there are things you can do to help it get strong and healthy ears. These steps will also protect the ears from possible damage. Get high-quality food for your puppy to boost their development. Cheap foods usually have more fillers that contain negligible nutrients. Keep the puppy away and safe from other puppies that play bite with their ears. Educate your children and everyone else at home on how to handle the puppy carefully and gently. Giving your puppy chew toys will give their head, jaw, and surrounding muscles some exercise. It can lead to better ear development. Make sure to buy durable ones, as German Shepherd pups are stronger than you think! Clean their ears gently if you notice dirt. Keep your dog happy! A happy dog is a healthy dog. It will have fewer or no health problems if you keep the dog fit. Using the tape too early or during its growing stage can harm its natural development. However, the 7th to 8th month might be a little too late. But that may not be true for all, as some German Shepherds are just built differently. Their looks come second when you experience how good of a companion they can make. But the young ones carry cute floppy ears that eventually stand up. Some take longer. Remember that floppy ears do not affect their health negatively. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

Final Thoughts 1. Deciding to Adopt a German Shepherd Dog Adoption comes second after purchasing among the methods of owning dogs. But why do dog owners seek to adopt rather than buy? The most obvious reason is that people seeking to adopt a dog are concerned about animal rights and their need for a caring and safe home. It is a fact that the number of dogs in rescue shelters and needing a home is decreasing. According to an article in Animals journal, this downward trend is linked to responsible dog ownership, spaying and neutering practices, the increased cases of adoption, and lost dogs being reunited with their owners. Despite this decrease, a substantial number of dogs in public and private rescue shelters still look out of their cage mesh every day, hoping that someone will turn up and decide to take them home. Another significant number is at risk of being euthanized because they are aged and sick and cannot find someone to adopt them. This is a decline from 3. Around 1. This is also a decline from 2. About 3. Dogs account for 1. Approximately , pets from shelters are reunited with their owners every year in the US. Six hundred twenty thousand of these are dogs. From more recent data, the March report by PetPoint , a cloud-based application that gauges the demand for dog and cat adoption among pet owners each month records a decline in both the number of dogs taken into shelters and those adopted from these shelters. A decline was also recorded in the number of dogs euthanized in the same month. See the details in the table below. Total dogs taken into shelters in March Total dogs adopted from shelters in March Total dogs euthanized in March Total dogs reunited with owner in March 65, .Wanting to give these dogs a safe and caring home is the primary reason why you may choose to adopt a German Shepherd as listed here in these three key reasons for adopting a GSD: Adopting a German Shepherd reduces the number of dogs waiting to find a safe and loving home. Like all other dogs, German Shepherds impounded in public shelters risk being euthanized in days, according to most state holding laws. Every German Shepherd that is adopted leaves room for another dog that needs shelter, and the adoption cost helps in the care of other dogs in the shelter. In fact, GSDs are often listed among the ten most common dog breeds in rescue shelters. This reason alone would be good enough to choose a German Shepherd for adoption. Nevertheless, there are also breed-related reasons upon which you can decide on adopting a German Shepherd. Consider these two: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, and even though you usually adopt them as adults, they can still adapt and learn new skills. German Shepherds are loving and loyal. As soon as they realize that you are their new companion, they will bond and be devoted to you. When researching how to adopt a German Shepherd, and subsequently deciding to adopt, you should also assess your suitability for the same — onto step 2. Assessing Your Suitability for Adopting a German Shepherd A survey by the AKC rescue network indicated that the three top reasons people surrender their dogs are because they discover that the breed is not the right one for them, they lack time to dedicate to the dog or have changed their lifestyle. These reasons underscore why it is important to understand if you will be a good parent to your adoptive GSD before proceeding with the adoption process. One way to assess your suitability for a German Shepherd is to understand the key breed traits and needs and your readiness to adapt and meet these needs. For a quick overview, here are 5 GSD traits that can help you gauge if you are a good fit for the breed. High-Energy Dog As a high-energy dog, the German Shepherd needs an average of 2 hours of exercise daily. Lack of exercise can cause them to become destructive. Would you consider signing your GSD for agility classes? Leash walking alone will not be enough for your German Shepherd. You will need to vary his exercise needs with off-leash running and play, frisbee, fetch, flyball, or agility. Intelligent As a smart dog, the German Shepherd needs constant mental stimulation. Ask yourself: How much time and patience would you devote to teaching your adoptive dog new commands, games, and tricks daily, considering that the dog may already have learned different behaviors in the shelter or with a previous owner? Are you willing to hire a professional to help with training if you find yourself unable to accomplish the same? Would you enroll your adoptive GSD in dog sports or obedience classes? Costly to Own German Shepherds can be costly to own. If you have a medium energy, smaller sized GSD with a weight of around 66lb 30kg and you choose to give a top-quality food like Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food, the suggested daily amount is around 4 cups a day given in two servings. Each cup is 0. The key question to ask here is: How much are you willing to spend to own a German Shepherd? Food costs are only the start as you will need to consider veterinary fees, vaccination costs, deworming and flea treatments, toys, beds, pet insurance, and other equipment. For the full costs of owning a German Shepherd, I have an in-depth article here that will give you a far better idea of what you will be looking to pay. Health Conditions Even though German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to some health conditions such as hip dysplasia and Degenerative Myelopathy. For example, a study found that German Shepherds were 4. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you ready to offer the best health care for your German Shepherd dog by ensuring regular vet visits and the recommended nutrition for better health? Can you afford to take out a suitable dog insurance policy? This is highly recommended for both your budgeting and peace of mind. Would you still be dedicated to caring for your German Shepherd if he developed a health condition? Heavy Shedding The German Shepherd is a heavy shedder who molts all year round. Their level of shedding is also higher in spring and fall in preparation for the heat in summer and the cold in winter. The questions you should assess yourself on are: Do you have time for regular grooming your German Shepherd, especially in the spring and fall, when they shed more than in other months? I like this tool, as you can see from the photo of my GSD below! It reaches through her outer coat safely and removes all the loose fur underneath. You can now find a reliable rescue or shelter. You can also talk directly to GSD owners who have adopted pets. You can use this to judge if the German Shepherd you identify is the right one for you. I give you an overview of these options. You can contact all these rescue centers and seek information regarding the possibility and terms of adoption. Instead, volunteers house the German Shepherds in their homes or foster homes. They may also board them with kennels or dog sitters until someone can adopt and take them home. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is a public charity non-profit and all-volunteer rescue that works to rescue dogs from risky situations and find them a loving and safe home. They are not a shelter but instead keep the GSDs in foster homes. This rescue initiative does not take in stray dogs and will only take GSDs surrendered by their legal owners. BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue is another all-volunteer non-profit organization working to save German Shepherd Dogs by caring for them or finding them foster care until they can be adopted. The rescue shelter is based in Rochester, New York. They receive dogs from shelters or owners who can no longer care for their dogs and place them in foster homes. They also study the GSDs for some time before making them available for adoption. They welcome stray dogs and receive those transferred from other organizations and those from shelters and owners who surrender their dogs. Search Pet Adoption Websites Apart from the rescue groups listed in breed club networks, you can also search adoption sites, filtering your search to focus on the German Shepherd breed. Here are three examples of adoption sites you can target: Petfinder is an online directory of adoption organizations and animal shelters across the US, Mexico, and Canada and a database of animals in need of a home. Adopt a Pet is a non-profit adoption advertising charity site with headquarters in Indian Hill Blvd. The site helps homeless pets in shelters to find a new owner and home. You can search the site by specifying the breed, location, and distance you are looking for the pet, sex, and age. Dogtime has its headquarters in Los Angeles and has a long history of rescuing pets, among other initiatives. Adopt Through Animal Welfare Societies Animal welfare societies are non-profit organizations working for the welfare of animals in the light of animal rights and ethics. With a shelter or rescue where you can adopt a German Shepherd identified, you can now proceed to step 4 — making contact by phone and visit. Contact and Visit the Chosen Shelter or Rescue Center Your search for the right place to find your adoptive German Shepherd will probably conclude with a phone call and a visit. This should be geared at determining if it is the right place to adopt from and if a German Shepherd you have identified through your search is the right dog for you. When you visit, you should be keen to notice signs of unreliable rescues or shelters. Here are a few indicators to look for when determining if a rescue or shelter is reliable. Legal Registration As entities interested in the welfare of homeless dogs, reliable and genuine dog rescues and shelters should be legally registered as a C 3 organization. This means that, by the US International Revenue Code, these organizations are exempt from federal tax. A Long History of German Shepherd Rescue Without implying that new shelters and rescue centers cannot be reliable and reputable, one with many years of existence has made valuable experiences about adoption and separated the best adoption practices from not too good ones. For example: A shelter with years of experience may want to visit your home and ensure the German Shepherd will have a safe and loving home before letting you complete the adoption process. These questions may cover issues such as: Whether the dog was a stray or surrendered by its legal owner and why. If the dog has undergone all the recommended vaccines and tests. If the dog has any health and behavioral issues. As such, they will require you to follow certain procedures and sign an adoption contract. Reliable shelters and rescue centers: Will not allow you to adopt a dog without any written contract. Giving you a German Shepherd without a written contract should be a clear red flag. Will not require you to commit to a certain dog before you have visited or expressed your willingness to commit to it. Instead, some may grant you a trial period and require you to return the GSD should you be unable to take care of it. Adoption Cost German Shepherds can be costly to buy , but not so with adopting. Usually, animal welfare societies, shelters, and rescues cover all the costs of caring for the dog, even though some will ask you for a minimum adoption fee. Any rescue or shelter asking you for an adoption fee equivalent to a buying price would be breaching its non-profit status. The March Petpoint report also referenced earlier suggests that older dogs are adopted for less than younger ones. This implies that you may pay a little more if you adopt a puppy and less if you adopt an adult GSD. Some rescues may ask for a little more in adoption fees. Your move to contact or visit a shelter or rescue will presumably conclude with identifying a GSD for adoption. This means that you can now proceed to step 5 — completing your adoption application. Completing the Adoption Procedures In this adoption step, the animal welfare society, rescue, or shelter where you intend to adopt your German Shepherd Dog will require you to complete the following final adoption procedures. Make an Application An application is a written expression of your intention to adopt a German Shepherd. Most organizations will ask you to fill out an application form online or otherwise with details related to the following areas: Personal and contact details names, sex, age, address, home, work phone numbers, email, etc. Reasons for adoption Plans for training your German Shepherd Nature of family and lifestyle Previous pet ownership The declaration of having a certificate of good conduct Your occupation Your knowledge and involvement with dogs and dog clubs may be specific to the breed Your willingness to sign and be bound by an adoption contract See the BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue and the Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue application forms as examples. Visit the Center Visiting a center with dogs for adoption may already be done during the previous searching step. But some centers will only allow you to visit once the application has been made. This is the case with the Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue, where you first apply, wait for a response from the rescue, then proceed to identify a dog on their website before contacting the adoption counselor. Meeting with the prospective adoptive GSD is only arranged after that. In whichever step you visit the center, the expectation is that you will identify your future dog. Introducing the Dog to Your Family Introducing your adoptive German Shepherd to the family including other pets you may already have can be done in two ways. Some shelters will just proceed with a home visit. Once this is done and they are sure that the GSD and you are a good fit, then signing the adoption contract follows. Adoption contracts may have clauses requiring you to return the dog to the shelter if, for any reason, you are unable to take care of it. At last, you can now move to the final exciting step — bringing your dog home! Make sure you have purchased everything you will need, such as a comfy bed or crate, toys, leash, collar, harness, bowls, food, and treats. You can head over to this page for my personal recommendations on gear that I use. This will create a solid basis for a loving, loyal, and long-lasting bond between you and your new friend. However, if you have decided to adopt and you are suited to the breed, at least you now know how to go about it. If you still have doubts, you can also consider adopting a miniature German Shepherd. You can now proceed to find a shelter or rescue center with GSDs for adoption, visit the center, and eventually complete the adoption process by making an application and signing the contract. I hope this article has helped you understand exactly how to adopt a German Shepherd step by step. Before you know it, your new gorgeous companion will be ready to come home. Good luck! Related Posts You May Like:. Wyoming is a shepherd mix — approximately 3 years old Wyoming has been in a wonderful GSROC foster home and has come a long way from when he was first rescued. He is housebroken and socialized. He loves to play with other dogs and ignores the cats in the home. Wyoming is a a shepherd mix, a great medium sized dog with a beautiful sable colored coat. He takes time to warm-up to anything new — new people and new situations. A gentle, quiet home will be ideal for this sweet boy. Wyoming loves playing with other dogs, and should be in a home either with his big brothers Nevada or Dakota or other playful dogs. He would love a home with multiple dog friends, and he gets along with all of his foster siblings, including a chihuahua. He plays well with other dogs, and is dog friendly. Wyoming is around cats at his foster home, but does not have close interaction with them. He would be appropriate in a home with cats, but not left alone with them to be safe as he does have a play drive. He would thrive in a home with a regular schedule, and would be fine with a family that is at work during the day once he was comfortable as long as he had a safe yard to play in and dog friends with him. Wyoming loves to go on long walks, and has really great leash-walking skills. He walks very easy on leash, unless he gets startled. Wyoming should not be let off leash as he is startled easily and will run in fear. He is learning how to have fun now that he knows he is safe, loved and cared for! Are you looking for a special, gentle dog that needs your love and patience? If you are looking for a dog that will blossom with patience and love, please complete the online application and an adoption counselor will contact you. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. House-trained, Story Introducing Thor, the big and friendly dog with a heart of love! This squishy pup is a great companion for anyone who loves big, playful dogs. Thor is a natural social butterfly and loves spending time with other dogs. Making him a great fit for households with multiple pets. He loves being in the house and quick to make himself at home. Thor is a dog who's always up for an adventure, and he particularly loves car rides. He jumps into the car with ease and settles in for the ride. This makes him the perfect companion for road trips and outings with the family. Thor is also a well-trained pup who knows how to sit and walks well on a leash. He's always eager to learn new things and is a quick study. With his love of learning and eagerness to please, Thor is a great candidate for obedience training or other dog sports, agility training anyone? He does like to explore, we recommend a high fence for this big boy. In short, Thor is a big and friendly dog who's always ready for fun and adventure. If you're looking for a loyal and playful companion who's great with other pets and loves car rides, then Thor is the perfect fit for you! You can text unlimited questions to Petcademy and they'll respond within 24 hours Monday-Friday. We only adopt in the USA. We are open to adopting in other states, except in Massachusetts. There are quarantine laws for MA and until these laws change, we are not able to adopt into MA. Leadership Most German Shepherds are not for the faint of heart. They take time, training, more time, and more training. You have to be able to bond with, train, and control these dogs, or they will take things on for themselves. We mean providing calm, firm, confident leadership and bonding with the dog in such a way that he respects you. In many cases, there must be at least one person in the family that can be a strong leader. Not someone who is loud, harsh, or demanding, but someone who is mature, calm, confident, firm, and fair in all areas of treatment of the dog. Dogs in general, but especially GSDs, need leadership. And by being a fair leader, you will earn their respect, trust, and undying loyalty. Others may almost knock you over with the friendliness and excitement of meeting a new person. You will read below about exercise. Do Most? Others need a jogging partner to keep them relaxed…and the family content and happy. So there really is a variety of GSD temperaments and personalitys. You need to decide what you are wanting or expecting in a dog before adopting. And once you do decide to adopt, rely on our insight and experience to guide you to the dogs we believe will be the best match for you. Companionship There are few breeds that make a better companion for you or your family than a German Shepherd. After a very short time, you can expect the dog to follow you everywhere, lay where you are, never letting you get out of eye sight. Do not expect to even go to the rest room alone again after getting your Shepherd! Children will be children, and dogs will be dogs. Kids and dogs just seem to naturally go together, and most dog-loving adults want their children to grow up having a dog to love and to love them. This is also one of the most important times to remember that your dog is NOT a human, nor does it think like one. We strongly recommend taking your dog to obedience training. Learning together as a team will create a stronger relationship, a closer bond, and enduring loyalty. If you have never taken a dog through training, we promise you it will be one of the best experiences you will ever have with your dog. Can it be trying? You bet!!! Can it be frustrating? Will your dog embarrass you? Count on it! Socialization: What can we tell you about socializing your German Shepherd? Do it! This is one of the key elements to teaching your dog good manners and to be accepting of those you accept. In many situations, this is the only true behavior issue we see in rescued dogs. The previous owner stuck the dog in the back yard and forgot about him or just went out to feed him once or twice a day and maybe play fetch a few times a week. The dog never learned anything outside of that fence. Or the previous owner got this cute little puppy and before they knew it, it grew into an 85 pound dog and they never once considered how intelligent and, yes… hard-headed, some GSDs can be. More than likely, the owner had not taken the time to educate themselves about the breed and never considered that most GSD owners need to attend at least basic obedience training. Daily Exercise Most German Shepherds are athletic dogs with a high energy level. They like running, playing, chasing balls, jumping hurdles, and many other activities. This is why they are such a versatile breed, excelling in obedience, herding, retrieving, agility, or service work. It is also why it is important to make sure they get exercise—both for the mind and the body! Without it, they can become frustrated and potentially destructive. Working obedience with your dog on a daily basis even the couch potato variety! Afterwards, many are ready to lay down and relax with the family. Others will need a longer and more focused workout each day. With its double coat…you have got twice the hair. Expect to have to vacuum several times a week during this time. Brushing your dog a few times a week will cut down on finding hair in your carpet, furniture, and clothing, but expect hair to still be found throughout most of your home and in places you may have missed, as dust puppies can wander. Size Most German Shepherds reach their full growth at 3 years of age. Most obtain their life-long height by the time they are 2 years old, but may put on more muscle mass, depending on genetics, nutrition, and the amount and kind of exercise they get. Most adult female German Shepherds weigh pounds and will reach a height of inches. Males normally weigh pounds, reaching a height of inches. Much depends on genetics, how they were cared for by their previous owner, and how you care for them now.

Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale.

Poodle Clips Overview One of the most fascinating and interesting elements of the Poodle breed are the amazing clips of the coat. The owner of a pet Poodle may simply choose to keep the entire coat trimmed to a certain length.Or the owner of a pet or show Poodle may want the appropriate show cut. The AKC requires certain cuts depending on the age of the Poodle. Let's take a look at the proper Poodle clips for AKC conformation and what each clip entails. When showing, this is the only acceptable clip for Poodles under 1 year old. Many pet owners opt for this cut as well, as it allows for the Poodle to have full coverage over the body, without exposing any skin, except for the dog's small paws. When skin is exposed it is subjected to the sun and can develop possible sores from playing around in the yard or when exposed skin is resting against carpeting. With this type of clip, the Poodle's face, throat, paws and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. You may opt to have a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is done with scissors to even things up and get rid of any long, straggly hairs. The face, front legs between poms and elbow, hind quarter to the pom area and with the exception of the hip rosettes, feet, and base of tail are all shaved very closely. The pack area is left very, very long and scissored into shape. The top knot is left very long and pulled into a ponytail. The tail is given a very large pompon. Poms on the legs are started just above the wrist and hock joints and end just above the feet. They are also scissored round. The hip rosettes are placed directly over the Poodle's hip joint. These are also scissored round. The reason that this is allowed is that the only element which is "modified" is the lack of the hip rosettes, which are optional. English Saddle With this clip, the Poodle's face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and paws are all closely shaved. The pack is left rather full and is scissored into shape. The top knot on the head is left long and pulled back into a pony tail. The poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. The tail's pom is left long and shaped into a ball. The poms on hind legs are rounded off and spaced evenly apart. The bottom pom begins just above the hock and ends above the feet. With this Poodle clip, the face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved close, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head. The rest of the dog's body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short, soft blanket of coat approximately 1 inch long. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. There is a nice, fluffy pompon at the end of the Poodle's tail. It is also referred to as the 'Second Puppy Clip'. The hair on the top may be left puffed out or pulled into a topknot. The coat is allowed to be very low on the legs, only showing a bit of the paw. It is a nice clip that offers a pleasant shape while not exposing any skin. Since coat growth can quickly cause this clip to loose shape, it is retouched approximately 5 to days before a show event. Kennel Clip - This is a pet clip, meaning that many pet owners opt for this easy clip and it is not permissible in the AKC show ring. Body hair is short all over and just scissored into shape. The top knot and tail are left longer than the body hair. The length of the body hair is completely up to the owner, some opt for a shorter length in the hotter months and longer in colder months. Lamb Clip - This is very similar to the Kennel Clip. The only difference is that the coat is left longer. With this Poodle clip, the dog's face, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. Body hair is left fluffy but not too long and then scissored into shape. The legs are shaped into a pom at the bottom starting just above the wrist and the hock ending just above the feet. The length of the hair is up to the owner, however, most opt for a very short clip. Dutch Clip - This is an interesting pet clip. The Poodle's face, neck area, belly band, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. The belly band may be shaved thin or wide, as shown in the photo. The lines between the withers along the spine and between the hips along the spine are also shaved. These lines are very narrow. The top of the head, the legs, and tail are left very fluffy. As you can imagine, the coat cannot be brushed in the traditional sense, cords must be separated out by hand. This used to be a very popular way to keep the coat long ago, however now this is exceedingly rare since most pet owners simply do not have the time to braid the section, keep the coat clean or wait for the exceedingly long drying time that comes with such large dread-lock type sections. This an exceptionally difficult style to do and to maintain which keeps owners away even if the look is a desired one. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Due to their high energy and intelligence, they take lots of time and attention. They are also high maintenance in the grooming and exercise departments. Despite all the time they require, they are worth every minute. Their love and loyalty is unmatched and there is no greater companion than a faithful German shepherd dog by your side. Whether you own one or are planning to get one in the future, there are 17 items that you must have if you own a German shepherd. They are: 1. Good Quality Crate There are many good reasons to teach a dog to use a crate and very few excuses not to. Just a few reasons why crate training is a good idea include, they may be crated at the vet so being familiar with one will help them be calm; they may at some point in their life need to travel in a crate; during an emergency, they may need to be crated for their own safety; a crate is the perfect place to keep your dog when home repair is being done and other strangers are going in and out of the house; when recovering after illness or injury; it is a great training tool, a safe place for an unsupervised puppy. Strong Leash and Collar German shepherds are incredibly strong and very determined. The last thing you need is a collar or leash that will break at the wrong moment. Even better, owning several leashes and collar styles can come in handy. Some tools that can help are educational books, videos, clickers , tugs , treat bag , high value treats , crate, leash , and slip collar. Since German shepherds are so intelligent, there are many things you can teach them so these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Your plans will depend upon the tools you need so these are just the basics that everyone can use. Chews and toys German shepherds have powerful jaws and they love to chew, especially puppies. There are some companies that make durable rubber dog chews such as Ruff Dawg and Westpaw that are great for German shepherds. Some of these can hold treats to help keep their interest. German shepherds also need lots of exercise and love to play. You can do both at once by playing games of fetch, Frisbee , tug , and more. Nothing will make your German shepherd happier than spending time playing with you and their favorite toy. Good Brush German shepherds shed and shed a lot. To reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, a good deshedding brush is great and a slicker brush will also help remove loose fur. Shampoo and conditioner Despite their shedding, German shepherds are relatively clean dogs unless they get into something that makes them dirty. However, they will need to be bathed so a good Ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep them clean and remove dead fur. Since they are also known for their sensitive skin and some have allergies, there are special shampoos that can he kept on hand to reduce itching, seasonal dry skin, or to heal skin irritations. Fenced Yard German shepherds need lots of exercise and a place to safely run and burn off some of their energy. They also have a high prey drive and many love to chase small animals and such so a fenced yard will also help keep them safe should they encounter wildlife or see neighborhood animals. Healthy Food Notorious for their sensitive digestive systems, German shepherds do best on a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs and puppies. Storage container for food To help keep food fresh and preserve nutrients, an airtight storage container is perfect. They make them large enough to store an entire bag of food, which is a huge plus. But they are also yummy and fun and like all dogs, shepherds love them. Food and water dishes Depending on the dog, the best food and water dishes are either stainless steel or ceramic. If your dog likes to dig in their water, a heavy bottomed bowl can help reduce spills. If your dog eats too fasts and gulps their food, a slow feeder can help slow them down and make mealtimes more enjoyable. Some bottles have a built-in dish that the water squeezes into so they are super convenient. Our favorite is a bowl with a leak-proof lid for the car that also helps keep the water cool. Dog poop bags Another must for going out with your dog is a supply of dog poop bags. There are containers you can attach to their leash or you can just keep a supply in the car and put one in your pocket. Either way, to avoid embarrassment, they are a great to have on hand. Dog bed Since German shepherds are over 50 pounds when grown, they are considered large dogs. They love a good dog bed that is comfy but also supports their back and joints. Even if they sleep in your bed, their own dog bed is a great idea. Nail clippers Since German shepherds are so active, their nails should be kept trimmed unless they wear them down themselves. Even if you have someone else trim their nails, a good quality nail clipper is good to have on hand in case you need to trim or cut a nail. If you prefer, a nail grinder tool can be used. This is not a complete list but things to consider putting in your kit include the phone number for animal poison control, blood stop powder , bandages, ace bandage, Gas X and Benedryl, Zymox Otic Ear Treatment, etc. Tags and microchip One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to keep their Identification tags and microchip information up-to-date. With no way to reunite them with their family, they are lucky if they are rescued but many dogs are euthanized simply due to overcrowding or they are injured before arriving at the shelter. To protect your dog from becoming a statistic, always keep their ID on them and your contact information current. No one thinks their dog will be the one to get lost but, sadly, it happens all the time. We hope you find this list helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Puppies bring a lot of joy to the family, but they also need a lot of attention. You must be prepared with all the supplies your puppy needs before he arrives home. Some of these supplies are basic while others will depend on your lifestyle. Some of the essentials that a German shepherd puppy needs include; leash, food, beddings, toys, insurance, collar, microchip, id tag, food, crates, treats, poop bags, grooming tools, among others. It helps to locate you if your puppy goes missing. Collar Find a sturdy collar for your puppy. It should be adjustable to accommodate growth. Do not tighten the collar so much; there should be a space where two fingers can fit in well but no more than that. Leash A recommendable leash for a puppy should be stretchable to about 6 to 10 feet in length. Always buy a leash made of dog-friendly materials. Crate When your new puppy gets home, he does not know what is expected of him. He will poo or pee anywhere that he wants, and this means a lot of cleaning work for you. A puppy dog crate will spare you all that stress; let me stay in the crate and let him out only when he needs potty breaks. Never force him to enter a crate. Buy a big crate which will still be useful as he gets old. If you like traveling a lot, buy a crate that can easily be folded for easy transport. Bedding A crate without a bed is very uncomfortable. Buy washable and comfy bedding materials that will fit in the crate. Bedding that does not allow leakage has an added advantage as your puppy will pee on it once in a while. Check out these dog beds that you can buy for your German Shepherd. Puppy Food On many occasions, the breeder or rescue center will give you the leftovers or tell you the puppy food brand that the puppy was feeding on. It is important to continue feeding the same food for some time before introducing a new diet. Consult your vet for advice. Treats Healthy puppy treats are important when potty training your puppy, convincing him to enter the crate or when training basic commandments. Refer to your vet for advice on the ideal treats for your puppy depending on his health. Food and Water Bowls Buy food and water bowls that are easy to clean and heavy to prevent being dragged everywhere by your dog. Make sure that you clean them daily to avoid your puppy feeding and drinking contaminated food and water. Always have them in pairs in case you want to travel. Poop Bag Poop bags are needed when you go out with your puppy either in the park, swimming, hiking, or long walks. Microchip A microchipped puppy will be easily traced whenever he goes missing. It takes less time to reunite the owner and the puppy compared to the Id tag method. Buy the one with clear sides to see the remaining food. You should also buy Food scoops to help you to measure the right amount of food to feed your puppy to avoid overfeeding. A Dog House An outdoor dog house should be well sheltered to offer protection for your puppy. It should be big enough to allow him to stand and stretch comfortably. You should not keep your valuable carpet inside as he will shred it as he plays. Do not keep your puppy in the dog house in the first days of arrival, keep him inside a crate, and keep it near your bedroom. This will make him feel your presence hence reducing the night cries. Toys Buy all types of toys for your puppy like; tug toys, teething toys , toy balls, puzzle toys, and plush toys. They will help in entertaining, distracting, and mental stimulation for your puppy. Grooming tools To ensure that your puppy is neat and attractive, buy nail cutters, shampoo, canine toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, dog wipe, dog mouth wash, and combs. Reliable Vet Have contact details for a reliable vet for emergency cases and normal checkups. A Groomer and Trainer A groomer is necessary to assist you in keeping your puppy looking nice. A professional trainer will assist in training and giving remedies for some bad puppy behaviors. If you need to travel or go to work, a pet sitter and boarding facility will take care of your puppy in your absence. Always keep their contact details. Insurance Pet insurance reduces the cost of medical bills in case your puppy gets ill. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.