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Some Final Words The correct answer to this question is, yes and no. If your white Lab puppy is not a true White Lab, then after a few months, and as the puppy matures, its coat will change from the white color to its normal yellow color. However, the true White Lab may change but not so dramatically. Their coats can remain white, or they may get a darker yellowish tint around their ears and eyes, or their coat may change to a cream color. There is no rhyme or reason why these changes take place or not, but do not be alarmed, this change or not, is very normal. Another good news is that this change will not affect their personality, energy levels, or any other positive or negative characteristic all Labradors have. Your White Lab will grow up to be a true Labrador and it should be easy to train, go hunting, fishing, or just for a swim. Once in the water though, it may be hard to get them back out of the water. Then these white-colored Labs are great with children and their families. Is a White Lab a Yellow Lab? According to the Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers have coats that are black, chocolate, and yellow in color respectively. Any other color or combination of colors will result in elimination from the competition. It is acceptable to have a tiny white spot on the chest, but having one is not particularly desirable. It is important to remember that brindling is not the same thing as having white hair due to aging or scarring. This opinion is only valid if you want to have your White Lab participate in AKC-sanctioned dog shows. Often people say that the White Lab is registered as a Yellow Lab which allows it to be accepted in different dog shows. There is considerable debate about this as white is not the only color having a hard time being accepted by Kennel Clubs. People have their own opinions but as long as the white Lab was bred from pure bred Labs, then he or she is a pure-bred Lab. That should be the only thing that should concern you. Whether it is accepted as a Labrador variation by others is immaterial. You have a great dog in a White Lab, and it should not be treated as abnormal. What do you know about White Labrador Retrievers? One or both parents may have a broken or different gene that blocks the developing body to generate the true yellow color. While some yellow pigmentation does develop, it is so light that it looks white. Another reason why you will find White Labs is due to a genetic disorder. This genetic disorder is called Albinism or albino for short. The White Lab will never change its color and it may have difficulty being in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Both of these conditions will be the luck of the draw. You will never know when it will happen until it happens. It is all due to the genes in the parents. This is why you can have multi-colored litters with Black and Brown Labs. They are normal animals that carry all of the great qualities Labs are known for. Plus, they are still pure-bred labs. You are not losing out by having a White Lab in your litter. Click here to find out. That is still a good thing as you can show your dog off at different dog shows. Plus, you get a great dog with a patient and tolerant disposition that is perfect for families with small children. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. White Lab vs. Yellow Lab: Which Labrador is better for you? The American Kennel Club recognizes white and yellow Labradors as one because white Labs are not completely white. Their fur also has shades of yellow, especially around the ears. In essence, white Labs can be regarded as the paler version of the yellow Labs. The pale coat is either a very pale yellow or the Lab is an albino. Generally, pale yellow Labs have the same characteristics as yellow Labs. However, albino Labs can develop more health problems and are considered undesirable by some owners. Just like yellow Labs, white Labs are very friendly and docile dogs. They are full to the brim with energy and love to play and run around. Novice owners often mistake their calm demeanor for inactivity. In contrast to that, these pups are very athletic and need regular exercise to stay healthy. How similar are Yellow Labs and Golden retrievers? Yellow Lab Although selective breeding has led to a wide range of colors in Labradors , only three of them are recognized by AKC. This list includes black, chocolate, and yellow. Yellow Labs are a common sight in many dog shows around the world. These outgoing dogs also make wonderful companions and are an excellent addition to any family, provided you can fulfill their exercise needs. These paler versions of yellow Labs were the most sought-after coat colors during the rise of popularity of this breed. Yellow Labs are a result of selective breeding over many years while white Labs are specifically bred for a lighter color. We can also get a white Lab by breeding with an albino member of this breed. Many owners believe that different colored Labs have different personalities. For instance, black Labs are better hunters, yellow Labs are lazy, and chocolate-colored Labs are extremely active. However, there is no scientific evidence to back these claims. According to Snowy Pines White Labs , white and yellow Labs are not very different when it comes to their personality. Although some of their characteristics can vary from one dog to another, they usually have similar temperaments. Is a Champagne Lab different than a Yellow Lab? Unless the Lab is an albino, a white Lab will always have touches of yellow over its body. The nose, eyes, and paws of both variants are black, and they carry the same friendly attitude. Both these Labradors require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit and peaceful. Therefore, make sure to provide your Lab with regular walks and a place to run, regardless of its coat color. Are Golden Labs the same thing as a Yellow Lab? It completely depends on the preference of the owner. This is because white and yellow Labs are the same breed with different coat colors. If you like golden or yellow color, you can go for a yellow Lab. Alternatively, you can adopt a white Lab if you prefer a snow-white dog. The Labrador Site explains that albino Labs carry a lot more health issues due to genetic mutation. In addition to that, albino dogs are very photosensitive and are more susceptible to sunburns, skin cancer, and skin damage. In certain dogs, albinism may also lead to deafness. So how can we differentiate between albino and white Labs? Albino Labs are near identical to white Labs but have a slight pink tinge all over them. Keep in mind that these dogs are not pink in color. Please keep in mind that we may receive a small commission when you click our links and make purchases and as an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. White Labradors are a very attractive and distinctive looking dog. But are White Labradors really Labradors? Are they healthy and happy pooches or does their pale color result in health problems? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these wonderful dogs and why most of them make excellent family pets or show pooches. He did have some qualities that I thought were different from the many Labs I raised over the years, but I would not consider it outside the norm for a Labrador Retriever. Different Types Of White Labradors On the most basic level, white Labradors are Labradors that have a coat that is white, or almost white, in color. But their coat takes on this unusual pigment for a Labrador for a number of different reasons. These dogs are the same as all other Labs; it is just that both of their parents had the right genes to give them a coat that approaches white. They will have the same black or brown nose and eyes as other Labs, as well as the same intelligence and temperament. They will also face the same health risks, but no additional ones due to the color of their coat. Yellow Labradors come in a range of colors, from fox red, to golden, to cream, and of course, white. White is just another natural variation within the spectrum. White Labrador dogs are usually specifically created by breeders, who have been broadening the color range of Yellow Labradors for decades in order to widen their market. White Labradors are more likely to be English Labradors than American Labradors because of the history of the breeding. This means they will also have the stockier, broader look of the English Lab. Albino Labradors Unlike Yellow Labradors with a white coat, which are healthy dogs that do not differ from their darker colored brothers and sisters, some White Labradors are the result of albinism. This is a genetic condition universal throughout the animal kingdom, but rare in dogs, affecting maybe one in every 20, The result is a pooch that has white hair and extremely pale skin. They are usually easily distinguishable from Yellow Labs that are white as they will also lack pigment in their eyes and nose. Their eyes are often a distinctive red color, though they can also be blue. Albino Labradors often develop health problems as a result of their lack of pigmentation. They are very susceptible to sun damage, which can easily result in tumors and skin cancer. Their eyes are also very sensitive to the sun and can easily become damaged. They are also often born blind or suffer from eye deformities. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish these pups from albino dogs, but they will have normal eye color. This condition is also relatively rare among Labradors, as it is a recessive trait. It can come with similar health concerns as the areas of the skin that lack pigment can also be easily damaged by the sun. But they are not at the same risk as far as the eyes are concerned. Silver Labrador White Labradors should also not be confused with Silver Labradors , which occurs as a result of the dilution of the darker pigment of black or brown dogs. They can be registered with the Kennel Club as Chocolate Labradors, but they are excluded from shows. But just like Yellow Labradors with a white coat, these Chocolate Labradors with a silver coat are natural within the color range of Labradors and they do not have different personality traits or health conditions as the result of the color of their coat. Considering this, and the fact that White Labradors are relatively rare among Yellow Labradors, they are not always easy to come across. To find a White Labrador, you will need to speak with a breeder that has chosen color as one of the traits for which they are controlling. However, it is not advisable to work with a breeder who is only or primarily controlling for color, as health and temperament are still more important features in a dog than color. Bear in mind that English Labs look different; they tend to be stockier and broader in the chest and face. They also have different personalities. They tend to be more playful and silly, but have less energy. They have become very popular dogs on the show circuit, while their silly and friendly personality makes them great family pets. It can be difficult to tell if a Lab will grow to be a true White Lab when they are a puppy, as lots of Yellow Labradors are born with a very pale coat, which gets darker as they age. Of course, while seeking out a white Yellow Labrador might be something you want, seeking out an Albino Lab or even a Leucistic Lab is not advisable because of the related health conditions. However, that is not to say there are not Albino Labs out there that need someone to adopt them and give them a loving home. American Or English Labrador? As seeking out a White Labrador probably means choosing between an American and an English Labrador , it is worth considering the differences between the two. Both dogs are friendly, good-natured, and companionable, and also intelligent and highly trainable. This is why they make excellent companion dogs and working dogs. But both were originally bred as retrievers. American Labs are those that have been bred for working, while English Labradors have been bred for conformation, which means they have been bred to more exactly align with the definition of the species, which is why they are an excellent choice for show dogs. They are called English Labradors because they are significantly more common in the UK. Meanwhile, you guessed it, the working-style Labrador is more common in the USA. But, while this is how the breeds are characterized, this is far from prescriptive, and you will often encounter English Labs as working dogs and American Labs competing in shows. So, these are not strict definitions but rather a useful guide to help you distinguish between the two extremes of the breed. They are all registered as Labrador Retrievers with the Kennel Club. That said, there are some key differences to look out for. American Labs are usually a bit taller, ranging from .This height difference results because American Labs tend to have longer legs, while English Labs are stockier. But American Labs are also heavier than their English brothers and sisters, ranging from 70 to pounds, while English Labs are usually between 60 and 85 pounds. The appearance of the two dogs is also different. English Labs tend to look heavier and more substantial, with a barrel chest. They also have a wider head and a fuller face with a shorter muzzle. The neck is thicker, and so is their coat so they also shed a bit more. American Labs also tend to have more energy than English Labs, and as a result, it is often thought a firmer hand is needed to keep American Labs under control. For this reason, they are often considered better as working dogs, and when they move into the home, they need a very active family. Because English Labs are considered calmer and quieter, they are more versatile as a family dog and also easier to train for shows. I would consider him an American Lab based on looks although his breeder said he had both American and English in his ancestry. His energy level was closer to that of an American Lab, but his goofy temperament more closely resembled an English Lab. Yes, White Labradors are very rare. Albinism is extremely rare in dogs, affecting maybe one in every 20, White Labradors that are pale Yellow Labradors are also rare. White Labs are at the extreme color range available for these pooches, and it is required that both parents have and pass on the genes that allow for this extremely light color. Exactly how big your Labrador will get depends on a lot of things, but color is not one of them. As a general rule, if your White Labrador is an American Labrador, you can expect them to weigh between 70 and pounds. English Labradors, while they look stockier, tend to be lighter, between 60 and 85 pounds, They also tend to be smaller than their American brothers and sisters. A healthy White Labrador will have the same life expectancy as the majority of Labrador Retrievers, so about 12 years. However, White Labradors that are Albino will have a significantly lower life expectancy, as they are much more likely to develop serious medical conditions, such as skin cancer and tumors. Are White Labradors Purebred? Yes, White Labradors are purebred dogs within the Yellow Labrador Retriever category, and they can be registered for shows and with the Kennel Association as Yellow Labradors. Do White Labradors Shed? All Labradors shed , and they tend to shed a lot. They have a double coat, which means they have a lot of hair to leave behind. It can be especially challenging in the shedding season, which is Spring and Fall. So, yes, you will be finding those beautiful white hairs all over your home. He definitely shed more than any other dog, Lab or otherwise that we had in our home. Do White Labradors Turn Yellow? Some of the hair of a White Labrador, especially around the tips of the ears, can turn yellow with sun exposure. In addition, many Yellow Labradors may appear white when they are born, but their hair will darken over the first few months of their life. So, you cannot always tell if a Labrador will be white during the first few months of their lives. Final Thoughts When breeders refer to a White Labrador, they are referring to a Yellow Labrador that has been specifically bred to have very pale fur. This is more common among English Labs than American Labs, but they are a naturally occurring phenomenon that occurs from the breeding process. These dogs share all the same wonderful traits as other Labradors. They are friendly and intelligent, and they make excellent family dogs, working dogs, and show dogs. However, these White Labs should not be confused with Albino Labs or Leucistic Labs, which are dogs with rare genetic conditions, meaning they lack pigment in their skin. These dogs can suffer from serious health issues as a result of sun exposure. While there are dogs out there of this variety that need a loving place to call home, it is not the same as adopting a White Labrador. They do need special care and attention. The first time Archer met his new companion was also the first time the little girl ever spoke. Do you have any experience with White Labradors? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. And there is no surprise as to why: labs are friendly and desirable to families of all sizes. Are White and Yellow Labs Different? The short answer is no: white and yellow labs are not different types of dogs. However, they obviously are different in color due to the variation of their coats. White labs are essentially the paler version of your classic yellow lab. In fact, the American Kennel Club recognizes white labs as yellow labs. Typically, white labs will have pigmented noses and dark eyes along with their distinctive white fur. Despite their name, their fur will still have touches of cream or yellow, especially around the ears. The Difference Between White Coats And Albinism When some people think of white fur, they might wonder if white labs have any sort of relevance to albino dogs. Albinism is a genetic defect where dogs have white skin, white fur, red eyes, pink noses, and often leads to other health issues, like a higher risk of cancer and neurological problems. Although white labs have a similar coat color to albino dogs, they are not the same thing. An easy way to tell whether or not a dog with a white coat is albino is by observing the color of their nose and the skin around their eyes. Dogs with white coats and pink noises with pink skin are most likely albino. More About White Lab Genetics Lab coats come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow — but some people might not realize that there are several shades and variations within these coats. For example, the black coat color can look like a jet black to a brownish-black with hints of gray. The chocolate coat can range from a dark chocolate color to a more milky variation. And the yellow coat can go from an orange to a bright white — which is where our white labs come in. In some cases, it goes further than genetic chance. In fact, there are two distinct labrador retriever genetic lines, which are the English lab and the American lab. They are both retrievers and come from the same breed — but they look different in their build. This allows them to serve different purposes. The English labrador also has a much calmer temperament than its American counterpart. The name of the Labrador even comes from the Labrador sea that surrounds the coast of Newfoundland. So, villagers and settlers began to breed native Newfoundland dogs with other breeds to create a new breed that was slightly more compact and had shorter hair. They were also nicknamed this because they were excellent swimmers. When it comes down to it, you want to find the perfect lab puppy for your family — and the place to start is finding the right breeder. At Snowy Pines White Labs, we do things differently. From the moment our puppies are born, they play all over our beautiful property to play and socialize. We believe in continuing the class of white labradors by breeding healthy, active, and friendly dogs that are perfect for your home. Check out our available puppies or contact us today to get started on finding your new family member! Share on. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article. Most White labs have a little cream color on the tips of their ears, and some have cream down their backs and on the tips of their tails. Rocky River Retrievers has been careful to select only the whitest puppies for our breeding program. Our labs are strikingly white and have very little if any cream even on the tips of their ears. Our kennel has been rated 1 by The Upper Pawside: We have also worked hard to screen common defects and health problems out of our lines. This means we have done extensive genetic testing, and health clearances on our breeding dogs. We have completely eliminated all dogs that are even carriers from our program. Our goal is to improve the breed. However, they also have great hunting progeny and are very athletic. Some English Labs can be so over done that they have very little if any athletic ability and almost no retrieving drive. We strive for the middle ground which is the breed standard. This way our Labs have blocky heads, can retrieve and hunt, and still have the wonderful lab temperament that makes them safe for kids and other dogs. We think you will love the look of our white labs. This is because strictly speaking they are actually yellow labs. However most of the yellow has been bred out of them over generations through artificial selection. The great thing about this dog is that it was good for retrieving fishing nets in icy waters. Over time however other traits were selectively bred for such as a more robust chest to give the dog more strength, a more otter like tail to use as a rutter in the water and for looks the white spots and paws were mostly bred out of the new Labrador Retriever. Some Labradors are still born with a white patch on their chest and some white in their paws and muzzle. As the dog got more popular chocolate and yellow looking pups were born but most of them were culled at first until they gained greater acceptance in the breed. In each color of the Labrador retriever there is a spectrum of color. Black labs can be a lighter black to dark black. Chocolates can be light brown to dark brown. But Yellow labs have the most noticeable spectrum of color. They vary from a dark red fox red color all the way to white. Also there is a dilute gene that can affect each color as well. If Black Labs have the dilute gene, they have a charcoal color. If Chocolate labs have the dilute gene it can give them a silver color. And if yellow labs get the dilute gene it can give them a slight Champagne looking color that is less noticeable. These three are called Charcoal, Silver, and Champagne respectively. Our labs do not have the dilute gene. The dilute gene is very controversial in breeding circles because some do not believe its a true Labrador trait and therefore is the result of breeding another breed into the line such as a Weimaraner. We are neutral on the subject because the AKC allows these dogs to be registered. Are white Labrador puppies healthy? The short answer is yes. White Labradors by in large are healthy just like the other colors of the breed. There are a few genetic disorders that run in all the colors of Labrador. There are other health problems that can occur in labs but these are the most prevalent. We screen each of our breeding dogs for these diseases before breeding. As for hip displaysia it happens from a combination of genetics and lifestyle. We have our breeding pairs hips tested by the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of America to make sure they have healthy hips and they have the best chance of passing on healthy hips to their children. However, we also council with our new puppy owners to be careful to not let their puppy over eat, and to make sure they get enough exercise as those can be factors in causing hip problems in any Labrador retriever. Are white labs more high energy? Color has nothing to do with the temperament of a Labrador retriever. That comes from which main family group of labs they come from English or American. The American Labrador has been bred to be one of the most versatile hunting dogs on the planet. American Labs tend to have more energy, more athleticism, and more endurance than English labs. They also compete for agility. True English Labs on the other hand are not very athletic at all. They are more of a family pet or a lap dog. Much of their retrieving drive has been bred out of them. They are very gentle and calm. They get tired easy and tend to get overweight of not kept on a strict diet. They have a more blocky head and chest and are shorter than American Labs. They compete for Show titles because of their good looks and calm attributes. You can find white Labradors that are fully on the English side and white labs that are on the american side. Our labs are a mixture of both. We strive for a strong dual purpose dog that can hunt, hike and retriever, but also is calm with children and other dogs. We like the blocky look of the English lab but also the athleticism of the American lab. In truth the breed standard for Labrador retrievers is right in between the two families and that is what we strive for. How do I get a White Labrador Puppy? Just contact us to see what we have available and what litters we have up and coming. We screen each of our prospective family owners to make sure they understand the great responsibility of caring for a new puppy. Also we like to make sure they go to homes that have both the resources and the time to care for them properly. Be ready to answer questions about the size of your yard, how active your lifestyle is, and if you have ever had a puppy before. We are with our owners all the way and love to get updates and pictures of the puppies we have placed. We hope to hear from you soon.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Reputable breeders will gladly share with you their health screening results and also back their promises with health guarantees. Typically, health warranties are applicable for the first one or two years from adoption, and they should cover any major genetic conditions that the parent dogs have been tested for. Furthermore, you can always ask around your friends and family members about their own personal experiences with various breeders in the state. On their 53 acre farm, their dogs and pups have plenty of room to run around and enjoy the great outdoors. Their parent dogs are all tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, eyes, heart, and various other genetic conditions. What Makes This Breeder Unique? As an in-home family breeder, Richardville Hunde raises their pups right in their living room. The whole family, including the 3 children, take part in raising and caring for the puppies. They handle the pups multiple times a day and introduce them to a variety of household sights and sounds. All of this to ensure that each puppy finds the most suitable forever home. My Account Welcome WhiskeyCreek Bernedoodles is devoted to raising quality, healthy and loving puppies in a family environment. Strong bloodlines, strict health requirements and temperament tested adults combined with 20 years of breeding experience brings healthy and happy puppies to our new families all across America and Canada. The girls just love her. Thank you for everything. This has been such an amazing experience for us. Thank you again, we just love her! Courtney I wanted to get in touch and let you know that Milo is doing great! We love him so much already and he seems to love us already too! He has taken to us nicely and he is such a cuddle bug. He seems to be adjusting well. Thank you again for everything, he is a wonderful additional to our family! Read More Testimonials Briana We feel perfect joy with our puppy's sweet little personality. Our kids are in fluffy Bernedoodle heaven, and our bulldog is pretty stoked to have a fluffy pal, they are running alongside each other. He is is good hands, thank you for raising him. His markings are just what I'd hoped for and he's just wonderful. Just so you know he'll be cared for, as my husband says "you don't love designer clothes or shoes but you baby your designer dogs. Thank you for visiting our site, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions! PuppySpot Are you on the hunt for Bernedoodle breeders in Minnesota? Look no further than PuppySpot! Let me tell you why. PuppySpot is a reputable source for finding a Bernedoodle puppy in Minnesota. They have a wide selection of puppies to choose from, with different sizes, colors, and personalities. PuppySpot offers a range of resources and services to make the process of bringing your new Bernedoodle home as smooth as possible. Plus, their user-friendly website makes it easy to search for and compare different puppies. With their focus on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, PuppySpot is a great choice for anyone looking for Bernedoodle breeders in Minnesota. They have a strict policy against working with puppy mills or substandard breeders, and they partner with animal welfare organizations to support their mission. This breeder specializes in standard, mini and micro Bernedoodles. This is a small family breeder. All the family members are involved in the process, including the co-owners 3 children. Thus, you can be sure that your puppy will receive enough attention and love during its first months of life. Besides Bernedoodles, this breeder also specializes in Aussiedoodles and Australian Mountain Doodles. All the dogs are raised around other dogs, cats, and farm animals, like cows and chickens. All puppies come with their first shots, deworming, and first vet checks. This breeder has announced its upcoming litters. Therefore, right now is the right time to reserve your puppy and save your spot on the waitlist. Contact Information:. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. Why Northwood Doodles? All puppies are raised in our home until they leave to be with their forever families. My children have a huge part in raising our puppies. Each puppy will be well socialized with children, adults, and other dogs. We start the puppies out on kennel training at 6 weeks old. When the puppies are 8 weeks old, they are able to go be with their families. Families are welcome to pick up their puppy at our home or delivery options are always available. Lifetime Support We provide lifetime support as you raise your puppy along with a one-year health guarantee. We would love for you to join the Northwood Doodles family. Please take the time to read about our dogs and our family. Bernedoodles are low to non-shedding with curly coats. They are extremely smart and lovable. They are known to be very gentle and affectionate. Bernedoodles have a laid back, calm temperament. Bernedoodles also love to sit in your lap and relax. They love children and do very well with other animals. F1B Bernedoodles tend to be very low to non-shedding and very curly. These puppies are great for people that have allergies. They are very friendly, affectionate dogs. Bernedoodles love children and other animals. They love to play and are very happy. Bernedoodles also have a very laid backside to them and love to cuddle and be lazy. If you purchase a puppy and a reaction happens, we will gladly take your puppy back and refund you the money. Learn More How it works We want to make the process of adding a forever fur baby at Northwood Doodles exceptional. We know purchasing a puppy can be overwhelming so we wanted to take some time to explain our process. Once you have decided what litter you want a puppy from, you can simply go to my payment page and pay the deposit. Checks are accepted. The deposit is not refundable, but is always transferable to other litters if needed. Once the deposit is paid, you have reserved your spot on our list. That day, you are welcome to come to my house and pick out your puppy, we can Facetime, or I can send you pictures and videos so you can see each puppy playing and interacting. Everyone will have a one-hour time slot to pick. I will be available for any questions if needed. Please visit Bringing A Puppy Home page for more details. Reserve Your Puppy. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Lake City Minnesota and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

With over 40 years of experience, Shawn trains people to properly establish and maintain leadership roles with their canine companions. Shawn has trained with several acclaimed canine experts and refined The Dog Way training methods through experience and observation of dogs' natural interactions within their groups. Deciding you want to purchase a pug puppy is exciting. However, you want to make sure you find the right puppy for you. Make sure you seek out reputable breeders so your puppy does not come with any health problems. Visit the puppies in person and choose the one that suits your needs. Ask the breeder plenty of questions about the puppy's current health and pedigree. Before bringing your new friend home, make sure your house is puppy proofed. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Pug puppies come with a unique set of needs. Puppies in general require more care than an adult dog. Before embarking on your journey to find a pug puppy, consider whether you can accommodate one at the moment. Make sure you have time for a puppy. Puppies need extra feeding, as well socialization and training. If you have a very busy schedule, you may want to wait for things to settle down before getting a puppy. Pugs, as a pet, require some maintenance. The folds in their faces need regular cleaning, and they're also prone to a great deal of shedding. Make sure you can live with frequent grooming, and accept the fact your house will never quite be hair-free. Like all breeds, pugs are prone to certain health problems. While a good breeder is adept at breeding out such problems, there are certain problems that are hard to breed out. These are usually simply due to how a pug is built. Learn the risks associated with pugs and make sure you're prepared to deal with them down the road. All pugs, regardless of breeding, are prone to eye problems. Pug's distinctive, bulging eyes expose a large area of their corneas, which puts their eyes at risk of drying out or forming ulcers. You may have to deal with frequent vet visits to deal with eye issues. Pugs are very prone to overheating because their flattened faces makes it hard for them to breathe. This problem can be even worse in hot weather, and overheating can cause serious health issues for a pug. Behaviorally, pugs are a more social breed. They are more prone to separation anxiety issues than other breeds. If you're gone a lot, a pug may not be the right dog for you. When searching for a breeder, there are a few places to scratch off your list right away. Puppy mills and very obviously bad breeders should be avoided. You're more likely to get a pug with existing health problems, or the risk of developing health problems down the road. In general, do not trust a breeder who simply sells dogs online from any given buyer. A breeder who does not ask any questions is probably not a good breeder. Responsible breeders want to make sure their dogs go to good homes. Puppy mills sometimes sell puppies to pet stores, so avoid buying a pug from a pet store. Puppy mills may also sell pugs online. If you can simply look at a picture of a puppy and purchase it, this is probably a puppy mill. Start your search locally. If you're lucky, you will be able to find a breeder who lives nearby. Look for ads in the newspaper, online, at local pet stores and veterinary clinics, and at any local pet clubs. A breeder in your area is convenient, as you will not have to travel far to see the puppies. Just because someone is a local breeder, do not assume they are an ethical one. Make sure to visit any breeder in person and look at the puppies physically before purchasing one. Unfortunately, not all areas have pug breeders close by. In some cases, you may have to travel to meet and select a puppy. There are many places you can look online to locate the nearest pug breeder. The Pug Dog Club keeps a list of reputable breeders online. You can search for the closest breeder there. The American Kennel Club also has a database of dog breeders. You can search there by breed. Remember to have patience. Even if you find a good breeder relatively close to you, they may not have puppies available for a while. You may have to wait a few months before taking home your pug puppy. Call a few breeders during your search. Pay close attention to your interactions. Learn the signs of a good breeder. Only work with breeders who are responsible and care about their dogs. Their facilities should be clean and spacious. They will be flexible in scheduling a time for you to see the puppies. A solid breeder will usually only breed one type of dog, or only a few types of dogs. The breeder should be very knowledgeable of pugs. During your initial conversation, the breeder will want to go over some basic pug care information with you. Good breeders do not have anything to hide. Not only will the be willing to let you see the dog's pedigree and meet their parents, they will actually encourage this. When you select a breeder to meet up with, make sure to ask a variety of questions. You want to make sure their puppies are a good match for you and your home. You also want to make sure the breeder is responsible and that the puppies are in good health. Interacting with a dog's mother and father can give you a sense of your puppy's future temperament. Ask questions about the breeder's credentials. Ask how long they've been breeding pugs. A more experienced breeder is more likely to produce healthier puppies. Ask about the puppy's parents. Make sure the parents do not have any inheritable diseases. Ask if you can see the health certificates for the parents on request. You should also ask about what treatment the puppies have received. Have they been vaccinated or de-wormed? Have they been spayed or neutered yet? When you get a chance to interact with the puppies, look closely at the puppy's you like. Pugs are prone to certain abnormalities. You can detect a potential issue by examining the dog's eyes, as well as how it breathes and moves. Watery eyes, squinted eyes, or glazed over eyes are signs of poor health. Hold the puppy close to you to hear it breathe. Raspy, labored breathing is generally a bad sign. Watch the puppy moving and at rest. It's not uncommon for pugs to breathe through their mouths when running around. However, a resting puppy should be able to comfortably breathe through its nose. There should be no signs of limping or an uneven gain if the puppies are old enough to walk. If you notice a puppy walking funny, listen for a clicking noise from the hips. This indicates the dog may develop hip problems later in life. As you interact with the puppies, aim for one with a good temperament. You want a puppy that's not too shy, but also one that's not overly rambunctious. You want a puppy that allows you to pick it up without squirming. A very aggressive or very standoffish puppy can be a problem. Once you've selected two or three pugs you like, request one-on-one time with them. You want a puppy that is friendly away from its litter. A friendly puppy will wag its tail, allow you to pet it, and look at you when you talk. A good breeder will be as scrutinizing of you as you are of them. Breeders want to make sure their dogs go to good homes, so don't be put off if a breeder asks you a lot of questions. This is a good sign. The breeder wants to make sure you will take good care of the puppy. They will also want to know about your general lifestyle and how you plan to care for the dog. If this is your first pug, don't panic. A breeder is unlikely to reject you simply because you don't have specific experience with pugs. As long as you've done some research on the breed, the breeder will probably be willing to sell to you if you're responsible. A good breeder will always be willing to provide this information. After selecting the puppy you want, ask for its pedigree as well as a certificate of health. These papers should assure you the puppy is in good health, and that its family tree is relatively free of inheritable conditions. Puppies need frequent vet visits. You should have a certification on hand showing what vaccinations and other treatments your dog has already received. As you prepare to bring your puppy home, make sure you're ready. Your puppy should enter your home with all the supplies it needs to thrive ready. You will need the following: [7] X Research source A crate to transport your puppy home and for crate training later Bedding Collar, leash, and identification tag Toys Grooming supplies i. Before bringing your dog home, you will need to pug proof your house. Pugs are inquisitive animals and prone to getting into things. You want to make sure your pug cannot get into any dangerous substances or places. Make sure all electrical wires are covered or out of reach. Keep things like household cleaners and detergents out of reach. Place them in high kitchen cabinets. Prevent access to staircases, as young pugs can easily slip and fall on the stairs. A good breeder will present you with a contract prior to purchase. This outlines your basic responsibilities and the breeder's return policy. Read the contract carefully before signing. If there's anything you don't understand, ask the breeder. You want the option of returning a dog in the event it has a health problem you cannot afford to treat. Once the contract is signed and your home is ready, you can bring your new friend home. You can now enjoy your pug puppy, and begin the process of training and caring for your new lifelong friend. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Eyes checked by an eye specialist for Entropion, Distichiasis double eyelashes and Pigmentary Keratitis Heart testing for heart murmurs Whilst health testing is ideal, tests need to be breed appropriate and have a tangible outcome. May-Hegglin Anomaly was found in only one dog, a Pug or Pug cross. Dogs in the susceptible group may never develop the condition. A flowchart for diagnosis was developed as part of research that led to the susceptibility test. What is a well-bred Pug like? Contrary to belief, when a Pug breathing can be heard, this does not always indicate health issues. Some of her Pugs have competed in Obedience. I think Pugs are only limited by what their owners are willing to do with them. Health is not something considered highly in unregulated breeding. The only way for these colours to be there is through cross breeding at some point. Along with the colours will come genetics for diseases not previously found in Pugs. Follow the Dogs Australia three Rs ; Right time — Is it the right time now to get a puppy for your family? Right breed — Have you researched all you need to know about your breed from its natural instincts to grooming? Right Breeder — Is your breeder responsible, operating under a code of ethics, with regulations and health checks? From getting a dog to keeping them happy we will have you covered at dogsaustralia. It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities. Keep Updated Want to stay across the latest news? Sign up here and we will add you to our mailing list. These tiny and adorable creatures are full of charm. They are also well-mannered, energetic and very playful. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Puppies will only go to good homes and those with an understanding of Pugs. Puppies are raised in a family environment with loads of love and attention. They are very affectionate, playful and their little tails have just started to curl. Puppies will come with 3 days food supply, a puppy pack and their favourite toy. You will also receive information as well as paw paw ointment and puppy wipes. Mum fawn and Dad black are both pedigree and papered pugs. Genuine enquiries only, I am happy to answer any questions and viewing is available by appointment. Anitta Egel Pug Puppies I have 3 female pug puppies avaliable. Pedegree parents Mother is Black platinum weight 5. I am also willing to deliver within a 1hr radius of .Interstate purchases at buyers organisation and expense. All puppies will be vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and have regular preventative worm medication. Puppies are all healthy, purebred, no health issues at all from either parent or their grandparents. They have all been wormed , vaccinated, vet health checked and microchipped. Very playful , eating solid foods and almost fully toilet trained. Each puppy comes with a complimentary puppy pack. Sharon Fisher 3 x jug puppies Boy puppy 1 photo 1, photo 2, top middle Boy puppy 2 photo 2, front Girl puppy 1 photo 2, far left, photo 3 - READY to go to their new homes Are you already an active person? Sweet girl 1 has gorgeous long legs and long body, is playful and would love a family or individual to include her in everything and anything you can offer her … with bounding enthusiasm and great appreciation, lickies. She was the first of all the puppies to shower a human with lickies. Boy 2 was firstborn and is the star of the whole litter at the vets. Totally unfazed no squeals having his temp taken, other medical checks performed, vaccination, microchip, worming. Looking for a well behaved family or individual for this well behaved boy. Dad is a Jug jack russel x pug long legs, short ears, fawn coat. Pronounced by vet as having good jaw formation. Are you looking for a puppy to join your family or to be a companion for you personally? Do you have a specific puppy preference? How have you prepared for this new potential arrival? Will you require a meet and greet opportunity with existing animals that are members of your current family? Are you prepared-accepting of the asking-advertised price? Located Guildford Last 2 pictures are mum and dad not for sale. Microchip: Dang Baby Pugs Only 2 girls left now, 3 boys all gone. All vaccinated, microchipped, and pet health care record. Dad pure, mum two thirds pug, one third jack rustle. Fussy about getting good owners, pets at our house are top of the food chain. Phoebe Purebred Pug Puppies 2 left We have exceptional examples of purebred pug puppies for sale. We have been breeding for many years and you can rest assured our puppies come from good stock. Our Pugs are raised with love and care in a warm, family environment. From day one, they are surrounded by human interaction and socialization, providing them with the best start in life. We nurture each Pug, ensuring they grow up to be friendly, affectionate, and well-adjusted companions. All pups come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed every 2 weeks from 4 weeks of age. The health and well-being of our Pugs are of utmost importance to us. They have been raised on their mother's milk and premium puppy food with vitamins for healthy development. We prioritize responsible breeding practices. When you bring home your Pug, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a healthy and robust companion for life. Our puppies are in high demand, so act fast to reserve your bundle of joy. Contact us today to learn more about our available puppies! They thrive on human companionship and are known for their affectionate nature, making them an ideal addition to any loving home. Jordana Payne Purebred Pug puppies These beautiful puppies have been raised in a loving family home. They love kids and people in general and are confident, healthy, playful babies. Been fed premium food to ensure optimum growth. Both parents have amazing temperament and are beautiful family dogs. Neither parent has ever had any health issues and both cleared by vet as excellent examples of the breed to breed from. Puppies have been regularly wormed, will be vet checked, had first vax and microchipped prior to leaving. Their puppy pack will contain their vet certificate, microchip documentation, vaccination details, some premium food and a toy. We love to stay in touch with people who purchase a pup and always happy to answer questions and provide support once they leave. I have heaps more photos to share, was having trouble adding them to the add. Fawn, purebred, perfect health, microchipped and fully vaccinated. Inside and outside trained. Needs to go to a loving home as we are unable to keep him due to family circumstances. Danielle Jug x cavoodle These beautiful puppies are ready to find their new forever homes. Born on 22nd of March , they already have plenty of personality and grow more and more everyday. Pups are Jug x cavoodle. Our puppies are very affectionate and the perfect companion for your family. Both are very affectionate and loving dogs. If you are interested or want more information or even want to meet our babies please feel free to make contact. Julie Watson Purebred pug Puppies Beautiful purebred boys pup pugs. We have 3 beautiful healthy boys available to join their forever families at 8 weeks old. They will be vet checked, microchipped and vaccinated at 6 weeks. They will start being wormed at 2 weeks old. They will be fed Hill's puppy food, the same as their mum eat. Mum is fawn and father apricot. Both mum a dad are very healthy pugs. For more information please text me on Simone Humphrey.

Autoimmune Diseases Eye Disease Most of these problems, however, can be prevented or treated as long as you are willing to monitor your dog and keep a close eye on them. You can ask your veterinarian to schedule your dog for a DNA test that will help in the determination of possible inherited diseases. There are also balanced diets that are dependent on what your dog needs. You can ask your veterinarian for a diet recommendation that is specific for your dog. Rottweiler German Shepherd Cross Food Requirements It is vital that your Rottweiler German Shepherd cross is fed the right diet to maintain its glorious health and physique. You must also keep in mind that this breed is prone to obesity, so exercise and proper diet is important to avoid health complications. Producers have different recipes for big dogs, so make sure you check the label when buying the best large breed dry dog food. On the other hand, its parent breeds, German Shepherd and Rottweiler, have similar dietary needs to there is not much complication as to what to feed your puppy. Older dogs will be better off with the best senior dry dog food brands. As similar with other dogs, there better the source or main ingredient is in dog food, the healthier your pet becomes. Check out our guide to best dry dog food and learn more about the nutritional requirements of canines. The main concern with dog food recipes, however, is the presence of grains. Many owners opt for a grain-free option, which is what to go for to avoid allergies in your dogs. To help you pick out the best dog food for your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, here are some of the best high-protein dog foods: 1. Dog For Dog Food — Not only affordable, but this dog food is also grain-free which is described as what dogs would eat in the wild. It is known to have a better flavor and provides digestible energy and natural antioxidants for a healthier immune system. Wellness Core Dog Food — This dog food has recipes for all sizes and ages. It has an above-average protein and fat content, as well as below-average carbohydrates when compared to other brands. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement and similar products may be considered if you believe the dog is not getting enough micronutrients. Always consult with the vet before giving such products to your pup. They will determine whether the pooch needs their food boosted. Rottweiler German Shepherd Hybrid Exercise Requirements The German Shepherd Rottweiler hybrid is not recommended for owners who have small homes or apartments not only because of their size but also because of their exercise requirements which will include outdoor activities that are best conducted in a spacious backyard. They can spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors in fine weathers. They also tend to become destructive and chew a lot of things if cooped up for too long. If you are going to leave for a dog for longer than a few hours, it is better to leave them at a dog daycare so they can enjoy and socialize with other dogs. The dog is also fine with any kind of weather since they harbor a decent tolerance of heat and cold. Your dogs will need to have a good exercise regimen especially outdoors. They need to have high physical exercise if you want them to stay fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated. You can start by walking them at least twice a day for at least an hour. You can also opt to jog with your Shottie because experts also recommended that they are involved in high impact and fast-paced exercises. Like most dogs, they also enjoy playing games like balls and fetch at public parks. This can help their mind active and their muscles lean. Always remember that your pet is prone to obesity so satisfying their exercise regimen is important. Rottweiler Crossbred with German Shepherd Training Since its parent breeds are famous for their protective instincts, the chances are that the puppy will also inherit them. For this reason, you should socialize your puppy at a young age so prevent their aggressive tendencies and have them get used to the presence of other animals and people. The training your Shottie will receive highly depends on your intention for adopting the dog. First, you must ask yourself if you want them to become a guard dog or a companion dog. Positive reinforcement such as rewards and praises are highly recommended in training your pet. Here are some of the effective methods in which you can teach your dog: The Mark Good Behavior Method — Pick out a unique sound for your dog and chime it whenever your dog does something right. You can use it so that your puppy will learn that music means a reward is coming. Eventually, you can use it along with command words. The Mirror Me Method — If your dog is glued to you all the time, you can use this chance to teach them how to behave through mimicry. The Tied To You Method — If you intent your dog to become a companion dog, keep him tied to you most of the time and try to build communication and trust with them. German Shepherd Crossbreed with Rottweiler and Families One of the many ways that you can adopt a Rottman Shepherd is through rescue shelters but be careful in picking one. You must be well aware of its upbringing and temperament because there is a chance that these dogs were abandoned because of behavioral issues as a result mainly of lack of training, poor obedience, lack of socialization, or sometimes, even aggression. With small kids, it can be hard to control them because they are quite large. They might become overwhelming for the children. On the other hand, they are also in need of a company most of the time because they tend to become destructive if bored. With proper training at a young age, they can become beautiful guard dogs that are active. They can also provide families with good companionship as they love creatures. This combination of two breeds has been used for many purposes throughout history, but they are most commonly seen today as family pets or working dogs. The purpose of this article is to explore the unique characteristics and temperament that make up this exciting hybrid. The Rottweiler is one of the oldest known herding breeds in existence, having been around since Roman times when they were used to herd cattle and guard livestock. On the other hand, the German Shepherd was developed more recently during the late 19th century from various European Shepherd breeds for use as police dogs and military sentries. Together, these two powerful breeds have created a loyal and intelligent crossbreed that excels at just about anything you train them for! When it comes to Rottweiler German Shepherd temperament there are some key similarities between both parent breeds that may be passed onto their offspring. Both parents display strong loyalty towards their owners which can often result in intense devotion; however, it is important to note that early socialization will help ensure your pup grows into a well-rounded adult who gets along great with children and other animals alike. Additionally, both parents possess natural protectiveness which makes this mix ideal for families looking for a watchful companion. These beautiful dogs are a blend of two powerful breeds, combining strength and agility with reliability and intelligence. Their coats can range from black and tan to solid brown or cream, sometimes with white markings. They often have thick double coats that require regular brushing and grooming. It should also be noted that this mix is prone to drooling due to its parentage. However, both Rottweilers and German Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia so this may be something you need to watch out for if your dog is at risk. Grooming requirements are fairly straightforward; brush once or twice a week using a soft bristle brush and bathe as needed — no more than every other month! With consistent training and plenty of playtime throughout the day, these loyal companions can make wonderful family pets! This breed combines the loyalty and intelligence of both the Rottweiler and German Shepherd, creating an unstoppable powerhouse that loves to work hard and play harder. Despite their superhuman strength, these dogs are actually quite gentle with those they trust; making them great family pets when properly socialized and trained. In fact, regular exercise, training, and socialization is essential for any Rottweiler German Shepherd in order to keep their energy levels in check and ensure proper behavior around people and other animals alike. A well-exercised dog is a happy one! With consistent care and attention, your four-legged friend will prove themselves time again to be not only courageous but loving too. Check out the video below of Bonnie, the beautiful Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix puppy pottering around the home! It is essential to recognize that your hybrid breed will likely possess several traits from both breeds. As such, you must take care when training them as they may not respond in the same way as either of their purebred parents would. When adopting a Shepweiler, socialization should begin immediately and continue throughout their life. This includes exposing them to different people and animals so they can develop positive associations with those around them. It is also necessary to establish yourself as the alpha in order for successful training sessions. Firm yet gentle guidance should always be used during these times together. Training your pup using rewards-based methods will help foster trust between you and your Shepweiler while encouraging good behaviors. A variety of activities can be explored including agility courses, obedience classes, scent-tracking games, or even just going on walks every day! The key takeaway here is that any dog requires patience and consistency from its owner; this goes double for hybrid breeds like the Shepweiler which have an innate combination of genetic traits from two distinct dogs. Just like a train, these dogs need the occasional pit stop to refuel and get cleaned up before they can keep going. Exercise is essential for this breed in order to maintain their physical health as well as mental alertness. When it comes to exercise, one size does not fit all when it comes to the Rottweiler German Shepherd mix. The amount of activity that each particular dog needs will vary depending on its age and overall energy level. Puppies of course require more vigorous workouts than adult dogs who have much lower levels of energy — but even adults need plenty of regular exercise in order to remain healthy and happy! These mixes are working breeds so you should make sure your pup gets at least an hour or two of moderate activity every day — such as taking them out for walks or having them run around in the yard with other dogs or people. With enough exercise, your mixed-breed companion will be content and full of life which makes both you and your pup happier in the long run. This breed needs an owner who can provide it with plenty of mental challenges, such as training and obedience classes or puzzles to solve. The best way to keep your mixed breed stimulated mentally is by providing them with regular activity and exercise. A bored pup will find ways to entertain themselves which may not be ideal behavior. So take advantage of their intelligence and focus on activities like agility courses, nose work, tricks, and commands. Not only are these activities fun but they also help build a bond between you and your pup. Taking time out of each day to give your Rottweiler German Shepherd mix something new to learn helps them stay sharp — both physically and mentally. Grooming Requirements When it comes to grooming requirements, the Rottweiler German Shepherd mix is a unique breed. As an example, take Betty. She is a one-year-old Rottweiler German Shepherd mix who lives with her family in Texas. Like all dogs of this particular hybrid, Betty requires regular brushing and bathing to keep her coat looking its best. This will help keep her coat shiny and remove any dirt or debris from deep within the fur. Regular checkups are also recommended to make sure she remains healthy during these sessions. In addition to professional grooming, proper nutrition plays an important role in keeping Betty looking good too! Her diet should contain high-quality proteins and fats along with plenty of vitamins and minerals so she can get all the nutrients she needs for optimal health. Providing the right food for your pup goes hand in hand with regular grooming; together these two elements can give them their happiest life possible! They need high-quality protein sources in their diet — this will help them grow strong and healthy. Talk to your vet about the best way to feed your Rottweiler German Shepherd mix so they get all the essential nutrients they need. Your pup deserves only the highest quality meals available. Feeding them with nutritious ingredients like grass-fed beef, organic chicken, oats, brown rice, vegetables, fruits, and fish will give them everything they need for a healthy life. Avoid processed foods or anything with preservatives — these can lead to obesity and poor overall health in your mixed-breed dog. Give your pet plenty of fresh water too! Health Conditions The Rottweiler German Shepherd mixes may be prone to certain health conditions that are common in their parent breeds. Bloat Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, is a life-threatening condition. This condition is more common in deep-chested breeds like the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Heart Disease Rottweilers and German Shepherds are both at risk for certain types of heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy DCM and aortic stenosis. This means a hybrid of these two breeds is likely to be at risk too. DCM is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. Regular check-ups with your vet can help detect and manage these conditions. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, while PRA is a degenerative disease that leads to blindness. Regular eye exams can help detect and manage these conditions. Cancer Like most dog breeds, Rottweiler German Shepherd mixes may be at risk for certain types of cancer. This can include osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels. Are They Good with Children? Many people wonder if a Rottweiler German Shepherd mix is suitable for families with children. With proper training and socialization, they can be wonderful family dogs that get along well with children. As long as they receive appropriate training and are handled correctly, they make loyal companions who adore spending time around youngsters. Similarly, German Shepherds also possess good natures around kids. They are known to be gentle and loving towards them once trained properly. Invite your friends over with their own little ones or take your pup out for short walks around the neighborhood. This will help them learn how to interact properly with smaller humans from an early age. Also, remember that positive reinforcement techniques such as praising and rewarding good behavior works wonders—it will teach any doggy not only how best to behave around children but also create strong bonds between pup and parent alike! Are They Compatible with Other Dogs? Generally speaking, Rottweiler German Shepherd mixes are more tolerant than either breed on their own. Though some may be wary at first, most will learn quickly that other canines mean no harm if given proper socialization early on in life. This will help ensure the interaction remains peaceful and everyone involved feels safe and comfortable throughout it. With guidance from yourself and time spent getting acquainted with different types of doggy personalities, your pup will become an expert at making friends! The Rottweiler German Shepherd mix is a great option for first-time owners looking to add a pup to their family. This hybrid brings together the strength and intelligence of both parent breeds: the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Training should also start from puppyhood and continue throughout adulthood — something all new pet parents will want to keep in mind! Overall, Rottweilers mixed with German Shepherds can make loving, devoted pets. This is assuming they are given the right attention and care by dedicated owners who understand their needs. However, uneducated pet parents may find themselves overwhelmed since these pups tend to require more training than other breeds. This breed typically has a lifespan of around years. Generally speaking, when two different breeds are blended together in one puppy, any potential hereditary diseases from either parent will be lessened or avoided altogether. However, just like with their purebred parents there may be some cases where underlying conditions can arise unexpectedly due to genetics — so always consult your vet about having regular checkups for your pooch. That said, providing proper care and nutrition is essential for any pet and especially important for longer-living dogs such as this mix. So, make sure you stick to daily routines which include exercise, playtime, and quality food. This will help keep them happy throughout their lives! Following these guidelines will give your furry friend the best chance at living a long and fulfilling life full of love and cuddles! Puppy Prices Puppy prices can vary widely for mixed-breed puppies. By doing your homework beforehand and being aware of potential pitfalls expensive medical bills! Now that you have a better understanding of puppy prices, it is time to talk about where to buy a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix. This breed is one of the most popular mixed breeds in the world and can be found at many pet stores or dog breeders. In addition, make sure the breeder provides socialization services such as obedience classes or play dates with other puppies in order for your pup to develop properly. Investing in proper breeding practices will give you peace of mind knowing that your pup was cared for correctly during its infancy stages while helping him become an emotionally balanced adult canine companion! Final Thoughts It is clear that the Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix is a magnificent dog with many positive attributes. For those who are considering bringing one of these majestic canines into their home, there are certain considerations to be taken into account. This pup will require plenty of space and regular exercise in order to stay happy and healthy; house training should also be a top priority when it comes to these dogs. Although they make excellent protectors for your family, proper training must be provided in order for them to fulfill this role responsibly. Depending on where you live, your pet may prefer different types of climates — so remember to provide suitable shelter during extreme weather conditions! Last but not least, regular medical care is essential as part of being a responsible pet owner. From their awe-inspiring strength and intelligence to their loyal nature and reliability — owning such an awesome canine companion really is akin to having your own personal guardian angel by your side! I guarantee that any devoted human companion would feel truly blessed indeed if they were able to experience this divine relationship firsthand. Should a Rottweiler Mix take after their Rottweiler parent, they will be a larger and strong dog breed that has a sweet, lovable personality and a protective instinct. Rotties tend to be calm and aloof. They also love their families and are lovable, playful, and affectionate with them. As long as they have been properly socialized, a Rottweiler will still be alert and protective of their families, but they will also be open and friendly to new people, especially once they have been introduced. The other parent breed will introduce some traits that could affect this in a Rottweiler Mix, so you want to make sure you ask about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to see what her temperament is like and the manners she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started training and socialization, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Rottweilers are moderately adaptable dogs that are better suited to homes with fenced yards. They are more sensitive to heat and do not tolerate extreme temperatures very well. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed could introduce the potential for a Rottweiler Mix to be more or less adaptable. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit all of them or any combination of them. From the Rottweiler side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Rottweiler Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. The other parent breed will introduce its own set of conditions and you want to be aware of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Although the Rottweiler is a highly trainable dog breed that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please, they can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. They need structure and consistency in training and a confident leader to train them. As such, puppy training classes are recommended. The other parent breed could make a Rottweiler Mix easier or more difficult to train, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, and also offer socialization opportunities. A Rottweiler Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. If they inherit the Rottie coat, they will shed a bit year-round and heavier as the seasons change. Due to a lack of good dental care for dogs , gum disease is one of the most common health issues for them. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Rottweiler is a working dog breed with moderate exercise requirements. They need a job to do in addition to daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity. If the other parent breed also sits in the moderate range, then you can expect something similar from a Rottweiler Mix. But, if the other parent breed is a high-energy breed, then you will need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Rottweilers usually stand inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. So, make sure you ask the breeder about them. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Rottweiler Mix. Rotties generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should still be able to expect a similar life span in a Rottweiler Mix. Featured Rottweiler Mix Article.

How do I train my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? It is quite normal for young German shepherd dogs to be hungry but constant hunger does concern me. Ask the vet to check if the worm treatment is working. Two other potential causes are maldigestion and malabsorption. Pancreatic insufficiency is common in German shepherds. How much should a German shepherd puppy eat a day? To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the feeder, the feed manufacturer, or by your veterinarian. For example, you could expect to start feeding your puppy a total of around 3 cups a day of a high-quality kibble. Dogs and people, too need sugar for energy. Is it normal for my puppy to always be hungry? Your puppy might always be hungry because they need more daily calories. They may also have adopted bad habits caused through eating human food. Some dogs and puppies will naturally be more prone to food obsession. Do German Shepherd puppies eat a lot? Your GSD pup eats nearly double the amount of an adult in order to maintain growth rate and their higher daily energy needs. Balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. What time should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Feed 3 times per day from 8 to 12 weeks of age and twice per day thereafter. If you want to change the food, always choose a high quality puppy food labeled for large breeds. What do I do if my puppy is always hungry? Always stick to your feeding schedule. Should I let my puppy eat as much as he wants? Puppies need to eat a lot—and not too much. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs, and they should have a visible waist when you look down at them. Why is my puppy eating so fast? They get excited to eat, they see the food, and they all rush over to the bowl. Some puppies will quickly get over that behavior, but others will keep at it until they are taught to slow down. Should puppies eat 2 or 3 times a day? Puppies need small, frequent feedings. Is my puppy hungry or greedy? If you are feeding a quality dog food and if you are following the feeding instructions properly — then it is likely that your dog is just being greedy. How do you know when your puppy has worms? What are the signs your dog has worms? How much food should a 6 week old German Shepherd eat? How much should a 6 week old German Shepherd puppy eat? How much should I feed my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. My puppy is always hungry is a sentence most veterinarians hear all the time. But what about when you have the same problem with an adult dog or even a senior one? This leaves them not just having to adjust to a new living environment, but their body might also require some time to adjust. Newborn puppies have a feeding source available right there next to them, in the shape of their mother. Suddenly, your puppy is going from a constant supply of food to eating only two to four times a day. In the wild, dogs are opportunistic eaters. They can spend days without any access to food. This is the same reason many dogs express food aggression. Many wild dogs and wolves will scavenge for food and bury any leftovers so they can have them later. Does that sound familiar? If your dog is constantly trying to dig in the trash can, he is simply following his survival instincts. Survival Mode If you have an adult dog that is always hungry, chances are you adopted him when he was older than a few months. In fact, some puppies are even born with a parasitic infection they inherit from their mothers. They will stick onto the intestinal walls and absorb all the nutrients from the food your dog eats. This can lead to an increased appetite and malnutrition. If a dog has this disease, his body will produce too much glucocorticoid, a stress-regulating hormone. Too much glucocorticoid causes your dog to be hungry all the time. Dogs with diabetes will lack insulin, which normally helps glucose get into the blood cells. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, making your dog hungry all the time. Keep in mind that young puppies have a much faster metabolism than older dogs. They can eat a lot without weight gain. However, if you notice they are becoming underweight, this is a red flag. The smartest thing would be to talk to your vet about the right amount of food your puppy requires. Most of the time, this will depend on things such as dog breed and size and his activity levels. Large breeds that are active will require more calories than small lap dogs. If you have a small puppy, be prepared to feed him about four times a day. Puppies require lots of small meals as their metabolism is faster, which is also the reason puppies will want to poop much more often than adult dogs. An older puppy should be fed 2 to 3 times a day. Adult dogs should eat no more than twice a day — unless they are working dogs with higher activity levels. Active dogs require more small meals a day as this can provide them with enough energy to go through their day. Food Needs The amount of dog food required will depend mostly on the size of your dog. This should make sense. A large dog should eat more than small breeds. However, the main indicator of how much food a puppy should eat is his weight. For example, a pound German Shepherd puppy will require 2 cups of food daily not per meal! On the other hand, a small, 5-pound Chihuahua puppy will need no more than one cup of food per day. A pound Bulldog puppy will also require 2 cups of food, just like a pound German Shepherd pup. They will require more calories and high-quality dog food without any fillers. Keep in mind that puppies should eat wet food until they are old enough to chew on a kibble. For large dogs, this is usually when they reach 10 weeks of age. Smaller dog breeds have smaller teeth, which is why they might not be prepared for dry food until they are at least 14 weeks old. Fortunately, there are ways to notice whether your puppy is underweight or overweight. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself when looking at your pup: 1. Can I easily see his ribs? Can I easily feel his ribs? When I look at my dog from above, do I see his waistline? The answers to these questions will tell you everything you need to know. Underfed puppies have a too slender waist, while overfed ones tend to not have a clear waistline at all. Most puppies, just like babies, have a little bit of tummy fat. If you think your puppy is really overweight, you might even want to take him to the vet. Of course, all puppies are different, and some dog breeds will always look chubbier than others. However, these guidelines are a general rule of thumb that can help you determine whether your dog is eating too much or too little. Bad Habits Many pet owners make mistakes when feeding their pets. They do this out of best intentions, as they simply cannot stand the thought of their beloved companion being hungry for a second. Feeding Dogs Table Scraps Giving human food and table scraps to your dog is always a terrible idea, especially if you have a growing puppy. This makes it challenging to keep track of what your dog is eating. Of course, this means your entire family has to be with you on this. Overfeeding We cannot stress this enough: overfeeding is the main reason dogs become obese. While chubby puppies might look cute, there is nothing healthy about having an obese dog. Obesity can lead to many problems, especially in large breeds prone to orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Overall, the best possible thing is to stick to your feeding schedule, no matter the event or the behaviors your dog is expressing. There are a couple of things you might want to try if you want to speed up these efforts: Give More Frequent Meals When you bring a new puppy home, you should give him many small meals. As mentioned before, four meals should be enough. This will ease his transition from breastfeeding. As time goes by and your puppy gets used to eating wet food, lower the number of daily meals. Add Water to the Kibble When a puppy starts eating dry food, he might not be used to it. This can make him eat more or less of it than he should, which will make him hungry all day long. He might even eat slower than he normally would, which will help his tummy feel full. As he grows older, reduce the amount of water until you leave him with nothing but kibbles. This is the healthiest way to ensure he is eating the right amount of food and that his transition to dry food goes well. Use Some Type of Obstacle One of the reasons your puppy might be feeling hungry all the time is that he is eating too fast. The same happens with humans. Adding a cup in the middle of the feeding bowl can be enough. Your puppy will have to eat around it, which will make him eat slower than he normally would. You can even find many specially designed food bowls made for fast eaters. These can also help prevent bloating or calm down puppies that get overly excited during mealtime. Consult Your Vet If you feel like there is something wrong with your puppy and his eating habits, you might want to consult your vet just to be on the safe side. Unfortunately, there are some medical causes behind the constant hunger some puppies feel. This can help you sleep calmly. The Final Word All puppies have unique needs. Is he too big or too small for his age? If your puppy is being annoying and constantly begging for food, the most important thing is to not give in to his begging. The sun is out and the weather is nice. Everything is going well until they pull hard on their leash all of a sudden. Then you hear a crunching sound. They resist with all their might. And now everyone is looking at you. What a relief! You often wonder: Why does this happen? Your German Shepherd may be starting to discover new things. Especially if they are still a puppy or they are in a new environment. This includes sniffing and having a taste of anything they could get their hands on. Or rather, their paws. Sometimes, they really are just eating machines! This is why they are considered as some of the most effective guard dogs. Yes, they do sniff. But they also treat themselves once in a while. Through licking and eating things. But before you give your canine some downtime, try to understand them. Why do they do these things? One word: wolves. But after some time, they learned the ways they can scavenge food from humans. And then they were able to eat without having to hunt. But the food was limited back then. So they used to stuff themselves with everything before the food ran out again. This instinct is still intact until today. Our dogs will go through our trash or would eat scraps from our table. They would eat anything we offer them. All was going well until they drove their heads right in the picnic mat. You cover your face in embarrassment. Goodness, gracious! Even if your dog just ate a minute ago, they always look for food. Why is that? The reason why they eat everything could be because you are not feeding them enough. German Shepherds are large dogs. Their average weight ranges from 49 pounds to 88 pounds 22 kg to 39 kg. With that weight, they have to be fed correctly. If not, they will look for food sources elsewhere. Your dog loves to eat grass. Wherever you go for walks, they stay in one place and gobble on some fresh greens. Then they vomit them. Especially when they also love to give you kisses afterward. This could be because they need certain nutrients. If they eat grass all the time, they could be lacking in fiber. Or they just love the taste of organic goodies. Well, unless they are eating poisonous plants. In which case, you should take them to a vet immediately. The stool may have parasitic worms that can lead to stomach problems. But if your dog eats feces, it means they may have nutritional deficiencies. You can resolve this by letting them take multivitamins. If your German Shepherd is eating non-stop, this could be because of medical reasons. They may have a parasite in their small intestine such as tapeworms that can cause them to be hungry all the time. Think of it as being pregnant. A mom could be eating for two: herself and the baby in her womb. Whereas your dog is also eating for two: for themself and the tapeworm. Taking them to the vet for some medications should do the trick. Dogs also experience this. Pica is a compulsive disorder which could be caused by behavioral reasons such as fear or stress. An example of this is when they fear punishment for destroying something. So to get rid of the evidence, they would eat it instead. Note that this behavior is dangerous. It could cause a loss of appetite, stomach problems, and choking. Final thoughts 1. They sometimes treat each opportunity for food like it may be their last one. They believe deep down on a genetic level that food can very well become a scarce commodity and a limited resource. Their feeling is that they are not guaranteed a meal every day, or even every few days, and this may cause their survival instinct to kick in. If this becomes the case with your German Shepherd, then you are going to have to take control of the situation and exert your inner Alpha Leader. Then, come up with a regular feeding schedule, and above all, stick to it! Refrain from allowing anyone, family or visitors, from giving your dog any type of human table scraps or handouts. And with treats, only allow your dog to have them when it has earned them by following instructions or being calm and submissive. This is when you will remove the bowl, whether the entire meal was eaten or not. This will serve to help your dog learn the schedule of mealtime, and that they can expect to not be getting anything until the next meal. As your dog gets in tune with a schedule, it should work to remove the desire of always looking for something to eat. Psychology Another reason that your German Shepherd may always be acting like it is hungry may very well be based on psychology. Dogs are very habitual creatures, and as such any change in their mannerisms may indicate a deeper problem. If your German Shepherd has always presented as a somewhat passive eater but then seems to become more greedy in nature, then it may be time to investigate the possibility of something more than just basic instinct at work. Dogs, much like their human companions, can suffer from psychological issues. And when they do, often the first indication is a sudden and unexplained change in their personality as well as their habits. Some examples would be: Have you or your family recently moved? Has the German Shepherd recently been rehomed? Changes such as these are known to bring about feelings of insecurity and anxiety, which in turn will lead to extra added stress on your German Shepherd. In the case of a change in the pack dynamic, such as the case of the addition of a new dog to your home, you will need to supervise meals for a while. It is best to make sure that the newest member of the household is not trying to push the older member away from the bowl during feeding time. Improper Nutrition When most owners think of improper nutrition, they think of it in terms of a loss of appetite, not increasing appetite. However, the problem can have both effects on your German Shepherd. When it comes to store-bought, processed dog food, manufacturing companies pack the cans chock full of grains, starches and most of all fiber. Fiber is not as beneficial, or even beneficial in the same manner to dogs as it is to humans. Fiber, much like in humans, can aid in a dog feeling full after a meal. However, science shows that carbs from starches, as well as from fiber, are but a small percent of the daily healthy requirements for our dogs. This will then lead to food-seeking behavior. To make sure that your dog is getting a balanced and protein-rich meal, it is crucial that you feed them a nutritionally complete fresh food diet that is species-appropriate. A consultation with your vet can go a long way, as they can suggest the best feeding choices for your individual dog. If the proper food is fed during each meal, then your German Shepherd will be less likely to be seeking an additional meal later. Aging As our canine companions age, their physical systems will go through some changes. One of those changes can unfortunately be the inability of their system to properly digest, absorb, and make use of the food that they ingest. For this reason, many dogs, as they enter into their golden years, will appear to be hungry all the time. This condition, more commonly referred to as malabsorption. This is an ailment that originates in the gastrointestinal tract of a German Shepherd, resulting in the effect that no matter how much food the dog eats, it will still feel hungry almost all of the time. The treatment for malabsorption in aging dogs varies depending on what the root cause may actually be. In many instances, the German Shepherd will need to have a significant restructuring of their meals. This meal restructuring may include the prescribing of a diet that is gluten-free in an attempt to ease the feeling of hunger, which in turn may help towards managing the condition. Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth The intestines of most living creatures normally have lots of bacteria present. However, the number of intestinal bacteria can sometimes grow too quickly, and this abnormal rate of growth may sometimes become the start of the problem. With bacterial overgrowth in dogs, the area affected is that of the small intestines. The most commonly exhibited signs of small intestines bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO , are those of diarrhea and flatulence. With the idiopathic form in the German Shepherd breed, some dogs may appear overly and excessively hungry, as well as engaging in the act of pica or stool ingestion. The most commonly prescribed treatment for bacterial overgrowth is a series of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are taken orally. As a rule, the medicines most often chosen for use are those of tylosin, oxytetracycline, and metronidazole. Onset of Diabetes Dogs owners are sometimes surprised to learn that many of the illnesses that we as humans suffer from also apply to their dogs. One such malady that affects both humans and dogs alike, is diabetes. Diabetes mellitus , or uncontrolled levels of sugar in the bloodstream, is a disease that has a variety of factors that play into its development. Although it is widely thought that the German Shepherd is not genetically disposed to contracting diabetes, know that all dog breeds are susceptible. When a German Shepherd develops diabetes, and the fluctuations in blood sugar that comes with it, they may present with constant and ferocious hunger. The treatment for dogs diagnosed with diabetes is pretty much the same as with humans. Dietary changes are also commonly prescribed, which should help with the sudden spikes in blood sugar that are known to occur often. The treatment for German Shepherds diagnosed with diabetes can be long-term if not a life-long requirement. When this happens, the dog will show all the symptoms of starvation, including an ever-present hunger and appetite. At this current time, there is no cure known to work for EPI. A dog diagnosed with EPI does will not necessarily experience a shortened life span. If properly diagnosed, and the condition is treated properly, the dog can continue to enjoy as full and as active of a lifestyle as any other dog. When the enzymes are added to its food each time a dog is fed, the supplement works to help break down and aid in the digestion of the food from each meal. Hyperthyroidism This condition presents the same in dogs as it does in humans. Because the thyroid controls all of the systems in the body, there is no one system that remains unaffected by the condition. Hypothyroidism itself is brought on by the excessive production of the hormone thyroxine. This increased production is generally diagnosed as a result of aggressive thyroid cancer. The thyroxine is the very fuel that causes the increase of metabolism to occur. Although the condition may be triggered by a diet that contains high levels of hormones, the usual culprit is that of an aggressive cancer of the thyroid, resulting in a tumor. Unfortunately, more often than not, this diagnosis is terminal. Treatment is usually determined by one of multiple factors, including the size of any tumor present, and if said tumor has already metastasized to other organs or systems of the body. The medical term for the syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism, is one in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. The adrenal glands are commonly located near the kidneys of the dog, and are vital to the function and sustaining of the body systems needed for life. As for treatment, that depends on which form of the syndrome that the German Shepherd is diagnosed with. Treatment could simply mean the halting of any steroids that are being given to the dog, to the possibility of surgery to remove any tumors that may be present in the adrenal or pituitary glands. Your vet may also introduce a different course of treatment, which will most often have to be followed to the letter and maintained on a regular and consistent basis. Intestinal Cancers As mentioned above, when the intestines of a German Shepherd are affected, then there is usually a problem with the absorption of nutrients. Many types of cancers that develop in our dogs are gastrointestinal in origin. The cancers usually present with tumors in either the rectum, stomach or the intestines. Both of these types of tumors are known to grow at a rapid pace. Although the current treatment is surgery, a lasting cure seldom results, as the cancer has more often than not already metastasized. Chemotherapy may be suggested but is usually found to be unsuccessful. If a dog suffers from either of these types of cancers, survival time is usually anywhere from two to ten months. In most cases, painkillers are highly advised, in an effort to lessen any pain that may be associated with the cancers. The sudden onset of increased appetite in German Shepherds may possibly be an indication of one of several other underlying conditions. Contact your veterinarian at this point for further evaluation. If you suspect that any of the above are reasons that your dog may be experiencing constant hunger, it is highly advised to consult with your veterinarian. The endocrine system is responsible for the production of the hormone cortisol. So what exactly is cortisol and why is it important? It regulates weight, tissue, and skin conditions. In effect, your German Shepherd will be more vulnerable to disease and infections because of a weak immune system. Do German Shepherds Shed? What feeding plan you enforce from their puppyhood days should be stuck to throughout their lives. There are a few dog feeding plans, choose the best one based on what character your dog has. A full bowl of food usually dry kibble is placed out allowing your dog to eat whenever they want to. Also, if you have many dogs, they can access the food from the same bowl. They can eat whenever they are hungry and not have to wait for feeding. This feeding plan gives owners more flexibility and freedom. But, on the other hand, there are disadvantages. A greedy dog can easily eat beyond his fill, making him overweight and prone to obesity! Plus, in particular, one dog could bully the other dogs and stop them from eating their fair share of food. Do German Shepherd Like Water? Can They Swim? After this, it is taken away. So while scheduled feeding may make your dog eat fast as he is afraid you will take his food away, overeating is not a possibility. But, if your dog is a slow eater he could end up feeling hungry all day long. People even mention this as a cruel method of feeding. Portion feeding is especially good if your dog is on a diet plan. He will stay within eating limits. On the other end, portions allocated in portion feeding could be inadequate for your dog if you miscalculate! Also, this type of feeding requires you to feed your dog multiple times. Do German Shepherd Drool? Causes of Drooling 5 Anxiety Just as humans are prone to overeating due to anxiety, dogs are the same. An anxious German Shepherd can easily eat too much or eat too frequently. As his owner, it is your responsibility to observe these eating changes. But first, you must get down to the source of the problem. Why is your German Shepherd anxious? Dogs can get anxious for a number of reasons. The most common ones are insecurity and loneliness. If a person or animal has moved in, your dog could be feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. If someone your dog cares about has moved out, your dog could miss him, making him feel anxious. His peak appetite will be when he is an adult as his metabolism and energy expenditure are both high in adulthood. But, as your dog enters his senior years his body is not what it used to be. He will be unable to digest food the same way he could. This actually leads to vital nutrients and minerals not being properly absorbed by the intestine. A condition called malabsorption. As a result, your senior German Shepherd is prone to feeling hungry all the time. Fortunately, you as an owner can help to deal with this. If you have recently adopted a German Shepherd from a shelter, he is likely to feel hungry all the time. This is because of the insecurity that he feels. Perhaps he feels he may not get food again for a long time. Eventually, after he settles down this may not be his fear anymore. But, not all dogs learn to let go of this instinct. All you can do is offer up support and love and hope he feels safe and loved by you. If your dog has a dog sibling that has just joined the family recently, this instinctive eating could be seen. This is because they feel that the other dog might eat all the food and he will remain hungry. So, to assure he is fed and fit, he will definitely eat a lot! A German Shepherd can eat most meats like beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and duck. You can give your dog raw meat to provide all the required nutrients. These meats can be eaten cooked but nutrients may be lost in the process of cooking. Fruits and vegetables are essential for dogs as they are for humans. Carrots act as a crunchy snack besides being high in vitamins and a nice way to incorporate fiber into their diet. Nuts are a great energy-boosting snack but only give your German Shepherd hazelnuts or peanuts. That too, in moderation. Other foods safe for your German Shepherd are whole grains, honey, peanut butter, and quinoa. Can You Shave German Shepherd? Meats like shrimp and fish are not advisable and require monitoring. Some fish can have parasites that can affect your dog. Dogs cannot eat some fruits. This includes avocados, grapes, pears, grapes, raisins, and persimmons. Nuts have high calories and influence weight gain in your dog. Macadamia, pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are the main nuts your dog cannot eat. Other foods you should never feed your dog are chocolate cacao , caffeine, xylitol, salt, and potatoes. All human junk and fast food are not good for your pet dog. These items usually taste good but increase weight and cholesterol and sugar levels. The monthly cost of feeding a full-grown German Shepherd fluctuates. The cost of feeding a German Shepherd depends on the age of your German Shepherd, its appetite, and the food brand chosen. The total monthly cost of owning a German Shepherd is more because of other costs pertaining to vet bills, toys, and other bills. Why is my German Shepherd not eating in summer? It is very common for a German Shepherd to eat less during summer. Hence, requiring less energy. But, it is not common for them to stop eating completely! Take them to a vet as there is probably an underlying reason for this.

Beating or hitting Labradors when they behave in an undesirable manner will not help them become better trained dogs. Rather, they will become fearful of you, which will ultimately defeat the training process. It is easy to apply human morality and motivation to your Labrador. But the fact of the matter is that your Labrador is not human and 'just is' and 'just does'. For example, eating the sleeve of your best work shirt is not a conscious act on behalf of your dog to upset you. Oftentimes, the shirt was just there and it was chewable. Instead of becoming exasperated with and angry at your Labrador for chewing your shirt, encourage him to chew his play toy and reward him with praise for doing so. Clicker training facilitates the immediate delivery of positive reinforcement. Labradors are highly trainable because they are so food motivated and this makes clicker training ideal for them. The clicker itself is a tiny plastic box held in the palm of your hand. It has a metal tongue that you push to instantly make the sound. The method works by teaching the dog that every time he hears the clicking sound, he gets a treat. Eventually the dog will come to learn that clicks are always followed by treats and this is a very powerful incentive for Labradors. Once your dog makes this connection, you can use the clicker to instantly reward the Labrador for performing the right behavior such as sitting down. Over time, he will learn that sitting down when "on command" gets him rewards. Most dogs are constantly hungry. Labradors in particular are food-oriented and motivated. For example, if your Labrador is gnawing through your settee, encourage him to pick up his play toy and then reward him with a treat and make a great fuss of him. The treats can gradually give way to praise and, over time, your Labrador will learn not to chew on your settee. Cooked kidney is a cheap alternative to buying dog treats and is also very easy to prepare and cut up. Many dogs will even work for their regular dog kibble. Giving treats as a reward for the behavior you wish to encourage should be used only as a starting measure. Treats should soon be replaced with praise as the reward, otherwise the dog may become overweight or even obese. Some trainers recommend having a dog with attention problems have to earn every kibble in his bowl, instead of being fed large meals at one time. For instance, if your Labrador has taken to either launching himself at passers by or other dogs or barking at people and other dogs, then you should try to distract him. You need to temporarily interrupt your Labrador's stream of thought by talking to or commanding him or by an action such as stomping your foot. Prepare ahead of the actual distraction by working on distraction techniques with treats in low distraction settings and at home. Make sure you follow through with praise and treats. As you get more confident where it is quiet, increase the level of difficulty by walking around the block or near a dog park to work on his skills. Work up slowly to added distraction and you will both gain confidence in your Labrador's ability to handle a crowd. A professional dog trainer, such as one from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers APDT , is highly knowledgeable about dogs and can help you learn basic handling skills. Though it is an added expense, having professional assistance is beneficial because it helps you and your energetic dog communicate effectively. You may even consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist. These are veterinarians who have additional training and expertise in animal behavior. They are wonderful dogs. Be fair, consistent, and clear. They'll reward you in turn with love and affection! How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Take the Quiz Crossing a French Bulldog with a smaller dog breed The first and most obvious way of creating mini French Bulldogs is by crossbreeding a standard Frenchie with another small dog breed like a Yorkie or a Toy Poodle. Naturally, the pups will be mixes of the two breeds, so the breeding needs to be repeated across several generations until the puppies have all the physical traits of a Frenchie and retain only the small size of the other breed. Breeders usually achieve this around the third generation. Crossbreeding is not a new practice although it is quite a controversial one. However, it is still considered to be the safest method to produce a mini French Bulldog, and the simple reason for that is the health of the puppies. A crossbreed mini Frenchie is less likely to suffer from any of the health issues that their parents may be predisposed to. Breeding the runts of the litter Another method that some breeders use to create mini Frenchies is breeding runts. Constantly breeding such puppies with the aim to pass down the small-size trait not only involves possible health risks but it also takes multiple generations to achieve the desired miniature size. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies Breeding Frenchies with dwarfism The last and by far the worst method is purposefully breeding Frenchies with the dwarfism mutation gene to create puppies with shorter bodies and legs. Unfortunately it comes with a number of health issues for Frenchies who already have a delicate bone structure: it may not only cause a lot of pain for them in the legs, back, and hips but also significantly reduce their lifespan. Pros Mini Frenchies are a great choice for city dwellers who live in small apartments with little space. Due to their small size mini Frenchies require less food and exercise. They of course still need a high quality dog food as well as daily playtime and walks. Mini Frenchies have all the best personality traits that we adore in French Bulldogs: they are funny, affectionate and extremely friendly. Their adorable look is hard to resist! Ultimate Guide. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The French Bulldog is a clown in a lapdog. They enjoy playing and entertaining their family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with their favorite person. They are amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please. A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of its physical needs. Frenchie snores and may wheeze and drool. Require minimal coat care Facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned. Brachycephalic syndrome stenotic nares, elongated soft palate Intervertebral disk disease CHD seldom causes symptoms or problems Allergies History Where are French Bulldogs from? In the nineteenth century, the Bulldog was fairly popular in England, especially around Nottingham. The French women, especially, were attracted to these little Bulldogs, especially those with erect ears a common but disliked feature in England. Dog dealers brought more of the clownish little dogs to France, where they soon became the rage of Paris. The dogs were dubbed Bouledogue Francais. How big do French Bulldogs get? Some Bulldogs are quite small weighing less than 25 lbs, however, dogs in this breed on average, weigh 28 lbs. What are some French Bulldog facts and information? Facts French Bulldogs are best known for: Bat ears. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Ohio A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. They have short noses, beautiful eyes, and bat-like ears. If trained properly, they are one of the best dogs, which is why they are the 4th most popular breed of dogs in the United States and one of the favorite family pets for people in Ohio. French bulldogs also tend to get complicated health conditions as they age, and these can get expensive to treat. There is also the fact that, unless properly trained, these dogs do not do well with other pets and sometimes are a menace to have around a new baby. The implication is that many of these dogs get sent to rescues and pet shelters, or they are abandoned or euthanized in worst-case scenarios. Fortunately, rescues are working hard to ensure that these dogs do not miss out on all the love they deserve. These French Bulldog rescues in Ohio are working hard to save as many of these dogs as they can and are helping them find new homes. There are many reasons why adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue is a good idea. You are providing homes to dogs that need them. You are ensuring that these dogs get the love and care they deserve. Adopting from rescues saves you money and help stop unnecessary breeders. You open up space for the rescue to save more dogs from being euthanized. If you are in Ohio and looking to adopt a French Bulldog from a rescue in Ohio, you have come to the right place. This article is a concise guide on the various rescues that have French Bulldogs for adoption and are located within Ohio. We will include contact details and include a note on their adoption processes. Our hope is that you will find the right dog for you and your family but also that you will choose to adopt and not buy. There is a very high probability of finding a French Bulldog for you and your family at this rescue. They are dedicated to providing a loving home, proper rehabilitation and healthcare to bulldogs with special health needs. These bulldogs are highlighted on their website as special needs cases. You can view their available Bulldogs for adoption here. Because of their dedication to ensuring the world is a better place for bulldogs, they go out of their way to find and rescue dogs who have been abandoned or sent to high-kill shelters. They also provide educational and informative resources on how to care for a bulldog. This is imperative because bulldogs are special dogs that require much financial commitment. Because of their commitment to providing healthcare and a loving home to special needs bulldogs, this rescue spends quiet a bit of money on vet care expenses. They are always open to donations and volunteer services from people who want to contribute to making the lives of these bulldogs better. The first step to getting a french bulldog from this rescue is to fill out and submit an online application form here. On their website, you will also find a list of adoption requirements. They do not give out dogs to people who are not older than 24 and who do not live in Ohio or are within a driveable distance from the rescue. Some of their dogs are special needs, and some require special conditions. So ensure you meet these conditions before applying to adopt a particular dog. The dog you want to adopt may also have other people hoping to adopt it. There could be a waiting period to review your application. The rescue will contact you and schedule a phone interview and a home visit if you are chosen. This is done to ensure that the French Bulldog is getting the best possible home for them. After this stage all you will need to do is make a final payment and pickup your new bulldog. Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center Columbus, OH Located in Columbus, this dog rescue is a government service that focuses on taking in and rehabilitating abandoned and stray dogs. They provide these dogs with love and care before they find new forever homes for them. Although they are not French Bulldog-specific, they welcome all dog breeds. Including French Bulldogs, and considering the sheer amount of dogs they take in, they are sure to get French Bulldogs from time to time. If you are in Ohio and looking for a place to get a French Bulldog, this shelter is a good place to start. Apart from serving as a dog rescue for homeless and abandoned dogs, they are also passionate about preventing animal cruelty and creating awareness about responsible pet ownership. They are always open to donations from people to help with their cause. Unlike other rescues that start their adoption process through an online form, this rescue starts their adoption process with a visitation. To adopt a dog, you visit the shelter, meet the adoption counselor, and talk about the type of dog you want and how qualified you are to take the dog. If the counselor decides that you are a good fit, you can go ahead and meet any of their available dogs. This is where you decide if the dog is a good fit for you. You can view their available dogs for adoption here. You are advised to come along with your family members and any pets you might have. The dog you are getting will be part of your family, so every member of your family should meet the dog before taking them home. If you have decided that you will get the dog, the next step is paying the adoption fee. You can often find French Bulldogs in breeders throughout the whole of Ohio. However, it would cost you a few thousand bucks more. Thus, it makes adoption an ideal option to consider. Moreover, it would benefit you by saving a lot of money. Moreover, these dogs usually come with complete vaccines and registrations. With such a big save of money, you can use it for the well-being of your adopted dog. You can buy grooming tools and toys, as well as its food. Still, you need to find one that suits your personality and your capacity. For this reason, you need to find a good French Bulldog rescue or shelter. A good rescue has excellent programs for the benefit of animals A good rescue or shelter should have active and preventive programs against overpopulation. Moreover, they need to exert effort in applying differential licensing. For this reason, you can see a good rescue or shelter if it rewards owners of neutered animals with benefits. A good rescue values neutering or spaying Aside from overpopulation, spaying and neutering help prevent other health issues. Thus, all adopted animals need to get spayed or neutered. You can see a good rescue or shelter if it complies by neutering all animals before entering their new homes. Thus, you can see a good rescue if it prioritizes the well-being of every animal it accommodates. You can see these if they have a specific adoption process and a set of adoption policies. All these things direct the well-being of the animals. A good rescue is well-maintained and clean. Cleanliness plays a vital role for a place to be a comfortable haven for animals. For this reason, rescues or shelters need to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of their surroundings. Moreover, it mirrors a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue French Bulldog? In general, French Bulldogs are well-tempered and friendly pets. However, one thing to note is that they can be quite stubborn. Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good rescue French Bulldog. Observe the dog The first thing you need to do is observe the dog, and most rescues or shelters have a certain room where you can do so. As soon as it gets comfortable, you may start observing. A good French Bulldog would be a little aloof but not aggressive. This attitude will pass as soon as it lives with you. A promising sign will be if it approaches every time you call but still keeps a short distance. One thing to note is that shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. A good French Bulldog likes to get petted. Most shelter and rescue dogs have issues with such. It will pass as you get to know each other. Play with the dog French Bulldogs may not be as playful as other breeds. However, playing is still a vital interaction you need to test out. Thus, you need to take note of how well the dog interacts while it plays. While these dogs like to play, they can get tired quickly. It also makes sense since they sleep more than they play. Walk with the dog French Bulldogs get tired quickly, but you can still take it for a short walk. As you do so, observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything in the road. A good French Bulldog may like to walk, but not much. As I said, these cute pets may love playing and walking, but they can tire quickly. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. A good French Bulldog can deal with other pets, but they can also be territorial. While they can be friendly, most french bulldogs may get aggressive, especially to unfamiliar faces. You can teach it to interact and deal with others with proper training. As always, if you plan to adopt a pet, it would require a lot of effort and patience. Other States.

Eager to get started? This is an important consideration because puppies have smaller bladders and may not have full control over them yet so a little extra patience and understanding is required. Like many dogs, senior Labradoodles can be harder to housetrain but if you own a puppy, you can start training them when they reach 4 to 6 months old. The Labradoodle is a naturally smart breed and will take about 4 to 5 months to housetrain. Consistent training and applying the right training methods will go a long way in making the process easier for you and your dog. Dogs are in the habit of sniffing the ground before doing their business. Barking and Whining Your dog will sometimes bark and whine to let you know that it needs to go outside. They can be signs of discomfort as they get the urge to pee or poop. Going in Circles This is another indication that your dog needs to go outside. Here are 3 methods we recommend. Choose one that you feel will work best for you: Method 1: Using Commands A tried and tested classic potty-training method, commands allow us to communicate with our dogs so they know what we expect from them. How To Do It As you start out, this method requires you to take your dog out 10 to 30 minutes after finishing a meal and every three hours. Issue your command and eventually, your dog will learn to associate the action with the word. Method 2: Bell Ringing This has to be one of the more impressive ways to train your Labradoodle. You can train your dog to ring a bell whenever it needs to go out for potty. Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! You only need to attach a bell like this one to your door so that it rings every time you go out. Potty Bells dog doorbells are THE original dog doorbell made of only the highest quality.Great Training Tool: Tired of the scratching and barking at your door? Dog potty door bells are the perfect aid to housetrain your puppy or dog. Follow our easy 3 step training guide. Teach your pooch.Simply the best puppy training bells for dogs. Eight color options. Black and grey Potty Bells also.Function: Potty Bells are the original superior dog training aid for housebreaking your puppy. Adjustable strap training bell is ideal for any size or age puppy or dog. Use the strong holding snaps to.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Teach your dog to ring the bell on its own. To do so, you can hold a treat near the bell and when your dog makes it ring, reward your pet with the treat and praise your dog profusely. If this happens, let them out anyway. Your pet will sooner or later tire of the game and will only ring the bell to alert you of legitimate potty breaks. Method 3: Crate-training Crate-training is another classic method for potty-training. This method also gives your dog a safe space where they feel comfortable and cozy as they adjust to a new home. Make sure that your dog can comfortably lie down, turn around, and stand in it. This method requires you to move quickly and let your dog out at the earliest sign that it needs to go. You can also let your dog out even before it starts sniffing and moving in circles. Depending on the dog, it can take days or weeks for crate training to work. Note that younger dogs will need to go out more frequently than older dogs. What should you name your Labradoodle puppy? Our best Labradoodle name ideas. Tips for Potty-training Success Do you have an idea of which training method you want to use? Here are some things to keep in mind: Tip 1: Maintain a Consistent Schedule One of the best ways to predict when your Labradoodle will need to go is to maintain a consistent feeding schedule. When you serve meals at the same time every day, your dog will learn to anticipate them and have more consistent bowel movements as well. You can also incorporate scheduled walks and playtime to create more consistency and give them the physical and mental stimulation that healthy dogs need. Tip 2: Treats and More Treats! Labradoodles have a healthy appetite that you can use to your advantage while potty-training them. Since Labradoodles inherit the eager to please personalities of their poodle parent , you can also shower them with praise and belly rubs to show them how pleased you are with them. Pro Tip: If your dog rings the bell, or relieves itself on command or right after you let it out of the crate, reward it immediately so they learn to associate the action with the reward. Tip 3: Build a Strong Bond This must be one of the most enjoyable tips on this list because it entails cuddling with your Labradoodle and spending time with it. As their owner, your dog will not only thrive by having a healthy and secure relationship with you but will also want to please you during potty-training. A great way to build a strong bond with your dog is by feeding it from your hand. This is particularly effective for shy and fearful dogs. Dogs by nature love their humans and enjoy their company. You can also use the opportunity to get to know your dog better. Additionally, pee pads are also much easier and more pleasant to deal with than cleaning your floor. Tip 5: Make Learning Fun As their owner, you can help them associate following commands with positive experiences. After your Labradoodle is done relieving itself, spend a few minutes playing with them. Get to know what activities they enjoy the most and reward them by engaging in them. While it may seem like an obvious and practical lesson, it may take some time for Labradoodles to understand what we want from them. Despite the challenges, potty training is worth the time and effort that you put in. Imagine what a difference a properly housetrained dog makes compared to an untrained one. Being patient with them as they learn will also help you establish a strong bond and make it easier if you want to teach them more tricks in the future. Remember to be patient, consistent, give your dog a structured schedule, and immediately reward your furry friend whenever the situation calls for it. If, once in a while your dog fails to measure up, just keep at it, and sooner or later your Labradoodle will pick up on what you want it to do. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Apr 26, Share Labradoodles are smart, loving, and active dogs. Hybrid dogs end up with traits from both parents. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both incredibly smart breeds. Here are nine expert tips to help you potty-train your Labradoodle. Take Your Time Patience is a virtue when it comes to potty training Labradoodles. The entire process can take 4 to 6 months, so get ready to clean up a few accidents! While most adult dogs can go for around hours without a bathroom break, puppies require more frequent trips outside. Most 3-month-old dogs need to pee every 4 hours, and 4-month-old puppies are usually okay for around 5 hours without a bathroom break. Puppies often require bathroom breaks first thing in the morning, after naps and meals, and before bed. Puppies often have physical tells that indicate they need to hit the bathroom. Once you know what those indications are, take your pet outside, encourage them to pee, and give them a nice reward. Dogs eventually learn to associate peeing outside with getting a reward, which usually leads to increased motivation to pee outside. Sniffing, pacing, and whining are often signs that dogs need a bathroom break. COM, Shutterstock 3. Stay on Schedule Feed and take your Labradoodle for walks at the same time each day. Regular scheduling often reduces canine stress, as most pets do best with steady routines. Stick with Positive Reinforcement and Training Labradoodles are sensitive dogs. Harsh training techniques, including punishment and even sharp reprimands, can increase canine anxiety, often making it difficult for dogs to learn. Catch your dog doing the things you want to see and provide lots of praise and treats for emphasis. And make sure to keep training, including potty training, fun to ensure your dog remains motivated, interested, and engaged. Image Credit: Josh Borup, Pixabay 5. Training and Bonding Most dogs can start basic obedience training at 8 weeks old. Begin with the basics, such as sit, stay, and down. Early obedience training and socialization exercises provide fantastic human-canine bonding opportunities. Owners often find that training is a great way to spend quality time with their pets. Because Labradoodles are people-oriented, having a strong bond with your dog may make the potty training process more manageable. Allow your pet to become comfortable with one way of communicating their need to take a potty break; you can always introduce alternative options after your dog has mastered the basics. Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock 7. Walk Your Puppy Before You Head Out Because puppies have small bladders, most need to use the bathroom more frequently than adult dogs. Walking your puppy at set times, like after breakfast and before bed, is often helpful. Set your Labradoodle up to succeed by allowing them to take appropriately spaced bathroom breaks. Take your dog to the same place every time you go for a walk, and wait until they go to the bathroom. When your dog uses the bathroom outside in the designated spot, provide treats and praise. Eventually, most dogs learn that peeing in that spot instead of in the house earns goodies. Image Credit: John Edmonds, Pixabay 9. Ignore It When Your Dog Has an Accident Dogs pee and poop inside for several reasons, including not being able to hold it long enough and not understanding how to communicate their needs. If you catch your dog getting ready to pee inside, tell them to wait and take them outside immediately. Most dogs will naturally stop peeing or pooping in response. Next, take them outside to their pee spot, let them finish going to the bathroom, and then reward them for good behavior. Conclusion Labradoodles are sweet, friendly dogs that make fantastic, devoted companions. They bond deeply with their favorite people and enjoy spending time around loved ones. Labradoodles are incredibly smart , and they are known to be incredibly easy to train. Potty training a Labradoodle requires patience, and you can expect the entire process to take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Stick with positive reinforcement , reward what you want to see, and celebrate when your Labradoodle masters a new skill. You must understand his nature as an animal and companion. Knowing these things will help you house-train your dog. In this way, you can give rewards or praise when the dog does well. These rewards will likely depend on what dogs want as dog food or as a simple pat on the back. The next thing you need to know, in addition to the time it takes, you should also be patient enough to train your child at home. If you find it difficult to train a human child, it would be impossible to train a dog. Communicating with your dog can be the most difficult part. However, when you understand them, their nature will be more relaxed. Patience is a key aspect of ensuring that the dog learns what it wants to learn. It should feel that your home is with you, the person who is training you. In this way, the dog would surrender to your order and would do as you say. You, as a coach, should always have quality time together in the form of connecting through games or as easy as doing it together in the park. Unfortunately, many dog owners have no idea how to train their dogs at home. Go Outside Every Couple of Hours A Labradoodle puppy should be outside every time it has slept, eaten, had something to drink, after playtime, or just after being really excited. That might seem excessive, so as a rule of thumb, it might be easier to just remember to allow it outside every hours. That should lower the risk of an accident quite a bit. A clear signal that your puppy is about to have a call of nature, is that it will spin around itself a few times, before sitting down on its bottom. When you see this, quickly get it outside. Praise and Treats Shouting and screaming have probably never helped anything, the puppy will learn far more by positive reinforcement. This way it will quickly find out which behavior is rewarded, and the puppy would naturally want to repeat those actions. The reason why it might have a few accidents inside is that it has never really learned any alternative. When there is the occasional accident, there is really no better way, than to just get a paper towel, clean it up, and move on. Patience is a virtue If you do intervene with the puppy, it might take a bit of time before it remembers where it left off. And the second you get back inside where there are peace and quiet, the puppy will let out a sigh of relief, and pee on the floor. Quick Summary Let the dog outside every time it has eaten or had a drink. Also quickly after a nap. To begin with, also a couple of times through the night. Start as soon as possible. And if you want it to primarily go on grass, introduce it to this element fast. Perhaps even use the same area so the puppy is familiarized with the spot. Praise it when the opportunity is there. By following these simple ideas, you should be able to house-train any puppy. And if you want even more detailed advice and tips on how to house-train your puppy, this guide affiliate link has pretty helpful tricks you might be interested to look into. Additional Tips for House Training a Labradoodle Puppy Training Tip 1 The first rule of thumb to train your dog at home is to stick with foods that are already used to his system. Giving your Labradoodle puppy fatty foods can make it difficult to control his intestines. Training Tip 2 Not only is it important to feed your dog the food it is used to, but it is also very important to feed it every day. Doing this makes home training easy for both you and your dog; for your dog because it helps you establish a regular elimination pattern. And for you, because you can use this pattern to your advantage when it comes to training your pet, quickly and efficiently. Training Tip 3 You probably already have the idea that schedules are a good idea when it comes to training your dog at home. Well, here is another piece of the puzzle. Then be sure to take it out every few hours throughout the day. Doing so will help you understand that his business must be done outside. The sooner he learned this, the better. If you can avoid it, you really want to prevent your dog from entering. Not only because cleaning is a pain, but because the smell is almost impossible to remove and will continue to attract your Labradoodle puppy repeatedly. Hopefully, your dog will crash from time to time during training. When this happens, immediately clean the pool. Remember, animals tend to repeatedly return to places where they can smell urine or feces, so be sure to clean them well, especially carpets. If you notice your Labradoodle puppy gravitate to the point and bend down to do his business again, pick him up and take him outside. You may also want to check with your local pet store for something to help you get rid of the smell. Dogs often behave in a certain way when they feel the need to eliminate. It is much easier to train your Labradoodle puppy at home when you are alert and ready to accompany your little one as soon as you see the first signs that he may need to leave. You may want to look at boxes to train your dog. With a little time and training, he will learn how to do his business where he should. The key here is to make sure your labradoodle puppy gets out of the box and into the yard! Training Tip 6 Good behavior should be praised. Then give credit where it is due. Your Labradoodle puppy will do almost anything to gain approval. You must make it very obvious that you are satisfied with his behavior, so be enthusiastic and effusive. Later, when obedience training begins, your Labradoodle puppy will already know that obedience equals praise, so home training sets the stage for all your dog training efforts. Doing so will truly show your pooch that working together outside is synonymous with being distant from everyone else. Put a positive turn on the whole preparation experience. Praise your little one while doing business, and then spend a few minutes on quality playtime. He will learn faster, and you will both be happier. Daring your dog after the disaster will only scare him of you or the mess. And in some cases, it can even cause your dog to start eating its waste because it feels its presence annoys it. Training Tip 8 Pick a verbal order. The pet is more used to short expressions that its owner utilizes much of the time. Since mistakes will continue to occur during the home training process, you will need a variety of hand-cleaning supplies. You can use Bleach to neutralize urine, but beware of where you put it away, as it will stain some clothes. Buying cleaning products for controlling pet mess will be more beneficial than using regular cleaning products. It takes a lot of love, but your dog will learn not to make the whole house his personal bathroom. Final Words Not all puppies are created equal when it comes to training. Some require more time and effort than others, but the training methods are usually very similar. It takes time and dedication to train a dog properly. Patience is the key to training, and repetition is key to reinforcing the learning process. The age of the little dog can be critical, as it is commonly simpler to prepare more puppies. If possible, training should start between six and eight weeks. Different races can also play an important role in training methods. Different breeds have different temperaments and personalities. Then take him outside immediately. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Toilet areas can be as specific as a litter box or as general as an area outside. You must have a clear idea, however, of what is an acceptable toilet spot, before you start educating your dog. Your dog can be trained to use only a specific corner of the yard if you are willing to take the time to train your dog to that level of understanding. Your attitude is the most important ingredient in the formula of house training. You are taking your dog or puppy through a process of education; he does not know that it is wrong to use your carpet as his toilet. His Mother never told him. It is not preprogrammed into his genetic coding. It is your job to help him understand the whole concept. With patience and understanding you and your furry friend should be able to achieve your goal in a few short weeks. Keep all meals on a predictable schedule. Avoid any rich foods that could upset your puppy's bowels. Establish a bedtime and a wake up time. Puppies need a lot of nap times, make sure your schedule allows for these. Keep in mind, your puppy will need to go out immediately after all naps. Anytime your puppy has been emotionally stimulated IE frightened or a very rowdy play time your puppy may experience the need to eliminate. Supervise in the house If you know where your dog is at all times and what he is doing, you can catch him before he makes a mistake.If he starts to make a mistake, firmly but calmly say "No" and take him straight out to the toilet area. Do not yell at your puppy or chase him. If you are busy and cannot totally supervise your puppy, put him in a contained area, where he won't make a mistake, or tie him to the door knob of the room you are in. When supervision is not possible gone to work all day? Provide a small area to contain your puppy IE a crate or small bathroom or fenced off corner of the garage. Do not leave food and water with your puppy and do not load your puppy down with a lot of doggie cookies. If you are gone 8 hours, it would be good to find someone who would take him for a walk and give him some water. Take Your Puppy Out Take your puppy out to the desired toilet area and stand quietly while your puppy investigates the area for the "right" spot. This is not play time! Do not distract your puppy by trying to talk to him into hurrying up. If he does not go potty during that time , return him to the house and contain him in a crate for a half hour, then try again. When he does start to potty, quietly and calmly praise him while he is in the process of going potty. Use the word you have chosen for this IE "Good Potty", when he is done, you can praise him with more enthusiasm. Learn your puppy's habits. Some puppies need to potty 2 or 3 times in one outing. Urination is often followed by a BM. If the weather is foul and you aren't happy about taking out your puppy, it is very important not to let your puppy sense this. You may create a dog that does not like using the outside to do his business in foul weather. While you are learning your puppy's habits, take him out, every time he wakes up, after he has eaten, and after all play sessions. Help your puppy get outside to the appropriate potty area; follow the preceding instructions for taking your puppy out. Clean the mess with an odor neutralizer. Your puppy's sense of smell is far superior to ours. If it smells like a toilet area to him, he will continue to use that area for a toilet. Do not clean up the mess in front of the puppy. Put the puppy on a leash and calmly bring him to the scene of the accident. Keep the dog to your side, not in front of you. While your puppy is watching.Blot up some of the urine on a tissue and take it and your puppy out to the appropriate toilet area. Place the tissue with the potty on it on the ground, with the puppy watching; Praise the tissue for being in the right area, then leave the tissue there. Clean up the remaining mess as previously stated. Ways to Potty Train a Labradoodle Puppy There are two main schools of thought when it comes to potty training a puppy: Puppy pads But there is also a happy medium, where you combine these when necessary. Which Method is Best? In reality, neither method is better than the other. But, one may be better for you and your lifestyle. When done correctly, both ways, and the happy medium, can create a well trained Labradoodle. But, for others, cleaning up puppy pads inside is no big deal! The end result will be the same — a Labradoodle that goes to the toilet in the right place. Puppy Pad Potty Training Potty training with puppy pads involves covering the floor of the area that your puppy has access to with pads. The floor you need to choose must be easy to clean for this method, like wooden or linoleum. So a kitchen is usually ideal. Then, when your puppy is reliably toileting in this smaller area, you just pop a couple of pads outside the back door. Finally, you will remove them altogether. You must remove the pads gradually for the same reason that you must start off by covering your entire kitchen floor. To reduce the risk of your puppy having an accident on your floor itself! To him, the floor might seem just as suitable as a puppy pad. So, covering the entire floor at first will remove the risk of any accidents on your floor. Removing the pads gradually will help your puppy learn that the pads are the right place, rather than causing any confusion when they suddenly disappear. But the downside is that it takes longer to get your puppy going to the toilet outside. And in the meantime, you have a house that is periodically peed and pooped in. It can also be more confusing for the puppy to transition to doing their business inside, to moving outside. Which can mean the occasional accident. Crate Training Crate training is a great help to many puppy parents, because it helps your puppy learn to pee outside from the very start. A crate also gives your puppy their own cosy and safe space to stay in for short periods of time. The crate must be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in, but not much more. And it should be full of comfy, cosy bedding. When gradually introduced to a crate, with lots of rewards and for very short periods to begin with, a puppy will love their soft bed very much. And because it is where they sleep, they will really not want to pee in there. As long as it is not too big. This means it is a useful place to put your puppy if you want them to wait just a few short more minutes between pees. The rest of the time the pup is out and about in a wipe-clean room with you. If they squat or start sniffing around, take them outside and stay with them to see if they need the bathroom. If they have any accidents, clean them up with a pet safe spray straight away. But hopefully, your schedule and lots of close monitoring will mean that accidents are few and far between. Using the Crate Safely When used properly, a crate can make a great training tool. However, if your crate is too large, your puppy will simply go to the toilet at one end and sleep at the other. The benefit of the crate is that you can easily wash bedding and clean the crate tray if there are any accidents. Labradoodle puppies need lots of mental stimulation, play, engagement, and exercise. But, another great way to do this is simply by picking your puppy up. If they usually pee every 20 minutes, and you want to see if they will last 30 minutes, just pick them up after 20 minutes if they have already spent a lot of time in their crate today. Hold them for 5 or 10 minutes before taking them out for a pee. And remember, you need to introduce the crate gradually at first, to ensure your puppy feels happy and safe inside. So, picking them up will help you a lot in those early days. Combining Crates and Puppy Pads The crate training puppy method requires getting up at 2am for at least a few days, as you will need to continue to offer regular potty breaks through the night. Many puppy parents find this understandably tough. It also means that you can barely remove your attention from the puppy at all during the day for the first few weeks. But, puppy parents are often human parents too. And, you may need to pop out of the house for a few minutes a couple of times a day as a minimum. A great way to deal with these situations is to set up your crate inside a puppy playpen. During the night and when you need to briefly pop out during the day, you leave the crate door open and line the puppy play pen with puppy pads. This means they can relieve themselves if they need to, without risking messing in their bed or on your floor. Schedules for Potty Training a Labradoodle Puppy To give your puppy the best chance of success when crate potty training, you need to give them lots of opportunities to use the bathroom outdoors. These timings are not set in stone, but are a good starting point for each stage. Some owners will find that they need to offer a pee break as often as every 20 minutes. Watch out for the behaviors we talked about above if you think your puppy needs a pee — particularly sniffing in one spot and squatting. Many puppies will start sleeping through the night. Give them lots of opportunities to pee outdoors, including after every meal or big drink from their water bowl. Remove the water at night, but keep it somewhere they can get at it during the day. In those early weeks, they should spend most of their time with you in a room with wipe-clean floors, just in case! Post navigation. The Basics First, although it will seem obvious, reward good behaviour, especially when training. Reward can be praise given in a loving tone, reward can be a food treat, but your puppy will learn quicker if it is promptly made obvious what puppy is doing that is getting it all these good things! Dogs understand glowers, growls, nips, shaking the scruff of the neck. Striking is what bears, cats and humans do and is not appropriate discipline for a dog! It will make them hand-shy as they will not be certain if you are lifting a hand to their head to pet them or to hit them. You want them to perk their ears when they hear their name and associate it with good things like belly rubs and treats! Most of us buy the best dog food we can, hypo-allergenic, no GMO, no grains known to cause allergies… and then we give them treats loaded with all this junk. Please choose treats that your dog is not allergic to! Establishing Pack Order The most effective training methods use the instincts that your dog is born with to train with. How to discipline, when to discipline and how much to discipline are all important. But I guarantee you that your family will be happier if the dog is not at the top of the order! Puppy should always be fed last and you and your family eat first. In the wild, the pack leader eats first, followed by the others in order of dominance in the pack. Your puppy needs to know that ALL members of your family outrank it or the puppy will feel that it is right for it to establish dominance over family members kids by nipping, growling and other doggy dominance behaviors. If you have young children, teach your puppy that it must be invited to eat when you put the food down. After it has learned that with you, your children can take turns feeding it so it learns to mind your children also. Your children with your supervision should not only practice giving the puppy treats where it takes them gently, but they should also take treats or toys away and the puppy must not be allowed to growl or nip. Your puppy should not be allowed to nip or bite. It is not teething, it is establishing dominance. Pinch the upper or lower jaw of the puppy with your fingers and thumb. The object is to make it uncomfortable but not painful. In order of increasing seriousness, the mother will discipline as follows: 1. Glower and walk away 2. Growl 3. Growl and nip pinching can imitate this 4. Grab bite the scruff of the neck and shake the scruff. Grab bite the scruff of the neck and hold the offending puppy to the ground until it stops struggling, often growling while doing so. If you do use 5, it is important that it not be done for minor naughtiness, as it is a serious action. If you use an overly severe discipline, you are being a bully. Also, once you choose to use 5, do not release the scruff and let the puppy up UNTIL it stops struggling, even if it scratches, cries, struggles,etc. Using 5 or any of these disciplines does not hurt the puppy, but it does teach it that it is not the pack leader. After all, you do not want your puppy soon to be an adult disciplining growling at, biting your children! Australian labradoodles are a much less dominant breed than some others they are not dobermans or pit bulls after all! When puppy wakes up after an hour or two, it goes immediately outside for a potty. Puppy is awake for a while, goes out every half hour for a potty. I eat lunch and feed the puppy. Puppy goes outside for a potty after a meal, gets rewarded and then goes for a nap in the crate. After it wakes up, it goes outside for a potty, gets rewarded, and comes back inside to play for a while… you get the idea! Puppies will circle and squat just before peeing, so if you are watching, you can catch it just before it starts to pee or just as it begins, and quickly take it outside with your treat too! Girl puppies are more succeptible to bladder infections than boys, but boys can get them too! In later stages of a bladder infection, you will see blood in the pee, sometimes LOTS of it. If you can catch it in the early stages, it is much better for the puppy… If you are familiar with homeopathics, they can often be used successfully to treat bladder infections. If you are having training issues with your puppy, regardless of what breed it is or who you got it from, we recommend that you have a dog trainer come to your home and offer suggestions or coaching. Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles is a premium rated labradoodle breeder. All our labradoodles are fully health tested and our labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic guarantee against genetic health issues. Come fall in love with a labradoodle! However you must teach your puppy all of your expectations, gently and firmly from day one. Decide the rules you want for your puppy, and teach them those rules right from the beginning, such as: not getting on furniture, not jumping up on people. If you allow that in the beginning, it will be very difficult to break the habit. Getting Prepared for A New Puppy! Puppy Chewing The more things you have for your puppy to chew, the less likely they are to chew up your things. The need to chew will go on for at least 18 months, although they may always love having things to chew and toys. You will also need a premium puppy food of your choice. We use an All Life Stages dog food made primarily of chicken and rice. Dogs originally were den animals, they burrowed holes underground, where they were safe from predators and nice and warm. They instinctively do not go to the bathroom in their dens. A crate is a safe haven for your puppy. Never take your puppy out of the crate until they are quiet, just sit patiently, without speaking, until they are quiet for a few seconds, and you will teach them to be quiet in the cage. Every time you take your puppy out of the crate, take them immediately outside to the place you want them to go to the bathroom. Puppies find places to go to the bathroom with their feet. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet and it becomes part of their potty que or trigger. If you allow your puppy to have accidents on your rugs or hardwood floors even by accident then that can quickly become their potty texture preference. Same goes for potty pads. Using potty pads only teaches your puppy that going potty on absorbent material is Ok. Not a great idea. Try to avoid accidents at all costs. This way, you will teach your dog to go to the bathroom on command. This can be very convenient if you are traveling or leaving the house. Stay away from the puppy until they are done with their business, keep other animals, children and any other distraction away from them. As soon as your puppy is done, immediately give them a dog treat and praise, and praise and praise. Then, stand back and see if there is more forthcoming and repeat the process. Your Puppy At Night. .If your puppy cries in the middle of the night, get up, sit by the cage until they are quiet for a minute or two, then and only then, take them outside to their spot, give the potty command to go, and stand quietly ignoring them until they are done, do not instigate play or talk in an excited voice. When their bladder gets mature, this nighttime potty break should stop. Read my post about how to stop puppy whining and crying in the crate! Then after that every hour for a couple of days, 2 hours for a few days. When they finish going to the bathroom, praise and treats. Never hit or yell harshly at your puppy, or they will be afraid of you, and will develop fear of you, rather than trust. It may take months before your dog is completely housetrained, be patient, it is all worth it! When you feed your puppy, stroke their back and head, and tell them how good they are. You want them to be used to having someone touch them when they eat. When you sit down to eat, ignore the puppy, or put them in the crate. When you have to leave make sure to crate your puppy or put them in a x-pen setup, when you get home, even after a short absence, calmly take your puppy outside, talk gently to them, let them go to the bathroom, take them back inside and talk to them calmly, pet them slowly and try to be as calm as you can. If you come back and get them excited, they will try to recreate that excited feeling when you are gone, because that means you will be home soon. Puppies are like any baby, they need lots of attention, a dog that does not get attention, will get anxious and nervous and may chew and chew furniture, rugs, shoes, cords, anything to get rid of the anxiety. Read my post on crate and x-pen setups for potty training puppies! Taking your Puppy to Class Take your puppy to obedience school. An untrained puppy can be a nuisance instead of a pleasure. Another important benefit, perhaps the most important, is puppies will meet many new people and dogs in puppy class, which will greatly help socialize them, and make them more people and dog friendly. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet. When they get to your home, your puppy will be used to the surface that you want them to use. This teaches them that talking to you actually works. Going Potty Outside Step by Step — Take your puppy outside on leash, take them to their designated spot, put them down, and give the potty command, stand back without touching them, and wait a bit for them to go to the bathroom. When you know your puppy is done going to the bathroom, praise them, give them a treat or a snuggle and then take them immediately back into the house, unless you are going to play with them outside. Our Main Menu. That was a smart move on your part, because the Doodle is more than just adorably cute; you have a loving and highly intelligent dog who is eager to please and is curious about his or her new environment. What your puppy discovers is up to you, because your Labradoodle will learn whatever you teach it. Those lessons begin the moment it arrives in your home. Put yourself in the place of your puppy. Being anxious makes you nervous, and being nervous makes you. But where? And does it matter? What's in it for You - and Your Doodle? As it turns out, most dog owners say it does matter, a lot. The Labradoodle is a family dog, and as such, needs to live with its family, indoors. That means having a dog that has indoor manners and habits. The Labradoodle has to learn when and where it can go potty. Postponing potty training your Labradoodle will make the process much harder, and it will take longer if you wait to begin instructing your puppy on your expectations. Left untouched, they serve as beacons, or direction finders, to remind your dog to go in this location. Even if you clean it up, you might not be able to remove the scent that draws your pup back to the X that marks the spot. The answer to that question depends on you more than it does on your Labradoodle. Puppies are all about sleeping, waking, eating, playing and pottying. The most difficult part of the potty training process is being ever vigilant. You have to watch your Labradoodle constantly for signs that it needs to go potty. Training yourself to supervise your doodle may be the hardest part of all, but if you know the signs to look for and you have a strategic plan, your Doodle will become a housebroken member of the family, and a pleasure to be around or leave at home without worry that your carpet and floors will become soiled. Training a Labradoodle puppy to use a designated spot to relieve itself is a matter of age and bladder control versus time. Expecting a young pup to hold it for five or six hours sets him up for failure and up for disappointment, if not displeasure. Figure that your pup can hold its bladder and bowels one hour for each month of age, and then add one more hour. A three-month old puppy, for example, should be able to wait to do its business for one to three hours, plus one, or four hours. Your puppy may be able to go longer or need to potty sooner. Rather than wait until the last minute, take your dog out at the three-hour mark. They also have to go outside when they become excited. All training can be divided into one of two categories, regardless of the method used: ignoring or praising. If your Labradoodle has an accident in the house, scoop up the mess and take it outside to the spot you want her to use. After all, no one ever made a fuss about it until now. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and the spot in the house they used once will lure them again and again to do their business unless you remove all evidence of the act. On the other hand, praise your pup for pottying in the location you designated. You can give small treats as rewards. Offer tons of praise and a treat, and after 30 days, wean your pup off the treats. The praise will mean much more to your dog. So which method is best? The one that works. The crate recreates the den your puppy grew up in, and no dog wants to soil its own house if it can be helped. As a benefit, the crate also provides a safe break from all the action in the rest of the house, and sometimes your puppy will choose to hang out in the crate. Baby gates work the same way a crate works.

Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. For German Shepherds, however, you need to pay special attention to the type and quality of the things you shop for, or you could just be wasting your money. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to make your pup happy. It works as a chew toy to divert destructive chewing from your own stuff. Where KONG really excels is as a stuffer toy. Stuff it with kibble, treats, and peanut butter to bring delightful experiences as well as help combat boredom and separation anxiety. Since GSDs are working dogs, they have a great need for mental stimulation. This dog brick puzzle toy will help stimulate their minds and stave off boredom when indoors. There are three different ways to play it, and you can control difficulty by adding or removing bricks. The ball itself is durable and has plenty of short, gentle spikes for gripping as well as teeth cleaning. But the strong braided nylon rope is really what makes it special. Though reasonably priced, these toys are made of durable rope guaranteed to have no harmful plastic parts or chemicals. Plus, they come in neutral tones. The two ropes are different from each other to offer varied play options. Either way, these two will elevate interactive play with your German Shepherd to a whole new level.