preparing for a labradoodle puppy
Aug 28, Share Golden retrievers are a popular companion because of their big hearts and loyal nature. Their enduring personalities have also brought them to the screen, and you can find several movies that include the popular dog as a character. If you are looking forward to a movie night, there are several movies to choose from that a golden retriever lover can relate to. From heartwarming to heart-tugging, you can find yourself in fits of laughter, then suddenly reaching for the tissues when you view these films. They are mostly child and family-friendly pictures, with lighthearted options too. Turn down the lights and salt up your popcorn to enjoy some brilliant golden Retriever movies! Heartwarming and sometimes jaw clenching, you will be captivated the entire film while you watch the story of three pets embark on an adventure to find their owners. Their owners set off to California on holiday, and these courageous and determined pets, thinking they have been abandoned, set off to find them. They meet new friends along the way and find themselves in some sticky situations that they navigate and overcome together. Shadow is the brave and wise golden retriever voiced by Don Ameche. Homeward Bound — Lost in San Francisco They do it again in this sequel to the favorite, only this time they get lost in the city. Packed with comedy and adventure as they navigate their way back home, you will love this sequel as much as the original. The original cast reunites, but Ralph White takes over the voice of the beloved golden retriever Shadow. Buddy is the character played by the golden retriever and is a real-life sport-loving dog! This movie will keep you enthralled and is a captivating and entertaining tale for children. In the first movie, Josh meets Buddy and learns he can play basketball, and since then, four more films have been made, turning Air Bud into an exciting franchise. Air Bud is the proud owner of five lovable and mischievous pups. These talking pups learn some valuable lessons while facing obstacles and band together through teamwork and adventure. The franchise includes: Snow Buddies : The puppies are transported to Alaska, where they compete with a boy in a dog-sled competition. Space Buddies : The pups accidentally get stranded on a crewless space shuttle and head off to space for an intergalactic adventure. Spooky Buddies : There are mysterious things going on at a mansion rumored to be haunted by the Halloween Hound, and the pups go off to investigate. Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups : When the spirit of Christmas begins to disappear, the mischievous stowaways must help save Christmas. Super Buddies : Each dog earns a superpower when they discover mysterious rings at Fernfield Farm. The Parent Trap Sammy, the golden retriever, is not the main attraction in this heartwarming film but is the beloved companion to Hallie. Hallie has a twin she discovers after many years at a camp, and they decide to switch places. The storyline sends a message of deep love as the golden retriever Bailey finds his purpose while living through four different lifetimes with humans and in different time periods. He journeys through wild adventures, where he gains additional insights, ultimately bringing him to realize that his purpose is to love and support his human. The Retrievers Pilot, a stray golden retriever, is adopted by a loving family who soon learns she is pregnant. The kids grow close to the growing pups knowing that they will need to be rehomed. Pilot is determined to get her puppies back and leads a quest with Lowry to retrieve them. The adventure is action-packed and comical and portrays lessons about life and what is truly important. Marley is a mischievous pup that always manages to win the heart of his family, beautifully capturing the companionship of unconditional love. This true story will have you in hysterics and pull at your heartstrings as you learn to appreciate your furry friend a little bit more. The Art of Racing in the Rain Through the eyes of a golden retriever named Enzo, you get a glimpse into his life and the valuable lessons he learns from his owner and the other humans around him. He gains insights into how life on the racetrack can be adapted and used to navigate life. You will find yourself laughing and crying through this uplifting and heartfelt story of companionship and love. This is a fascinating story of devotion and bravery that will attract the interests of all dog owners. There are some heart-tugging moments that will likely induce tears, but a happy ending will make it worthwhile. Napoleon Napoleon is an adventurous and adorable story about a golden retriever that wants to explore the world. When he accidentally flies off in a basket attached to helium balloons, he goes through some adventures to find his way home. He meets friends along the way and learns a valuable lesson that there is no place like home. Unfortunately, his new fortune gets him caught up in a dog-napping scheme , but his street smarts and loyal friends set off on an adventure to keep him safe. This movie is lighthearted and silly and will have the whole family laughing. A Golden Christmas Even though the cover showcases a golden retriever, it is not the star of the show. This movie is a Christmas romance story where two childhood friends fall in love. A Golden Christmas 2: The Second Tail When Lisa goes walking with her neighbor and his pups, they interrupt a wedding proposal where she learns it is her ex-boyfriend. Everyone knows they belong together, so with the help of the dogs, they try to get them back together. This is another lighthearted romance story involving retrievers, and the characters all share the same love for the dogs. It involves a golden retriever that gets sick with cancer, and the community comes together to raise money for its expensive surgery. This is a wonderful and endearing family movie that shows how family and friends can pull together in hard times. The Gold Retrievers In the Gold Retrievers, a year-old boy and his mischievous golden retriever attempt to save their family home. Together they dig up a gold medallion that leads to a fortune, and with their neighbor Ana, they try to reclaim the treasure. On their quest through the woods with an ancient curse, they encounter booby traps and are tracked by two thieves trying to get their hands on the treasure. This fun movie is cute and comical, and kids will enjoy the cheesy sense of humor. Conclusion Golden retrievers make great Hollywood dogs! Even if they are not the stars of the show, their roles in movies clearly portray their loving, loyal, intelligent, and sweetly mischievous natures. In these tales of bravery and adventure, love, and devotion, you will find yourself inspired to find a golden companion of your own. We have compiled a list of some of the best movies about these lovable dogs. There is something for everyone on this list, from new releases to classics. So grab some popcorn and get comfortable on the couch — here are our favorite golden retriever movies! Famous for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Did you know that there are also several movies about these wonderful golden retriever dogs? Through the ups and downs of life, Marley remains a loyal and faithful friend to his family. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the furry members of your own family a little bit more. Each life brings new experiences and lessons, but his ultimate goal remains the same — to find his purpose in life. His journey as Bailey, a golden, is sure to touch your heart and leave you feeling inspired. Through his observations of the humans around him, Enzo comes to understand the importance of family, friends, and living life to the fullest. When Old Drum, a golden retriever, is wrongly accused of killing another dog, his owner takes him to court to prove his innocence. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey This heartwarming classic follows the story of three pets who are lost in the wilderness and must find their way back home. Along the way, they meet new friends and face challenges that test their courage and determination. Featuring an all-star cast, this film is a must-see for any animal lover. Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco The sequel to the beloved classic, this film follows the three pets as they get lost in the city and must find their way back home. With humor and adventure, this film is sure to please any fan of the original. Air Bud Franchise This feel-good movie is about a basketball-playing dog who helps his human friend, Josh, win the state championship game. Air Bud is a true underdog story that will have you cheering for the good guys and pooches all the way to the end. As of now, the franchise has a total of 5 movies released in all. These lovable pups get into all sorts of mischief, but they always manage to learn valuable lessons along the way. The Franchise includes: Air Buddies
Many will say I want a puppy on a certain date. Mother Nature has blessed us with two wonderful litters. Please ask for a price on the merle puppies. We always welcome visitors! About Us Experienced Breeders We have been breeding dogs for 33 years and breeding labradoodles for 19 years. We also breed occasional litter of Moyen poodles. I Carol have a degree as licensed veterinary technician which allows me to bring my medical knowledge into the breeding program. All puppies leaving our home will have excellent temperaments! We have worked with a lot of families over the years and we pride ourselves in being very family friendly. Our goal is to place the perfect 4-legged family member into your home. Don't buy from a breeder that won't show you their dogs or makes excuses why you can't visit. We welcome your visit! Our Family We are a family run business. Carol and Tom established Acme Creek Kennels in .Amber and Ryan run the boarding and daycare. Carol and Amber raise the labradoodles. Our guarantee We guarantee our labradoodle puppies 2 years. We are also available throughout your dogs life for any questions that may arise. In order to provide the healthiest puppy for your family we do hip, eye and DNA testing. Our labradoodles have fantastic temperaments, We have 30 years experience as a veterinary technician and breeder. Our mission is improve and further the integrity of the Australian Labradoodle line and to produce beautiful, healthy, Australian Labradoodles. These dogs have been generations in the making and we are dedicated to breeding using a healthy code of conduct - all of our parents are health tested for hip and elbow dysplasia and genetically tested to avoid possible genetic health problems with our puppies. We provide a 2-year genetic health guarantee on all of our puppies. Bryan McCree is a loved and respected member of the acting and comedic community. Together, they are an unstoppable couple who bring laughter and joy to the people around them. With three children raised and out taking on the world, their puppies have become their babies. They fell in love with the breed after when Marcia's mother, owner and operator of Wow Wow Australian Labradoodles in Houston, Texas, started breeding the Australian Labradoodle when the breed was still very new to the USA. Once Marcia decided to give Roscoe a home, she was hooked. In , Marcia was also able to find a piece of her heart to share with Pearl and now, Midwest Velvet would like to continue sharing this love of Australian Labradoodles with Genesee county and surrounding areas. Nestled in the heart of Flint, Michigan, we pamper and spoil our dogs Roscoe our magnificent Australian Labradoodle , Pearl our nesest addition to the family and the mother of our puppies and Boris our very patient and distinquished Doberman Pinscher. We frequent the beautiful downtown streets of Flint with our spoiled pups visiting pooch friendly restaraunts, local dog parks and outings to the lake have become the new family favorite. Midwest Velvet is a small home-based breeder dedicated to producing quality, healthy Australian Labradoodle puppies. These puppies are raised in a nurturing environment with both parents and are exposed to a multitude of common sounds and sensitivities in a safe and enriching environment. We are thorough in our research of those to whom we provide our services and our ultimate goal is to better the health and prosperity of the Australian Labradoodle and to place our puppies in good, quality homes where their best interests are always a top priority. Our Fam Jam. We are experienced Labradoodle breeders with 6 years of working with Australian Labradoodles. Our puppies are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them not just a family pet but a perfect addition to any family. Quality - At Michigan Labradoodles, we have the best team! Our dogs , are members of our family—they are all descendants of experienced selective family- based Labradoodle breeders in the business. Our business is centered around our family, including our dogs—you can always expect an exceptional experience with our family based company. We are a recognized ALAA breeder, our goal is to breed our wonderful Australian Labradoodles to provide you with an excellent addition to your family. Service - Honesty is a foundation of our family that stretches far beyond our business. We understand that it takes a lot of trust to buy a puppy online. At Michigan Labradoodles, we are committed to making this a fun and memorable experience for you and your family. When you buy a labradoodle from us you can expect constant communication through the puppy adoption process. While our labradoodle puppies are born in Michigan, we provide delivery service anywhere in the US. We provide updates through our Facebook and Instagram page and email variety of forms, including detailed descriptions, pictures, and videos. Why Authentic Australian Labradoodles? Consistent - Our dogs and their puppies are consistent, they are descendants of a multigenerational breed. The pedigree is true back eight plus generations, breeding Authentic Australian Labradoodles with the same great qualities of their breed. This gives us the ability to closely predict the size, shape and color of your puppy. On top of that we breed for excellence and closely adhere to the ALAA standard. They were originally bread as service dogs and therapy companions with an allergy friendly coat dating back to the 's. Coat - Our Australian Labradoodles all possess a soft fleece coat that has been developed over generations - a quality that you will only get with experienced dog breeders. It provides the allergy friendly coat qualities of the poodle, without sacrificing the amazing soft to the touch feel you will love. Temperament - Originally the Authentic Australian Labradoodle was bred as the ideal therapy dog. They interact well with adults and their playful personality makes them a fun addition to families with children. They are a great mix of playfulness and cuddly. The organization promotes responsible dog companionship for labradoodles for sale in Michigan and the United States by cataloging helpful information about the breeds making it easier to buy a dog online by offering networking services to breeders and owners. The organization protects our breed from inhumane puppy mills. This status recognizes our commitment as a breeder to maintaining a high health standard for our dogs, as well as our recurring investment in health testing of our breeding dogs. It assures potential adopters that our litters have come from the healthiest parents possible along, with a strong level of health guarantees that can be maintained. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome to Sugar Cookie! We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder located in mid-Michigan, and its our pleasure to offer you a beautiful, multi-generational, low-to-no shedding puppy from authentic lines which originated in Australia over 30 years ago! Our pups are bred for outstanding temperament and good health, and born and raised in our home we are not a kennel. We are honored to be recognized by both professional organizations for maintaining top levels of health testing of our sires and dams! These recognitions are given to breeders who go above-and-beyond minimum health testing, increasing the likelihood that you will have a healthy puppy and dog for years to come! Reserving a Puppy is as easy as ! We invite you to join our Master Reservation List! First step is to call Maria with questions and to ask for a Puppy Matching Application. It's important to get to know each other and for us to learn about your family's lifestyle. Accepting reservations for puppies with mommas Maddy, Eloise, and Phoebe! Mother Nature determines the timing of our litters. As soon as pregnancies are confirmed we will let you know on our social media sites and of course here as well! This helps us know the important traits you are looking for! We want you to pick the best puppy to meet your family's unique needs and lifestyle, based on temperament and energy level. A non-refundable good faith deposit places you on our Master Puppy Reservation List and assures that you will be bringing a beautiful Sugar Cookie pup home. Within a couple days after a litter arrives we will contact families in the order their deposit was placed to confirm that this is the litter they would like to have their puppy from. If for whatever reason the timing is not right or you are interested in a future litter from a different parent pairing, you may choose to remain and likely move up on the Master List for the next litter. As breeder we reserve the right to hold back any puppy from a litter prior to family selections. We will send you periodic email updates about milestones and important dates and post lots of pictures on social media, so you can follow all the pups in a litter as they grow and develop! Plan to pick your puppy up at our home. We do not ship our puppies in cargo but if you or a 'flight nanny' would like to fly home with your puppy safely in-cabin, a driver can meet you at a Michigan airport for an additional charge. Keep in mind if your puppy is flying overseas to its new home you will not only need to know your airline's rules but likely make arrangements for your puppy's care for a couple months until it is able to fly. With most overseas flights a puppy must be at least 16 weeks and have had its rabies vaccine and a USDA health certificate. Unfortunately we cannot keep pups beyond 9 weeks. Included with your Sugar Cookie puppy: 1. Puppy Culture method of raising puppies to give them the best possible start in life 2. Health record, physical exam, dewormings, first vaccination, and microchip 3. Snuggle Puppy heartbeat comfort toy 5. Soft comfort blanket and toy scented with littermates 6. Leash and beautiful custom Sugar Cookie puppy collar 7. Sample bag of Royal Canin Puppy kibble 8. Optional - your preference. Thank you for your interest in this wonderful breed here at South Mitten Australian Labradoodles! Our labradoodles are allergy-friendly, meet rigorous health standards and have wonderful temperaments, making them the perfect addition to families of all shapes and sizes. Located in southern Michigan, our dogs are raised in our home as cherished and spoiled members of our family! Our puppies are given the utmost care and researched-based attention and stimulation right from the start. This ensures you are not just getting a puppy of impeccable bloodlines, but one that has an optimal start and a superior advantage. We strive to produce healthy well-socialized puppies from multi-generational lines with amazing temperaments. South Mitten Labradoodles follow the strict health guidelines and strong ethics of the Australian Labradoodle Club we belong to. We specialize in the true Australian Labradoodle with wonderful coats and temperaments with bloodlines originating from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. This is a different dog and usually a different temperament than the Australian Labradoodles. True Australian Labradoodles average generations of labradoodles back in their pedigree that all originate from either Rutland Manor, Tegan Park, or Sunset Hills in Australia. We strive for nothing less than excellence in breeding and raising our precious puppies. We love and are devoted to this very special breed. Why do we believe that certified Australian Labradoodles are the ultimate breed? You are getting the best of the best! Virtually Non-Shedding Greatest ambition is to be with "their people" Incredibly intelligent and easy to train Loyal Low to no odor even when wet Comical and endearing. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of them are well-known in the state as ethical breeders whose top priority is producing healthy and happy puppies for loving families. Of course, you might get lucky and stumble upon a great, ethical breeder on your first try. However, we do recommend you take this process seriously and have done extensive research before choosing a breeder. In fact, some Labradoodle breeders in this guide offer a three-year health guarantee! Health warranties should cover any serious genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. Additionally, you might want to check if a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. In addition to that, you can always ask around your friends and family members about their own experiences with specific Labradoodle breeders in the area. For more in-depth information on this topic, we recommend you check out our article on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. All of the pups come from health screened backgrounds and their parents have been cleared for genetic problems. Although their goal is to breed hypoallergenic and low-shedding Doods, they occasionally have scruffy pups who might shed some hair. What Makes This Breeder Unique? As the Doodle Ranch is a family breeder, all of their dogs are full-fledged members of the family.
Symptoms in dogs range from no visible signs or complications to complete paralysis and large open lesions on the back and spine. In most severe cases an open lesion on your puppies back will be present at birth and sometimes the spinal cord may be exposed through this open lesion. If the puppy has no visible open wound on his back, the condition may not be picked up until they start to walk or display incontinence. Symptoms and Signs of Spina Bifida Sacral dimple. A dip in the back close to the tail. This can be seen by a different hair pattern or an open lesion. Urine incontinence. This will require manual expressing Faecal incontinence. Passing faeces without knowledge and lack of anal tone Poor range of motion in the hind legs from dragging feet to complete paralysis Dragging the back legs Lack of pain receptors in the lower back. This is a lifelong condition. Current trials in the United States at UC Davis are looking into stem cell therapies that can help restore mobility in more severely affected cases. There are four main classifications but your vet or vet specialist will be able to provide you with more support in understanding your pets condition. Occulta This is the most mild form of Spina Bifida and may produce no signs or symptoms. They may have a small dimple on their dimple on their spine, or no signs at all. You may never know your dog has this condition. Often symptoms with this severity are only mild and manageable. Your dog may have partial paralysis, dragging their feet or walking slightly wobbly, but they will still be able to walk. They may also have no issues with their mobility. Your puppy may also be showing bowel and urinary incontinence. Mild nerve damage may also be present. Meningocele In this type, the spinal cord has developed normally but the protective membranes around the spinal cord push up into the deformed openings of the vertebrae. Surgical options can be a possibility with this type of Spina Bifida to remove the membranes pushing through the bone. The same clinical symptoms present as closed neural tube defects. Surgery will not cure the symptoms, but can make your pet more comfortable. Myelomeningocele This is the most severe type of Spina Bifida. The spinal cord is often fully exposed, or there are multiple vertebrae that have deformities. Full paralysis of the lower limbs is often present with complete incontinence. There will also be a lack of sensation in the skin with nerve damage. Puppies with this severity are usually born with their spinal cords exposed and are often euthanised. Swelling of the spine can lead to the development of hydrocephalus. This condition can be managed but it is lifelong and can present with various complications and ongoing medical costs. Rescue groups and specialist vets can offer great support in helping you decide on the path of care if your dog is diagnosed with this type of Spina Bifida. Antibiotics can be used to treat UTIs. The use of supplements like cranberry, D-mannose and making sure your pet is drinking adequate water can be used to support good bladder health. Ammonia burn on the skin You can see pictures in our material matter blog here and rashes from diarrhoea can develop. Maintaining a good cleaning routine by changing pet nappies frequently, allowing your dog to have outside time without a nappy on, wiping between changes and providing baths as needed is important. Using a zinc based nappy cream or pet safe cream, we personally love Bella Maree Belly Cream , or a medicated cream from your vet on any rashes can help make your dog more comfortable. Lacerations and injury to the legs Dogs with Spina Bifida can have a lack of feeling in the legs can cause your pet to sustain injuries without knowing. Also keep an eye out on their toes and back nails. If they drag their feet, these can become worn down and bleed. Anal prolapse Due to lack of tone in the anus, if your dog is experiencing constant soft stools, they can develop an anal prolapse. Take your dog straight to the vet if this occurs so your vet. The vet can put the prolapsed anus can be put back in, reducing any chance of an infection. If this is a recurring issue as your dog progresses from puppyhood into adulthood, the vet may recommend surgery to tack the bowel into place or to shorten it. Joint weakness You might notice your dog developing joint weakness as they age and progress through puppyhood. Joint issues in the hips, knees, feet and front shoulders should all be monitored at regular vet visits. You can also incorporate supplements into your pets diet to support healthy joints. Your vet may also suggest injections to support the joints such as Cartrophen. A pet nutritionist can also support in diet advice and an animal rehabilitation specialist can support in mobility care. Hygiene and Bedding nappy changes and baths To save your sanity as an owner and keep your dog and home fresh and clean it is a great idea to find a routine that works for you to manage their mess if they are incontinent. To support Sophie's incontinence we use Dundies all in one nappies and washable puppy pads. Make sure your dog has nappy free time. Sophie has a minimum of three hours outside of her nappy in the yard. This lets the skin breath and reduces any concerns with ammonia burn developing. No matter what brand you choose, always make sure the nappy is breathable. You can read more about this on our Material Matter Blog. Giving your pet a safe place to sleep is also important. You might prefer to give them a crate and crate train them. You can then line the crate with a bed that has a waterproof cover so any accidents are easily cleaned. Dogs with Spina Bifida will regularly void in their sleep without their knowledge. Dundies puppy pads are great to put on top of a bed as they are absorbent and also waterproof. Your dog can also wear a nappy when sleeping. Make sure to give clean your dog well when you change their bottom in the morning and provide nappy free time directly after. If you are using nappies on your dog that is completely incontinent, you will go through a minimum of 4 per day. If your dog is having upset bowel motions you may need up to .Expressing and monitoring of tummy and bowel Spina Bifida in dogs can reduce the pets ability to fully empty their bladder. Feel their stomach and balder area regularly and if you notice any distension, swelling, or it feels very firm head to the vet. If you pet needs helping emptying their bladder and bowels your vet can help you learn how to express your pet. Do not over express your pet, particularly if they have loose stools. Over expressing can cause trauma to the anus and lead to bleeding, bruising and prolapse. Support Find a good support group! Facebook groups including the Dundies VIP group are fantastic resources. If you are not sure or have questions, finding someone to ask can really help ease your stress in caring for your dog. Caring for a disabled dog is stressful and without support it can lead to feelings of doubt and uncertainty, and this is completely normal! Various rescue groups also specialise in the condition and will more than happily provide you with tips and tricks. Sophie's management plan includes taking cranberry and eating 1 meal a day as an adult dog of a balanced raw diet. Kibble can sometimes lead to loose stools. Discuss diet with a canine nutritionist or vet. Provide access to water and make sure your pet is drinking well and limit the variety of treats they eat. Choosing one protein when providing treats, for example chicken breast, will give you an indication of anything that upsets your dog's digestive system. If you notice your pet gets an upset stomach from that particular treat, you can try a different one. Exercise and joint support Exercise is important to help your pet maintain a happy healthy life. Provide your Spina Bifida dog with short walks or try exercises like hydrotherapy Support Aid recommendations by Dundies. Note: Some of these clinical signs can be associated with other diseases too which is why consultation with a neurologist and diagnostics are recommended. Depending on the severity of the dog's condition, euthanasia may be recommended. Some puppies can experience a great deal of discomfort and pain that will severely impact their qaulity of life. .For some who don't have severe cases, you can do some things to improve your furbaby's quality of life. Maintain good hygiene. Bathe your dog regularly and groom them to keep them happy despite their condition. Their skin is at high risk of chafing and becoming sore especially at the hips, elbows and ankles. Always check these areas for dogs with Spina Bifida. Provide proper nutrition. Providing your furbaby a good, healthy diet is a perfect way to boost up their wellness. But make sure that this diet is advised by your veterinarian so it will provide them with the proper nutrition they need. These 5-in-1 multivitamins help provide your dog with Spina Bifida with daily health support. Note: Before giving your furbaby supplements, consult your vet first if they are on certain medications and medicines to be safe. It is extremely important to change your dog's diapers regularly in order to avoid the development of sores. Many dogs with Spina Bifida may need bladder expressions if they experience urinary incontinence. So, be sure to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing incontinence. Go out. Your dog's condition should never hinder the both of you to experience the world together. There are wheelchairs and carts that will help you and your paralyzed dog move around. Having a dog who is experiencing Spina Bifida is never easy but there are things you can do and provide to make your dog's life better, even with a disability. Spina Bifida in dogs can cause some challenges, but they are still loving, loyal pets. Search or click below on the topic you are chasing after! The dog is part of a pair of puppies being treated for spina bifida through a combination of stem cell therapy and surgery, research made possible through collaboration between the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and UC Davis Health. Because dogs with the birth defect frequently have little control of their hindquarters, they also have little hope for a future. They are typically euthanized as puppies. At their postsurgery re-check at 4 months old, however, the siblings, named Darla and Spanky, showed off their abilities to walk, run and play to their doctor, veterinary neurosurgeon Beverly Sturges. A major step toward curing spina bifida Spina bifida occurs when spinal tissue improperly fuses in utero, causing a range of cognitive, mobility, urinary and bowel disabilities in about 1, to 2, children born in the U. Farmer pioneered the use of surgery prior to birth to improve brain development in children with spina bifida. She later showed that prenatal surgery combined with human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells PMSCs , held in place with a cellular scaffold, helped research lambs born with the disorder walk without noticeable disability. Sturges wanted to find out if the surgery-plus-stem-cell approach could give dogs closer-to-normal lives along with better chances of survival and adoption. Another distinction for Darla and Spanky is that their treatment occurred after birth, since prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida is not performed on dogs, Sturges explained. The disorder becomes apparent between 1 and 2 weeks of age, when puppies show hind-end weakness, poor muscle tone, incoordination and abnormal use of their tails. A unique environment for collaborative research UC Davis is the only place where this type of cross-disciplinary, transformational medicine could happen, according to Farmer. UC Davis is also home to the One Health initiative aimed at finding novel treatments like these for diseases that affect both humans and animals. Food and Drug Administration approval, Farmer and Wang hope to test the therapy in human clinical trials. Sturges and Borjesson hope to do the same with a canine clinical trial. They hope the outcomes of their work help eradicate spina bifida in dogs and humans. In the meantime, the team wants dog breeders to send more puppies with spina bifida to UC Davis for treatment and refinements that help the researchers fix an additional hallmark of spina bifida — incontinence. While Darla and Spanky are very mobile and doing well on their feet, they still require diapers. Private donations to the veterinary school for stem cell research also contributed to this procedure.
Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. Serving Washington, Oregon and California other states may be considered on a case by case basis. They are highly intelligent, loyal and beautiful dogs who require socialization and exercise. They are a lifetime commitment. They live between years on average and respond well to training. Most love water, and they should be brushed times a week! If you are interested in adopting a German Shepherd dog, please visit our application page and review the adoption process. We are always looking for new members to join the True North GSD Rescue to support our mission and help dogs find their forever homes. Making a Donation All donations are used in rescuing and caring for the dogs we save. We are a c 3 nonprofit organization. Information Rescuing Pets We recommend that you do not buy or sell animals on social media sites. For the safety of the animal, find a reputable rescue to assist you. Animal Licensing Getting or renewing a dog license is a yearly requirement in many cities in the United States. Adding a tag with your contact information can also assist this process. Finding Pets a Home We are their safe haven. Our team will find the best suited homes for the pups we place. Our goal is to provide each dog a permanent, safe and loving home that they will be well taken care of for the rest of their lives. Pet Adoption Notes Adoption vs. Buying When you rescue a dog, you are saving two lives. You are saving the life of the dog that you decide to adopt and a dog that needs that space in the shelter or rescue by opening up one of the occupied kennels. Also, when you are buying pets, many times you are supporting the cruel puppy mills. Getting a rescue dog makes a huge difference, in your life and theirs! More importantly, are you willing to walk the dog daily, brush them times a week, spend the time training them? Are you willing to commit to the financial responsibilities? Adding a German Shepherd Dog to your household can be very fun and rewarding for everyone. They are loyal, smart and enjoy spending time with you outside. We will never share your personal information or use it in any way other than the purpose intended.
We are a small family operated kennel located in the Northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. I only have dogs with excellent temperaments, good minds, strong character and nerves, nice structure and willing to please attitudes. Puppies will all have plenty of drive for training and working, but not over the top prey-monster types. Some will have more drive than others and will be very suited to sport, police K9, and other working endeavors. While other puppies will be a bit more laid back and fit in well with families as companion dogs. Over these years Janette has evaluated many hundreds of puppies and has become very adept at pegging what an individual puppy will be like as an adult. Robert Oglesby and Janette Oglesby have been involved with German Shepherd Dogs, puppy care, and training for many years. In her previous life Janette was a veterinary practice manager, veterinary technician, and kennel manager. During the past 15 years she has been evaluating, working, training, titling, and breeding these fabulous dogs. Robert, now retired, has been in veterinary practice for over 32 years and maintains the successful website www. He is responsible for the veterinary care of the dogs. A Little About the German Shepherds Our male and females are often purchased titled or started prospects from Europe after a thorough evaluation. We also use quality outside males for genetic and color diversity. More recently we are breeding, raising, training, then titling our own dogs. Occasionally some of these older puppies or young green dogs are available. Our goal is to be able to offer your family the opportunity to welcome into your home your new best friend and family protector. Coldwater German Shepherds. Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. Images internally provided The majestic German Shepherd is renowned globally, not just for its striking appearance, but also for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Among the diverse color variants of the German Shepherd, the black short-haired version is a captivating sight, a blend of power and elegance. Historical Roots Originating from Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the German Shepherd stands out not only for its imposing stature but also for its unparalleled combination of intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. This breed has secured its spot as one of the most recognized and beloved dogs in the world. Physical Attributes Short haired German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, showcasing a blend of strength, agility, and elegance. They have a dense double coat that can vary in length and color, from black and tan to sable or even all-black. Their almond-shaped eyes exhibit intelligence and curiosity, while their ears — often erect and forward-pointing — add to their alert demeanor. Temperament German Shepherd puppies are known for their intelligence, making them quick learners and highly trainable. Their loyalty to their handlers or family members is unmatched, often leading to strong protective instincts. This protective nature, coupled with their bravery, has made them indispensable in roles like police work, search and rescue, and military operations. Socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure that their protective instincts are well-balanced, preventing undue aggression or timidity. By visiting their website, potential adopters can gain insights into available litters, the health and pedigree of the puppies, and the meticulous care they receive. Complete with photographs, detailed descriptions, and contact information, the German Shepherd Puppies NC website simplifies the journey of finding and adopting a short-haired German Shepherd puppy, ensuring that residents of North Carolina are only a click away from their future four-legged family member. Their years of expertise have given them a unique understanding of the breed, allowing them to provide puppies that are both healthy and well-adjusted. Top-Rated Breeder: The accolades speak for themselves. Their meticulous care ensures that every puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and ready to be a part of a loving family. Passion for the Breed: Their undying love for the German Shepherd breed is palpable in every interaction. In Conclusion The journey to finding the perfect pet can often be filled with uncertainty and countless options. However, when it comes to black short-haired German Shepherd puppies in North Carolina, the path becomes straightforward. German Shepherd Puppies NC, with its impeccable reputation, decades of experience, and genuine love for the breed, is undeniably the best choice for families looking to adopt. Ambassador With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to the highest standards of journalism, Victor Williams brings his extensive experience and global expertise to his contributions for NY Weekly. His education in world history sparked his interest in traveling the globe and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. Through his travels, Williams has gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences, which he draws upon in his reporting. With a commitment to journalistic excellence and a love of adventure, Williams continues to be a leading voice in the world of news reporting. Next Post. Go to the puppy page for more information and details. SchH 2 April 11, Score was shown for conformation on May 29, .SchH 3 July .We produce three to four litters of puppies a year. We only breed dogs from European and Czech working bloodlines. It is our belief that dogs bred from solid German Shepherd working bloodlines have solid nerves and temperament. These are qualities that most folks want in a dog for there family. A pup with good nerves and temperament is less likely to be sharp and aggressive to your friends and their children. Our dogs go thru Schutzhund training. All of our pups are covered by a written guarantee on the puppy's hip's and health. Your puppy will be tattooed in the right ear and have all vaccinations up to date when you pick it up. On occasions we have adult dogs for sale. German Shepherd puppies for sale and dogs for Schutzhund training, Police service, narcotics, bomb detection, therapy work, Search and Rescue. We have been German Shepherd breeders for over thirty years. Our dogs have proven themselves to do serious sport and service work from coast to coast. Dogs bred from good strong German Shepherd working bloodlines prove to be more self assured, have good even temperament and make wonderful family companion and guard dogs. I often have solid black German Shepherd pups from our breedings. We offer German Shepherd stud service to approved females. We often have solid black German Shepherd pups for sale. Our puppies are all registered with the AKC. As a breeder for over thirty years we solidly stand behind our guarantee and feel that we offer the best quality German Shepherd puppy for the price that you will find. Will give any assistance and advice on bringing up your pup. Our daughter Sgt. Army Dec. Phone: .Messages are NOT coming through to my email account right now. As a Graduated Vet tech, I have seen the misery of a poorly bred dog. Reviews: I can honestly say this is one of the best dog breeders I have ever talked to before. Billie and Mr. Pete are very knowledgeable about their animals and dedicated to providing them with the best care no matter the conditions. After a ton of e-mails, visits, phone calls, etc.I finally found Ravenhill. Before I get into the quality of dogs they have, let me start by saying how much I like Billie and Peter. They are honest, respectful, kind, and willing to help. The first time I called Billie we spoke for over an hour and she gave me so much useful information. She tells you what you need to hear! We visited Ravenhill in early December. We spent a couple hours with Billie, Peter, and their German Shepherds. She had all ages to look at, my favorite being Echo who was 9 weeks at the time. All her dogs are friendly. The quality of our puppy is amazing. This pup is beautiful, smart, and has a very good temperament. We are very happy we selected.Billie is very protective of her dogs. At first we thought it was kinda rude, but if you think about it, she is just a awesome dog breeder! She likes to keep her pups safe. Me and my family are very happy with the pups we got! If you are looking for a great breeder, with great dogs! Most of us read that book back in the 70's and know how this order takes problem dogs and uses very creative ways of correcting temperament issues, either created by breeding or the people that own the dogs. They also breed German Shepherds. I have had several people over the years that HAD dogs from that order, that have bought my dogs, because our philosophy was so similar. People that breed dogs should always try to put the highest quality on the ground with their breeding, not JUST because they have papers, but because they come from well bred dogs. Honor the breed, breed true to the standard, in both confirmation, temperament and health. Don't fall into the trap of "bigger is better" or "German Shepherds are always guard dogs". These are companion dogs, with herding and protective instincts, and should always be bred for balance, both in disposition and confirmation. Titled dogs have proven their ability to be trained to the highest level, they must pass a physical screening hips and elbows before they are trained, and trained before they are bred in the kennels of working and working showline dogs with the European breeders. Some can be "reserved", some lines are more friendly, both are acceptable. Always meet the parents, and siblings and ask lots of questions about your breeders experience, expertise and time they have put into the breed. So, I pass that quality on to my buyers, who want a well bred companion dog that can be trained, or carry the instincts of devotion to people. I had both import and American lines when I started, but focus on dogs from titled import show and working lines. Pups coming from titled dogs means that the dogs behind my dogs are bred by real GSD breeders, hips and elbows are checked before they are titled, and the imports all have their 1st title before they are ever bred. These dogs are sound, intelligent and are ideal companion dogs as well as personal protection and working dogs. I am very selective about the lines I have and the temperament associated with those lines. Dogs are either OFA'd through American testing or import testing, microchipped, at least 4 wormings and shots at appropriate ages. I became involved with the breed while in Vet Tech school in .I became involved with the Jack Russell terriers in .My dogs hailed from England, the country of origin. Most of what I had at the time were the smooth working lines but later became involved in showing in UKC. Puppies from my lines are clean breeding no inbreeding but I do line breed and genetically cleared breeding pairs out of English country of origin and Australia, often referred to as country of development lines. Actually both countries were developing dogs to suit their region and vermin problem, so there are several types, and in any given litter it is good to have all 3 coats represented. Shows more variation in the gene pool. They are born in the house and only let out side after 1st shots. They are family pets, Earthdogs, Barnhunt dogs, stable dogs, agility dogs.All coats should retain a "double coat". Ideally the ears tip, but occasionally they will be small enough and light enough that an ear will prick. This is fine for pets, not acceptable in the show ring however or as Earthdogs as dirt can enter the ear canal. Tails are NOT cut short like they were many years ago but left natural or "tipped" when the dew claws are removed to ensure that they are not too long and can be damaged if the dogs are used as "Earthdogs" and go underground. Pups can be held with a non-refundable deposit transferable to another litter with approved purchase. ALL the German Shepherds are bred to be family, personal companion and protection dogs. When placing a dog, I try to match temperament 1st, sex then color. My 4 Import showline males have good "drive" as well as great functional conformation for movement and athletic ability and breeding them to my working line females, makes the pups more manageable and easy to train, and not so hyper that they are harder to handle by older adults and children alike. Once brought into the family group, outsiders will be viewed with caution until they are cued otherwise. Ironically, her dam and granddam and sire all showed in the American venue quite successfully, one grandmother showed at Westminster several years back. But at home.Easy to handle, very focused, easy to train, all of my dogs exhibit trusting loyal temperaments, adaptable to a caring, loving, home. All want to please, but are NOT unmanageable!!! Good temperament is critical for training and socialization. A shy or overly aggressive dog is never a good fit for a family and is harder to train. They have to WANT to please you and will try to earn your praise. Fear biters are a liability and overly aggressive dogs have their own agenda. And although these dogs have a good strong bite and a good prey drive for training, they are not police or military hard. Review I was appreciative of getting, thank you. My wife wanted a German Shepherd for many many years. We began looking and came upon Ravenhill Russells and German Shepherds. .Without a shadow of a doubt we felt like this was the place to get our puppy. When we went to visit the potential mother, all dogs were well taken care of and very healthy. Billie was patient with our questions and guided us along the way. Our puppy is now almost 5 months old and we couldn't be happier. We have her in training and our instructor says she is one of the best puppies he has seen. He also can't get over how beautiful and well bred she is. We are always stopped on the street by people asking where we got her and without hesitation we recommend Ravenhill Kennel. Thank you Billie for a beautiful, loving and family friendly dog. This is what it's all about. Hi Billie, Thank you for taking the time and meeting with me and Woody Tuesday. We have named our little girl Sassafrass Sadie Belle Belle as a nod to her mother. We are calling her Sadie. Sweet, loving and playful and none of the skittishness behavior in my last Russell. Our Newfie is scared to death of her! He probably remembers Maggie and how she terrorized him. Once again, thank you! Deena M. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. I don't sell show dogs. But people deserve to have a quality pet as well. So my dogs are breed from some of the best and proven foundation lines proven sound and of quality generation after generation. .People often say, I'm not looking for a show dog, I get that. But I will NOT breed anything less than my standard and respect the standard of the breed. All dogs at some point had a function. NOT just to not shed,even lap dogs kept royalty safe tucked in their sleeves and hands warm.I am sure they have other attributes. Rendell Beatty.
Patty's Day Belly Rubs Forget the corned beef and cabbage -- we're all about soft ears and wagging tails here at Frenchie Bulldog. This St. Patrick's Day, we're celebrating 7 delightful dogs from the Emerald Isle -- 7 Irish dog breeds who will steal your heart and bring you plenty of luck, no green required! Irish Terrier Ireland is known for its terrier breeds, and this lovable and hardworking dog is the perfect pup for a high-activity family. Known for their speed, endurance, and agility, Irish Terriers grew up as farm dogs with plenty of chores. They can be mouthy and need a lot of exercise, but these smart little dudes are ready to keep your family safe and ready for plenty of cuddles! Image Credit: Petfinder 2. Kerry Blue Terrier Called "smart, alert, and people-oriented" by the American Kennel Club, this clever, bearded breed is known for its watchdog behaviors, a carryover from its days as a farmhand. Kerries are usually muscular and strong, weighing up to 40 pounds. And they'll use every pound to keep watch over your family and home! Image Credit: American Kennel Club 3. Originally bred as agile hunters although you wouldn't know it from their dainty ears and coats , modern Irish Setters are beloved family dogs known to be rambunctious and the life of the party. Image Credit: Orvis 4. Like most short-legged terriers, the Glen Terrier is known for thinking he's a lot bigger than he is, and sticking his nose in other dogs' business. However, he's also lovable and fiercely loyal, making him a great choice as a watchdog for the home. Image Credit: Vet Street 5. Irish Water Spaniel As you might have guessed from the name, the Irish Water Spaniel is a great swimmer and will take any chance to get in the water, whether that's heading straight for the pool, the lake, or a convenient mud puddle. Known for their clownish personalities, Irish Water Spaniels are often goofy, lovable dogs -- but as soon as they get in the water, all that changes. Throw a ball or a frisbee into the waves and watch how fast this kind, carefree pup turns into a laser-focused hunting machine! Image Credit: Vetstreet 6. The name comparison comes from the breeds' similar dropped ears, but the Irish dog has its origins as a clever scenthound rather than a hunter. Kerry Beagles, named for the Irish county of Kerry, are a loyal, obedient breed that's great with kids. However, it's worth mentioning that Kerry Beagles have a LOT of energy, and need to be with a family that's ready to deal with their activity level. Image Credit: PetGuide 7. Irish Wolfhound Man oh man, do we love the Irish Wolfhound. These big guys can grow as large as pounds and their main claim to fame is that they're the tallest of all registered AKC breeds. The name "wolfhound" comes from their origins in their hunting and farming days, when wolfhounds could go toe to toe in a fight against a wolf and come out strong. Far from their warrior origins, however, the modern Irish Wolfhound is a calm, chill, and loyal companion, who's much more interested in lounging on the couch with you than challenging a wolf to single combat. Are you a proud pup parent to an Irish breed? Show off your fabulous family member on Instagram, and don't forget to tag her in her Frenchie best frenchiebulldog! More Irish Bulldog Believed by some to be just an Irish strain of old English bulldogges, the Irish Bulldog is one of the oldest bullenbeisser breeds and the ancestor of many modern dogs of this type. Originally a hunter, guardian and all-around farm dog, it was also used to control rowdy cattle and later as a baiting contestant, as well as a successful fighting dog. Unlike most "sport" dogs of its kind, the Irish Bulldog reportedly contained no terrier blood and is oftentimes claimed by its admirers to be THE original bulldog of Britain from which all others developed, but even though it has been celebrated for its supposed purity, this rare bulldog did receive some outside influences throughout its history, mostly from local Irish hunting terriers and fighting bulldogges from England and Scotland, aimed at both improving its working ability and increasing the gene pool. During the heyday of dog-fighting, the few Irish Bulldogge lines which were maintained pure lost favour in the "sport" circles since they simply couldn't compete with the increasingly popular game terrier crosses and eventually became extinct, while the breed as a whole slowly became assimilated into the Irish bull-terrier population, from which the Irish Staffordshire Bullterrier breed was later established. Even though it has long been considered extinct, the Irish Bulldog's name is still occasionally used for certain Irish strains of Staffies and Pit Bulls, and there are even some breeders who claim to have the original Irish Bulldog lines, but this is oftentimes simply a marketing ploy. On the other hand, many are convinced that the mighty Irish Bulldog can still be found in its homeland and that it didn't disappear during the World Wars at all. The legendary Irish Bulldog is said to be the original "red-nosed bulldogge", a bearer of a physical characteristic that was influential in the creation of the famous Dudley Terrier and presently valued in some strains of the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, namely the so-called "Old Family Red Nose" bloodlines. A few attempts at re-creating the breed have been reported over the years, one of them being the American Olde Irish Bulldogge programme. However, although the red-nose variety was undeniably more popular, black-nosed dogs were just as common and it is unclear where the "Old Irish Red" name came from, with some speculating that it was originally a reference to a specific bloodline rather than the entire breed. Prized for its strength and resilience, the Irish Bulldogge is remembered as a muscular and athletic breed, having a head that was larger and somewhat rounder than the many local bull-n-terriers which it spawned, sporting a short, powerful muzzle with a very slight underbite and possessing a friendly and calm personality around humans, while being more than unfriendly towards other dogs. Even though piebald, brindle and darker examples with white markings were also common, the breed's short glossy coat has always been most valued in solid fawn, red or brown shades. Average height was around 17 inches, but smaller dogs existed as well.
By: Richard Cussons A healthy Labrador Retriever will normally defecate firm stools once or twice a day. However, if your Labrador Retriever passes semi-solid or liquid stools more often than usual, then he is probably suffering from canine diarrhea. Diarrhea is common in Labrador Retrievers because of their hearty appetites. They tend to eat anything, digestible and non-food objects alike, especially if their owners are not looking. With immediate attention and proper care, diarrhea caused by ingesting foreign objects can be treated within a day or two. Diarrhea has many other causes aside from eating unsuitable objects. It can be caused by intestinal viruses, stomach viruses or intestinal parasites. Problems within the digestive tract such as ulcers, cancer, food allergies and toxins can trigger diarrhea. Health problems not related to digestive tract can also trigger diarrhea. Some of these health problems are liver disease, kidney disease, Addison's disease and anxiety. Always remember that diarrhea is not a disease, but is a symptom of various diseases. It maybe just a symptom but may become life threatening if not treated immediately. For simple cases of diarrhea in your Labrador Retriever, home treatment is enough. Provide plenty of fresh water or oral rehydration fluids to drink provided he is not vomiting. You can also try giving him an ice cube or two every four hours to help him not drink so much water. It is also advisable to put him on fast for 24 hours to rest his irritated tract and feed him only if he appears better after a day. You can start feeding him with small amounts of bland diet every four hours. If your Labrador Retriever appears better after bland diet and small amounts of food, you can gradually return to his regular diet. Severe cases of diarrhea, if it persists more than 24 hours, if there is any blood and if accompanied with vomiting, immediate veterinary care is needed to prevent your dog from dehydration. If there is blood in his vomitus or stool, if he has fever and if it persists for more than one to two days , it could be sign of infection or other diseases. Visit your vet immediately for medication. He will usually recommend drink with electrolytes and dietary supplements such as probiotics for it has beneficial bacteria helpful in restoring the health of the dog's intestinal tract. Serious cases of diarrhea due to infection or inflammation of the intestine may require antibiotics. Lethargy Poor appetite Gums that are pale or tacky to the touch, which can indicate dehydration, anemia or shock Watery poop that lasts for more than a day Deciding Whether To Go to the Veterinarian A puppy with diarrhea almost always warrants a call to your veterinarian. At the very least, this will get you individualized guidance on what home therapies you can try and what doses to give your pup. Puppies metabolize many medications differently than mature dogs, so dosage adjustments may be necessary. When a puppy has loose stool, talking to a veterinarian can also help you determine whether a trip to the hospital is needed. Treatments that are often needed in more severe cases of acute diarrhea include: Fluid therapy to treat dehydration— given under the skin or intravenously Medications to slow down the bowels and reduce diarrhea and fluid loss Medications to manage vomiting Antibiotics to treat or prevent a bacterial infection arising from within the gut Hospitalization and close monitoring for extremely sick puppies Your veterinarian can also run tests to determine why your pup has diarrhea—a fecal examination for parasites or a test for parvovirus, for example. Scoop up some diarrhea and seal it tightly in a plastic bag or container. If you see a parasite or incriminating evidence like a chewed piece of plastic, make sure you bring that too. Puppies, especially those really young and really small, can dehydrate quickly. Make sure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times. Bring it to them if necessary. Entice a reluctant drinker by adding some low-sodium bouillon to the water or a few drops of liquid from some tuna canned in water. Pediatric hydration fluids for human babies work well, too, if your pup will drink them. Stick to bland food. This might be boiled, unseasoned hamburger or white meat chicken with some rice or a prescription diet for intestinal problems that you can get from your veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian to see if you can give any supplements or over-the-counter medications like canned pumpkin, kaolin-pectin or probiotics. A: The reasons why your puppy has diarrhea could include a change in diet, eating something unusual, exposure to toxins, viral or bacterial infections, food allergies or intolerances, intestinal parasites, stress, and other potentially serious health problems. Q: What to give dogs for diarrhea? A: Pet parents have to be careful in what they give for dog diarrhea—some over-the-counter treatments are dangerous if used incorrectly or in the wrong situations. If the diarrhea is mild and not associated with a serious health problem, it may respond to a bland diet boiled white meat chicken and rice, for example and extra water intake. Your veterinarian can let you know whether it is safe to give your puppy canned pumpkin, kaolin-pectin, probiotics and other supplements or medications. Q: How long does puppy diarrhea last? A: Puppy diarrhea can last for just a few hours, or it may persist for days or even longer. Always talk to your veterinarian if puppy diarrhea lasts for more than a day or two or if it is associated with vomiting, lethargy, weakness or any other symptoms of disease. Q: Does puppy teething cause diarrhea? A: Many pet parents report that puppy teething seems to be associated with diarrhea. However, diarrhea during this time can still be serious enough to require veterinary care. Teething puppies will often chew on and swallow almost anything they can get their mouths on. Also, the immune systems of young puppies who are teething are not yet fully formed, so they are at higher risk for the bacterial and viral infections that can cause diarrhea. Q: Is blood in my puppy's diarrhea an emergency? Call your veterinarian immediately for advice. Q: Why does my puppy have diarrhea after changing food? Whenever possible, make dietary changes over the course of a week or two. If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your regular veterinarian when possible as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. If you need help finding a vet near you, use this link. Rates may differ for those residing outside the U. You'll have access to a vet for 7 days. How to Treat Your Dog's Diarrhea at Home There are times when your dog may be off, and you can manage their diarrhea without a trip to the veterinarian. Rest Just like with us, rest is important. Give your dog a quiet and comfortable place for them to recover. It is likely best to be a place close to a door to go outside, and that has an easy-to-clean floor for those unfortunate poop accidents. Fasting Ideally, fast your dog for 12 hours to allow their gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. This means NO treats, regular meals, snacks — food of any kind. During this period of time, you can give your dog rice water. The benefit of rice water over plain water is that it may help improve digestion, help alleviate gas and bloating, provide some beneficial minerals, and the carbohydrates provide some energy. You want to use good quality white rice not minute rice. Brown rice is not recommended since it has too much fiber. How to make rice water Ingredients: 1 cup of White Rice 4 cups of Water Instructions: Boil 1 cup of white rice in 4 cups of water for 10 to 30 minutes maybe longer until the water turns a creamy white color. Remove the liquid and allow it to cool. Save the cooked rice for later use. Once cooled, give it to your dog as often as they will consume it. Discontinue if your dog starts vomiting and contact your veterinarian. For those dogs not interested, you can add a couple of teaspoons of low sodium chicken broth powder or dog-safe bone broth be sure it does not contain any onions or garlic. Personally, I think the stuff tastes terrible and would prefer the rice water! I do not recommend Gatorade because it is high in sugar, and that can cause further intestinal inflammation. There are electrolyte solutions made specifically for pets , as well. After Fasting Once you are past the first 12 hours of fasting, you can begin offering your dog small amounts of a bland, low-fat, and easily digestible diet. Bland Diet Options 1. Plain, boiled, boneless, skinless chicken and rice the leftover from the rice water. Chicken or turkey baby food be sure it does not contain onions or garlic — the links we provided are pet safe baby food choices Serving Size Example: A small breed dog can be offered a tablespoon or two every hour for a couple of hours. Then allow them to rest for a couple of hours. If there is no vomiting or worsening symptoms, you can slightly increase the amount. You will end up feeding smaller portions more frequently than what is their usual feeding routine. It is always helpful to regularly keep a couple of cans or packets at home. The Under the Weather bland diet does not require a veterinary prescription, so you can buy some ahead of time and keep it just in case. They have many flavors , so be sure to pick the one that matches the protein your dog is currently on, i. During that time, continue feeding small amounts every 3 to 4 hours. If the diarrhea goes away, then over another one to two weeks, you will slowly transition them back to their regular dog food diet. Do not give treats or any other food than their regular dog food. Once they have been transitioned fully back to their regular dog food for a couple of weeks, then you can begin slowly offering extras such as their treats. If you switch back to your dog's regular food too quickly, and don't leave enough time for healing and reduction of inflammation, you could end up right back where you started. Other Things That Can Help With Diarrhea In addition to rest, fasting, and a bland diet, there are some other things you may find helpful in dealing with diarrhea issues at home. Probiotics Probiotics may be helpful when dealing with diarrhea. Probiotics help support a healthy immune system by keeping the intestinal bacteria in good balance and aiding in digestion. It acts as a prebiotic because it stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria by lowering the pH and providing the nutrients they need. Additionally, it helps inhibit harmful bacteria in the intestines. Always be sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water when giving them fiber supplements. In the case of stress-induced diarrhea, starting a fiber supplement a few days prior to the stressful event can help prevent the diarrhea from starting. Psyllium fiber can be purchased over the counter as whole husks , in products like unsweetened, unflavored Metamucil , or this dog-formulated fiber brand Serving: 1 teaspoon for smaller dogs and up to 3 teaspoons for larger dogs, once to twice daily mixed into food. You can also grind the psyllium fiber finer if you want to. Additionally, read the labels to be sure they do not contain xylitol — it is very toxic to pets. Catnip Many households have dogs and cats — if your cat is willing to share their catnip , it may help with your dog's diarrhea. Catnip, when used in moderation, is safe for dogs and can actually be beneficial to them. Since catnip is a plant, it is made up of different elements that can benefit your dog. It contains vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, tannins, and oils. With that said, do not give your dog catnip cat toys. This can result in choking or a potential intestinal obstruction. Catnip has been found to have a sedative effect on dogs. However, this only occurs when they eat it, and a little goes a LONG way. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict its effects. Additionally, some dogs can become hyperactive instead of sedate. Catnip has been found to help some dogs with indigestion, cramps, diarrhea, and gas. Again, only a small amount is needed. Use the calculator below to figure out how much catnip your dog should get. Always start at the lower end of the range since your dog's reaction cannot be predicted. For example, if your dog weighs 30 pounds .For the high range, divide .So, a 30 lbs dog would get between 1. Catnip Calculator for Dogs Enter your dog's weight in either pounds or kilograms to calculate catnip dosage. Preventing Puppy Diarrhea Puppy diarrhea is, unfortunately, a reality of pet ownership. Puppies do not have fully functioning immune systems, so they can be a little more sensitive to changes and potential sources of infection than their adult counterparts. Mild cases of diarrhea may go away quickly on their own, but other causes—including infections and parasites—can be a sign of a serious problem. Here's what to watch for and how to know what your next steps should be when your puppy has diarrhea. Some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in puppies include environmental factors, infections, and parasites. Hopefully this helps you find answers to "Why does my puppy have diarrhea? Moving into a new home, meeting new people and animals, learning to walk on a leash , vet visits and vaccinations , that first encounter with the Roomba. All of these experiences can cause stress, and your puppy may get diarrhea because of that. Diarrhea related to stress usually occurs within hours to a day of the stressful event, and generally resolves quickly on its own. Ask your puppy's breeder or previous owner what brand and formula of food she is used to eating, and start off by using that same diet. If you want to switch to a different food, do it gradually over several days, starting with just a little of the new food mixed in with the old and increasing the ratio of new food over time. Some dogs may have food intolerances or, less commonly, allergies to specific ingredients. These can also cause diarrhea. Identifying a food allergy or intolerance is a time-consuming process and will require guidance from your veterinarian. Some common parasites that can infest puppies include roundworms, hookworms , whipworms, tapeworms , coccidia, and giardia. Parasites are most commonly transmitted through poop a dog with worms poops out eggs and larvae, a puppy sniffs poop and inhales them. But some, such as roundworms, can be transmitted from mother to puppies through the placenta. As well as having diarrhea, puppies with parasites may have distended bellies, bloody diarrhea, appear thin, or be lethargic. Sometimes you may be able to see worms in the poop. Your veterinarian can c heck your puppy's stool for worm eggs and other parasites. Always bring a sample along if your puppy is having diarrhea. Once the offending parasite is identified, your vet can prescribe the best deworming medication to resolve the issue. Being treated for worms or other parasites does not prevent your puppy from getting them again, however. Remember how parasites are often spread through poop? Be sure to thoroughly clean your yard, removing all poo to minimize the number of parasitic worms living in the soil and environment. Otherwise, your puppy can reinfect herself from her own poop. All puppies should be on a regular deworming schedule starting while they are with the breeder. Most veterinarians recommend continuing regular, long-term deworming, such as with a monthly product. Dietary Indiscretion and Toxicities Like toddlers, puppies love to put their mouths on anything and everything. Eating the wrong thing can cause diarrhea in a couple different ways. This could range from feasting on the garbage leftover from your cookout to swallowing a chewed-up tennis ball or munching on your amaryllis plant. Eating an excessive amount of rich or fatty foods can cause stomach upset. In cases like these, your puppy may vomit or appear uncomfortable as well as having diarrhea. If your puppy has eaten something toxic, exact symptoms will vary depending on what and how much she ate. If you suspect your puppy has eaten something toxic, or are unsure about the potential threat of her illicit snack, contact an animal poison helpline such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline , , immediately. These services do charge a fee, but it's well worth it to have access to the most up-to-date information on toxicities in dogs. Even nontoxic non-food items can be problematic if they get stuck in your puppy's gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage. Besides having diarrhea, a puppy with an obstruction may vomit, be lethargic, refuse to eat, and have abdominal pain. Viral and Bacterial Infections Parvovirus, often referred to as simply "parvo," is a diagnosis that strikes fear in any puppy owner's heart. This virus is highly contagious and wreaks havoc on your puppy's immune system and body, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, fever, and lethargy. Treatment consists of supportive care to help your puppy fight the disease and target symptoms. A puppy with parvo will likely be admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated, medications, and round-the-clock supervision from her veterinary team. Parvo is often fatal, especially if treatment is started too late. Thankfully, there is an effective vaccination for parvo, and it is included in the routine puppy series. Your puppy will receive several rounds of the vaccine depending on her age. It's essential to get your puppy to her booster appointments on time; even one missed vaccination can leave her unprotected. Once she has finished her puppy series, the following year she can either get a one-year or three-year vaccine. Avoid places with other dogs, such as dog parks, boarding kennels, and popular dog-walking spots until she is fully vaccinated. Only allow her to interact with dogs who you know are vaccinated. If your puppy does get parvo, she will need to be kept away from unvaccinated dogs and puppies to prevent spreading it to them. Besides viruses such as parvo, your puppy can also get bacterial infections in her G. Common culprits include clostridium, E. Your puppy can pick these up from eating rotten food or poop from an infected animal. As she matures and her immune system finishes developing, she will be less susceptible to these tiny invaders. Puppy Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and diarrhea are a dangerous combination. Both cause your puppy to lose water from her body, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause permanent damage to her internal organs in a matter of days. If your dog is experiencing this one-two punch of vomiting and diarrhea, you'll want to call your vet right away. When to Call Your Vet If your puppy has diarrhea but is still playful and normal, there is no need to panic. It will likely resolve on its own. Here are the signs to call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment: Diarrhea that lasts more than a day Bloody or black stool. Some cases of diarrhea may be more stubborn to manage, but understanding the causes of diarrhea is key to knowing how to stop dog diarrhea. Here are the simple steps you can take … Fast Your Dog If your dog develops sudden diarrhea, stop feeding him for 12 to 24 hours. Once the diarrhea has stopped or slowed, you can offer small sips of water. If you see signs of improvement after 6 hours of water only, you can give your dog some broth. Give Probiotics Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can be used to naturally prevent and treat a wide range of health problems, including diarrhea. Probiotics provide your dog with valuable postbiotics like butyrate and lactic acid. They help reduce inflammation, one of the core causes of diarrhea. The best probiotics for dogs with diar r hea are: Saccharomyces boulardii: S boulardii is a beneficial yeast that has been shown to be effective in antibiotic-associated and viral diarrhea. Bacillus subtilis: B subtilis help the colon absorb more water, which helps control diarrhea. Combined with Enterococcus faecium, it can also reduce the severity of symptoms in more chronic cases of diarrhea … including inflammatory bowel disease and colitis. Pediococcus acidilactici: Combined with B subtilis and other probiotics, P acidilactici was shown to significantly shorten the recovery time in dogs with gastroenteritis. Lactobacillus acidophilus: This tried and tested probiotic is another staple for treating diarrhea in dogs. S boulardii and B subtilis should be at least 1 billion CFU colony forming units. L acidophilus and Bifidobacterium probiotics should be at least 30 billion CFU. Start your dog on probiotics as soon as you see symptoms and continue the probiotics for several weeks after symptoms resolve. They can also be given long-term to help prevent future episodes of dog diarrhea. Diarrhea Soup Recipe Transitioning back to a regular diet is an important part of dog diarrhea treatment at home. Once the diarrhea has resolved, introduce food slowly to help prevent further tummy upset. Here is a simple recipe you can make at home: Place three to four chicken thighs in six cups of water. Add chopped celery and carrot if you like. Remove the skin and bones and set the meat aside. Strain the broth and let it cool before serving. Wait 4 to 6 hours and watch for diarrhea or vomiting before offering more. More Home Remedies For Diarrhea There are many safe and effective herbs you can give your dog to speed up the healing. Diarrhea is usually the result of an inflamed and irritated intestinal lining. These herbs and foods can help solve the cause of both acute and long-standing dog diarrhea. Slippery Elm Slippery elm is a gentle herb that soothes the mucous membranes. Give slippery elm with food. L-Glutamine L-Glutamine is an amino acid that heals intestinal cells. You can give it alone or with other supplements. Give mg per 25 lbs of body weight daily. Marshmallow Root This is another useful herb for soothing the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing inflammation. If your dog is healthy and has a strong immune system, the diarrhea should resolve in 2 or 3 days. If your dog still has diarrhea and seems sick … work with your holistic vet to find out how to treat dog diarrhea. References Herstad HK et al. Effects of a probiotic intervention in acute canine gastroenteritis—a controlled clinical trial. Blaabjerg S et al. J Small Anim Pract. Paap PM et al. Antibiotics Basel. B Mounika et al. Effect of probiotic formulation containing Bacillus spp. Plus get new recipes delivered right to your inbox. She's a sought-after speaker and loves to help dog owners give their dog a healthier, more natural life. Dana also breeds Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix and has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can be the driving force to change veterinary medicine for dogs and make their world a safer place. Visit Dana's Labradors at Fallriver Labs. Weakness Signs of dehydration Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums If your pooch is displaying any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your veterinarian. Your vet will let you know whether your pet's symptoms indicate that an examination is necessary. How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs Never give your dog medications formulated for people before consulting your vet. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and could cause further health complications for your pooch. If your pup has had one or two runny or soft stools, you may want to give your dog some time to recover by simply fasting for 12 - 24 hours. A bland diet for 24 - 48 hours may help to resolve your pup's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling may help to make your pup's tummy feel better. Once your pooch feels better gradually reintroduce their regular food. Other things that might help to soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your vet. When it comes to your pup's health it is always best to err on the side of caution. By taking your pooch in for an examination you give your vet the opportunity to determine the underlying cause of your pup's diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment. Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. Chronic diarrhea is a serious health concern for dogs. Contact our Cordova vets at Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital today if your pooch is suffering from diarrhea, we can help. Looking for a vet in Cordova and Greater Memphis area? We're always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet's first appointment. These are symptomized by vomiting, excessive drooling, regurgitation, constipation, and diarrhea, among other signs. An example of a GI anatomical issue that causes Labrador diarrhea is intussusception, a condition in which a segment of the intestine inflates into the opening of an adjacent part of the intestine. Intussusception can occur if your Lab swallows foreign bodies, has viral intestinal infections, untreated intestinal parasites, or intestinal tumors. Your Labrador Has Been Exposed to Toxins Toxins that can cause diarrhea in dogs include: Pesticides: Most pesticides have arsenic which can poison a dog if ingested and cause symptoms like diarrhea. Drugs: They include human drugs for diarrhea that contain bismuth subsalicylate a derivative of aspirin and salicylic acid. According to Preventative Vet , these drugs, including Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol, can be toxic for your dog, especially if given in the wrong doses. They include: Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome: This condition refers to sudden severe bloody diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and has the potential for fatal dehydration. Acute pancreatitis obstruction: This condition is a reversible pancreatic inflammation that can come with high-fat diets, hereditary factors, or trauma and has diarrhea as one of the clinical symptoms. Other Factors That Cause Runny Poop in Labradors Other factors that cause Labrador runny poop include: Garbage toxicosis or eating toxic foods such as grapes and chocolate, overeating, or eating spoilt food. Ingesting foreign objects such as toy pieces, a piece of clothing, or a piece of a stick, known as pica. Indulging in too many fatty foods or table scraps. Reaction to antibiotics and other drugs. Stress or anxiety. As such, any owner with an affected Lab will be wondering: How do I stop my Lab from having diarrhea? Fortunately, there are several options you can use to prevent and treat Labrador diarrhea effectively. Fast and Hydrate Your Lab Diarrhea, especially acute, can have severe effects on the stomach, including inflammation and the strain of rushed bowel movements. Fasting means not giving your Lab any form of food, including treats, snacks, or main meals, for at least 12 hours. If your dog can handle it, you can feed him a bit of rice water water from boiled rice once in a while to provide a bit of energy and minerals. Your dog should start this diet 12 hours into fasting. Gerber Baby Foods is one of the best brands, with no added salt or artificial colors and flavors. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet from Amazon can be used for dogs with either long-term or short-term diarrhea. Also, always consult with your vet about the choice of bland diet for your Lab with diarrhea. In that case, you can preempt this from happening by giving it fiber supplements before it gets exposed to stressful experiences like going to the vet. These can prevent stress-induced diarrhea from starting. Psyllium fiber is an over-the-counter option contained in products like Metamucil. The fiber supplement comes in capsule and powder form and should be given with plenty of water. That means a healthy gut is crucial in preventing and curing diseases and conditions such as diarrhea. Probiotics help stabilize the acidic conditions in the GI by facilitating the release of short-chain fatty acids. Like fiber supplements, you can give probiotics before a stressful event that can trigger diarrhea in your Labrador. A chewable probiotic tablet such as the Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs from Amazon is suitable for dogs with diarrhea. Keep Your Lab off Human Food Your Labrador might always succeed in convincing you to give it some of your plate contents with its puppy dog eyes. Nuts: You want your dog to stay away from nuts, especially pecans, almonds, and walnuts which contain high amounts of fats and oils. Salty snacks: These snacks can cause sodium ion poisoning. Coffee and chocolate: They contain methylxanthines, a substance that can trigger diarrhea. Coconut, coconut water, and coconut oil: These foods are high in potassium and should be kept away from your Lab. You can read more about this topic here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? These include: Fennel seed.
Breeding Labradoodles takes more than just mating two dogs and hoping for the best. It requires lots of research, time, and money to raise the healthiest litters possible. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for Doodles has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. The Humane Society conducts an extensive review of problematic breeders and puppy mills each year. Likewise, look for breeders who offer at least a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Typically, health warranties cover most or all genetic diseases that the parents have been tested for. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, many reputable breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. To become a certified breeder by any of these organizations, the breeder must follow strict health and genetic testing standards, and follow ethical breeding protocols. All puppies are handled from the day they are born. The pups are exposed to children, everyday sounds, sights, and household experiences. What Makes This Breeder Unique? We are a small, family friendly breeder of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles in Suisun Valley California. Our puppies are raised at our home and are socialized with adults, children, and other dogs daily. You can be sure your future furry family member will have a sweet, gentle disposition. We pride ourselves on our well behaved, cheerful, and intelligent puppies. Our labradoodles make terrific family companions, activity partners, and even therapy dogs. Our home is in Suisun Valley where our families have been farming for over years. To the west of our farm is Twin Sisters Peaks, the highest points in the part of hilly ridge that borders our little valley. This locally well known peak called Twin Sisters, and is where we take our name from. In this case, mom is a goldendoodle and dad is an Australian labradoodle. Since their settlement in this area, our past generations have always farmed our land. We continue to farm tree and row crops. But we also have great love for animals of all kinds. For many years, we helped our children learn to raise and respect animals through the 4-H and FFA. Just as our parents did with us growing up. Reserve your spot! Or give us a call today! With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. In July , Kiah, my Australian Shepherd, was killed and the opportunity to adopt a miniature Labradoodle named Daphne came along. Needless to say, I fell in love with the little bundle of joy that helped me get through the loss of my best friend Kiah. My family had always planned on breeding Australian Shepherds, but after bonding with Daphne and meeting other Labradoodles, I was quickly hooked and Ocean View Labradoodles was born. In , I went back to school for a degree in teaching and needed help if Ocean View was to continue. My parents took an interest in labradoodles as well and Ocean View Labradoodles became a family business. My mom, Sheri, is the main contact person for our puppy families now, especially during the school year! The whelping area is in my bedroom, the playpen when they get older is in the living room, and when the pups are old enough to venture outdoors, an outdoor run area is made available to them during the day. They are introduced to a litter box early on, which will get them started on potty training before they leave Ocean View for their new homes. They will also be socialized with our other dogs, our cat, and children of all ages to provide them with as many experiences as possible to lessen their stress when they leave our home. They have been groomed at least twice by the time they join your family. We feed both our parent dogs and our puppies a holistic dry dog food. Lets Bark About It. A Serious Case of Puppy Love. From Our Home to Yours. Welcome Australian Labradoodle Lovers! As Australian Labradoodle breeders in California, we specialize in allergy-friendly Australian Labradoodles. We choose to breed just a few, select mini and medium labradoodle puppy litters each year. We have a whimsical, silly outlook on life and we like to think that our Labradoodle puppies are the same. We are located in between Northern and Southern California, however we do have a Puppy Nanny who will ensure that your Moo Cow puppy arrives to you safely, regardless of your location. Instead, we love that we can personally deliver these adorable California Labradoodle puppies when we have Labradoodle puppies for sale. Email us at moocowlabradoodles gmail. As premier Australian Labradoodle breeders in California, we take our Labradoodle puppies seriously! Our dogs are a part of our family and live indoors. Every Australian Labradoodle has completed health testing and we strive for proper temperament, ability and conformation. Learn more about our Multigen Labradoodle breeding practices and state-of-the-art puppy nursery on our About Us page. Even if you are outside California and want a labradoodle puppy we have for sale, we can personally deliver it via our labradoodle puppy nanny service!
Learn more about what type of poodle might be best for you. She is wonderful and truly beautiful and we are thrilled with our little big girl. We love her so much. She weighs about 10 lbs. Minnie Mae is now the alpha dog taking the role that our beloved Lulu Belle once ruled. She love Ruby very much. Ruby just completed her puppy obedience class or rather I did and with all the training I had given to the others I could see that Ruby would respond well…and she did. Her walk is like a prance and is mesmerized all the others at her class. She is loving and generous and sweet and smart and so very playful with all of us, all the things we had hoped. She loves her pack and she has a wonderful life with us. Thank you for breeding such incredible dogs. Your love, affection, and care for all of them is a treasure to each and every one of us who brings a Homestead Poodles in to our lives. Laurel, send our very best to you! We sure are enjoying Maggie and Chloe. They play so well together and when they get together they just run all over the place and rock and roll with each other. I thought you might enjoy the photo. He does miss his Miss. Linda, but he really likes his new toys. He is still golden, potty training is going remarkably well, still only a few accidents maybe 4 or 5 in the house, he sleeps at night in bed with me and no accidents, I have to wake him up to go potty in the middle of the night! Its great. The collar training and crate training have been a little hurdle for him, he really does not like the collar! But he is learning those easier now. My vet was very impressed with Barney, he said he was a good looking puppy. So here are just a couple of pictures. Talk to you soon, he cant wait to come visit for his grooming. She is so sweet and wonderfully ornery. While, we never intended her to be a show dog, she is beautiful and most definitely our princess. We were somewhat concerned initially when we were considering bringing a toy poodle into our home, due to the size difference between her and our our Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Our vet had warned us against the potential damage that a larger dog could do to a poodle of her size. However, I believe that it depends on the the particular dog. While, Tootsie Mazoo is a large dog with protective instincts, she has never been aggressive to other dogs. In fact I believe her protective instincts are one of the reasons that she would never hurt Bella. I am so glad we did not listen to our vet, because Tootsie and Bella Jewel have been inseparable ever since the two of them were introduced to each other eight years ago. I honestly believe that they are great company to each other when we are at work and unable to be at home with them. Collin S. Happy New Year. Coco has truly changed my family and he is the joy of our day. Even my husband who is a clean freak is always buying new toys and sweaters for Coco which end up all over the house. We go on long walks with Coco as part of our exercise program and we are surprised at how much Coco looks forward to the 2hr walks. All that being said we have come to the conclusion that Coco needs a companion and we would like to find a good playmate for him this year. We are thinking of the brown poodles and I would like the playmate to be male and a toy poodle although Coco is a toy he is a little tall but I would like a smaller toy poodle. Please let me know if you might have a brown poodle available some time this year and if possible the name of the mom and dad so I can see them on the website. Welcome to Anais Toy Poodles. We are in-home hobby breeders of exquisite Toy Poodles. We are located in Maryland near Washington DC. Our toy poodles are AKC registered and we don't have a kennel. Our puppies are placed in loving homes as pets. AKC registration is given to show puppies only. Full AKC registration may be available in some cases. If you want to show your dog let me know and we will choose the right dog for you. We don't kennel, our dogs live in the house with us and are loved pets. We feed our dogs high quality food. Happy healthy mothers produce happy healthy puppies! We breed our dogs for health, good disposition temperament , and AKC conformation. Our Toy Poodle puppies are well socialized and will adjust to their new environment. In our busy household Toy Poodle puppies interact with adults, children and other dogs on a daily basis. We offer unlimited support and advice after you purchase your Toy Poodle. We will help you re-home your toy poodle in the unfortunate case that you are not able to care for your Poodle puppy. We are not disposable! We want good homes! Stud service may be available to approved females. Females approved for stud service must have a negative Brucella canis test Brucellosis negative. The American Kennel Club recognizes only 3 Poodle sizes. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Welcome to the Maryland state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and charming coastal towns, Maryland is a fantastic place to find and raise your new Toy Poodle companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Toy Poodle breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MD breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the vibrant dog-friendly scene in Maryland, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Maryland Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Toy Poodle canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. In terms of dog ownership, Maryland ranks 24th among U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Toy Poodle breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Maryland. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Toy Poodle puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Toy Poodle puppy on TrustedPuppies. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Toy Poodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Poodles". It's written by experienced Poodle owner and dog trainer Tarah Schwartz. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Poodle owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Toy Poodle puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Toy Poodles young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Baltimore MD? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Baltimore MD. Each breeder or breeding company has its own unique pricing of Poodle puppies for sale in Baltimore. Factors that affect the price include pedigree, coat type, color, and breeder experience. By using the Uptown Puppies network of registered breeders, you can choose to set your preferences to match you with the perfect poodle for your budget. Do your breeders arrange travel for Maryland Poodles out of state? Nearly all of our partner breeders offer puppy transportation as part of the package and will handle all of the logistics for you. The purpose of Uptown Puppies is to help ethically bred puppies find loving homes across the USA, so if you match with a puppy on the other side of the country all you will need to do is pick up your furry little friend from the nearest major airport. How do you screen Miniature Poodle breeders in Maryland? All of the registered Poodle breeders in Baltimore have gone through a strict screening process to establish ethical conduct. Our policy includes a binding agreement, signed by all Baltimore Poodle breeders and breeding companies. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Maryland? Uptown Puppies has modernized the search for humane Poodle breeders in Baltimore, by providing a digital network of screened poodle breeders and breeding company. Our mission is to match ethically bred puppies with loving homes around the USA. Each breeder or breeding company is thoroughly checked to meet our strict ethical requirements, which saves research time provides assurance for the families opening up their homes. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Maryland? Puppy mills are breeding grounds of neglected puppies that are often very sick. Unfortunately many Poodle breeders in Baltimore pretend to be kind and caring, meanwhile, they are only concerned with churning out puppies for profit. These poor Poodle puppies in Baltimore are usually prone to behavioral problems and have a difficult time adjusting to a loving home. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Maryland for sale now? While you may find the ultimate match among Poodle puppies for sale Baltimore, you can browse through the options that span the entire USA. Depending on which preferences you set, you will be matched with Maryland breeders or even breeders in other states. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Maryland? Poodle puppies Baltimore are the second most intelligent dog breed in the world, making them highly trainable within the home and even for impressive tricks. As fast learners, poodles often perform in the circus, jumping through rings of fire for entertainment. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Maryland? In this day and age proof is a mandatory requirement of any legitimate organization. Uptown Puppies is committed to help match ethical breeders and breeding companies with loving homes looking to adopt a puppy. Head over to our unbiased reviews and puppy alumni for peace of mind that we are the real deal.
preparing for a labradoodle puppy - Having a German Shepherd as a dog can make you anxious daily, not knowing what it is doing in your absence. Can German Shepherds be Left Alone? Check out our article Do German Shepherds get along with cats? According to research, the maximum number of hours to leave your grown German Shepherd is 4 hours. If your German shepherd is still a puppy, leaving it alone for more than one hour is not advisable. Young German Shepherds are very energetic and ponce around. They can sleep for as many as 19 — 20 hours a day, but when they are awake, they become very active. The older German Shepherds require attention for the sake of their bladder or if they are sick. Can you leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours? German Shepherds can be left alone or even in the company of other dogs. Still, it is not advisable to be left alone because of their separation anxiety and curiosity. The most your German Shepherd can and should be left alone is 4 hours. German Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety and distress when left for too long and find ways to either get to their owner or destroy the home. To begin leaving your German shepherd puppy alone, you must put them in an environment that makes you confident of their safety. It must be an environment that does not incur extra costs to replace things. There are a few tips to help you keep your mind at rest when at work. A pet cam is an amazing option for dogs like German Shepherds because of their separation anxiety. Using the pet cam provides an opportunity for your German Shepherd to see you and hear your voice even while at work. Just make sure the food provided is more than enough. If your dog has the freedom of movement in the home, you want to make sure things are in order when it comes to feeding your dog in your absence. Activity German Shepherds hate boredom and would go to any length to be entertained. They desire a lot of activity to satisfy their curiosity and restless personality. Make sure there are things to keep it busy , or else it can create sources of entertainment for itself. There are several ways a German Shepherd can be kept busy. Television and music can be left on in the house to keep it engaged Make available enough toys for it to chew on and play with Make requests from friends and neighbors to check on it and play with it Employ a dog walker to keep it active and engaged 4. Train your dog to go to the bathroom You do not want your dog messing up the whole house with pee and feces. Let your dog pick a particular spot for this, and you can train it to use a potty. Get a pee pad to signify these areas or get synthetic grass to mark them. Having a potty trained dog is important. It is easier with German Shepherds due to their intelligence. Taking your dog out for a stroll is always important. Helping your dog exhaust energy helps it through staying the day. Exercises depend on the health condition and the type of weather conditions available. Jan 19, Your German shepherd would tell you that they should never be left home alone. In their perfect world, you would be home with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, days a year. There will be times when you have to disappoint your shepherd and leave the house to do things like go buy more dog food and toys. There is no avoiding that there will be times when your dog will have to be left alone. In those times, how long can a German shepherd be left alone? How long dogs can be safely left alone depends on several things. Their age, health, and behavior all play a huge role in how long they can be left on their own. Many experts will tell you that a dog should never be left alone for more than 4 hours. Yet, plenty of people regularly leave their dogs alone for longer than 4 hours, right? How long you decide your dog is safe to be home alone will depend on how comfortable you are leaving them and their age and overall health status. Plus, there are other things to consider when leaving your pet. Things like, do they need more frequent potty breaks, do they get anxious when left alone, are they used to being alone, what is your living situation like, and more, all need to be taken into account. But there are some rules of thumb that can guide you in your decision on how long they are okay to be alone. So, a 3-month-old puppy should not be expected to hold it for more than hours, depending on when they last ate and drank. Even the best-trained puppies will have accidents in their crate, through no fault of their own, when they are left alone longer than that. After puppyhood, a healthy dog should be able to manage on their own without a potty break for 4 hours. It helps to schedule mealtimes around this schedule if they will be indoors. Most dogs do fine alone for this amount of time. Senior dogs, however, may begin to need more bathroom breaks before 4 hours. Often, they are not as comfortable as they once were while home alone. They may require more consideration than they once did. Senior dogs can also get anxious more easily, especially when they have vision and hearing loss and have more physical ailments. Health of the Dog Although healthy dogs can easily manage for 4 hours alone, this may not be true when they are sick or hurt. Pain and disability can also give the most stoic dog anxiety when they are alone. Their need for medications, etc. Dogs that tear up the house, get into the trash, or chew the furniture are obviously not candidates to be home alone, with free roam of the house. Dogs that can be left alone know the difference between chewing on their toys and tossing your couch. If you plan on leaving any shepherd alone, they will still need plenty of daily exercise, training, and interaction to be happy and easy to live with. Separation anxiety can also affect German shepherds. Anxiety can also cause them to become destructive and even engage in behaviors that can cause them harm. If you have a shepherd with anxiety or other behavior problems, you may need to get professional help before leaving them alone. A dog door that opens into an escape proof dog run or high fenced yard is ideal. Who do you trust that is available to check in on your dog? Give them a call and make prearrangements, in case you ever need help. This of course is not the answer for everyone but if your pup enjoys the company of other dogs, they may appreciate sharing their day with one. Just be sure to find a reputable one that has cameras so you can keep an eye on how your dog is really doing. We hope you get to spend plenty of time with your wonderful German shepherd. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking. Do I need to exercise my German Shepherd? Yes, at the minimum, the dog should be exercised for at least 45 minutes, twice a day. Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, they have a heavy undercoat that requires regular brushing, at least once a week, more often if the dog is blowing its coat. If you are concerned about dog hair on the furniture and on your clothes then you should consider adopting a different breed that sheds less. Are German Shepherds good with children? Most German Shepherds are excellent with children. Much of it depends on the temperament of the children and the temperament of the dog. In general, German Shepherds are great family dogs. Are German Shepherds good with cats? It depends on the cat and its temperament and behavior. Do German Shepherds need to be crate trained? It is a good idea to crate train when the dog first arrives in your home. For puppies, it is easier to house train them using a crate. In addition, keeping a new puppy or even an adult dog in the crate when you cannot provide supervision, will keep them from chewing on items that should not be chewed on. When you crate train, the dog learns that the crate is their own safe place to go. The crate simulates a den-like environment which is comforting for the dog. Another advantage of crate training is when you take the dog to a boarding facility or to the vet, the dog is less likely to be stressed because they are already used to staying in a kennel or crate. The crate should never be used as a punishment. Should I go to a breeder to get a German Shepherd? It is a personal choice and a decision you would make based on what you feel is best for your situation. That being said, we strongly advocate adopting from a shelter or a rescue. There are so many wonderful German Shepherds that end up at the shelters through no fault of their own. Many of the dogs we rescue from shelters are purebred so we encourage you to meet our available dogs and see if you find one that steals your heart. However, this should be a gradual build-up. That being said, the limit should never exceed four hours daily. German Shepherds do not respond well to being left alone for long periods. They are high-energy dogs that thrive on companionship and affection. Dogs are, after all, derived from wolves who are pack animals. They see you as their pack and need to be part of the family. Even though they will choose one master, a German Shepherd will bond with each family member differently. So, how long can German Shepherds be left alone, legally? Legally, no law specifies exactly how long German Shepherds, and all dog breeds, can be left alone. The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals, but this only applies to dogs bred for commercial sale and those being transported or imported. Various animal neglect and cruelty laws vary by state, but the general rule in North America is that you should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours at a time. Factors to consider when deciding how long to leave your dog, in addition to age, are training, breed, housing and lifestyle conditions, and whether they have any previous experience of being left alone. My German Shepherd Willow all alone enjoying a snooze! There are similar guidelines in the UK where veterinary experts also recommend four hours as the maximum period for all dogs to be left alone. German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which may cause them pain or discomfort. Ensure they have an orthopedic bed, such as the Big Barker , that is clinically proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness. This bed is a real bed made for big dogs, is suitable for any age of large breed, and can help prevent arthritis, joint pain, and other mobility issues. German Shepherds are also prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues, and older dogs, like humans, need to pee more. How to Leave a Dog Alone Make sure you stay confident and show consistency and patience when you first leave your German Shepherd puppy home alone. Once you have made sure the area where you are leaving them is safe from any hazards, here are some important points to follow: Start off slowly, a few minutes here and there, and build up. Exercise the dog first to get them tired. Mental stimulation is just as important. Allow them to take their potty break. Use a crate or put up dog gates to confine them. Allow them access to clean fresh water. Leave interactive or chew toys for them. Play calming music if they are prone to separation anxiety. Another option is to hire a trusted dog walker to visit your home and take your dog out for a long walk or two. Walk your dog before and after you go to work. Even a short minute walk before you leave the house is enough to expend a little bit of energy whilst maintaining your close bond with them. As soon as you get home, take your German Shepherd for a long walk or, even better, some off-leash running, and play some games such as fetch. Some people have an hour of free time during the workday. You can go home and play fetch to prevent your German Shepherd from feeling lonely and provide some fun exercise for them. Flexible working is also a great solution, especially if you can start early, avoiding rush-hour traffic and being home quicker in the afternoon. Another possible solution is to work at home. Not only that, but it will save you money from having to hire a dog sitter or paying a friend every day. Get a dog camera for peace of mind. You can talk to them and even shoot out treats all from your phone! They offer a perfect solution to interact with your German Shepherd without being there. Check out the options below to see which is best for you and your dog: Give them enough toys to play with. One or two toys might not be sufficient, especially if your dog is easily distracted or gets bored quickly. Try to leave four or five of their favorite toys in their crate or wherever you leave your dog during the day. Ask visitors to stop by to play with your dog. Even if someone can come over for 15 minutes, it may be enough to keep your dog happy and entertained. It would be better if they could take your dog on a long walk, but a quick game of fetch will be more than enough to burn off some energy and curb their loneliness. When you leave them again, they will be tired and will no doubt go back to sleep. Getting another dog might seem extreme, but a buddy might be exactly what your German Shepherd needs to feel more comfortable and less stressed. In general, dogs of opposite sex pairings get along better than dogs of the same sex. Getting a second dog is a massive commitment you must consider thoroughly. Consider leaving your dog in the hands of a doggie daycare center near your home. Remember to introduce them to the daycare group as young as possible; they will quickly get used to being left and easily settle. If they are left for extended periods, they can develop various emotional and physical health issues. This is one of the sad reasons why they are often abandoned, re-homed, or even worse, euthanized. German Shepherds are very social dogs and need a job to do, even if that just means interacting with you. Regular activity and exercise are essential for this energetic, loyal, and protective breed. If you leave your dog alone for longer than four hours per day, it will most definitely cause poor results. After all, there are reasons for the recommended guidelines! The best way to find out is to start with trial periods and increase in small increments. You can also invest in a dog camera, as mentioned above, where you can watch and interact with your dog, all from your smartphone. Here are a few things to be aware of if you regularly leave your German Shepherd alone for more than four hours: Separation anxiety. Symptoms could include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive drooling, pacing, and uncontrollable barking, whining, or howling. Check out this recent study from the University of Lincoln, in the UK which states that separation related problems in dogs should be seen as a symptom of underlying frustrations rather than a diagnosis. They may also display destructive behavior. Digging, urinating, or even worse, eliminating can occur. You will need to address these extra signs of separation anxiety or distress. If your GSD has unfortunately developed a problem with excessive chewing , here are 8 steps on how to stop it. They could become extremely restless during the evening. It might not sound like a big problem, but restlessness causes your German Shepherd to have difficulty sleeping. They will often have random bursts of energy throughout the day and night, ruining their sleep cycle and yours in the process! As you can see, all sorts of negative outcomes result from not properly caring for your German Shepherd and failing to keep him happy and entertained. Long-term neglect can also lead to these other physical and mental health problems: Blood pressure and heart disease caused by stress. Gastrointestinal problems. Bladder infections due to the dog being unable to relieve themselves for hours on end. You must never punish your German Shepherd for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety. Your dog is not doing these things out of disobedience or spite but because he is trying to cope with being extremely stressed. Check out my article for more info on German Shepherd Separation Anxiety. If you have the option of leaving your dog outside when you go to work, it can provide them with tons of space to run around and get some exercise. Some dogs bark at people walking by, especially German Shepherds who are very protective dogs. Make sure to properly train your GSD, so this is not an issue or prevent him from accessing those areas of the house. This is especially important in places with bears, mountain lions, and other predators. Unfortunately, your yard will pay the price and will soon appear like a moon crater! Cons of Inside If your German Shepherd puppy is impatient and super inquisitive, he might start chewing on furniture, the carpet, or other items. Make sure you leave him enough chew toys to play with, but it will be inevitable sometimes. Leaving your German Shepherd alone is not a good idea if you live in an apartment. Although GSDs can live in apartments they need to be exercised frequently throughout the day. As large energetic dogs need an appropriate amount of space to feel comfortable. They could excessively bark or howl if they become distressed or separation anxiety sets in. This could not only lead to noise complaints but can have serious health implications for your dog. Training them to behave indoors and outdoors is also beneficial as this helps to keep them socialized and ready to be friendly when you introduce them to other people or dogs. A bark now and then from your backyard is actually a good thing. Unless your German Shepherd is constantly barking up a storm, one or two here and there will be perfect for warding off strangers or intruders. You can invest in a dog agility course so that your German Shepherd can sprint up and down and enjoy himself without messing up your garden! They come in all shapes and sizes. A small yard will not be good enough. Neglect is just one word to describe leaving your dog outside alone for longer than four hours. Remember, not all German Shepherds are the same, which means that even four hours might be too long. You and I now know that German Shepherds may become anxious or restless if left outside for too long and start to chew on tree roots, destroy flowers or plants and engage in other destructive behavior. This will inevitably cost you time and money to replace. Before you make any decisions, remember that your German Shepherd will need an adequate amount of room. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Leave them in a dog crate. This large size will be enough for them to move around and stretch out comfortably. Plus, they need a good crate pad to protect their joints, such as an orthopedic one. Check out my favorite crates here. My GSD loved her crate and often went to her special place to rest or chew her favorite toys. Gate off an area inside your house. You can use dog gates to fence off an area to keep them contained. Dog gates allow you to section off various off-limit areas of the house, leaving you to decide how much space your puppy can have to roam around. Consider letting them roam free throughout the house. Most owners of indoor German Shepherds eventually try this route. It provides them with enough space, and they are already familiarized with their surroundings — my GSD Willow was two years old before she was allowed to roam freely around the house. German Shepherds are social animals and can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are known to be loyal and social dogs that can become very attached to their owners. When left alone for extended periods of time, they can experience anxiety, stress, and even depression. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are wonderful dogs to own. They do require lots of attention since they are so loyal and protective. Give them enough food and water before you leave and plenty of exercise. You can leave your German Shepherd with toys, music, or the TV to keep them entertained. If you leave your GSD alone for too long, they could suffer from separation anxiety and distress. German Shepherds form a strong bond with their owners, so you should only adopt one if you know you can be there for them. Related Posts You May Like:. Unfortunately, many people are gone for way too long, and their energetic dog breeds start getting into trouble from lack of mental stimulation. So, how long can German Shepherds be left by themselves? For puppies, this time period gets even smaller. The younger the dog, the less time you should leave them alone. They sleep a lot throughout the day, but their time awake is spent playing and exploring the house. Adolescent German Shepherds Adolescent dogs are anywhere between 6 and 18 months old. Their bladders are more developed, and they are a little more mature. Currently, it is usually okay to leave them on their own for a few hours. Still, you should limit that time because they are still full of energy. However, German Shepherds are social animals, and they love the company of their families. Despite being able to hold their bladder at this age, they are more likely to act out and howl, trying to get you to come home. This disturbs neighbors, and their lack of entertainment could cause some destruction around the house. Senior German Shepherds Senior dogs are usually older than 8 years old and need to be checked on, like adolescent dogs. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is painful and could get them in dangerous situations. Older dogs also have sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Try not to leave them alone for more than 2 or 3 hours. There are some solutions that you should seriously consider if you want to keep accidents to a minimum. Hire a Sitter Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Dog sitters or dog walkers are excellent solutions that many owners turn to when they spend their days at work. This breaks up the monotony of the day for dogs and ensures that you maintain a close bond with them. Even ten minutes of fetch can keep them feeling entertained. German Shepherds are especially loyal and all they want is to spend as much time by your side as possible. These cameras are set up around the house. How to Leave a Dog at Home Dogs do well with a consistent schedule and throwing it out of balance could give them expectations that only let them down in the future. If you must leave your German Shepherd at home alone, start by ensuring there is nothing dangerous for them to get into. Set out a lot of toys for physical and mental stimulation. Some dogs may have to be put in a crate or confined to an area with dog gates. Dogs are pack animals, and they often benefit from having a playmate. Pay attention to German Shepherd ear positions. These dogs have a way of communicating with us through their body language. Similarly, German Shepherd tail positions can tell you a lot as well. This is why so many innocent dogs are abandoned or re-homed. German Shepherds are extremely social dogs and they need as much interaction as they can get. Without it, there are some serious problems that could arise. Separation Anxiety Dogs are capable of both separation anxiety and depression. This is a significant concern for breeds like German Shepherds. Symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, drooling, pacing, howling, barking, whining, and increased heart rate. This could mean that they chew on your furniture, eat your shoes, or tear through your carpet. Some dogs get so bored that they have even been known to chew through drywall to try and escape. Restlessness After being forced to lay around all day, a lot of German Shepherds get extremely restless at night and keep their owners up. This ruins their sleep cycle and gives them random bursts of energy that also ruins yours in the process. Final Thoughts If you spend 8 hours a day at work without the ability to come home or have someone spend time with your dogs, then you might be better off not having a dog. Before bringing any breed home, do your research and make sure that you live a life that suits both of you and is going to give them an interactive and stable environment that keeps them both physically and mentally healthy. If you are thinking about getting a GSD you may be wondering, can German Shepherds be left alone, and for how long? This article will dive into those questions and give you helpful tips for leaving your German Shepherd alone. Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone! However, the time a GSD can be left alone will depend on their age. Generally, if your German Shepherd is a puppy, they can be left alone for one hour per every month of age. Here are some things you should do before leaving your dog alone: Tire your dog out That saying a tired dog is a happy dog is very true when it comes to German Shepherds. Also, a tired dog is one that is less likely to get into trouble. Establishing a routine where you talk your dog on a walk , play fetch , go to the dog park, or some other form of exercise before you leave the house makes a big difference. After a fun activity, your dog will likely relax and nap so they will be less concerned with you leaving. Just make sure the activity is something that makes your dog exhausted, so if you know your dog still has a lot of energy after walks, you want to find an activity that tires them out more before you leave the house. Get your GSD used to spending time alone early If you get your dog as a puppy, make sure to get them used to being alone immediately. German Shepherds that become overly clingy and used to their humans being around are more prone to separation anxiety. The best way to do this is to start off leaving even young puppies sometimes for very short amounts of time. Crate training is also key for a potty-training German Shepherd because you want them to be safe and not have accidents for the short time you are away. Start by leaving your pup in a safe location and just go into another room for minutes at first. Never come back in the room if your German Shepherd is whining , barking , howling , groaning , or crying because they will learn that doing those things gets you to come back. When your dog is quiet and calm go back. Keep doing this gradually extending the time by 5-minute increments and start going further than just another room maybe go outside and do some yard work for 20 minutes. Be calm about leaving Lastly, never make a big deal about your coming and going. Acting like your leaving is no big deal will help you GSD think the same. Our dogs feed off our energy, so if we get all hyped up and make a big fuss every time we leave the house, our German Shepherds will think our leaving is a bigger deal than they should. Remain calm! Tips For Leaving Your GSD Alone Here are some helpful tips of things to before leaving your German Shepherds alone to make the process smoother: Make sure they are empty before leaving First, and most obviously, take your dog potty immediately before leaving. Also, try and make sure your pup pees and poops before your leave the house, not just one or the other. Leave enough time before having to leave to walk your dog around a little so they can do both if your German Shepherd takes a little longer to do their business. A crate is a great safe place to leave your German Shepherd when out of the house, especially for younger more mischievous pups. The key is to pick a place where your dog is limited in what they can stick their noses into, at a nice temperature, and provide someplace comfortable for them to lay like a good dog bed. Giving them a homey spot to call their own will make them want to go there and be more comfortable while they are alone. This is especially important for puppies but also a factor for adult and senior dogs. If you know your dog can only hold their bladder for 3 hours, you should make sure you can get back in two and a half hours to be on the safe side. If your dog has to struggle to hold themselves every time you leave, they will be more likely to not want to be left alone. Doing so will greatly decrease the time they will be able to hold their bladder while you are gone. For example, a dog that can usually hold themselves for four hours may only be able to hold themselves for three if they drank a lot of water while you were out. Leave them with a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied A stuffed Kong is a great tool every GSD parent should have in their bag of tricks. Giving your German Shepherd with a tasty treat helps them to really not care about your leaving. When my girl was a puppy I would stuff a Kong with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or some other Kong filler and she would happily lick away without even noticing my departure. This also contributes to tiring your dog out, because not only will they be exhausted from the activity you did, they will also be tired from trying to get all the yumminess out of the treat. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter Sometimes things come up where we have to leave our dogs for a longer time period, whether it is for work, or some other appointment. These options will allow you to leave your dog longer without having to rush home for a potty break. As a general rule, German Shepherds can be left alone for one hour for every month of age up to about nine months old. So, a three-month-old puppy can be left alone for three hours. Whereas a nine-month-old puppy can be left alone for a full 8-hour workday. It is important to remember that these are basic guidelines, some dogs maybe can stay home for slightly more or less time depending on how well they can hold themselves. You want to make sure your dog has enough mental stimulation , physical stimulation, and attention and affection on a daily basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can definitely be left alone, but the time that each individual GSD can be left alone will vary. Some of these factors include their age, health conditions, and how long they can hold themselves. Although German Shepherds will become capable of holding themselves for an eight-hour day around nine months of age, you should strive to make sure they are getting enough attention, exercise, and engagement from you when you are home to keep your GSD happy and healthy. Home safety Age German Shepherd puppies, like all puppies, have limited bladder capacity. At this time, a properly trained and socialized German Shepherd will be able to safely tolerate periods of up to four to six hours of alone time. In order to stop your GSD from developing separation anxiety, It will be up to you as the owner to put systems in place. This may not be the case if you rescue a German Shepherd as an adult. Prior history, therefore, trumps age as the determining factor in how long your dog can be safely left alone. In their company, it may be possible to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. While nothing can replace your presence, other friendly animals can be a nice stand-in when you must be away for extended amounts of time. Examples would include: Your German Shepherd is new to the family. Home safety Finally, you need to consider whether your home is safe for your German Shepherd. GSDs are extraordinarily strong! Anxious GSDs are known to have pulled down curtains, torn apart couches, ripped off crown molding, and even dug under fencing to escape. Not only is this super stressful and potentially dangerous for your dog — but the repairs can end up being quite expensive as well! Hopefully this little checklist can help you evaluate how long your German Shepherd can be safely left alone. As previously mentioned, the German Shepherd dog breed is one of the more sensitive breeds. This also means that GSDs are more prone to separation anxiety. This is a condition where they become so anxious about being left alone that they act out in destructive and aggressive ways. The bad news: your German Shepherd may develop this condition even if you do your best to create a welcoming and comfortable home environment. This video shows how easy it can be to help a GSD with separation anxiety feel calmer. Like their wild wolf cousins, dogs naturally seek out smaller, enclosed spaces to hide, rest, whelp, and care for the young. A research study showed that wild dogs also exhibit denning behavior. They prefer to den near people, but the point is that they do den just like wolves. A frequently mentioned tip is to tire them out before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. As Forbes explains, this strategy treats fireworks like a noise phobia. Any type of phobia takes energy. This same principle can work well with separation anxiety, or a separation phobia. Unable to take your GSD for a long walk to tire them out? Try hiring a local dog walker or pet sitter to do this for you! As an added bonus, this allows your dog to develop another relationship. This can help ease any issues associated with being overly attached to you. If your budget allows for it, another great option is doggie daycare. This can be a great way to socialize a high energy GSD puppy. Daycare services can provide detailed notes to owners on a daily basis. Some even provide live video feeds so that owners can check in throughout the day. German Shepherds need significant amounts of daily physical activity. They were developed to work tirelessly for long hours herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. It can be playing with a sensory ball that emits lights or sounds. You can even record yourself saying common commands with these toys! Another creative idea to try playing music made specifically to appeal to dogs. For some dogs, this is very calming. Dog puzzles also exist and have different levels of difficulty. These puzzles allow you to change how and how often the treats are dispensed once your dog masters the basics. A variety of these toys exist today. A lot of these toys allow for things like scheduling times to dispense treats, voice recordings, speaking to your dog live, video conferences with your GSD, and more. Many offer live video feeds of your dog at home so you can check in to see how your GSD is doing during the day. What toys and treats does your dog love most? What has worked well for you to keep your German Shepherd active and occupied while you have to be out of the house?
Similar services:
preparing for a labradoodle puppy - Which dog should I get? German Shepherd or Rottweiler? While they may have a ferocious reputation, the Rottweiler makes for a calm and courageous companion when paired with an experienced pet parent who is willing to invest time into training and socializing them. In contrast, the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and not nearly as headstrong as the Rottweiler and this, coupled with how praise-motivated they are makes them easier to train. From size to strength and intelligence to aggression, read on to find out which canine companion is right for you. German Shepherd Image credit: Getty Images Bred as a sheep herding dog, the German Shepherd is an intelligent, brave, confident dog eager to please its owner. Often used as police dogs, this working breed is easy to train as it is a fast learner and is motivated by praise and play. They have lots of energy so they will need more exercise — about two hours a day. They love to play, but are not as goofy as the Rottweiler. The breed comes in black and tan, blue, white and black colour variations. They live for around years, but are generally healthy dogs. Rottweiler Image credit: Getty The Rottweiler was originally used by the Romans to pull carts, herd cattle and guard homes. This breed is a loyal and affectionate protector. Also used as police and service dogs, they love to work, but are more motivated by food than the German Shepherd. The Rottweiler is a good, loveable pup. Their short to medium double coat is generally always black and tan. They live around years and are also quite healthy dogs. Rottweilers have a more square and stocky build, with males measuring around in cm at shoulder height and females around in .Males weigh around lb .Male German Shepherds measure around in cm at shoulder height and females around in cm. Their bodies are longer and more athletic. The Rottweiler probably has a slight advantage when it comes to strength because it has a more muscular, heavier build and they were built for carrying and pulling weight, whereas the German Shepherd is more agile. However both breeds were bred to protect and should not show aggression if trained properly. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Health Given the proper care, both of these breeds tend to be relatively healthy. However, as with all large breeds, they're naturally predisposed to certain health conditions that their smaller brothers and sisters aren't — such as hip dysplasia. The Rottweiler is also more likely to suffer from conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism, while the German Shepherd is prone to bloat and degenerative myelopathy. Check out our guide to five German Shepherd health issues you need to know about for more on this. Both of these breeds will benefit from the best dry dog food or wet food that's been specifically formulated for large breeds. It's important not to overfeed them as they're prone to weight gain if overfed and under-exercised and excess weight will put pressure on their joints. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Intelligence These two breeds are both intelligent. However the German Shepherd is considered the third smartest dog breed after the Border Collie and the Poodle in terms of work intelligence and obedience according to a study by canine psychologist Dr Stanley Coren. The Rottweiler ranked ninth on the list, showing that both breeds are smart but the German Shepherd learns more quickly. However, any dog can become aggressive if not trained properly and this does not necessarily mean that German Shepherds are more aggressive as this breed is more common. Although both breeds have a reputation for being aggressive, this is an unfair stereotype. Why do police use German Shepherds instead of Rottweilers? German Shepherds make great police dogs. Although Rottweilers are also smart and easy to train and have also been used by the force , they are not as athletic and do not have the same endurance. Their strength is also a hindrance in police work as often when apprehending felons, more care and less strength is needed to reduce damage. Whether you choose a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler will very much come down to your personality as well as theirs. They are very similar breeds and both will make loyal, loving protective family dogs. The German Shepherd will be slightly easier to train, but will need more exercise, whereas the Rottweiler will be a goofier companion and will eat more due to its size. Both are healthy dogs with a similar lifespan but look out for common health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia in both breeds and cardiac concerns with the Rottie. For more on these two breeds, check out our guides to 10 surprising Rottweiler facts and six pawsome German Shepherd facts. Today's best deals on wet dog food. They are both working breeds, and a strong work ethic is central to their personalities. They are also both as stubborn as you can imagine. Rottweilers are fairly ancient dogs, and they were kept by the Romans to maintain the herds that would accompany their armies. They had to be ferocious enough to keep cattle in line, while also having enough endurance to keep up with an army on the march. They were primarily created to act as scouts and sentries at army installations. As a result, they had to be focused, dedicated, and ready to follow orders. Their backgrounds mean that these dogs require a firm and competent hand in training. Typically, neither breed is recommended for first-time owners. You should have some experience training and leading dogs before taking on one of these headstrong breeds. Also, early socialization is absolutely critical. Image Credit: cvop, Pixabay Training Styles Both breeds respond well to positive reinforcement, but neither one is likely to tolerate negative discipline techniques like shock collars, physical aggression, or yelling. German Shepherds are big, goofy animals, and as such, they tend to be motivated by play. You can teach a lot of important commands by incorporating them into a game or using playtime as a reward for successfully completing the training. Rotties, on the other hand, love to eat. They tend to be extremely food-motivated, so you may have to hand over some treats if you want him to sit and stay. Be careful about being too generous with the cookies, though, because the breed can be prone to obesity. Both are extremely intelligent, so you have to be consistent with your training practices and rigorous with your commands. German Shepherds tend to follow every command to the letter, so if you misspeak, you could have to redo some training. Rottweilers love to bend the rules, though, so you have to watch them like a hawk and not let them get away with anything. Exercise Requirements Once we told you that these were working dogs, you should have already known that neither one would be satisfied sitting next to you on the couch all day binge-watching Netflix. Both these dogs need a fair amount of vigorous exercise — about an hour a day for Rottweilers, and roughly twice that much for German Shepherds. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, and perhaps more so. They need regular training, and you should consider investing in puzzle toys and other intellectual games. Both breeds also take well to sports like agility training. Bottom line: while neither breed is ideal for a family of couch potatoes, German Shepherds require even more activity than Rotties. Rottweilers are big dogs. Really big. They have broad chests, big heads, and plenty of power packed into their bodies. German Shepherds are longer and leaner. These dogs can also seem bigger than they are due to their massive coats more on that later. As you might expect, given their shapes and sizes, the two breeds have different physicalities as well. For Rottweilers, obesity can be a problem. This leads to heart issues, spinal problems, hip dysplasia, and more. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are extremely likely to suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia. They suffer arthritis at high rates as well, and degenerative disc disease is a concern due to the slope of their backs. Intelligence As noted earlier, these are two of the smartest dog breeds on the planet. According to neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, the author of The Intelligence of Dogs, German Shepherds are the third-smartest breed, while Rottweilers come in at ninth on the list. That means that both breeds will be quick studies in training, and they may pick up lessons you never intended to teach. It also means that you have to always be on your toes, as you might think that you left the peanut butter out of reach, only to find an empty jar when you wake up in the morning. Both dogs can also be accomplished escape artists if left alone in the backyard for too long. While you might assume that smarter is automatically better when it comes to dogs, you should realize that more intelligent dogs usually require more stimulation and more dedicated training. That said, both these animals are guard dogs by nature. However, when given proper socialization and training, both breeds can be extremely friendly and loving to everyone. Image Credit: , Pxhere Compatibility with Other Pets As with friendliness, this more dependent on training and socialization than anything else. At their core, however, neither breed is particularly fond of other animals. The sad truth is that both breeds have been used as fighting dogs in the past. Also, they both have fairly strong prey drives, so it might not be the best idea to bring a cat in the house. In fact, Rottweilers are much more likely to tolerate cats in the house than other dogs. Grooming Requirements Rottweilers are fairly low-maintenance, as they have short coats and only tend to shed seasonally. As a result, you can get away with only brushing a Rottie occasionally. German Shepherds, on the other hand, have extremely dense, long coats, and their fur gets absolutely everywhere. Both should be fine with only a couple baths a year, unless, of course, they find something disgusting to roll in. Frequently Asked Questions Which is better for families with small children? Either the Rottweiler or German Shepherd can be perfect for families with kids — and either breed can be a disaster. Once again, it all comes down to proper training and socialization. You also need to teach your kids how to behave around canines; doing so will protect them from any dogs they come across, not just your own. Which makes for a better therapy dog? Both are commonly used as therapy dogs, as both have the intelligence and discipline to handle any task asked of them. If you see any of these, stop the activity immediately and consult a licensed trainer or behavioralist. Which breed is more expensive to own? Oh, how they can eat. Expect to spend more on dog food if you get a Rottweiler. While these dogs are fantastic and worth every bit of trouble they cause, they do make moving a bit of a hassle. Which breed drools more? If you welcome puppy kisses, though, Rottweilers should be your pick. What should I look for in a puppy? Be sure to actually visit the breeder before buying, and look for any signs that the dogs are abused or neglected. Also, check and see how the breeder interacts with the dogs. Do they seem to love the animals, or are they seen as nuisances? Bring your kids with you so you can see how it responds to children as well. Ask the staff there for their opinions as well most dogs undergo temperament tests in animal shelters. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd — Which to Choose? German Shepherds are slightly less expensive to own , love to play, and take commands very literally. They also require about twice the amount of exercise and exponentially more grooming. Rottweilers, on the other hand, are extremely powerful, food-motivated, and love to test boundaries. Originating during the Roman Empire , they started as herding dogs but quickly grew into guardians due to their natural protective instincts. They were supposedly used during the Middle Ages to guard merchants traveling with lots of money and later recruited as law enforcement animals during World War II. Plenty of Rottweiler owners talk about their pets being goofy, sweet, gentle, and loving. If your Rottweiler begins training and socializing at a young age, they should get along well with children and, often, other pets. However, you might need to watch out for those herding instincts, as they could result in small children or those shaky on their feet being accidentally knocked over. Their characters can range from laidback to highly driven, solemn to silly. Overall, Rottweilers have a tendency towards calmness rather than hyperactivity, and at times, even seem a bit aloof. These pups will likely be at your feet often as they make sure you stay safe. They can be fine left to their own devices, though, unlike other breeds with separation anxiety. As far as potential negatives go, Rottweilers can be territorial, which means they might not want to let strangers into your home without you being welcoming. Finally, they can be quite stubborn at times. Some of the more common ailments in Rottweilers include hip dysplasia , dilated cardiomyopathy , hypothyroidism , and lymphoma. Bathing is only needed as necessary — although if you use a gentle shampoo, you can wash them weekly. Trimming their nails should be a bi-weekly experience. Since they are calmer than other breeds, around an hour of exercise a day should do them well. Image Credit: K L, Pixabay Suitable for: Rottweilers are suitable for those who are not first-time dog owners as they need a lot of training. They are also ideal for families with backyards and those who spend several hours a day outside the home. Finally, these pups are good for those looking for a working dog, whether it be for herding or guarding. German Shepherds make excellent family pets given proper training and socialization. Also a working dog breed, German Shepherds are known for being whip-smart and courageous under fire. It makes sense seeing as how these dogs are high-energy and love having tasks. That high energy and driven nature make them less suitable for those without the time to dedicate to their furry companions, though. They can be more likely to suffer separation anxiety than other breeds, so leaving them alone for long periods may cause trouble. They are highly intelligent and incredibly loyal, making them great as family watchdogs. Their smarts give them the ability to be trained to do almost any job you can imagine minus those requiring the use of thumbs! One thing these dogs hate, however, is being left to their own devices. This can cause separation anxiety which in turn can lead to bad behavior and aggression. These include elbow dysplasia , bloat , degenerative myelopathy , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This activity can come from walks, playing in the backyard, and a variety of doggy toys. How much food they need a day will vary by age. Be careful not to overfeed or give them too many treats since this can cause weight gain that leads to joint issues. German Shepherds will shed much more than Rottweilers, so have your vacuum handy! Brushing twice or thrice a week will be helpful. Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock Suitable for: German Shepherds are suitable for families and those who live in homes with backyards large enough to run and play in. They are also wonderful for people who are highly active and able to spend a couple of hours a day exercising their dog. However, German Shepherds are less suitable for those living in apartments or smaller dwellings with tiny yards and for people who are away from home often. Which Breed is Right For You? Whether the Rottweiler or German Shepherd is right for you comes down to a few factors — where you live and how much space there is, how much time you must dedicate to a pet, and whether you are able to train your pup or send them to a trainer. Other than that, both the Rottweiler and German Shepherd can make for good, loyal pets who are also willing to guard and protect the family if needed. See also:. Both breeds are known for their large size, intelligence, and loyal nature. Rottweilers, with distinctive black and tan coats, are typically pretty enormous and have a more muscular body. On the other hand, German Shepherds are slightly smaller and typically have a black and tan or all-black coat. Both breeds are excellent family pets but require firm, consistent training to prevent aggressive behavior. Overall, these breeds are beloved by many for their courage, loyalty, and protective instincts. Rottweiler vs. While the breeds may be similar, the Rottweiler generally has a bulkier build with more muscle mass, while the German Shepherd has a leaner and more agile frame. Additionally, Rottweilers typically have a short, glossy coat in shades of black and brown, while the German Shepherd has a thick fur coat ranging from black and tan to sable. The differences in their appearance may contribute to their respective roles as working breeds. Ultimately, both breeds are stunning in their own ways and are loved by their families for their unique characteristics. Size Rottweilers are generally larger than German Shepherds, with males weighing up to pounds and standing between inches at the shoulder. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are usually not more than 85 pounds and stand inches tall. Coat Rottweilers have a short, dense coat that is black with tan markings. The fur of a German Shepherd is also double-layered, but it can be either long or short and comes in many different colors, including black, tan, white, and sable. Training Both breeds are highly trainable and make great service dogs, but the training methods used for each breed may differ slightly. Rottweilers may respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as reward-based training. In contrast, German Shepherds may be better suited for corrections or commands when learning new tasks. However, they have different behavioral traits that potential owners should consider. Rottweilers have a protective nature and are known for their defensive instincts. They are wary of strangers and can go wild if they feel any threat. However, German Shepherds are more social and easier to train. They are loyal and obedient, making them the go-to breed for law enforcement and military work. Moreover, below mentioned personality differences will help you further to make a more informed decision. Personality and Temperament When choosing between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd, understanding their unique personalities and temperaments is crucial in making an informed decision. Both breeds are large, loyal, and intelligent, but notable differences exist. Rottweilers tend to be more reserved and calm, while German Shepherds are more outgoing and lively. Additionally, Rottweilers are also known for their unwavering loyalty and protectiveness toward their family. German Shepherds are highly trainable and excel in working roles such as police or military dogs. Due to their size, Rottweilers may require more food and larger beds, which could result in higher monthly costs. On the other hand, German Shepherds may have higher veterinary costs due to potential health issues such as hip dysplasia. Pros and Cons: Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd Choosing between these two dog breeds can be challenging for any canine enthusiast. It is because both breeds have their advantages and drawbacks. Rottweilers are known for their imposing size and defensive nature, making them perfect guard dogs. However, their reputation can also make them intimidating to strangers, and they require plenty of socialization and training. German Shepherds are smart, loyal, and easy to train, making them ideal for families. They also have an incredibly strong sense of smell and are often used as police or service dogs. However, they can be prone to health issues and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Exercise Requirements As two dog breeds with high energy levels, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd have unique exercise requirements to keep them happy and healthy. Rottweilers are known for their powerful build and require daily exercise for at least an hour, with a mix of walks, jogs, and playtime. On the other hand, German Shepherds are bred for herding and require a lot of mental stimulation through activities such as obedience training, agility courses, and interactive playtime. Both breeds benefit significantly from regular exercise, which can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. Grooming Needs Rottweilers have a short double coat, which means they require minimal grooming. Brush your Rottweiler once or twice a week to remove any loose hair or dirt. You should also check for any fleas or ticks when you brush your Rottweiler. On the other hand, German Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, requiring more frequent brushing and grooming. While each breed has specific needs, keeping up with grooming will help your Rottweiler or German Shepherd look their best and ensure they stay healthy and happy for years. Life Expectancy Rottweilers usually live between years on average, while German Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years. However, both breeds can live longer if given the proper care and nutrition. Bear in mind that the rottweiler is significantly larger, and will therefore need a lot more space and food. When it comes to exercise requirements they are both breeds of high energy levels and need lots of daily exercise to stay happy. In addition, the cost of ownership can vary dramatically depending on factors such as specific dietary requirements, health expenses, adequate training, and more. Whether you get a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd, it is essential to carefully consider the pros and cons of either breed before bringing them into your home. But, also remember, that each dog has its own personality and characteristics. Above all, your dogs personality will be shaped after how you raise them. Giving them mountains of love and a few treats will inevitably produce a loving dog. Thank you for reading this article! Keen for another comparison between two dog breeds? Head over to uncover the differences between the Beagle Vs. Many people living in apartments, especially those who live alone, consider getting a dog for companionship. Having a dog definitely lessens the feeling of loneliness and adds comfort and affection to an otherwise solitary space. However, not all dogs are suitable for apartment living. Several factors contribute to whether a specific breed is compatible with a smaller space or bigger houses with fenced yards. Generally, smaller dogs fare better in apartment living. This is simply because they require less space to move around, and smaller breeds require less exercise than their larger counterparts. They are also a bit easier to maintain especially for busy apartment dwellers. However, there are matters that you need to consider carefully before committing to a GSD or a Rottweiler. German Shepherds Can Be Good Apartment Dogs Although not ideal, German Shepherds can definitely thrive in apartment living , thanks to their high adaptability to changing environments. But you should be prepared to meet the following conditions to provide your GSD an good life while living in a relatively small space: Breed-restriction Laws In some states, apartments impose breed-restriction laws on their tenants, which means that there are specific breeds that are not permitted. The idea behind these laws is to prevent dog attacks by potentially dangerous breeds. Unfortunately, GSDs are one of those prohibited breeds. However, some private apartment owners can be negotiated with, but corporate owners are much harder to convince, as they carry much higher liability for any such occurrence. In the case of the latter, their decision must be respected and you are left with the choice of moving to another apartment that accepts GSDs or choosing another breed. Exercise You need to exercise your GSD daily. If your apartment does not have a spacious area where you can exercise your dog, it must at least have a nearby park that you can visit everyday. Remember that exercise is a must for active dogs like German Shepherds! As a rule of thumb, your German Shepherd must have at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise daily. Separation Anxiety You should not leave your GSD alone for long periods of time, as they are prone to separation anxiety. As a rule of thumb, adult GSDs should only be left alone for a maximum of four hours, while puppies should be left alone no longer than three hours. Neighbors Your GSD must be trained to behave well around your neighbors. Keep in mind that many people are very scared of large dogs. Noise GSDs are vocal dogs, and they will bark a lot especially if they are untrained! If your apartment has weak soundproofing or thin walls, this can be very annoying for your neighbors who only want to live peacefully inside their units. Shedding GSDs shed a lot, thanks to their double coats. Consequently, you must prepare yourself to clean your apartment often to get rid of all the hair. Adult Rottweilers Do Better in Apartments Rottweilers can cope living inside apartments, but keep in mind that adult Rotts are more suitable for this type of space than puppies because of their lower energy levels. Rott puppies are very high-energy dogs. Because they are bred as working dogs, they will be very curious and will always look for something to do. All that pent-up energy should be channeled into something useful like exercise. Otherwise, the puppy will become bored and turn to destructive behaviors such as chewing objects or digging. Your Rottweiler puppy will need at least two walks a day and an additional hour of playtime. This is a commitment that you should be aware about, since it can be too much to handle for an owner who is always busy. The need for exercise is exactly why a fenced yard is perfect for high-energy dogs such as GSDs and Rotts. When a Rott puppy becomes an adult, he will naturally become less active, so living in an apartment will not be much of a problem. However, a Rottweiler will still need sufficient daily exercise to prevent weight gain, since Rotts, being naturally heavyset, are very prone to obesity. Frequent Potty Time Because puppies have less control over their bladder, they will need to go to the bathroom very often — usually every 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to establish where the bathroom is for your puppy while he is still young. Ideally, train him to take a pee outside to avoid the difficulty of transitioning him from peeing inside to outside. Socialization Rottweilers are very social dogs; they love being with their owners all the time. Nevertheless, they are not very keen on other dogs, which is why socialization that starts from an early age is very important. Socialization lessens the manifestation of undesirable traits, the most prominent being aggression. As dogs who always like to see where their master is, Rottweilers can do well in a small space where they will not have to follow them around. But if you leave your Rott alone in the apartment for several hours, he may become bored and anxious and act out by destroying things, digging, barking incessantly, whining, or peeing everywhere. As a rule of thumb, do not leave your Rottweiler alone for more than 6 hours a day. And do not do this abruptly. Rather, transition slowly and in increments. If you have to leave him for longer than that, consider getting a dogsitter. Breed Restrictions Unfortunately, Rottweilers are also almost always included in the list of dog breeds that are prohibited in apartments. Always check with the management first to find out if they impose these restrictions or not. Neighbors Keep in mind that many people are fearful of big dogs in general, but more so of Rottweilers because of their popular reputation as aggressive dogs. While your dog may be well-mannered, you cannot always control how your neighbors will react in his presence. Both German Shepherds and RottweilerS are massive dogs, which is why many people often wonder if they are safe to be around children. Regardless, adult supervision is still always necessary. German Shepherds Can Be Wonderful Companions for Your Children If you search the Internet for photos of German Shepherds with children, you will most likely see a bunch of cute photos of kids cuddling these dogs. German Shepherds are natural protectors, having been bred originally as protectors of sheep and human properties. They are extremely loyal to their owners. This makes them an excellent breed to have around children! However, you need to set up your GSD for success first so that a safe, fun, and loving relationship can grow between your children and your dog. Below are some general pointers to remember that will foster a harmonious relationship between your GSD and your child: Socialization The best way to turn your GSD from an overprotective, fearful dog into a welcoming and friendly companion is to expose him to kids as early as possible. Actually, regardless of whether you have kids or not, socialization is a key part of training that is most responsible for a dog that is well-behaved around people other than the owner. If you have a child and you want to ensure that your dog will behave well around him or her, a great deal of consistent socialization is a must. The key is to expose your dog not just to your own kids but to other people — adults and children alike. This teaches your dog proper responses towards strangers, and that not everyone is out to get him. Begin socializing your puppy as soon as you get him home and be consistent about it. This is the only way that the training will be retained in your puppy for long. Training Obedience training and socialization go hand-in-hand. Both need to be introduced to your puppy as early as possible for the best possible behavior outcome. Similarly, a simple command can prevent any untoward incidents from occurring between your dog and your child. Simply put, a well-trained dog is a well-behaved dog. Be sure to read this comprehensive guide all about training your German Shepherd. This is most often true. GSDs are very active dogs, hence their energy must be spent on physical activities to prevent boredom and make them calmer afterwards. Giving them activities to do gives them a sense of accomplishment and channels their energy into appropriate places. In this respect, you will find that your German Shepherd is not too different than you are! Simply speaking, a dog that is well-exercised keeps the high energy at bay, thus preventing excited behavior from harming your child. If your dog is bursting with too much unspent energy, he will be rougher during playtime. He may jump on your child or playfully bite more often, which can lead to serious physical injuries. Unfortunately, many parents overlook this aspect, putting all the blame on the poor dog whenever ugly situations occur. A relationship must be a two-way street. Do not expect your dog to be perfect and always gentle if he is not being treated fairly in the first place! Many dog bites in America are caused by children teasing or being too rough on dogs. Supervision All dogs can be unpredictable. Even the most well-behaved dog on the planet can snap due to a seemingly random trigger. Always supervise their interactions. This is because both breeds are huge, intelligent guard dogs with an inherent desire to protect their owners. Born with a natural self-confidence and a watchful nature, Rottweilers can be excellent protectors of children. They are also goofy and playful, making them entertaining and rewarding pets for your kids. But for Rottweilers and children to hang out together peacefully, the same key principles must be followed: socialization, training, exercise, education, and supervision. The only difference, perhaps, is that Rottweilers need firmer obedience training because they have the tendency to be stubborn , especially the males. They are quite intelligent dogs that can pick up commands easily, but they are at times known to challenge their owners during training. Hence, training should be done early, firmly, and consistently. However, this also means they can become jealous easily when a new member enters the family. Male Rottweilers tend to mature slower than females. Female Rotts tend to be calmer and easier to command and may be more appropriate for your child. On the other hand, it can also be disaster for your kid. A simple excited jump can unintentionally knock down your child. While Rotts are sturdy and blocky, never allow your child to ride on their back as this can still hurt the dog. This is where your supervision matters. Never leave your Rottweiler and your child alone! Include your child in the training of your Rottweiler. Training should NEVER include any physical punishments such as hitting or pinning the dog to the ground. This is cruel and counterproductive and can lead to undesired behavior in your Rottweiler. This information might be useful if you have other dogs or cats in the house or are planning to bring home a new one. German Shepherds Can Coexist with Other Dogs Generally, German Shepherds can live peacefully with other dogs in the house provided that they have been socialized early. Socialization means exposing your GSD to other dogs, animals, people, places, and senses. This helps your dog adjust his behavior towards creatures other than him and teaches him the idea that not everything that moves is a prey. Socialization also reduces anxiety in your GSD, which can sometimes manifest as aggression. It helps your dog stay calm and confident in most situations. The key to a successful socialization that yields the best results is timing and consistency. Patience and consistency are key to making this successful. They view other dogs as threats or enemies. Sometimes, there are other reasons behind the aggression that are not covered by socialization training. These are the following: Your dog has experienced trauma or negative experiences from other dogs in the past. There is a sudden change in lifestyle or the environment, such as moving into another location or welcoming a new member of the family. While GSDs are generally adaptable and flexible, individual dogs can still exhibit different responses. Your dog is not spayed. In this case, the hormones responsible for the aggression are still active. Your dog is ill. For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, be sure to read this informative article: How to Socialize Your German Shepherd German Shepherds and Cats While the thought of a big dog with a high prey drive and a cautious cat together can be hard to imagine, the truth is that German Shepherds and cats can get along nicely most of the time. But it may still depend on the individual personalities of both animals and their past experiences which may shape their present reactions. The most obvious instances are chasing little animals such as squirrels and cats and biting or chewing furniture, or even your hand! Of course, with proper socialization between the two animals, coexistence is definitely possible. The keys to preventing a disastrous first meeting is to start slow , create a safe space for the cat where she can be protected from a potential attack e. Rottweilers and Other Dogs Rottweilers are territorial dogs, and they may have issues particularly with dogs of the same sex. Despite that, coexistence between a Rott and another dog in the household is definitely possible if the Rott has been exposed to other animals while he is young. The most important requirement for setting up a peaceful relationship between a Rott and another dog is your training and supervision. Armed with the knowledge that Rotts can have aggressive tendencies, it is your responsibility as the owner then to make sure that your dog is even-tempered. Muzzling Your Dog: Good or Bad? In fact, in some countries like Singapore , muzzling a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd is required when visiting public areas. Proper muzzling also requires training, so be sure to start at an early age so that your pup becomes accustomed to it. Waiting until your dog is older to muzzle train can be a traumatic experience for them. Always remember to supervise your dog at all times even if he is trained, as he can snap into instinctive protective behavior if he perceives something as a threat. Rottweilers and Cats Rottweilers and cats can live together peacefully inside the same house provided that they have been properly socialized together when they are young. It can be said that Rotts get along even better with cats than with other dogs of the same sex. The same guidelines in proper introductions apply: There must be a safe space for the cat to run to or hide. The dog must be leashed at the first meeting. Introduction must be gradual, starting with scents first and then slowly moving on to face-to-face meetings. All interactions must be supervised. What Are Their Grooming Requirements? German Shepherds and the Rottweiler have essentially the same grooming requirements with a few small differences. We will now highlight these differences below. Keep in mind, however, that German Shepherds will require more brushing because they are heavy shedders, which can be attributed to their thick double coats. A simple slicker brush like the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush can effectively rake the finer undercoat of your dog. Nail trimming: Nails should not be overlooked in grooming dogs, as they can hurt the dog and its owners once they get too long. To trim the nails, you can either use clippers or a nail grinder. Dental care: Like humans, dogs also need their teeth cleaned to keep their breath fresh and to prevent mouth diseases. Ideally, brushing should be daily or at least several times a week using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental chews also help clean the teeth. Ear cleaning. Rottweilers have a flat, medium-length outer coat all over their bodies and an undercoat on the neck and thighs. However, it must still be done weekly to minimize shedding. Unlike GSDs, Rotts are only seasonal shedders , but they may shed moderately throughout the year. Some adult Rotts with dominant personalities may feel uncomfortable with being brushed all the way down the back. Unless your Rottweiler gets dirty very often, bathing every few months is enough. Toothbrushing and nail trimming must be done weekly. Because they are black dogs, they have black nails that are trickier to trim. Here is a straightforward video on how to trim black nails on a large dog: Grooming Pros and Cons.