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They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Our website is dedicated to connecting you with reputable English Bulldog breeders across the USA, ensuring that you bring home a healthy and happy furry companion without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect English Bulldog puppy at an affordable price can be a challenging task. However, our platform simplifies the process by curating a list of trusted English Bulldog breeders who offer these delightful companions at budget-friendly rates. We understand that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and companionship that a lovable English Bulldog can bring to their lives. History of English bulldog puppies Cheap near you! The national dog of England, their strong heads, loose skin and short legs give them a very distinctive, amusing appearance. Bulldogs are generally gentle, affectionate dogs that love to be around their families. They are excellent with children and have a medium-low activity level that makes them great for apartment or city living. These loveable dogs are loyal to a fault and are sure to make you smile. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. British Bulldogs rarely bark but snore, snort, wheeze, grunt, and snuffle instead. Bulldogs are a people-oriented, loyal and devoted watchdogs that love to nap by your side. Temperament of english bulldogs Temperament is a crucial factor to consider when bringing a new furry friend into your life. English Bulldogs are known for their gentle, friendly, and affectionate nature. They make excellent companions and are particularly good with children, making them a fantastic choice for families. Despite their somewhat serious expression, they have a fun-loving and playful side that will bring joy to your everyday life. This Bulldog puppy is a very social and sweet baby girl who loves everyone she meets! She is raised with children that play with her daily. This gal will steal your heart the second you look into those puppy eyes and when she gives you one of her famous puppy kisses. She will make a fantastic addition to any family. This puppy is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Her momma is Kayla. This puppy is anxious to meet her new family and begin her life of adventure with you! Call now! At cheappuppiesforsale. These lovable puppies are perfect for anyone looking for an affordable family pet. English Bulldogs are small, fun dogs that require minimal training. They are known for their clownish personalities and love of cuddles. History of English bulldog puppies English bulldog puppies are a completely man-made breed. The national dog of England, their strong heads, loose skin and short legs give them a very distinctive, amusing appearance. Bulldogs are generally gentle, affectionate dogs that love to be around their families. They are excellent with children and have a medium-low activity level that makes them great for apartment or city living. These loveable dogs are loyal to a fault and are sure to make you smile. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. British Bulldogs rarely bark but snore, snort, wheeze, grunt, and snuffle instead. Bulldogs are a people-oriented, loyal and devoted watchdogs that love to nap by your side. Unlike other breeders, We choose parents not based on champion bloodlines and registry, but on health, temperament, and looks. As a result, cheappuppiesforsale. From this breed of dogs and others,We and our staff offer a variety of healthy, attractive pups 8 weeks of age and older, all of whom are ready for a loving family and home. As a leading national seller of bulldogs, cheappuppiesforsale. The website maintains an extensive FAQ section, where Howard fields questions about the breed regarding health, fitness, care, and maintenance. Look at this adorable face! She is a real charmer so you will not be able to say no to her. This English Bulldog puppy is raised with children, friendly, fun-loving and ready to meet her new family. This baby is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Make this cutie your cuddle buddy and she will be the perfect addition that you have been searching for! Sex: Female.

On top of this breeders have to attend and display their dogs at shows which can costs thousands per year as well as going through sacrificing sleep whenever a new litter is born hourly checkups are not uncommon for the first few days after birth. The Costs Of Owning A German Shepherd per year: German Shepherds are a big breed of dog that are expensive to properly look after and care for as they grow. When you first buy a German Shepherd there are high initial costs including the cost of the dog itself, a crate, dog bed, leash and collar, high quality puppy food, grooming brushes and much more. An unexpected illness or injury that requires an emergency trip to the veterinarian can also easily add thousands of dollars to the cost of owning a German Shepherd. A dog with too much energy often results in chewing, digging, barking or over excitement which can be too much for some people to handle. I would be willing to bet that if you checked several pounds in your area you would find a young German Shepherd who is desperate for a home provided the new owners can give it the exercise and mental stimulation it needs for such an energetic and smart breed of dog. I can tell you from personal experience over the last 10 years I have only taken dogs from the pound not always a German Shepherd but a majority of the time and have welcomed into my home some of the most lovely and caring dogs I have ever met in my life. I strongly recommend you look into this option if you are looking for a dog. The cost to adopt a German Shepherd from a shelter depends on a number of different factors. The following are common services done by the local pound and the more they do the more that they need to charge to cover the cost. Veterinary Check: As far as I know this is done by all rescue centers. A veterinary looks over the dog and makes sure they are in a clean bill of health. Microchipping: A microchip with owner identification information is inserted into the dog to make finding the owner easier. De-sexed: Most rescue centers de-sex their dogs to reduce the number of accidental pregnancies and home breeding. Flea and tick medication: Many stray dogs come in with a variety of skin conditions so flea and tick medication is used to make the dogs as healthy as possible. Often a rescue center will provide a few days worth of food so you can ween your dog onto its new diet. Training: Some dogs show aggression towards people or other dogs when they are brought in. Before re-homing they train the dog to better react in situations where they might react aggressively. As you can see all of these things cost money as well as the time of trained professionals. Similar to breeders I would recommend using a reputable rescue center who do as much of the above list as possible. Why shouldn't I just buy one of those? The problem with these puppies is that they have not been bred to the same standard as from a reputable breeder. The parents assuming they are both pureblood GSD's have not had health checks, have not been cleared of common bone problems hip dysplasia etc. All of these factors can contribute to a puppy that is more likely to show genetic or health defects later in life. The cost of surgeries and unexpected trips to the veterinarian can add up very quickly. If by choosing a reputable breeder you avoid just one or 2 health conditions prevalent in poorly bred German Shepherds then in the long run you will save a lot of money. Pay the extra upfront and it will likely save you thousands down the line. Show Dogs And Working Lines If you are looking to buy a puppy that wise sired by show dogs and you wish to train and compete with your dog in the future than you can expect to pay a premium for your puppy. If you are looking at investing in something like this and want to make some money back in the future then it is essential that you train your dog to perform in competition. The best in class dogs can be used to charge stud fee's if it is a male or can produce puppies with desirable traits that people would pay a premium for. Unless you are an expert in GSD's I would strongly recommend against looking into this. Several bloodlines of very successful working GSD's are not even for sale to the public. Cost of GSD mixes Like in most dogs a German Shepherd cross is worth a lot less than a purebred and there are sometimes benefits. Crossbreeds in general have fewer health issues than purebred dogs. There are a few designer mixes which include GSD's most notably crosses between huskies and Labradors. These crossbreeds can still cost similar prices to a purebred GSD. Firstly, these dogs need regular grooming and playtime. You will need to groom your dog weekly, administer monthly heartworm treatments, exercise your dog daily, work on training daily, and spend time cuddling, petting, and playing. Another factor to remember is that you are getting a German Shepherd Dog for the right reasons. Here are a few things to keep in mind: You should not just get a dog to be a guard. While German Shepherds are protective, they do need love and affection too. You should not get a German Shepherd Dog just as a companion to your children. These are large and powerful dogs. They may be loving and gentle, but you are responsible for your dog, not your children. You should not get a German Shepherd Dog if you are a weak leader. They are strong-minded dogs and they need a leader who is strong minded too. German Shepherds do have strong heads and hunting instincts. Without proper training, they can be difficult. They will shed a lot and they blow their coat we will talk about that later which means dog hair everywhere. These big dogs do need room and they have a large bark that could annoy close neighbors. Bringing Home A Puppy Checklist We have discussed everything you need to know about bringing home your new puppy, but the following checklist will make things much, much easier since you could literally mark things off from it when you prepare for your German Shepherd puppy, and when you bring it home too. These supplies can add up in price, so you may wish to purchase some of them after you have the puppy, but this is a good, thorough list of everything you will need for dog ownership. A Proper Sized Crate. Jean-Francois: How much is a purebred German Shepherd puppy without papers worth? I'm guessing it's a rip-off. Our nonpaper German shepherd just had 12, her 1st litter of no papers German shepherd pups. You can visually see the traits. I do suggest making sure vaccinations are given before buying the puppy. Answer by JTP Actually, that is a great price! I would even say that's pretty cheap, especially since it's a German Shepherd. Answer by SuperGirl It doesn't matter if the parents have papers. Parents with papers should have puppies that have papers as well. I'm also guessing mom and dad don't really have papers either, because papers come to puppies with papered parents. Answer by Kayleigh Let me explain what happened to us. I was young at the time and didn't realize what "limited" rights were. This means the woman who sold me my puppy would not give me the right to register my purebred GSD as a purebred GSD unless I got her spayed. We bought her with the intention of eventually breeding and keeping some puppies for ourselves but also selling a few. I would be breeding my dog with a purebred GSD who is registered, but since I cannot register my dog due to this lady's way of giving me limited rights I would not be able to register the pups either. She is our rescue dog. I got a blood test done that shows she is a purebred German Shepherd, but there is no way of knowing whether she was registered or not. We are going to breed her with one of my friend's purebred German Shepherd males. I was thinking of selling the puppies for around , which is about 1, dollars cheaper than what they are selling registered puppies for in this area. After you have been shown pictures of the German shepherd puppies for sale that the breeder has available, you should ask the breeder any questions that you may have. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Under Dollars If you are looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale then you can expect to pay a premium price if you do not know what you are doing. So, what you need to know is how to find German Shepherd puppies for sale that are cheap. The first thing you need to realize is that there are many ways you can find German Shepherd puppies for sale for under dollars. One of the biggest ways to do this is by buying them from a breeder or adopting one from your local pound. Here you will be able to get a dog at a much lower price than buying them in pet stores or from breeders. Another way to find cheap German Shepherd puppies for sale is to buy them from breeders in your area. You can find breeders in almost every city, so this is an option you should consider before looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale online. One advantage to getting one from a breeder is that they will be able to provide you with a pedigree and will often be able to get you a puppy that is not only purebred but a purebred that will also perform well in the show ring. One thing to remember when buying one of these dogs is that you will be buying a dog that was bred for show. This is why you need to make sure that you get a dog that has had the best possible health care as it can be costly. So, if you have a good vet you can be sure you are getting a healthy dog. When choosing the dog you want then you need to be sure you do not get a dog that is too small or too big. If you have too many breeds in the mix, it is more expensive to breed them all together so try to get a mix of different German Shepherd puppies for sale to get the cheapest prices. Another tip to help you find the best German Shepherd puppies for sale is to watch the breeds that you are interested in. Usually, these dogs are larger and have larger bones so you will be able to see if this breed is right for you before making a purchase. As a final tip to help you get the best dog for the best price it is always best to ask a friend or family member to help you with some research. These people are usually more knowledgeable than you are so they will be able to tell you about the best breed for you. It is important to remember that finding German Shepherd puppies for sale that are cheap can be very hard. So, what you need to do is take your time and be patient and you will be able to find a dog that you love and one that will make you happy for years to come. German Shepherd puppies for sale at a very low cost can be found if you know where and how to look. This can often mean going online and doing some digging to find out where the good German Shepherd puppies are being sold. This is one of the best ways to save money on your puppy purchase. The Internet is an invaluable tool that allows you to find German Shepherd puppies for sale all over the world, even from people who are not German Shepherd breeders. When you go online, you will find many classifieds that advertise German Shepherd puppies for sale. Some sites allow you to buy directly from a breeder, while others require you to fill out an application. Most of these online sites will allow you to search for puppies that meet your criteria, whether you are looking for AKC registered German Shepherd puppies or simply those that have had some training. It is really up to you which method you choose, depending on how much time and effort you want to put into finding the right dog for your family. Both methods will result in dogs that are high quality. German Shepherd puppies are also easily found through local breeders and animal shelters. Sometimes you may be able to find a good bargain at a local shelter, especially if you are looking for AKC registered German Shepherd puppies. Sometimes you may have to make an appointment and visit the shelter to pick up your new puppy. However, there are other places that you can look to find German Shepherd puppies at a low cost. Sometimes you can find these animals in your local newspaper or even in the classifieds in your local grocery store. If you want to purchase German Shepherd puppies that are purebred, you can go online and do some research to find out which dogs are of the highest quality. You can find out what their history is, where they were born, and who their parents are. Once you have this information, you can compare it with the German Shepherd puppies for sale for under dollars. Of course, if you are not going to pay top dollar, you should find a place that is willing to take less. Just because a breeder is willing to take less does not mean the dog is substandard, just that the dog has been taken care of in a loving manner. There are some things that you should know about German Shepherd breeders before purchasing your puppy from them. First of all, the best German Shepherd breeders are willing to spend as much money as you are willing to spend for a purebred German Shepherd puppy. You will also want to find out how much they are charging per week if you are going to be bringing the dog to use at home. The more costly it is for the breeder, the more likely it is that they are charging their customers a low cost. Another great resource for locating German Shepherd puppies for sale is in your local pet store. Oftentimes these stores have a wide variety of German Shepherd, as well as other dogs, for sale. Of course, you need to keep in mind that breeding issues may lead to low production numbers for some of these dogs. This is another reason why you need to check carefully before purchasing any German Shepherd puppy from any store around your area. If you are still interested after checking out the local pet stores, you may want to try a German Shepherd rescue group. Many times these groups will have German Shepherd puppies for sale, or they will know where someone is selling them. Typically, you will find these groups by putting in searches for German Shepherd rescues on the Internet. As long as you are keeping your eyes open and searching for German Shepherd puppies for sale, you should be able to find someone within your vicinity that is selling a dog that needs a good home. You must keep your eyes open when looking at German Shepherd puppies for sale. Just because you saw one that was priced low, does not mean that it is going to be that way when you bring the dog home. You also want to keep in mind that breeders will often sell dogs for prices that are lower than what you would pay at a pet store. If you find the right breeder, however, you should be able to get an excellent puppy for an excellent price. Once you find a good breeder, you can always keep him on your list of breeders to buy from, and then you will never have to worry about where to purchase your German Shepherd puppy from again. German Shepherds are considered the most intelligent dogs on earth with an innate sense of smell. This makes them excellent companions and excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-taken care of, they are a pleasure to have around the house. Of course, as long as you get proper training from puppyhood, any dog can be trained to do anything within reason. German Shepherds are very protective dogs. This is one of the traits they were specifically bred for. They bark at intruders and they want to guard the family. They can become very jealous when other dogs are introduced into the family. If you have not yet been bitten by a German Shepherd, then you should consider getting bitten by one before getting a puppy. However, most breeders do not allow new dogs into the house until they are fully immunized. Puppies can cost anywhere from two hundred dollars to three thousand dollars for a purebred. You can get German Shepherd puppies for sale for anywhere between two hundred and five hundred dollars. German Shepherd puppies that cost over seven hundred dollars are usually purebred. These puppies will have many health problems and may not be very friendly. German Shepherd puppies for sale should be taken care of properly during the time you get them. If you have the money to spend, there are dog breeders that will ship puppies to your home. Some of these breeders will ship their dogs in crates. If this is not possible for you to do, try to find someone willing to take the dog to your home in a carrier. This is one way to ensure that your puppy does not get hurt while it is being shipped. The best place to find German shepherd puppies for sale is online. You can usually find dog breeders who are selling puppies for prices around fifty dollars to one hundred dollars. You can even find dog breeders who will sell their dogs for prices as low as fifty dollars! To find German shepherd puppies for sale online, you should first search on the Internet for German Shepherd breeders. When you find a breeder that has a list of dogs, you should look at the pictures of the dogs. If you like what you see, you should contact the dog breeder and ask questions about the dogs. You should also ask questions about the breeding program that the breeder has in place for his or her dogs. When you find breeders breed their German shepherd puppies for sale for under a hundred dollars, you may want to ask about the breeding program that these breeders have in place. Breeders who do not offer much in terms of a breeding plan may not be the best people to purchase from. It is best if the breeders you are considering are the only breed for profit, but if they do not, they may be good breeders nonetheless. You should ask the breeder how many dogs he has bred in his lifetime. You should also ask about the mother of the German shepherd puppies for sale. It is always best to choose a breeder that has been in the business for some time. German shepherd puppies for sale under dollars are easy to come by. However, you should not settle for just any dog breeder. You should look for a reputable and established breeder to help you find the right puppy. These are dogs that can be placed with loving families and that can provide you with years of companionship and enjoyment. They are great dogs for any family and with the proper care can become a part of your family for many years to come. Share this:. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

Crate Training and Toilet Training Crate training Done right, crate training is possibly the best thing you will ever do for your dog. Crate training is a very popular way of keeping puppies safe and is a highly effective tool to fast track toilet training. The dog comes to see the crate as his own space, his den, his safe-haven, and his favourite place to sleep. Some puppies love their crates immediately, while others need a little time to acclimate. Our labradors are crate trained very early, and by the time you pick up your puppy from us, he will already be familiar with a crate. Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such a corner of a room, or under a table, or near a couch where they like to relax. Crate training techniques Make the crate comfortable with bedding and safe toys. Encourage him to enter the crate of his own will, by tossing some treats inside the door of the crate. Provide a crate-mountable water bucket. For a puppy, the bucket should be shallow with only a small amount of water in the bottom. Once the puppy is comfortable inside the crate with you nearby, gradually move further away and out of sight, building up the duration. Feed him his meals inside the crate to continue a positive association with the crate. If the puppy whines or barks in his crate, wait until he is quiet before opening the door and letting him out. The process of crate-acclimatisation can be adapted to adult dogs too. The crate is a not a punishment tool. It is a safe and comfortable place to go, so do not punish him by confining him to his crate when he has done something wrong. The crate is not a long-term confinement means. Dogs should be allowed to exercise and freely move about in the yard, a secure area, or within the home. The puppy only goes into his crate for short periods of time, and to sleep at night. He may sleep in there for scheduled rest periods each day and of course during the night , when you have visitors or are cooking in the kitchen, or anytime he needs a nap or quiet time to relax. A young puppy has limited bladder control. If you leave him there too long, you are forcing him to soil his bed which dogs absolutely hate soiling their own bed. This will cause him to be very upset and is very unfair. Always toilet him before asking him to go to his crate. Keep reading below for toilet-training lessons. Whining and barking are fundamental aspects of puppyhood, especially in young puppies. Make sure to never reinforce the behaviour by letting him out of the crate while he is crying or whining. Wait a short time until he is quiet before letting him out. This way he learns that he is allowed out when he is quiet and calm, and that yelling does not get his way providing you have met all his physical needs such as toileting, feeding and watering. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too big, your puppy might find a corner to soil in. To make the crate more den-like and feel safe, put a blanket or crate cover over the crate, leaving one end or side open for movement of air. This has a calming effect for most dogs. Good places to keep the crate are near your kitchen or family room. A radio or television playing in the background or a clock ticking nearby, may help to calm the dog when you are out of his sight in the house, as this can mask environmental noises that can stimulate him to vocalize. Toileting training or house-training your puppy Probably the first thing puppy-owners wish for is a house-trained puppy. This achievable and only requires you understand your puppy and are consistent. Your puppy has no choice about going to the toilet, it is the most natural thing in the world. If your puppy has run of the house unsupervised, you are setting him up to fail — toileting inside the house is inevitable and impedes house-training. Crate training helps fast track the process because a puppy never desires to soil his own bed he is the one who has to sleep there. Crate him for his meal, take him out the toilet on his leash about 10 minutes after his meal and stay with him to observe he has done his business. Puppies have very little control over their small bladder, and have no idea that there is a right and wrong place to toilet. If you can avoid accidents as much as possible from the start, you will make faster progress — this means the more effort you put in at the beginning the better things will be. Puppies will toilet where they have been before. So, if an accident occurs, be sure to clean up very well, as he will smell that is where he has been before and likely try to go there again. You have to teach your puppy where he needs to be before he takes a pee or poop. Times when your puppy is guaranteed to toilet: within 10 minutes of any food or water or play, and when he wakes. These are the times you especially need to take him to his toilet spot. Signs of an impending pee or poop include: circling and sniffing, a bulging anus, agitation and whimpering. A labrador puppy can be toilet-trained by the age of 4 months old if you are diligent and consistent in your toilet-training. Be aware that despite all your hard effort, the occasional accident might still occur. You missed the signs that he needed to go. Never punish a puppy for an accident. Toilet him sooner the next time and praise him. At night, carry him out quietly no talking to him , ask him to go to the toilet when you place him down in his toilet area, and quietly return him to his bed so he will resettle. Crate of the correct size for your dog Treats Blanket or dog bed According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America , and for good reasons. Many love to play fetch, and others are glad to be your running buddy. You have a long fun life ahead of you with your Labrador retriever puppy. Should that life include crate training? Crate training a Lab puppy is actually a good idea. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Labs easy to crate train? You may have some pet-parent guilt about putting your fur baby in a crate. The good news is that Labs often make crate training easy on their parents. They love making their humans happy, so they take to all kinds of training well, including crates. Every puppy is different, though. Your veterinarian or a trainer can help you through any troubles that may arise. Crate training a Lab puppy is one of the best ways you can help them thrive in their new home. Experts say your new pup will reap many benefits from having a crate, including: Easier potty training. Housebreaking can be one of the tallest tasks new pet parents have to work on with their Lab puppies. Crate training makes it a little easier and less messy. Reduced stress. Labs tend to be adaptable, but a new home can be stressful for anyone. Even social pets need to chill sometimes. Consider it a space for self-care, kind of like your bedroom may be for you. Safer car rides. A crate is one of the safest spots for a pet in the car. Image used with permission by copyright holder How to crate train a Lab puppy Though Labs tend to take to training quickly, they still need some guidance from you. Step 1: Select the correct crate size for your puppy. Labs will generally grow to weigh 55 to 80 pounds. You want a space your pet can move around in comfortably. They should be able to sit , lie down, stand, and turn. The puppy may soil the space if they have enough room. Most crates will have height and weight specifications on them, and once you have that information, you can purchase one. Step 2: Make the crate comfy. You probably made your bedroom into a comfortable spot for you to sleep at night. Make it a cozy hangout spot by putting some blankets or a bed in there. Toys keep it fun. This article gives guidance on how to crate train an older dog. A List Of Dog Crates Highly Recommended By Labrador Training HQ A high quality, durable crate of the correct size and type is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and to get the best out of the crate training experience. But with so many styles, types and sizes available, selecting a suitable crate is no easy task. So we at Labrador Training HQ have taken the hard work out of the hunt by putting together a hand picked selection of the best crates available that you can see by reading this article. Travel safety — A crate is a very useful tool to confine your dog safely during travel by car or by air and reduces the stress they feel due to being in a comfortable and familiar crate. Security — A dog learns to view their crate as a special place all of their own, where no human ventures and they can get away from it all to be alone when they desire. A crate is the one tool that can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to train your lab to toilet outside and to improve their bladder and bowel control. Protecting your possessions — A crate is a useful tool in teaching your puppy to be fixated on chew toys and not your furniture and shoes. A quick note about boarding and kennels. When our Linus got sick he had to stay in the kennel at the vets office while he recovered. Thank goodness he was crate trained. When I came in to stay with him he was comfortable in his crate with an IV hanging out of his leg. These are just some of the benefits you and your Labrador can enjoy if you take the time and trouble to crate train your dog. Is Crate Training Always Successful? Sadly not. Dogs are individuals and come with their own likes and dislikes. So although a crate can be used to benefit the vast majority of dogs, there will always be a select few that just will not enjoy or accept being crated. It helped our last 3 puppies Charlie, Doni, and Downey get used to their crate in only a few nights. This is particularly true for the occasional adopted dog for which their background is unknown. Dogs up for adoption may have had bad and traumatic experiences with crates earlier on in their lives, where owners used a crate as a form of punishment or misused a crate amounting to imprisonment. Obviously in these cases, a crate should not be used. These cases though are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of dogs learn to love and enjoy spending time in their crate. I believe everybody should at least educate themselves on the subject and give it a go. By soaking up the knowledge in this guide and following the steps I outline for crate training, you and your Lab can enjoy the rewards that using a crate provides. Your Lab will be happier, safer, more secure, less likely to engage in destructive behavior and from these facts you can enjoy a greater peace of mind that you are doing the very best for your dog. One of our favorite features is the crate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of your crate as your puppy grows. I will always try my best to respond to every one of them. 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. Labs should be crate trained because it is associated with easier and faster housebreaking, and it facilitates safe and easy travel or evacuation during emergencies. Also, crating provides a safe and calm space for your dog during overwhelming moments and preempts destructive behavior. From a different perspective, canine experts like Stanley Coren consider the approach that crating your dog is animal cruelty to be misguided, lacking scientific backing. Of course, there is a limit to how long you can cage your dog and under what conditions. Even so, I like to give you a balanced view to forming your own opinion. My dog loved her crate as a puppy. In fact, she was around 3 years old when she finally migrated full-time to her bed, and some dogs like to keep them for life. Labradors are easy to crate train because they are naturally eager-to-please and highly adaptable dogs. In addition, Labradors love their food and will readily comply with crate training when you use treats in positive reward-based crate training. Nevertheless, crate training requires a bit of effort and patience for any dog. Your Labrador may take days or a few weeks to learn and get used to being in a cage. If you want to make crate training your Labrador even easier, consider training at a young age, as soon as you bring home your puppy at 8 weeks. There are also other behavioral and safety-related benefits of crate training your puppy. Here are 7 benefits for crate training your Labrador puppy: 1. They spend most of their time around or in the den until they are two months, then they can exit the cave. Like their progenitors, dog puppies have inherited the behavioral tendency to live in a den. They need a place of reference where they can find safety and a place to rest and relax. As such, the crate is an artificial den for dogs, and a Labrador growing up in a home needs his dog space. Crate Training Supports Housebreaking By instinct, dogs hate soiling their space and will not relieve themselves in their cage unless by accident. Crate training your Lab puppy helps your dog learn to hold it until the next potty break. Of course, this should not be more than hours for young Labs. Check out this article about housebreaking your pup, How to Potty Train a Lab. Crate training will keep your Labrador pup away from furniture and cushions while he is learning the house rules or while you are out for a while. Besides, crate training your dog is also a way of keeping him safe from injuries, accidental poisoning or escaping when you are not around in the house to supervise him. Crate Training Helps With Separation Anxiety A Labrador puppy that builds a positive association with a cage considers it safe and a place of comfort. This can help your Lab to stay calm when you are away from home and prevent separation anxiety. In other words, your absence is replaced by a cozy little space that gives a sense of safety and calm. Crate Training Makes Your Lab Puppy Safer for Children It is always recommended that you teach children to stay away from the family dog when he is in the crate seeking some calm or rest. This is not just useful for the dog, but it also keeps your children safe from possible dog aggression when your furry friend is tired or stressed out and needs some alone time. This ensures safety for your dog in the vehicle. It is also a requirement when traveling by air, in which case the crate should follow the IATA guidelines for pet travel. Crate training also prepares your Labrador puppy to be in a crate when in a hotel or a hosting home. Besides, a dog with a positive crate experience can feel less anxious spending time in an unfamiliar environment at the vets. Crate Training Can Save Your Dog Crate training could be the difference between losing your dog and saving his life during a natural emergency such as a tornado. Generally, Labradors that have learned to associate the crate with positive experiences will readily go into a cage when asked to and move to safety on time with the family. Of course, this size is too large for your 8-week old Lab puppy. So, the idea is to buy a crate that your pup can use as an adult Labrador together with a divider to reduce the size and increase it as your puppy grows. It has a durable dog tray and four roller feet to protect the floor. If you have the right size crate for your Labrador puppy, you are now ready to bring your pet home and start crate training. Associate the crate with feeding. Crate your Labrador puppy when you leave the house. Crate your Labrador puppy at night. Some people may go for the kitchen, but the family room is preferable. Prepare the crate for your pup. Placing a soft bed, blanket, or crate pad inside. You can also drape a dark colored blanket over the top making it more den-like. Leave the crate door open so your Lab puppy can explore the crate spontaneously. If your pup does not show interest in the crate, bring him over and encourage him to go in with a lively tone of voice. If that does not work, place some treats close to the door, so your pup tries to get them. Drop more treats inside the crate and encourage your pup. Do not force your puppy to go into the crate. Keep tossing treats or enticing toys into the crate. Pretty soon your Lab puppy will naturally walk into the crate to get his rewards. Introducing your Lab puppy to the crate may take a few minutes or even a couple of days. Associate the Crate With Feeding To help your Labrador puppy associate the crate with good experiences, feed your pup his meals near or inside the crate. If your Lab puppy is already going in and out of the cage with ease, you can place an interactive puzzle toy with food or some tasty treats inside the crate to entice your pup. This brightly-colored small treat-dispensing ball is a great fun way to introduce him to interactive toys. Once your Lab puppy is calmly eating his meals in the cage, begin to close the door while he eats. Open the door as soon as the pup is done eating for the first time, and gradually increase the amount of time you leave the door closed until your dog can comfortably stay in the closed crate for a while after eating. Make sure you use the same word and gesture cues always and say the word only once at a time. Praise your pup if he goes into the crate and reward him with a treat. Close the crate door and hang around quietly for minutes. If your pup is calm, go to another room for a few minutes, so your dog does not see you for a while. Then return and spend a few more quiet minutes around the crate. Then let out the pup. Repeat this process a few times in the day, each time increasing the number of minutes your dog stays in the cage until your pup can spend half an hour inside with a closed door and without whining. This may take a few days or even weeks. Once your Labrador puppy can calmly stay for longer periods in the cage without whining, you can begin leaving him crated when you go out of the house for short periods. Crate Your Labrador Puppy When You Leave the House When your Lab puppy begins to stay in the crate overnight or for minute sessions during the day while you are away, it is now time to cage your pup when you leave the house for longer periods. Note that your puppy should already be over 10 weeks before you begin to do this. You might want to leave an interactive toy with some treats or food in it. Ensure the toy is safe and cannot be ingested. It also doubles up as a great teething chew toy and fetch toy due to its unpredictable bounce. Reward your pup for getting into the crate and leave quietly without making the departure emotional, as your Lab puppy could pick this routine too. Five to ten minutes is a suitable interval between crating your pup and leaving home. Keep the arrivals calm and low-key when you return to avoid building anxiety in your dog over your return time. If your dog gets excited on your return, do not reward this behavior by talking to your dog in an excited tone. Give a few minutes before releasing your pup. Continue crating your pup for 30 minute periods when you are home. This prevents crating not being exclusively associated with your departure and absence from home. Crate Your Labrador Puppy at Night You might be wondering if you should let your Lab puppy sleep with you on your bed. This involves calling your dog to the crate and giving a treat when he gets inside. Then close the crate and wait a few minutes before leaving. If your Lab is just a puppy, you may need to place the crate in your bedroom or an adjacent hallway in the beginning. Puppies will need bathroom breaks during the night, and you have to hear them when they whine about being let out to relieve themselves. Once your Lab puppy can sleep through the night without needing a bathroom break, usually around 4 months of age, you can gradually move the cage to its usual location in the family room. Note, though, that crating your Labrador close to you during the night even in his adult age, can be a way of strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend. Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. You can find a summary of these in my crate training schedule chart below Stage 1 Introduction to crate training for puppies from 8 weeks old This stage covers the first week that you bring your puppy home. Your objective at stage 1 is simply to get the puppy used to being in and around the crate with the door open. Leave the door open Start by placing puppy in his crate frequently and each time you place him in there drop several little edible treats through the roof for him. Just let him come straight out again when he has finished his treats. This introduces the crate as a fun and enjoyable place to be. He will soon come to associate this phrase with going into his crate for a treat Closing the door briefly The next step is to close the crate door momentarily and then open it again. Leave it shut only long enough for the puppy to finish his treat and notice that the door is closed. Then let him out. Do not wait until he gets upset or cries. Repeat many, many times during the course of the next day or two. If he is left alone at night whilst he is still homesick he is likely to howl, and howling in his new crate is not a habit we want to establish. Tending to your puppy during the night If the box is right up against the side of your bed, you can put your hand in and comfort him if he cries. Moving your puppy downstairs at night After the first three or four nights, or by the end of the first week, your puppy can be placed in his crate in the kitchen before you go up to bed at night. So if you put him to bed at midnight, you will probably need to get up around 5am to let him out for a wee to begin with. If a puppy has fallen asleep in his crate and slept for more than a couple of hours then you will need to let him out if he wakes up crying. Getting more sleep! If all goes well, you can stretch this five hours out by 15 minutes or so a night until you are getting seven hours sleep. If he wets the bed you will need to get up earlier the next night. And some puppies will be 12 to 14 weeks before they can cope this long. You can find lot more information on teaching your puppy to be clean and dry in our potty training sections. Crate training during the day There is no immediate need to crate your new puppy during the day for more than a few minutes at a time. The main purpose of crating a puppy during the day is to Help the puppy learn to hold onto the contents of his bladder for a bit longer. To keep him safe when you are busy for short periods, or if you need to leave the house for a while. To give him chance to calm down or a break from small children. However, you do need to get the puppy used to spending longer periods in the crate in preparation for being left alone from time to time when he is older. So gradually, you will accustom the puppy to a few longer spells in his crate. These are tough hollow rubber toys that you fill with mushy food and freeze. You can freeze several Kongs at once by standing them on a baking tray in the freezer. Each time you put the puppy in his crate for more than a couple of minutes, you will leave a frozen food filled Kong in there to keep him company. Puppies love these and will soon grow to associate the crate with the pleasure of the frozen Kong. How to get the puppy used to longer crate times Once you have got to the end of the first week and the puppy has accepted the crate as a nice place to be, the next task is to get the puppy to accept the closed door for longer periods of time. This may take a day or two. Place him in the crate with his frozen kong and close the door for 30 seconds. The idea is to leave the door closed for a few seconds longer each time you crate the puppy. But it is very important only to open the door when the puppy has been silent for several seconds. What to do if the puppy cries in his crate If the puppy starts to whimper or howl you will need to turn away from the crate and ignore him. Wait for the silence as he stops crying and gets to work on his puppy kong. Tell him what a good dog he is. Let him out immediately and go back to much briefer periods of closed door for a while. Try ten seconds or five. Build up again gradually, but do not be tempted to avoid crating him because it upsets him. Once the puppy is happy in his crate, you can use it to help with his potty training. Until then, make sure that you crate him for very short periods when you know his bladder is empty. Otherwise he will wet himself when he gets upset. Puppies that cry need crating more often! If your puppy whines in the crate, you need to crate him more often not less, and for shorter periods. Check out our in-depth article on coping with a crying puppy for more information Just make sure that each time he is crated is very, very brief to begin with. That way he will learn that being crated is not a big deal Warning: if you open the crate door whilst your puppy is howling, he will howl longer and harder next time! Build up slowly to a minute, then two minutes, then three, five, seven, ten, fifteen minutes and so on. How long can a puppy be left in a crate People often ask how long a puppy can be left alone in his crate. For puppies three to six months old I think two hours is a maximum, and for puppies under three months, one hour. If you need to leave your puppy for longer than this, then you need to consider a puppy proof room or pen where water and puppy pads are always available, or even a weatherproof outdoor kennel and run. This involves putting puppy pads down in a large puppy pen or puppy proofed room so that your puppy always has access to a toilet area. You can find out much more about overcoming the problems of being a working puppy parent in this article: combining a puppy with full time work. Stage 3 Training your puppy to go into his crate on command! As your puppy grows bigger, picking him up and putting him in his crate becomes more of a physical event! Provided you are not leaving your puppy alone for too long, he should be happy to go willingly into his crate. This can be achieved through training. This will probably take a couple of weeks. Maybe more if your puppy really does not like his crate at the moment. Have several training sessions each day — at least three. And do 20 or 30 repetitions of the following exercise in each session. This will take you about five minutes. If you are have never used one before, check out this article before you begin: Charging your clicker. Imagine a zone around the crate. It should not be so small that the dog avoids it altogether. A couple of feet in each direction is fine. The object is to get your puppy to choose to enter this zone. You are teaching him to chose to approach the crate. EXERCISE 2 entering the crate doorway In this exercise, you are going to click and treat the dog for putting a nose, or a paw through the opening into a crate. For some dogs this is too big a jump and you will need to work on a smaller crate zone first. We are moving the goalposts and the dog will be surprised when you do not reward him for entering the zone. He will quickly try something different. Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog enters the crate zone Repeat five times Throw the treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he enters the zone, wait for him to go closer to the crate and put his nose in the opening What if he fails to do this? Repeat from step 3 until the dog repeatedly puts his nose through the crate door. Now you can stop rewarding him for simply entering the zone. It just takes longer with some dogs than others. Use his entire food ration if necessary. Remember, if you have to go out, scoop him up without a word, and place him in there bodily. Do not use the clicker or any other part of this process, or attempt to lure him in. You going out is a punishment in his mind. Behavior that is punished will diminish. When you click, he will come dashing out again for his treat. Again, we begin the exercise with something we know he can already do Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog puts his nose through the crate doorway Repeat five times Throw each treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he puts his nose through the doorway, withold the click. Wait for him to go further in Repeat and gradually raise the criteria you are setting so that more and more of the dog must be through the doorway to get a reward. The exercise is done when the dog repeatedly goes right inside his crate. With a dog that is not crate-shy, you can often work through these three Exercises in a day or two. EXERCISE 4 spending time in the crate Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate withold the click and treat for two seconds If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he can wait 2 seconds in the crate and then increase to 3 seconds Work your way up to ten seconds When the dog can cope with ten seconds waiting in the crate, you are ready to close the door. To begin with this will be momentary EXERCISE 5 closing the door Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat after 10 seconds, each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate close the door and immediately open it again Wait a few seconds then If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he will go into the crate, watch you open and close the door, and remain in the crate for a few more seconds after you have opened the door. We are nearly there! Use the cue you have chosen. You know the procedure now. We want him to have absorbed the association between this cue and the act of entering the crate. Now it is time to use the cue in advance of the behavior. Once the dog is repeatedly racing into the crate on your cue, we need to make sure he can distinguish this command from other commands. In this case the dog is not discriminating between different cues, but rather making assumptions about what game you are going to play. So the next step in training is to mix in another cue. If he is confused, and he may be, show him what you want, just like before. You now have a dog that actually understands the meaning of In Your Crate and happily complies with your command. It is time for him to adapt to being confined after being told to go in there. Start slowly and build up EXERCISE 9 adding duration Place a Kong with food in it, or some treats on a slow feed bowl into the crate without your dog spotting you Cue the dog into the crate call him into the room first Shut the door and leave it closed for one minute Open the door again and ignore the dog. It is up to him if he stays in the crate or comes out Repeat from step 1 gradually increasing the time you wait before opening the door Vary the length of time you keep the door closed. Sometimes two minutes, sometimes as much as fifteen minutes. Now you can begin to send the dog into his crate for longer periods, such as when you go out for an hour or so. Maintenance tips Send the puppy into his crate often, not just when you need to. Make sure there is always a tasty treat or a Kong in there waiting for him Sometimes when you send him in, close the door If you know you are going to go out shut him in at least ten minutes before you start getting ready to leave If you know you are going to go out always leave him with a Kong full of frozen food When you are not going out, vary the times he is shut in from two to thirty minutes Send him in from time to time without closing the door Provided your dog is not left overly long in a crate on a regular basis, this should overcome any shyness he has about going in there. Dogs of any age can be trained to crate on cue using this system. For more information on using a clicker check out : Ten great reasons to start clicker training Stage 4 Growing up By twelve weeks or three months old, many puppies will be sleeping 7 hours or more at night and going happily into their crates on cue, if they have been taught to do this. When to let your puppy out of the crate at night If all goes well, by about six months of age, your Labrador puppy should be clean and dry in the house, and sleeping soundly through the night in his crate. At this point, many puppy owners breath a big sigh of relief and start to look forward to the prospect of removing this massive and annoying crate from their kitchen for good. So, at what age is it OK to start leaving a puppy loose in the kitchen overnight? And how do you get your dog used to a basket or dog bed, rather than sleeping in his crate? Age related crate training schedules Most people are reluctant to give out information on how long a puppy should be crated, or what to expect at different stages, because puppies are so different from one another. So, I have included a rough guide or puppy crate training chart above. It really is just a rough guide. Your best approach is to simply follow the four stages outlined above, from start to finish, and not worry too much about where your dog is at the moment.

We rescue many animals from harsh conditions every year in Oklahoma City, and we aim to provide a quick adoption process so that we can go out and save more lives. We are dedicated to fighting animal cruelty and believe no companion animal should need to be euthanised for lack of a home. Animal care you can trust As well as caring for and fostering our animals until they are adopted, we are also happy to provide support and guidance if you are having any troubles with your pet. This is to keep all pets in their forever homes and out of the shelter system. We see all of you, our visitors and potential adopters, as our partners. If you are interested in adoption, we are happy to advise how to properly look after your chosen new friend. Welcoming all creatures great and small We opened our shelter after it became apparent that there were many stray and abandoned animals living in the local area. We aim to rescue as many homeless, sick and injured animals as possible. When we take animals into our care, we give them a thorough check-up and provide essential veterinary care if needed. We ensure that all our animals are healthy and have been well looked after by our staff before they can be offered for adoption to a new home. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Are you looking for a German Shepherd puppy right now? Having problems finding one that fits into your budget? Read on to find out even more. So, if you want to find out even more about this why not check out the list of my best tips below to help guide you in your search to find top quality, healthy, reasonably priced, cheap German Shepherd puppies and dogs. This is one of the best ways to find great, adorable and wonderful German Shepherd puppies for less than from a breeder. GSD rescues specialize in saving as many lost, abused, or unwanted German Shepherds as they can and their main goal is to find new, long term homes for them. Most of the dogs these rescues have are older than 1 year in age, but from time to time they often have German Shepherd puppies available too. Just ask them what they have available and discuss what you are looking for with them. Fees for German Shepherd dogs and puppies adopted from a GSD rescue vary but you can always find out by doing online research or by calling or emailing the GSD rescue organization for more information. Here are a few places to begin your search for German Shepherd rescues. It is very possible to find wonderful German Shepherd Puppies at your local animal shelter. These animals have been turned in for some reason and need a second chance at life and you're looking for a free, or at least cheap, German Shepherd dog or puppy. So there you go - match made in heaven hopefully! And if they don't currently have any GSD puppies, no problem, just check back often or maybe even ask them to contact you whenever they do get one in. It can really be worth the wait if you're patient! So, where to start? Ask your local vet about where you can find animal shelters in your area, check the phone book and possible even ask groomers or pet stores that are local to your home. Another great place to start is: www. With all those unique GSD mixes out there to choose from, there's sure to be one one dog or puppy that is the perfect one for you. Adopting a German Shepherd mix puppy or dog can cost you a little too depending on where you find your next pet but this fee often times includes more than just the adoption fee so do your research first to see exactly what is covered in the adoption fees. So, if you follow the tips above, do your research and get all the referrals you can your chances of finding the best, healthiest free german shepherd puppies will increase dramatically. Good luck! We've had to take it off him. Now in Oklahoma City, too! We are a foster-based organization working out of Tulsa and now Oklahoma City! Our dogs are cared for in private homes and we do not operate a shelter. We are an all-volunteer organization. We are always in need of more help to answer questions, check applications, socialize dogs, transports dogs to adoption events and much more. Adopt: Fill out our adoption application here. Only approved adopters may schedule meet and greets with our dogs. Even if you are unsure which dog you would like to adopt, we recommend filling out an application and getting approved first so you are ready when the right dog comes along. To ensure your new family member is a good fit, dogs may be returned within 14 days of adoption for any reason. Adoption Requirements: We require all pets in the home to be spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and on heartworm prevention. If you rent, we will need authorization from your landlord that German Shepherds are allowed. We also require a fenced-in yard. References may not be related to you. If you have questions, please send us an email! Available Dogs: View dogs available for adoption here. To meet one of our dogs, please fill out an adoption application. Foster: We are in need of folks to provide short-term, in-home care for dogs in need until they are adopted. Veterinary care, food and a large crate are provided. If you can help, please complete our foster application here. Please note, fostering is for those who want to volunteer by providing temporary housing for homeless dogs. If you are planning on adopting and just want to try out a dog in your home to see if it is the right fit, please fill out an adoption application. Only approved adopters can schedule meet and greets with our dogs. All adopted dogs can be returned within 14 days of adoption for any reason. As we work out of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, we prefer fosters to be within a 1-hour driving distance to Tulsa or OKC so they can bring a foster dog to adoption events and veterinary appointments if needed. Online Auction: Over the past few months, our rescue has seen a significant increase in dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned. When we do not have enough fosters, we have had to put dogs in boarding which also is an added expense. To raise much-needed funds, we are hosting an online auction. We will have items such as unique products and services, tickets to special events, art, jewelry, wine, restaurant and hotel gift certificates, dog items, gift baskets, etc. Stay tuned for more information! If you or your business would like to donate an item, please email: oklahomagsr gmail. Every little bit helps and the value of your donation is tax-deductible. Each auction contributor will be recognized in the online event and our Facebook page. Events: Check our Facebook page for a schedule of adoption events. Small donations add up! You may donate online or by mailing a check. Your donation is tax-deductible. Thank you! Donate Here Need to surrender a dog? If you are the owner of the dog you want to surrender, please fill out the owner surrender form. Please contact your local animal shelter or the closest SPCA or humane society for more information.

Follow Country Living on Instagram. It comes with four PVC protective covers in case of any damage to the bottom of the pool. This design can withstand seriously hot weather and has a soft base to ensure extra comfort for your pup. The sprinkler pad just needs to be plugged into a garden hose to work, and you can adjust the water pressure and the spray height from there. Another perk is that the bottom of the pet pool is non-slip, which provides safety for use. It is quick and easy to pop-up and comes with built-in drainage holes. Great for traveling and staycations, it's made using durable PVC material which prevents punctures. It's made from extra-tough PVC, so it will stay secure while your dog is playing around without the edges collapsing. It also features a built-in drain valve that you can attach your hose directly to, making it super-easy to fill and empty, plus it won't cause any unnecessary water damage to your lawn. The non-slip bottom will help keep your pet and child safe while splashing around, too. Watch Next. High History of the German Shepherd The ancestors of German shepherd dogs acted as both servants and companions to humans for hundreds of years. Developed from old shepherd and farm dogs, the German shepherd dogs we know today were first introduced in Germany in .Captain Max von Stephanitz is credited with the breed's beginnings. During World Wars I and II, the word "German" was dropped and the breed was referred to as the shepherd dog or the Alsatian a name that is still often used in Europe. Worldwide interest in the breed began rising in the early s and the German shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in .In modern times, the German shepherd remains one of the most popular dog breeds, currently ranking fourth in the AKC listings. Cross-breeding these dogs with Shiloh shepherds resulted in king shepherds. There is recent controversy over the breeding of show dogs to have a sloping back rather than the straight back seen with working dogs—this practice has been criticized as leading to poor gait. They are well suited to families of all types but are best acquired as pets when they're young so they have ample time to be trained and adjust to life with their humans. Your German shepherd probably needs more exercise than you think—a daily walk is not enough. If you're a jogger, a German shepherd can be a good running companion. Your dog needs to run, play, and explore to prevent frustration, boredom, and pent-up energy. A dog that is bored may develop problems such as barking, digging, and chewing. German shepherd dogs are better off in a home where there is a fenced yard for play rather than an apartment. However, it's even more important that your dog is given plenty of attention and not left alone most of the day. Grooming German shepherds have coarse, sometimes wiry, medium-length hair with thick undercoats. Their coats should be brushed every few days to combat their relatively high shedding rate, which can be lessened by routine grooming. Still, you should be prepared to have dog hair on your clothing and furniture—you'll need to vacuum frequently. Luckily, a German shepherd's coat also resists dirt and debris, so you won't need to bathe your dog more than once a month. In fact, too-frequent bathing will strip out the oils that keep its coat healthy. Remember to keep your dog's nails trimmed to help them walk around comfortably. You should also help your dog maintain good dental hygiene by brushing its teeth a couple of times a week. These dogs like to chew and have powerful jaws, so keep durable chew toys available. Training German shepherds can be very gentle companions and family protectors with proper training and socialization. It's an ideal breed for active households, and the intelligence and protective demeanor of this breed can make it a good choice for families with children as long as the dog is properly trained. German shepherds can sometimes become anxious or even aggressive if not properly trained and handled. These dogs will ideally be trained to perform a duty and will take pride in such. The breed's intelligence and desire to work should make training fairly easy. Proper socialization is also necessary to make sure your German shepherd does not become stressed or scared when meeting new people or animals and seeing new environments. They're typically aloof around new people and may be suspicious. Additionally, German shepherds may have a tendency to chase cats and other small pets and may not be a good fit for a multi-pet household unless raised together. They also may not get along with strange dogs, especially of the same sex, which may be a problem when you visit a dog park. Common Health Problems Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. German shepherd dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions, however, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of: Hip dysplasia : This genetic orthopedic disorder affects the hip joints of many large-breed dogs. It causes pain, limping, and degeneration of the joint. Elbow dysplasia: This is another orthopedic problem that is similar to hip dysplasia, but affects the dog's front legs, rather than the back. Elbow hygroma : This alarming, but non-cancerous growth is a fluid-filled swelling over the dog's elbow. It is usually caused by minor trauma, and although unsightly, normally does not cause the dog pain unless the hygroma becomes infected. Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Also called bloat, this is a very serious condition that occurs when a dog's stomach expands with gas or food and then flips within the abdominal cavity, cutting off the exits from the dog's stomach. Bloat can be fatal without prompt treatment. Degenerative myelopathy : This progressive neurological condition affects a dog's spinal cord. It starts with weakness in the hind legs and ultimately progresses to paralysis. You may also want to mix canned dog food into the kibble for extra flavor and interest. German shepherds are prone to bloating and possible stomach torsion, so you'll want to avoid giving one large meal a day and having the dog gulp it down. Be sure your dog has constant access to clean, fresh water. Monitor your dog's weight and address any overweight issues early, as obesity will shorten your dog's lifespan. You can also discuss nutritional needs with your veterinarian to get recommendations for feeding schedules and dog food types throughout your dog's life. Where to Adopt or Buy a German Shepherd If you think you'd like to adopt a German shepherd, start by contacting one of the following organizations: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions These groups will be able to provide guidance and next steps for adoption as well as direct you to reputable breeders if you choose to go that route. The AKC also boasts a marketplace where you can inquire about AKC-registered litters that have been cared for and raised according to breed standards. German shepherds, especially German shepherd mixes, are very common at animal rescues, so if you aren't concerned about your dog being purebred, or you simply prefer to rescue a pet rather than purchase one, it's always a good idea to start your search with local animal rescue organizations. German Shepherd Overview German shepherds are perennially popular dogs and will continue to be looked upon as desirable and loving companions for decades to come. Provided you can meet their requirements for training, exercise and companionship, they are sure to be a great addition to your home and family. Why German Shepherds Are the Best Family Dog August 6, When you're a dog lover, no matter how many things or people fill your home, it never quite feels complete without a fluffy pup or two running around. If your family has decided to add a dog into the mix, it can be a huge choice to make. There are a bunch of different considerations that need to be addressed when you're going to get a pooch, especially if you have children. Of course, every dog is different but there are still breeds that are considered to be a better fit for homes with kids. On the other hand, you also have breeds that are known to be a bit more unpredictable, which is why they can be found on what's known as the insurance blacklist. This is a list of breeds that insurance companies consider red flags, and if you own a dog that falls on the list it could potentially affect your premium or even have your coverage denied in certain situations. German Shepherds are one of a handful of breeds that appear on this list, but this doesn't mean this pup can't make a good family dog. You never want to assume a negative trait of a breed occurs in an individual dog, because you could miss out on the perfect pooch! Here are four reasons why a German Shepherd can be the best family dog: A German Shepherd is very intelligent, and he can be taught a number of fun tricks that will delight your children. A German Shepherd is loyal and will bond well with the family children if started at an early age. A German Shepherd has a lot of stamina and energy, making him a great playmate for active kids. Getting To Know the German Shepherd A German Shepherd can make a fabulous addition to the family, but there are certain precautions to consider first. For one thing, with this breed, it appears best to get a young pup that can grow up with the children, and early socialization and training are paramount. Here are some good-to-know facts about the noble and smart German Shepherd: SIZE The German Shepherd can grow to be between 22 and 26 inches tall and roughly between 50 up to a whopping 90 pounds, making him a definite member of the large breed club! In other words, this is not a pooch who will stay small. Besides his regular brushings, this pooch only needs an occasional bath, regular nail trims, and proper dental care. No matter how well-trained your dog is, remember to always keep him on a leash in public settings and look into a variety of different activities that can keep him properly stimulated. Shepherds do well with various events like agility training, tracking exercises, and other canine competitions. Giving your German Shepherd things to entertain and intrigue him will keep him satisfied and out of trouble. Enrolling your pup in puppy classes and obedience training is key to developing a well-mannered and patient pooch. Luckily, this breed is extremely eager to please and very trainable, and you will find that training your pup can be a wonderful bonding experience. You can even teach your dog a number of fun tricks that can make him the star of any show or at least with your kids. German Shepherds and Kids While it's always important to make sure that both your children and your new pup understand how to interact with each other, German Shepherds require extra preparation. Make sure to lay the ground rules with your family before your dog moves in, and make sure to start a training program with your pup as soon as you bring him home. Of course, always supervise your children when they are playing with any dog, and make sure all of your kids understand basic rules like avoiding dogs that appear sick, agitated, or injured, or not making contact with dogs who are eating. A German Shepherd can make a great family dog if you take the time to integrate him into your family in the right way. You can also scope out National German Shepherd Rescue Groups if you decide to rescue an animal in need. For more fantastic tips and helpful information that can help you beef up your pet parenting abilities, check out the rest of our blogs! At Neater Pets, we strive to bring you everything you need to know so you can do the very best for your pets! Most people ask if a particular breed is family-friendly without knowing the specifics that make a dog suitable for a family. Intelligent The first thing that makes a dog better suited for families is his intelligence. The least intelligent dogs will be single-mindedly loyal to a single person. This leads to consequent loyalty that gets cemented with more time together. A true family-friendly dog provides intelligent company for adults and safe company for kids. Again, this stems from high IQ but also requires sufficient socialization. So the question really is about effort, as alluded to above. This is perhaps the most significant difference in the experience of having a dog as a single person and having one as a family. The time you can spend with your dog is reduced when you have other responsibilities. Meanwhile, the social experience of the dog is automated due to the presence of others in the house. Notwithstanding, you must ensure the dog is easy enough to take care of, given your family responsibilities. This non-menacing quality is desirable mostly in upscale suburbia, where a dog that can seem threatening to a neighbor can lead to an HOA complaint. But for most of America, a good guard dog can give company and protect the entire family. You want a dog that can truly love your family. Most dogs can be affectionate with people with whom they develop a bond. However, they express their love to varying degrees. This again circles back to intelligence. Ultimately, you want an emotionally intelligent dog. Good With Other Dogs The last thing you want is to take your dog to another family and have him embarrass you by misbehaving with other dogs. This manifests in two ways: first is the lack of friendliness that can trigger a barking contest, and the second is an untethered fondness that might lead to unscheduled humping. The first, however, is contingent on the type of dog you have, as some can be more aggressive than others. Ideally, you want a dog that can socialize with other dogs, and the minimum you can settle for is a dog you can train to be nice. Any other option is too aggressive to qualify for family ownership. Child-friendly and Affectionate The German Shepherd breed was bred to herd and protect sheep. Although their primary role was to allow the sheep to graze in one field while keeping the flock out of the field of crops next door due to the lack of fences , they spent night and day with their shepherds and were immensely loyal to them. So, as they spent most of their time with adults, you may wonder whether German Shepherds are kid-friendly. German Shepherds are kid-friendly when appropriately socialized. Their intelligence allows them to recognize toddlers, and they can even start seeing them as masters at a young age. Pro-tip: To learn how to socialize a German Shepherd , check out this article. Still, they should not be left alone with kids, like any breed. You can trust a well-behaved German Shepherd with a child, but you cannot trust a child with any big dog. Do you want to know more about GSDs and kids? German Shepherds are among the most affectionate dogs and are the smartest dogs. A GSD raised in isolation is poorly educated in canine networking, making it harder to understand social signals. For this, taking him on a walk where he might spot other dogs at a distance is the first step. Then, you can graduate to taking him closer to other dogs, albeit in smaller increments. Playdates are your way of ensuring that his core experiences with other dogs are positive ones. By curating meetings with puppies of mellower species, you provide him with a barrage of positive experiences that build the foundation of his social confidence. Pro-tip: If you already have a dog at home, you should choose a German Shepherd puppy of the opposite sex to prevent same-gender aggression or dominance fighting. Can Double as a Guard Dog German Shepherds are protective of their owners and their families, making them excellent guard dogs that double as family pets. Their protective and guarding instincts from their sheep herding days remain a characteristic of the breed today. The training needs do not stop there. While it is crucial to teach your dog to stand down when a neighbor walks by, it is also equally essential to teach him to sound the alarm when there is suspicious behavior. You have to start by teaching your dog to back off and be open because he already knows how to be protective. But once you start teaching him to relax, you must reinforce his protective instincts. I have written a separate post on German Shepherds as guard dogs , which goes in-depth on the subject. Head on a swivel, she is constantly scanning the yard area and will prick up her ears when a squirrel comes into view. She is always alert when pesky squirrels are around. If a threat is perceived, she will growl or bark — doing just enough to warn away whatever she feels is threatening her family. This is what a protective dog does, regardless of animal or danger. There are lower-energy breeds that qualify as family dogs. However, few of them can double so well as quality companions and skilled guards. But how easy are they to take care of? German Shepherds are easy to take care of as long as you spend time with them. They need twice-weekly brushing, daily exercise, and mental engagement to feel content, or they will turn aggressive to seek your attention due to pent-up energy. Getting a GSD is a commitment no smaller than having a toddler. Though taking care of your German Shepherd is an investment of energy and emotion, it is gratifying in entertainment and company. They can understand what upsets or pleases you simply by being with you for a long period. Again, you have to be present in the first place for them to learn. Once your German Shepherd is trained, he is pretty easy to take care of. I just cannot label the entire breed as easy to handle without putting in the work, especially when their intelligence can make them stubborn and some novice dog owners resort to punishment as their most convenient training tool. For those types, having a German Shepherd will be frustrating. If you adopt them as puppies and teach them to see you as a protective guardian, they will be highly obedient and quickly learn new commands. You can train even older German Shepherds. This leaves the GSDs with the most unjust history, the most vulnerable and challenging. Grown German Shepherds who have been abused have trauma issues, making it difficult for them to trust humans. You can still find an older German Shepherd to adopt that will be easy to train as they will thrive on your love and attention as gratitude for their forever home. Nonetheless, intelligent dogs are expensive, and German Shepherds are no exception, especially if you get them from a reputable breeder. When choosing a puppy, you must look at its health, appearance, and showability because these factors vary from dog to dog. German Shepherds are smart and have an IQ of a 2. Therefore, a well-trained GSD can provide smart, empathetic company as they can understand you like a small child. They are intelligent enough to understand commands, learn over words, and tell friends and strangers apart. However, you cannot change one thing: allergies he can trigger. GSDs shed a lot of fur, especially from their undercoat. And just like most high-shedding breeds, they can cause allergic reactions. This can be disappointing for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog for their family. German Shepherds are certainly not hypoallergenic as they shed heavily all year round being double-coated. Their dander can trigger an allergic reaction, and their fur can trap pollen particles. Failing this, you can consider one of the many German Shepherd mixes. For example, a Shepadoodle may just be the answer with its low shedding coat. But, while not everyone has to participate in house training, everyone must adopt the responsibility of socializing the dog and giving him positive experiences. Getting him to associate humans with positive encounters is crucial if he is to assimilate into your family. But why? German Shepherds are not dangerous if appropriately socialized at a young age. To avoid this, expose him to many people while still a pup. A well-socialized puppy will grow into a well-behaved, relaxed, and safer dog. Your doggo will be less likely to use aggressiveness in times of fear if they are comfortable in a wider range of situations. You will be surprised at how friendly your German Shepherd can be. More importantly, receiving positive attention from people will make him more receptive to being social. This kicks off a positive feedback circle where the dog is treated well because he is social and becomes more friendly because he is treated well. My post on different German Shepherd colors alongside pictures can be a great starting point. However, clicking that post in the presence of kids can prove to be quite expensive. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are good family dogs when trained well. Getting a show line GSD can even turn dog shows into something that the entire family can rally behind. Related Posts You May Like:. German Shepherds were my very first breed. This noble-looking male has a beautiful rugged head, intelligent expression, and rich coloration. My experience with German Shepherd temperament Temperament and behavior stem from what the breed was designed for To understand a breed's temperament and behavior, ask, "What was he developed to do? The German Shepherd was developed from various sheepherding dogs. German Shepherds were also developed as military messenger and sentry dogs, and as personal protection and police dogs. The breed also excels at search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. Certainly you would expect high intelligence, high self-confidence, trainability, and an ability to focus. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, an ideal German Shepherd, when properly raised by a confident owner, can be a magnificent companion. There's a good reason my first dogs were German Shepherds! Unfortunately, it can be difficult today to find a German Shepherd with an ideal temperament. Or at least an ideal temperament to be a good family companion. Different lines have different temperaments Today, the temperament of a German Shepherd often depends largely upon what kind of line he comes from. Some breeders, you see, produce working lines of German Shepherds with high-drive temperaments — vigorous and intense. These dogs are ideal for competitive protection-dog sports. But not so much for the average family companion, unless you were to look carefully for an individual pup in one of those litters who didn't inherit that high-drive temperament. Other breeders produce show lines that match a detailed standard of conformation for the show ring. These dogs are softer-tempered than those from working lines. That sounds nice and yet.I've worked with far too many German Shepherds from show lines who were hyperactive, skittish, spooky, or downright dopey. This happens when breeders focus on appearance more than temperament and trainability. My recommendation for a good family dog If you're looking for an easygoing family companion, I would avoid both strict show lines and strict working lines. Instead, you might look for more of a generalist breeder who focuses on calmness and high trainability. These breeders might prove their dogs' trainability by participating in non-protection dog sports such as obedience, rally, or agility. Or, if you want a truly mellow Shepherd, you might consider a longhaired or perhaps a solid white German Shepherd. These dogs are seldom bred for aggressive dog sports, so they tend to have a milder temperament that fits well into many families. Just be careful with the whites. A good number of them are too soft, which can result in timidity or skittishness. I hope you can see.Because if you don't know what you want, and what you don't want, and if you don't ask the right questions, you're likely to end up with a German Shepherd that isn't at all what you were looking for — and possibly one who is too much for you to handle. Such an intelligent expression — confident and inquiring. Pros and cons of German Shepherds The Good Thrives on challenging activities and exercise Loyal to his own family Looks imposing and has a reputation that bad guys don't want to fool with, so makes an effective deterrent Highly intelligent and versatile — can learn almost anything The Bad Can be hard to find one with a family-oriented temperament and a decent chance of staying healthy Needs plenty of exercise and interesting things to do Needs careful socialization Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough Potential aggression toward other animals Constant shedding — days a year Legal liabilities insurance issues, increased chance of lawsuits High risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. How big are German Shepherds? Males stand about inches at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Females stand about inches and weigh pounds. Some German Shepherds are considerably larger than that, but shouldn't be. This breed is supposed to be athletic and agile, not giant-sized and ponderous. Larger dogs can have more joint problems and a shorter lifespan. Are there different "types" of German Shepherds? Officially there's only the one breed. But I explained in the Temperament section that there are different lines of German Shepherds with different temperaments. Those lines can also LOOK very different from each other. Show lines Those of us who admired the strong, noble look of German Shepherds from decades ago are saddened at what has been done to the appearance of modern show dogs. If you go to a German Shepherd specialty show in the United States or Canada, you'll see tall narrow bodies, long narrow heads, and such excessive curvature of the rear legs that the dog's back slopes downward from shoulders to tail. You could roll a ball down that back. In my opinion, these are misshapen caricatures of a German Shepherd. To make matters worse, show lines produce more than their share of spooky and low-intelligence dogs, which is what happens when you over-focus on appearance rather than temperament and trainability. In contrast, the West German show line has a more normal shape. There are many West German bloodlines in the United States. Just be aware that these dogs aren't couch potatoes: they do have plenty of energy and some working drives that will need to be exercised. Solid black German Shepherds are less common, but when combined with a rugged build, makes for a very handsome dog. It's true that working lines are often too strong-tempered and intense for the average family. But if you're an experienced owner who knows how to be in charge and if you provide firm rules and plenty of physical and mental exercise, working lines can make great companions. Knowledgeable working dog breeders can point you toward the pups in their litters who are calmer and have less working drive. These dogs were used by the military and border patrol, so they're tough, not recommended for the average family. Pet lines? You might be thinking, "Must I choose show line or working line? Isn't there another choice, like a line specifically bred to be a good pet? Some breeders emphasize high trainability, competing with their intelligent dogs in non-protection sports such as obedience or agility. Other breeders emphasize "old style" German Shepherds with a more rugged build. But avoid breeders who boast about their "giant" German Shepherds. Packing more weight onto the frame and joints of a breed that's supposed to be medium to large is a huge pun intended mistake. German Shepherd with long hair. This particular dog has a minimalist long coat — just some ear tufts and a body coat that's slightly longer than normal. Shorthaired or longhaired When you're thinking about the different types of German Shepherds, you should also consider the two types of COAT: The normal coat is short hair. But German Shepherds also come in a longer coat. Both coats are the same breed. Unfortunately, in the United States, long coats are frowned upon by the official clubs and show-dog breeders. Long-coated dogs can be registered, bred, and shown in certain activities such as obedience and agility. But they're not welcome in the conformation ring, where judging is based on appearance. Some long-coated Shepherds have essentially a short body coat with only minor feathering around their ears, on the backs of their legs, and on their bum and tail. Other long-coated German Shepherds have long hair across most of their body. Do long haired German Shepherds have a different build or temperament? Yes, often they do. Because they're not welcome in the conformation ring, their structure hasn't been deformed like that of their shorthaired brothers. And because they're seldom seen in protection dog sports, their temperament tends to be softer and milder, which fits well into many families. German Shepherds are active dogs, but should not be hyperactive. Fetch games are a great way to exercise this breed. How much exercise do German Shepherds need? German Shepherd puppies and adolescents up to 18 months old should have moderate exercise only — multiple walks, fetch games, or if there is a compatible playmate playing with another dog. But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running beside a jogger or bicyclist. Restrict jumping as much as possible. Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dog's energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible. Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise. Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated. This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide 'n Seek. Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words. Are German Shepherds easy to train? Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate. As we've seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A "tougher" German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog. That doesn't mean "softer" German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog. In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you. This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. Are they friendly with strangers? Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed's national club says, a good German Shepherd has: "a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd's natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness. When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn't have to like them, but he must accept them. One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren't being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog's attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade. At the other end of the spectrum are German Shepherds who tuck their tail between their legs, and try to hide behind you or run away whenever a stranger or another dog approaches. Sometimes this is just inexperience with the world, but sometimes it's an inherited form of shyness. German Shepherds who are genetically shy can be helped by socialization — but not "cured. There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a "guard dog breed" does anything even remotely questionable. Are German Shepherds good with children? If the dog was raised with childen and if the children are well-behaved, most German Shepherds with a normal temperament are fine with them. But if you have young children, you need to be especially careful about bringing an adult German Shepherd with an unknown background into your home. That dog should have a stellar temperament vouched for by experienced rescue personnel. Also I wouldn't be comfortable with some high-drive German Shepherds around toddlers. These vigorous, intense dogs could send a toddler flying without even meaning to. Are German Shepherds good with other pets? Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs and cats in their own family, if introduced to them when the dog is young. I've had multiple German Shepherds living harmoniously with my Chihuahuas and cats. And some German Shepherds are dominant, or aggressive, toward other dogs of the same sex. My dog Luke, for example, would never dream of harming a female dog — but he would have loved to engage any strange male. Only a firm Respect Training program kept his behavior under control. Long-coated German Shepherd. Keep their feathering combed out to avoid painful mats and tangles. Grooming: Do German Shepherds shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? About shedding.I have good news and bad news. The good news is that German Shepherds have only one shedding period a year. The bad news is.In other words, German Shepherds shed constantly. How is this different from most breeds? Most breeds shed a few hairs here and there throughout the year. But the vast bulk of their shedding occurs only twice a year — for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and for three weeks in the fall as the summer coat switches over to a winter coat. Not German Shepherds. They shed a TON during those spring and fall coat-switching seasons. Plus they shed moderately the rest of the year. So year-round, you'll find hair on your clothing, on your carpets, and under your refrigerator. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life. You might be wondering, "How can a shorthaired dog shed so much? They have a short outer coat harsh to the touch , plus a woolly undercoat for insulation. Breeds with a double coat always shed more than breeds who simply have an outer coat but no undercoat. German Shepherds come in a long coat, as well as a short coat. Both coats shed heavily. Now, about grooming.How much grooming is required depends on whether a German Shepherd is shorthaired or longhaired. We've already talked about the temperament usually good of longhaired German Shepherds. As far as grooming goes, they obviously need regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. The longer the coat, the more work it will be. But even if your Shepherd has a short coat, you're not off the hook when it comes to brushing. With a constant shedder, you should brush as often as possible to pull out the shed hairs before they end up on your floor and furnishings. Ironically, longhaired German Shepherds often seem to shed less than the shorthaired. That's because some shed hair gets caught in the long coat instead of falling out. The trade-off is that you need to brush out that accumulated hair regularly or it will tangle and fuse into a matted mess. Longhaired dogs need trimming Along with brushing and combing, longhaired German Shepherds need trimming every few months. Focus on the longish hair around the dog's private parts. Otherwise whenever he goes to the bathroom, the result is going to be unsanitary, both for the dog and for your house. Remember, anything that sticks to long hair eventually ends up on your floor or furnishings. So keep your dog's private parts trimmed short. Gray sable pattern How long do German Shepherds live? Are they a healthy breed? German Shepherds typically live years. Some do live to 13 or 14, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. And sadly, many don't even make it to age .As a long-time German Shepherd owner, I know first-hand how many health problems this breed suffers from. Crippling joint diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive diseases, skin diseases, heart and eye diseases.It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a German Shepherd. Here is a complete list of health problems in German Shepherds. The most common color in German Shepherds — black and tan, in the saddleback pattern What colors do German Shepherds come in? The most common colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, or black and silver. These colors cover the dog in one of these three patterns: Saddleback — the black overlays the dog's back and sides like a saddle. The rest of the dog is tan, red, cream, or silver. Usually there's some black on the face, as well. Blanketback — the black extends further down the shoulders and hips. Honestly I don't know why this pattern is called bicolor, which simply means two colors. As we've just seen, the other two patterns also have just two colors. Another common color is sable, which is an overall shade of gray, golden, or red, with black-tipped hairs that create a "dusted with black" effect. A less common, but perfectly acceptable, color is solid black. Many blue dogs look as though they've been dusted with flour. Liver German Shepherds have inherited a color-modifying gene that changes their black pigment to brown any shade from light to dark. For example, if a German Shepherd would have been a black and tan saddleback — except that he inherited a modifying gene — he becomes a blue and tan saddleback, or a liver and tan saddleback. Blue and liver are considered serious faults by the official German Shepherd clubs and breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring. But you can still register these dogs and compete with them in activities such as obedience and agility. Controversial color: solid white As with blue and liver, you can register a white German Shepherd and show him in competitive activities such as obedience and agility. But you can't show him in the conformation ring. Well, the Powers-That-Be say white is an unacceptable color because German Shepherds were developed to be herding and guard dogs. White dogs, they say, are too visible to make effective guard dogs. On the other hand, white dogs blend in too much with the sheep or snow instead of being clearly visible to the human shepherd. If you love the white color, you might be pleased to hear that White Shepherd enthusiasts have formed their own club, which holds its own conformation shows. Do German Shepherd ears stand up on their own, or do they have to be cut or taped to make them stand up? Ah, you're thinking about cropping, a surgical procedure to make the ears stand up. That's done with Doberman Pinschers, but not with German Shepherds. A Shepherd puppy's ears prick up naturally — they're never cropped. German Shepherd puppy with perfectly normal ears at this age. If the pup inherited normal genes, the other ear should come up shortly. But German Shepherd puppies aren't born with pricked ears. In some pups, the ears start to prick up at 6 or 8 weeks old, while others don't start until 12 or 14 weeks old. Often the ears don't go up smoothly. In other words, they don't suddenly pop straight up. Typically one ear will go up halfway, and stay like that for a few days. Then the other ear may start to prick while the first ear straightens all the way up. A few days later, just as the second ear straightens up, the first one suddenly flops back down. This can be a trying time for new owners who worry that their pup's ears will never stand properly. Rest assured, it's normal for German Shepherd puppy ears to go up and down for a month or two, especially during the teething period. Unfortunately, some puppies do inherit poor genes for ear strength and often those ears will never come all the way up. They're called "soft ears. I had a German Shepherd with one soft ear. It flopped sideways on top of his head, while the other ear stood up beautifully. Of course I loved him dearly anyway! Most German Shepherd puppies start out with floppy ears and dark coloration. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your German Shepherd puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on German Shepherd health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a German Shepherd puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. German Shepherds are extremely common in the United States, the 2nd most common of all breeds. So they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of developing a stable temperament and the best chances of staying healthy through the years. THAT is harder to do. First, you need to think about the different types of German Shepherds we talked about earlier. The different temperament types and the different build and coat types. You'll remember.Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. One parent should have a certificate showing them to be clear of degenerative myelopathy. This is the fastest way to rule out all the bad breeders. No certificates equals irresponsible breeding. Many years ago, I had a dear German Shepherd with this devastating disease. Believe me, you do not want to go through that. If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your German Shepherd ends up crippled, paralyzed, or stricken with heart disease. Because of their popularity, and because so many owners acquire one without doing diligent research, German Shepherds are often available from dog rescue groups. German Shepherd crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be over-zealous in labeling every medium- to large dog with a vaguely shepherd-ish look as a "German Shepherd cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to German Shepherds? The Shiloh Shepherd looks like a large German Shepherd, which is not surprising since the Shiloh was developed 50 years ago by crossing German Shepherds with larger breeds. Compared to German Shepherds, Shiloh Shepherds tend to have a calmer, more easygoing personality. Compared to German Shepherds, most White Shepherds have a softer, more sensitive personality. White Shepherds are fine watchdogs, but seldom aggressive. In fact, if a White Shepherd is going to have any temperament fault, it's more likely to be timidity or skittishness. The Belgian Shepherd is recommended only for experienced owners. Compared to the German Shepherd, a Belgian is more agile, graceful, and elegant. Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent, but also easily bored and prone to obsessive behaviors. This is a demanding breed that needs ongoing supervision and structured activities. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. However, the dog is not the only one who needs to be trained. The child in the home also needs to be taught how to properly treat a dog, how to be respectful, and how to interact with a large dog breed safely to avoid any accidents. Using treats and a food-based reward system with positive interactions with your children is important for two reasons. First, treats are easy to use because your dog understands food is a good thing and will behave accordingly. Second, children understand the reward system of treats, too, which makes their inclusion in the training relatable! It is essential that the same commands and training are carried out by all family members, including the kids, to ensure consistent good behavior. However, by the same token, they are also able to follow the same commands when being given them by anyone within the family as long as all family members have been in on the training sessions. German Shepherd Dogs love being part of a pack, and children in the home broaden their pack identity depending on how old the child is and how strict they are with training These dogs are incredibly intelligent and know when a child is part of their pack and when they are guests. Their intelligence helps them to bond with the child on a deep and personal level which leads to a lifelong friendship. Although they can look very intimidating, German Shepherd Dogs are intuitive and think situations through before reacting. This is especially important, as children can be very unpredictable when interacting with dogs, and you need a dog breed that is going to assess the situation instead of instantly reacting to your child. Often, the German Shepherd will remove itself from the situation or seek out its adult owner for help. They will protect your child from anything they perceive as a danger or threat. This fierce loyalty binds your German Shepherd and child together as they feel protected and cared for. German Shepherd Dogs are a large breed of dog and are very protective. This means they are a formidable barrier between your child and a threat such as an attacker in a park, a stray dog or wild animal, or an abusive adult. Playtime is always something to look forward to with German Shepherd dogs because of their size. Fortunately, like we touched on earlier, German Shepherds are very calm, aware, and intelligent, so they can handle being around children without accidentally injuring or scaring them. Larger dogs like a fluffy German Shepherd also make great cuddle partners whether they are young or old, and having something large to cuddle up to provides a sense of safety and happiness to a child. There are certain things to consider when deciding whether a German Shepherd is right for your child or not. If your child is very small, aurally sensitive, has an issue with large dog breeds, or has had bad experiences with dogs in the past, then a German Shepherd Dog may not be for you. Size German Shepherds are large. They are tall and sturdy dogs which means they can look rather imposing. While they do not throw their bulk around if they are well-trained, they are prone to jumping on people in excitement. To a very small child that is the same height as the German Shepherd dog, this can be a terrifying experience and may ruin future interactions with dogs! Although German Shepherds are among the most gentle and intelligent large breeds, your child still may not be up to the companionship of such a large dog breed. Noise German Shepherd dogs have a very loud bark, and they are known to bark often with or without provocation. To children who are sensitive to loud or high-pitched sounds, having a German Shepherd dog can be a distressing experience. Playfulness German Shepherds are very playful, especially as young adults. They love to run, jump, roll around on the floor, play tug of war, and chase their pack mates for fun. If they think a child is in on the game, they will treat them like another dog that is playing the game. They will nip at their ankles, pull at their clothes, jump on them, chase them, and try to roll around with them. If your child is not ready for this level of physicality with a big dog or does not understand doggy playtime rituals, then they may be traumatized by having a German Shepherd dog. Natural Instinct Most dog breeds have a high prey drive. This means when they see something running away, especially if it is smaller than them, they will chase after it—not to kill or hurt it but just to chase it. This can pose a problem to adults who have small children who do not understand that if they run, the dog will chase them for fun, not to hurt them. This natural prey drive can be controlled in German Shepherd dogs with careful training. However, no dog is perfect, and you do not want your child traumatized because your dog wanted to play tag! German Shepherd dogs are among many other dog breeds that are misrepresented as aggressive, mean dogs. German Shepherd dogs are easily trained, highly intelligent, and proud, which makes them ideal working dogs for the armed forces, the police, search and rescue, and other high-threat and high-intensity jobs. Their representation in the media and movies has made them seem aggressive and explosive. However, when proper training and socialization are provided, these dogs make the perfect companions for a home with children. Wagging Away On German Shepherd Dogs And Kids… Choosing your precious pup when you have kids can be difficult because you are likely quite worried about their safety and whether the dog will be happy or not. German Shepherds are excellent dogs to have in the family home! Before bringing a German Shepherd home to your family, consider the following: Can your child handle being around a dog that has a loud bark? Has your child had negative experiences with large dogs in the past? Above all, always make sure the breed is the right fit for the child and the child is right for the breed before you bring your new German Shepherd home to your family. Related Article:. Pet Sitting Is a German Shepherd right for your family? Considering adding a four-legged friend to your family? Perhaps a German Shepherd is right for you. They were originally bred as a working dog, herding and guarding sheep under the guidance of Captain Max von Stephanitz. He was an ex-cavalry Captain and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College who believed strongly that dogs should be bred for working. The first German Shepherds arrived down under in Western Australia in .They made their way to Melbourne around and eventually across Australia, but in , the Federal Government banned the import of this breed. The import ban was lifted in with some restrictions remaining until .With the lifting of the import ban the breed enjoyed a surge in popularity. In fact, during the s, the German Shepherd became the most popular breed of dog in Australia, according to puppy registration. Today, they remain a popular four-legged family member and still a hard-worker, particularly in the protective services. So instead the pup was given the job of Vice-Regal Dog to the Governor of Queensland — still a hard-working dog! They do have a cheeky sense of humour and love to play games. They are powerful and muscular with strong hindquarters. There are two kinds of German Shepherds when it comes to their coat. The most common colour of fur is black and tan, with the black saddle pattern and black mask on face, but they can also come in camouflage, red, grey or black. They have a bushy, sabre tail that hangs down to the hock. Their skull slopes into a long, wedge-shaped muzzle that ends at their black nose and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The ideal height for males is cm and cm for females. Suitability Suitability Although they have a reputation for being a tough dog, German Shepherds particularly females are generally sweet-natured and good with children. Males might be a little less forgiving of rough play and unless raised with children and well trained, they should be supervised. Poor socialisation and lack of training can lead to them becoming spoilt and unruly. Adults are very active and require lots of exercise but puppies on the other hand should not be overworked. Work them up gradually to an active lifestyle. Daily walks are important and make sure they have lots of space to run around in. Like most working dogs they can become bored and destructive if left alone too long. The most common genetic issues are Hip Dysplasia, Haemophilia males , Elbow Dysplasia and digestive problems, formally known as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Keep in mind that regular trips to the vet and a healthy lifestyle will also minimise the risks. Talk to your local Greencross Vets for more health information. Because they are double-coated with a coarse water-resistant outer coat and heavy wooly undercoat, they shed regularly. Give them an occasional bath when needed and just like humans, their teeth need daily brushing. Contact Us At Greencross Vets, nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of your four-legged friend. If you have any more questions, please reach out to your local Greencross Vets. You can find your local Greencross Vets here. They are considered as good house dogs because of their calm nature and caring temperament. They are an intelligent dog breed and can easily learn what you make them do. If given proper training, they will love, care and respect their owners and also protect them from any foreign intruders. Your children can play with the dog as much as they can. They can be taught to learn to do almost anything. They are one of the best guard dog breeds that are known to save their family from enemies. Yes, they can be not so friendly towards strangers but for known faces they serve as an ideal companion. If you are dedicated enough towards your dog then they are a healthy dog breed. Proper puppy training is essential along with love, care and respect towards your pooch. Also, make sure not to allow children to play with the dog when eating or trying to remain alone. So no problem to adjust your day according to your dog, your dog can easily adjust itself and suit your lifestyle. Yes, they require at least 30 minutes of daily exercise because they are an active dog breed so walking and playing with your dog will eventually make you healthy. Now, we assume that you are convinced about adopting a GSD and make it a part of your family. About Shikha Sharma Shikha Sharma believes that Mother Earth is our mutual abode, where all creatures have an equal right to live with dignity. This belief is clearly reflected in her wonderful writing pieces that revolve around animals and their well-being. She is the blog editor of Pets World. More like this.

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Golden Retrievers are very food motivated. If your puppy seems to be getting fat, you may need to switch to the lower end of the above recommendations. Alternatively, if their ribs are becoming too prominent, you should work to the upper ends of the guidelines. Golden Retriever puppies have much smaller stomachs than adults. This means their daily food allowance should be split into smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than just feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening, as you might plan to do eventually, their food will need to be split into 3 or even 4 portions, like so: 8 — 12 weeks: 4 meals a day 3 — 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 — 12 months: 2 meals a day However, like the feeding charts, this should only be used as a guide. Feeding too much food at once can lead to cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort for your puppy. How to Choose the Best Golden Retriever Puppy Food Puppies need a balance of certain nutrients and vitamins to support their growth — not just as much food as possible. In fact, simply giving as much food as possible is linked to certain joint-related health problems. So, when searching for a high quality puppy food, there are a few key ingredients you might want to search for. This includes a real meat source, and the correct amount of nutrients like calcium and iron. Commercial Food vs Homemade Food There are pros and cons to every type of puppy food available. Dry food is long-lasting and easy to use during training, but can contain filler ingredients. Wet food is palatable and easy to serve, but can be more expensive and harder to use during training. Homemade food is often very appealing in terms of taste for our dogs, but is the most likely type to contain nutritional imbalances that can lead to serious health problems. So, they will continue to grow and develop physically until somewhere between 12 and 18 months. You may want to transition your puppy to a new food when you bring them home, rather than whatever your breeder was giving them. Ideally, you want to make the change over the course of a week. Replace a very small amount of their old food with their new food at mealtimes. Over the week, you can change these amounts by decreasing their old food and increasing the new. By the end of the week, they will be eating only the new food. Changing abruptly can cause stomach upsets and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. But, Golden Retrievers should generally look lanky rather than chubby. But, the most successful rewards in this type of training are often food, such as kibble or small chunks or meat and cheese. Doing all of your training in the morning can lead to stomach upsets if your puppy ends up eating a large amount of their daily allowance all at once. Instead, try and complete shorter training sessions before each mealtime, and give whatever allowance is left for each meal after training is done. This can also benefit your training, as a hungry dog will be more motivated to work for those treats! Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Between and , the population of the town grew .Current town growth is a result of these such developments, which primarily attract high-income families relocating from Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City Nickname: Diamond Town of the Diamond State Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! A different variation of the Labrador Retriever, a "Chocolate Lab" refers to any Labrador with a solid brown color in their count. Originally thought to be "less ideal" than black colored Labs, the Chocolate coloring wasn't intentionally bred into the dogs, making them less common than Labs with other coloring. For tons more interesting information about the breed, check out our Chocolate Lab breed information page! If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Labrador Retrievers". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Lab from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, or click here to grab one on Amazon. If you can't find the perfect Labrador Retriever puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Labrador Retrievers young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

We are a small home based breeder of a wonderful family oriented and very versatile breed of dog called the "Australian Labradoodle". Our breeding dogs are considered part of the family and puppies are raised in our home with lots of socialization, love and affection. We only have two breeding dogs that live in our home and all of our other breeding dogs live in wonderful guardian homes. We specialize in breeding medium size and small standard size Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles and only breed a couple litters a year. Our medium size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. Our small standard size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. We offer a variety of colors red caramel, chocolate, cream, chocolate and white parti as well as caramel and white parti. Arizona Labradoodles is thoroughly "Committed to Responsible Breeding. Let us share with you what makes us Responsible Breeders. Our Dames and Sires to our litters are all health tested to the highest possible standards. Each of our dogs are genetic tested for all 22 recessive diseases found in the Australian Labradoodle. We feel the financial investment in health testing our breeding dogs is critical for betterment of the breed. Our high standards of health testing gives us great comfort knowing we are offering our families puppies that come from generations of health tested dogs. This has been done to protect the buyer and support parentage identification. We only work with Australian Labradoodle breeders that are also "Committed to Responsible Breeding" and the preservation of the Australian Labradoodle breed. We place our whelping box next to our bed to ensure a safe delivery of puppies and to monitor mom. During your puppies first weeks of life they are carefully cared for by us and never left alone. Each puppy is raised inside our home and are properly socialized with a variety of people, different noises, they are bathed, blow dried, nail trimmed, held and loved by us every day until they are ready to go to their new home. Each of our puppies is exposed to early neurological stimulation exercises known as the "Super Dog" Program. Studies have proven positive benefits for improved cardio performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Each puppy receives a full health evaluation and given age appropriate vaccinations by a licensed Veterinarian. We stand behind our 2 year health guarantee and lifetime guarantee against recessive diseases. When you adopt your puppy we want you to feel comfortable knowing we have done everything we can to offer you a good start with a healthy happy puppy. Our health guarantee protects you and your precious furry family member against life threatening diseases, joint dysplasia, and 22 recessive diseases. We are here for you for the life of your Arizona Labradoodle. If you have any questions, concerns, or need any guidance we will try and help you in any way we can. Our adoptive families have been carefully chosen to be a part of the "Arizona Labradoodles Family" for a reason. We look forward to keeping in touch with you. We often get the question "What is a Australian Labradoodle? Fabulous fleece coats that are allergy friendly Non shedding There are a variety of sizes and coat colors Can adapt to any type of lifestyle Highly Intelligent. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of those breeders have a proven track record and are committed to the highest standards of ethical breeding and health testing. Carefully screening the parent dogs helps the breeders to choose the healthiest pups for breeding purposes. You can also reach out to your friends, family members, or neighbors who have recently adopted a Labradoodle in your state and ask about their experiences with different breeders. They raise their pups in their home and socialize each puppy with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups eat high quality human-grade food and receive lots of love and care every single day. What Makes This Breeder Unique? ADEL is a recommended breeder by Goldendoodles. They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the healthiest puppies. Although they currently have no information about vaccines and dewormings on their website, feel free to reach out to them via email or phone to learn more. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Phoenix Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. They are intelligent and friendly. The physical characteristics of this hybrid will vary depending on the genes inherited from its parents. They can have different coat types including: wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece with colors ranging from red, black, cream, chocolate, gold, and brindle. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic breed, the Mini Labradoodle may be a good fit for people with allergies. Discover more about our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale below! Overall, they make excellent companions. Due to their easygoing nature they usually do well with other pets and are generally good with children. As a result, they require exercise every day and can be prone to restlessness or loneliness if left along for too long. Their activity level and larger size means they are a good fit for a house with a yard. They are great walking companions and actually love the water and can be exceptional, natural swimmers. Due to their Poodle genetics, incorporate educational games to stimulate their intelligence as well as their bodies. Training Training a Mini Labradoodle is easier than many other breeds, because they are eager to please and intelligent which makes them attentive while learning. They respond best to positive reinforcement due to their friendliness and intuition. Praise for good behavior in the form of treats and affirmation will work best when training. Train and socialize your Miniature Labradoodle when it is a puppy and exercise it regularly to avoid negative behaviors. Generally though, brush them about twice a week to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. However, it should only need to be bathed as needed. They also tend to be less prone to odor than other breeds. For optimal health, brush their teeth about three times per week to avoid bacteria and tartar buildup. It is also good to trim their nails about twice per month. However, the name did not truly come to be known until when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The cross breeding was a success and resulted in a dog that had a disposition appropriate for guide dog work with a low-shedding coat.

Working with top genetics, we focus on both Structure, and Temperament once we isolate the best Black Frenchie Puppy Genes there is. Working with top dogs is only part of what we do. Black Frenchy puppies for sale A classic and beautiful dog, the black frenchie puppy for sale, or Black French bulldog puppy for sale is stunning. Overlooked from time to time with new and exciting colors on the rise, we still covet the original beauty offered by the Black French Bulldog. Black Frenchies for sale No matter the color, all of our French bulldogs for sale , come with our full health guarantee. All of our Frenchies for sale breed stock is genetic health tested 4 panel clear! No matter which French bulldog puppies for sale you purchase, all come with the same guarantee. Check out all of our website information pertaining to black Frenchies for sale. .We sometimes will have pure black french bulldog puppies but most often we have black and tan French bulldog puppies. Both solid and tan pointed colors are beautiful but there is just something about the tan points! In comparison, a black and tan frenchie has more detail then a plan black french bulldog. If you are considering finding a black frenchie consider the black and tan frenchie puppy as well. Shopping for a fluffy black and tan french bulldog is also an option. Black French bulldog puppies Reserve an Elon pup today and experience one of his amazing offspring! Elon can make Blues, blues and tans, Isabella, Isabella and tan, New Shade isabella, Lilac, Lilac and tan, fluffies, creams, basically everything under the rainbow with AMAZING compact structure, big heads, with both intelligence and temperament to boot! We breed for shorter bodies and legs, not long legged giraffes. We are proud that all of our Frenchie puppies for sale are raised in our home with our children, under foot. Every single French Bulldog puppy are well socialized and you can expect a playful, smart, inquisitive and loving professional Snuggle Bug. Available Puppies Notification List. He is a perfect example of a true solid black french bulldog. Jack is the main guy for our solid program. He can produce solid blacks as well as blues, chocolates, and lilacs. The picture to the left is an example of a Solid blue french bulldog. Extremely popular color. Do note, blue dogs do NOT keep blue eyes, only lilacs keep light eyes due to the fact they are also a chocolate. The picture to the left is an example of a solid lilac french bulldog. The lilac is both a combination of a blue and a chocolate by DNA. It has to be both. The appearance is a blue to silver coat, with the light eyes of the chocolate dog. The picture to the left is an example of a solid chocolate french bulldog. We do not produce these often, because we strive for blues and lilacs. But they are amazing nonetheless. More About Our Adult Bulldogs As a reputable breeder of French Bulldogs, we offer every pup in our program comfortable living conditions and thoroughly check them for genetic defects. Our well-maintained indoor facility meets the standards of the AKC and Georgia and is climate-controlled for the comfort of our Frenchies. Once the adults have completed our breeding program, we ensure that they find loving owners to enjoy the next stage of their lives. Have questions or interested in one of our Frenchies? Let us know! Your Name required. Me What is a Black French Bulldog? While the breed standard for French Bulldogs allows for several different coat colors and patterns, black is a popular color for this breed. Black Frenchies are quite easy to recognize as they possess no traces of other colors. What we mean by that is that they have a solid black coat color with no brindle pattern; sometimes they have a white patch on their chest giving them a unique look. Black French Bulldogs are a highly sought-after breed and they are relatively rare. In general, French Bulldogs come in a range of colors, including brindle, fawn, cream, and white. However, the solid black coat color is a recessive trait and can only be passed down if both parents carry the gene for it. As a result, Black French Bulldogs are not as common as other colors, which adds to their appeal and value. Because Black French Bulldogs are rare, they can be more expensive than other colors. A Black French Bulldog can make a wonderful and loyal companion for years to come, and their unique appearance and personality make them a valuable addition to any household. You should have your own Black Frenchie. Here is why! Black French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog that has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They are a wonderful addition to any household, offering a range of benefits that make them the perfect pet for anyone who loves dogs. Here are some reasons why you should get a Black French Bulldog: Black French Bulldogs have a solid black coat color that makes them stand out from other dog breeds. Friendly and affectionate French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, and Black Frenchies are no exception. They are great with children and other animals, making them the perfect family pet. Low maintenance French Bulldogs have short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, which makes them a low-maintenance breed. Playful and energetic Despite their small size, French Bulldogs are known for their energy and playful personalities. Adaptable Black French Bulldogs can adapt to a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive enough attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. This makes them a great option for those who are looking for a companion that can keep up with their lifestyle. Overall, a Black French Bulldog is a wonderful addition to any household. With their unique appearance, friendly personality, and low-maintenance needs, they are sure to bring joy and love into your life for years to come. It's important to purchase from a reputable breeder who can provide you with a health guarantee and ensure that the dog has been bred and raised in a responsible manner. Do Black French Bulldogs Shed? Black French Bulldogs, like any other Frenchie tend to shed throughout the year, more so in the spring and fall. During this period, they change their coat almost completely, replacing it with shinier, brighter and nicer fur. It's important to brush your puppy's hair at least two or three times a week using a Furminator. That will remove the undercoat that has fallen out but is still in the hair. We provide Health Guarantee TomKings Frenchies are bred from an award-winning bloodline to ensure the healthiest and most authentic gene pool. Before the breeding program was established, all parent dogs underwent a rigorous selection and examination process. We feed our adult dogs and puppies only the highest quality food and supplements to maintain their immaculate health, and they are checked by our veterinarian on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee that covers all genetic illnesses. Kennel-free living Our Frenchies are not raised in kennels but instead live in a loving family home with a large green garden. We believe that proper development, including strong musculature, a healthy immune system, and good manners, cannot be achieved in crowded spaces. As family members, our Frenchies are free to roam in our spacious garden and rest in our home. We ensure that our Frenchie puppies have ample opportunity to play and we teach them good manners around other dogs and people, including children. We provide love and professional care At TomKings, our puppies receive 12 weeks of both maternal love and professional care. This extended period of time spent with their mother and siblings fosters the development of a healthy dog personality and a well-balanced nature. Prior to joining their new families in the USA and beyond, our Frenchies receive all necessary puppy vaccinations, as well as deworming and parasite treatment. We also begin their potty training at an early age, making it easier for new owners to house-train their little angels. The price depends on varieties of features, including the color. Yes, it could be much lower, but you should have a more flexible budget to have better choices. The price always depends on the breeder or the store selling the dog. Yes, they have health problems, and I am talking about all Black French Bulldogs. Out of all types of Frenchies, the black French Bulldog has the worst health problems, and the sole reason is a result of the dominant black gene found in them. One of the most common health issues they do have later on is deafness and eye problems. Some do later have skin issues also, so if you are considering buying a black Frenchie just because it looks fancy. You should re-evaluate your decision. Nevertheless, some of their health issues are not associated with their gene but are just common health issues all French Bulldogs are prone to. Conclusion The Black French Bulldog is a great choice, and personally, as a dog lover especially the Frenchie breed , I would pick a black Frenchie, of course. For me, this color breed of french bulldogs displays the sophistication absent in other colored Frenchies. Others may disagree with my opinion, but everything depends on personal preference. Many people might want something else and prefer something cuter. If you are looking for something small, black french bulldogs are a good pick also, and you should consider them. Share this.