standard poodle puppies richmond va

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bringing Joy to your Family, one puppy at a time.Our website has a new look! Same owners, same poodles : just a different design. This is a 3-week old puppy re-charging her batteries - don't you just want to give her a hug!? We are planning our next litter of puppies and ohhhh, they will be beautiful puppies! If you are interested in a puppy, and wanting to reserve one, please send me an email for additional information. Once the pre-litter list is full, you will need to wait until the puppies are born, to see if we may have one available, prior to sending a deposit. All of our puppies are Red, Big and Beautiful! And with outstanding personalities. If you text me, I will ask you to send an email. When sending an email for more information - please include your first and last name. Getting photos from our "puppy families" really brighten our day 7 Week old puppy above - you can't find a better puppy!!!! And if you do, please let me know - I am looking for a big male. Red or black. Pony-sized puppies. True Snuggle Buddies! AND "Behr Babies! Red is one of our puppies. Now isn't that something!?? What a beautiful poodle. A note from Bonnie on her pony-boy, Red, above, "He is still in tact. The vet does not want to do the alteration until he is 2. She says because of his size and he is still growing. I never go out with out him on leash even though he has 95 percent recall. Thank you thank you for raising such amazing dogs. What a gorgeous girl!! They sleep on our beds with us and get lots of treats, pets, car rides and love. We are not fancy people, we don't have a big fancy house or fancy dogs with show haircuts, but we do have a great family with lots of love to share with our animals, and that makes all the difference. All our poodle and Bernedoodle puppies get lots of love and attention from the day they are born. We are state inspected and licensed, we have been raising poodles since , we got our first poodle Sylvester when our 4 children were all under 5 years old. He was our namesake for mysillydogs. We began our research to add Bernedoodles in then got our first boy Bernese mountain dog, Cooper. They are smart, silly, funny, loving, ornery, sassy, crazy, talkative, playful, lazy, loyal, devoted, adorable, adventurous, happy, full of personality and so much more. We think everyone should have one or maybe two. At days old babies go to the Vet to have a checkup and have dew claws and tails removed if needed, babies remain in the house, normally in our bedrooms until they are about 4 weeks old when they start having trips outside, they also begin eating mushy food with NuVet in it at weeks, they have no teeth yet but that don't stop them, so by the time mom decides to begin weaning them at weeks they know what food is and are eating well. They are well socialized and will get lots of love and snuggles before they go home, they are around other dogs, our cat Milo passed away so not around cats anymore, but people and a loud noisy household. Our puppies make the perfect pets! Our menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left corner Our menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left cornerOur menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left cornerOur menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left corner Thanks for coming to our website.For the best social media experience click the icon Welcome We have amazing happy and laid back Standard Poodle puppies In Colorado. Please let us help you find the family companion you are looking for. Scroll down to see some great videos on how we start our puppies using puppy culture. We love our dogs, you will too! Here at Grace Poodles, We take great pleasure at producing fine family friends. We have taken what we think are the best dogs we have found and developed a great breeding program. Jose and Toni Managed a commercial Thoroughbred farm In Kentucky and learned what it takes to have a solid breeding program, and have implemented the same heart and skill to produce the best for you and your family. Our dogs have become service dogs, companion dogs, family guard dogs, and snuggle companions. We have had great success with them becoming a part of a home where one or more members have allergies. We believe you will love our puppies! They have super temperaments, are extremely intelligent and eager to please - PLUS they are absolutely gorgeous! We spend a lot of time with our puppies as you can see by the videos and we encourage children and adults to come and play with them. Your puppy will come with their: first set of vaccinations. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. We have answers. There are many benefits to Uptown Puppies, one of which is that you're not restricted by distance. The experienced and professional breeders in our network understand how to travel with dogs comfortably, so many families have their puppies flown to the nearest major airport, like DIA. This can be a much more comfortable experience for your puppy than ground travel. How do you screen Poodle breeders near CO? Applications to become a breeder come in constantly, and our team can only accept a small fraction of them. This is because we prioritize the welfare of dogs and want to avoid working with puppy mills or dishonest breeders. It may seem tough, but it's the best way to ensure that your puppy will be healthy and happy, and that your family will get the best possible pet. What makes Uptown Puppies so different from other puppy finders? Looking for new Poodle puppies Denver can be overwhelming, but with our network of top breeders, we make it easy. We only work with the best of the best, so you can be sure you're getting a healthy, happy pup. Plus, our transportation services make it easy to get your new friend home. Why are puppy mills a breeding ground for unhealthy Poodles? The solution is quite simple - puppy mill owners breed dogs for quantity rather than quality. By producing large numbers of poorly bred pups, many families end up with puppies that have dangerous and expensive genetic disorders. Help us say NO to puppy mills, and only work with reputable, ethical breeders. Looking for a Poodle for sale in Denver? You're not alone! These popular pups are in high demand, especially for rare coat patterns. If you see your dream dog, don't hesitate to reserve them right away. Denver Poodle for sale Denver. What type of dogs are Poodles for sale in Denver, CO? Poodles are a popular dog breed known for their intelligence and obedience. They are rapid learners and excel in all types of dog sports. Denver Poodles for sale Denver! Poodles are sometimes used as assistance dogs because of their great intelligence and love for humans. How do I know these breeders are trustworthy? As a responsible dog owner, you want to do your research before bringing a new pup into your home. With so many scams and dishonest Poodle breeders in Denver, CO out there, it's hard to know who to trust. Uptown Puppies is different. We carefully screen all of our breeders to ensure that they meet our high standards. Plus, all of our puppies come with a year health guarantee. Now that's peace of mind! Are Poodles easily trainable? Poodle lovers will be quick to tell you that these dogs are not only smart, but they love learning new things! Poodles pick up tricks quickly and enjoy having their minds challenged. If you're thinking of getting a poodle, professional training from a young age is a great idea. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be amazed at how intelligent your new puppy can be. How do I groom my Poodle? Poodles are such elegant dogs with their signature haircuts. While they may require a bit more grooming than other breeds, the tradeoff is that they shed very, very little. This means your home will be much less hairy, and you'll have fewer stray dog hairs on your clothing. Poodles should be trimmed every weeks, and will need regular bathing, too. But the effort is well worth it when you have a beautiful, low-maintenance dog by your side. What kind of Poodle hybrid breeds will I see in CO? Doodles are amazing dogs that can be bred with many different types of dogs to create new and unique breeds. Similarly, crossing a Poodle with a Yorkie creates a Yorkiepoo. There are endless possibilities when it comes to breeding Doodles! How much exercise do Poodles need? A Poodle needs around an hour of exercise a day, which can be split up into a few smaller sessions. This breed doesn't require a strenuous workout, so don't feel like you need to run your Poodle for miles on end. A trip to the park should suffice! Denver Poodle puppies for sale in Denver, CO! Have a walk around Confluence Park or Washington Park and see for yourself! What kind of food do Poodles eat? When you get Poodle puppies for sale Denver, CO, it is important to discuss with the breeder and your family vet what the best diet for your pup would be. Every dog is different and may have different dietary preferences. However, don't worry - it's not complicated!

Otto Bulldog Description The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate and white. Also preferred are the glass eyes blue or marble eyes brown and blue mixed in a single eye. The ears and tail are never trimmed or docked. The body is sturdy and very muscular. The well-muscled hips are narrower than the chest. The straight back is as long as the dog is high at the shoulders. The dewclaws are never removed and the feet are cat-like. This breed is named as such for its streak of "royalty. They will fight to the death to defend their owners and make excellent companion dogs. Excellent with and protective of children. These are active, athletic and mindful dogs with a lot of heart. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a complete success. Height, Weight Height: 24 inches 61 cm Weight: Males up to pounds 47 kg Females about 78 pounds 34 kg There is a considerable difference between the males and females. Males can be almost twice as heavy as the smallest females. Health Problems With such a small genetic pool, health problems such as inversion of the eyelids entropion can develop. Living Conditions Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise These athletic, active dogs have an average demand for exercise. They need long daily walks and will enjoy a romp in a safe enclosed area. Life Expectancy. They fall under the Mastiff breed. It is nearly extinct. There are about worldwide. The program started back in the 's and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of Southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends form Buck Lane's dog, named Otto. Buck Lane's granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane, continued the breeding program until she passed away in her sleep on July 20th .In , Ms. Tom D. Stodghill, was because Mr. Stodghill has registered a number of rare breeds within the Foundation. Knowing this information, she asked Mr. Stodghill to provide her with a plan so that she could insure th Character The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a grand, powerful, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The purpose of this Breed is: Guardian, protection, companion, sport and farm use. As a family guard dog, the Alapaha's mental characteristics and abilities are very impressive. These dogs have been used for centuries as a do-all farm dog. They are used for working cattle and catching hogs. Temperament They show strength and alertness, yet agile and athletic, having an amazing endurance. This canine gives the impression of nobility, therefore, the name; Blue Blood. Guarding his master's person, family, and property is a natural instinct of this Breed. They were never bred for aggression, but he will protect, and go into action if and when the need arises. The Alapaha is a natural playmate and protector of children; he will for instance play different with a three year old than a twelve year old. He can also get along well with other animals, even cats. Care Little grooming is needed. Occasionally brush to remove dead hair and it will cut down on shedding. Bathe once every two weeks. This breed is an average shedder. Coat The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. They are average shedders. Their coat comes in a variety of colors; blue merle, brown merle, red merle brindle, tan, red, brown, black, and white. They excel at obedience. Therefore they are easy to housetrain and they will learn to walk on a leash within two days. They will do well in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. They are used for working cattle and catching hogs, thus their muscles are long and powerful. This means that they are never stocky and short built and their muzzle is not short like that of a Boxer for instance. Their longer muzzle makes breathing easier while running. These athletic, active dogs have a demand for exercise. They will enjoy long walks or running around and playing. Weight Male: ; Female: 78 lbs Height Male: ; Female: inches Color s blue merle, brown merle, red merle brindle, tan, red, brown, black, white Characteristics.

Cheappuppiesforsale is your go-to website for finding inexpensive, locally available, and registered French bulldog for sale. Our primary objective is to assist you in locating the appropriate French Bulldog puppy for sale in your neighborhood History of French Bulldog Puppies French Bulldogs are considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are often kept as companion animals. The breed is a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was brought to France by English lacemakers. The French Bulldog was then developed by crossing the English Bulldog with local small breeds, such as the Terrier, to create a smaller, more delicate version of the English Bulldog. During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. They quickly gained popularity among the upper class in France, especially in Paris, where they were considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. In the late 19th century, French Bulldogs were brought to the United States by American tourists who fell in love with the breed while visiting France. Temperament of Frenchies The temperament of a French Bulldog is generally described as affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are known to be good with children and other pets and make great companion animals. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to train and manage. French Bulldogs are very loyal to their owners, and they have a strong desire to be close to their family. They have a playful nature, and they love to play and interact with their owners. French Bulldogs are known for their expressive personalities, and they are known to be very vocal. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, snores, and snorts, which can be quite endearing. They are also known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. One of the most striking characteristics of French Bulldogs is their easy going nature. They are known to be adaptable and easy to live with, which makes them great family pets. They are also known to be relatively low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise or grooming. Let us introduce you to Rose a gorgeous French Bulldog pup ready to venture off to her forever home. She is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee provided by the breeder. Her momma is Amber. Rose enjoy spending time with the children she is currently being raised with. Sex: Female. Reviews Angela Pirate is the most beautiful, funny, and overall amazing puppy I have ever seen! I love him so much, he is the best addition to our family!! Great job Happy Frenchie!!! Mike Had a great experience with Happy Frenchie recently. They answered all of my questions and informed me even more about my puppy. Overall I am very happy with my choice, thank you Happy Frenchie! Happy Frenchie got delivered him to me 10 months ago. He came healthy and looking great. He's super extroverted and loves making new friends everywhere we go. Tom Fantastic service from Happy Frenchie. They are very knowledgeable and professional when it comes to French Bulldogs. We got Maximus last month and he's been doing great at home. Very smart and loving Frenchie. Thanks for the excellent work guys. French Bulldog, the king of hearts, minds and purses Sitting nicely at the top spot in popularity rankings for canine breeds in America, French Bulldog is chosen by thousands every year for a host of welcoming features. It loves fun and to be around people. It wears posh coats sometimes way too posh and pricey. This fab thing is as reasonably versatile as one can demand of a pet family companion meant for city life. Look no further for a trusted French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania. How to find a reliable French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania? Prices of French Bulldog PA? These are all-important queries, for a number of reasons. One, any pet is not simply a toy, but a living being. You take responsibility for its life and well-being from the moment the pup crossed the doorstep of your house. Two, choosing a verified producer gives you a peace of mind about the quality the health. A healthy puppy is not only a happy one; it means lower maintenance and fewer visits to your vet, which may be embarrassingly costly. Three, this is indeed a pricey stuff. French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania: the questions to ask Local breeders of French Bulldogs: what to look for Going local is advised ever when planning a purchase. Good for climate, if you care — for any long-haul adds to carbon emission and warmer Earth. In this industry, though, it may not be a universal rule. Our favored breed, French Bulldogs, are a costly lot. Air delivery say, from a breeder based in California may be costly, but compared to total expenses not that significant. How much for a French Bulldog? Go mid-range or marginals? With a dog shelter, it may appear to come for free even. A second-hand dog offered for rehoming for a good reason like a change of family fortunes or a human health problem, however, may likely be burdened with issues not easily identifiable. Like behavioral ones. Face values may be tricky. Buying first-hand from an established French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania adds a significant safety net tool to the equation, a clean sheet of individual character traits a new owner may fill in with whatever he or she deems appropriate and welcoming. Based in Allentown, we offer professionally raised and lovingly prepared French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania, of all states. Stick to local breeders of French Bulldogs, research our prices and shades, call for availability of colors not currently listed. Shop, save, enjoy the company of your new buddy, open a fresh chapter in life! French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania will come priced thousands no matter how hard you try. In truth, any real-time query would return estimates deeply north of the mark. State, breeder, fiscal arrangements, delivery options are all to blame for fluctuations. Mind, these are secondary factors to consider if dreaming of French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania. The primary, the one that really matters is what color Frenchie? For this will determine prices of French Bulldog PA. Unusual coat design will add thousands sometimes tens of thousands to the otherwise equally-merited, fine-tuned dog. French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania: shades explained The ocean of incredibly varying colors, shades, hues, tints present in Frenchies can be divided into two pools. These are not allowed to take part in official dog shows but make excellent family companions and wear coats that are outwardly but also costly. Five-digit estimates for exceptionally beautiful, jaw-dropping specimens are routinely registered. What we do is we translate years of experience and love for the trade into healthy, affordable puppies not every French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania can proudly boast. Scroll our litters, compare conditions and prices, give us calls, choose, buy, come in person to collect! Have a happy surfing! 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? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. 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. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

November 17, French Bulldogs are often widely regarded as being one of the most adorable and attractive breeds of dog in the world. Not only are these dogs incredibly adorable, but they are also incredibly loyal and caring, making for amazing companions for life. If you live within one of the many states in the New England area, then you will definitely want to read through this list of the very best French Bulldog breeders in the area. Read on below to get started now! This particular breeder is focused entirely on quality, rather than quantity. They only ever have a few dogs for sale on their website, but each of them is always treated with the utmost care. This family-run breeding program treats every single dog like a member of the family, meaning that you will receive a dog that is incredibly loving and sociable. And you need not worry about the physical health of each dog too. Not only is the mental health of each dog a priority, but also the physical health, as evidenced by the frequent vaccinations that each dog receives. Each of the bulldogs is also directly consulted by a veterinarian with specialist knowledge of the breed, so you will always know that you are receiving a happy and healthy companion. Location: Ashland, MA. Email: demetresbulldogs gmail. This service, based in the state of New Hampshire, is renowned for helping prospective owners to get their very own blue, lilac, and many other types of French Bulldog. Each of the individual puppies that are up for sale is personally cared for and raised at home, which means that they are incredibly sociable, and have so much love to give. You need not worry that each of the dogs is kept in a small and claustrophobic cage until adoption! The focus on only raising a few dogs at a time helps Rockybound to ensure that each dog receives all the love it deserves before and after adoption! Best of all, each puppy is DNA-tested, to verify that there are fewer chances of genetic diseases manifesting in adult life. Location: Croydon, N. Email: info rockyboundfrenchies. This family-run breeding business has become incredibly popular in its local area, not only for making the increasingly popular and adorable French Bulldog more accessible but also for how well each of the individual French Bulldog puppies is treated while in the care of the breeders. This business has been in practice for more than 20 years, and over that time has earned itself a very healthy reputation thanks to its incredible commitment to care and love. The business is also incredibly easy to get in contact with and liaise with, so within no time you could have your new forever friend join your family. It is also very easy to pay them a visit to see the dogs up close for yourself to develop a connection and find that perfect furry pal! Location: Scarborough, Maine. Email: harborheightspg gmail. Vickie is a noted member of the French Bulldog Club, which helps to give her an incredible sense of validity, so you can be sure that you are only ever buying from someone that can be trusted to deliver dogs that have always been shown plenty of love and care. Greenmont French Bulldogs is also incredibly easy to get into contact with and extremely responsive, so no matter what kinds of questions you may have, you will always receive a speedy and accurate response. Location: Brandon, Vermont. Email: greenmont comcast. All you need to do is take a look at the many testimonials from happy customers of FrenchiesCT to understand just how good they are at what they do. They have created countless happy customers thanks to their commitment to breeding only the healthiest and happiest of French Bulldog puppies. FrenchiesCT is not just committed to helping its puppies to find their perfect fur-ever homes, but also to assisting dog owners well after the adoption has been processed. If you were to adopt from FrenchiesCT, you could easily get back into the breeders at any time to ask questions about your puppy or ask for assistance with any issues you may encounter. However, the likelihood of encountering any problems with puppies adopted from FrenchiesCT is incredibly low, thanks to how loved each of the puppies is, and the countless ways that the health of each puppy is verified and maintained. Location: Stamford, Connecticut. Email: frenchiesct gmail. Not only do they produce carefully selected batches of Bulldogs, but those same dogs are also cared for from the moment they are born, all the way until the moment that you adopt them! The adorable selection of dogs available from Sandy Bottom Bulldogs is second-to-none, and we love just how loving each of the dogs proves to be. The dogs are socialized from an early age, making them extremely sociable, and very curious. Adopting a dog from Sandy Bottom Bulldogs is a surefire way to get yourself a new family member that will become an essential part of the family, and that will prove incredibly popular with others when taken out on a walk! Each of the Bulldogs is carefully bred with mental and physical health in mind, allowing each of the puppies to live a long and healthy life, so you can make plenty of amazing memories with your furry companion. This commitment to the health of each individual dog has helped to make Sandy Bottom Bulldogs a total shoo-in for this list, and one of the most beloved French Bulldog breeders in Massachusetts and the rest of New England. Location: East Falmouth, Massachusetts. Email: sandybottombulldogs gmail. Those are just a few of the very best French Bulldog breeders to be found in the New England area, but they are definitely the definitive French Bulldog breeders to seek out if you live in the area, and you want one of these adorable dogs for yourself. Each and every one of these breeders is defined by its passion for the breed, and its willingness to provide the utmost care for every single dog leading up to and going beyond the adoption process is incredibly valuable. No matter which of these six breeders you opt for, you can rest assured that you will be receiving a new lifelong companion that is full of love to give and has been cared for every step of the way. Share on facebook. 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? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Play Video On Hold A place known for its stunning natural landscapes, New Hampshire has a rich history of industrialism as well as arts and culture. Throughout those nearly 20 years, we have taken pride in the quality of our pups and our dedication to ensuring they are paired with the perfect family or individual. They have a loveable disposition and a larger-than-life personality that is the perfect fit for just about any lifestyle. In addition to this, our puppies come backed with a one-year health guarantee, giving you peace of mind that the puppy you purchase is of sound health and up to date on all vaccinations. To ensure your new French Bulldog puppy has the best chance of quickly acclimating to your household, we also make every effort to socialize them before leaving us. This means providing them with plenty of exposure to both children and other dogs. Convenient Pick-Up and Delivery Options We provide pick-up and ground delivery options for nearby states for your convenience. If you are unable to visit us at our farm in the countryside of Ohio, please contact us for more information and we will work with you to come up with a solution. Contact Shady Grove French Bulldogs to learn more about our puppies and to reserve your Frenchie today. We are excited to introduce you to your new best friend! Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in New Hampshire? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in New Hampshire work? Sadly, many of the top listed sites put more effort into marketing than actually upholding respectable standards of animal ethics. We do things differently, prioritizing ethics and professionalism above all else. We only ever work with proven, professional breeders, and businesses. What's the problem with puppy mills? If you want to find healthy French Bulldog puppies in New Hampshire and support ethical businesses, you should probably stay away from puppy mills. They're like dog factories, putting profits first and sacrificing the health of their animals in the process. Many pups purchased from mills have serious health issues and shorter life expectancies. Are French Bulldogs a good fit for small homes? If you live in an apartment or little home, a New Hampshire French Bulldog for sale could be just right for you. Many big dogs don't get on too well in small homes, but little Frenchies are the perfect size for apartment life. Just make sure that you are able to provide enough exercise and stimulation to your dog so that it won't get bored. What sort of dog is a French Bulldog? New Hampshire French Bulldogs for sale are instantly recognizable with their distinctive flat faces and stubby bodies, but they have pretty big characters on the inside! The average French Bulldog New Hampshire is a lively, fun-loving pup that enjoys playing games, learning new things, and snuggling up beside its friends. Why are French Bulldogs so pricey? If you want to find a New Hampshire French Bulldog puppy for sale, one of the most important things to know about this breed is that Frenchies can be quite expensive. This is because New Hampshire French Bulldog breeders have to spend more money breeding them in the first place due to their unique skeleton structure, and the costs add up over time, leading to higher price tags for the pups in the end. Are Frenchies intelligent dogs? French Bulldog puppies for sale New Hampshire will indeed surprise you with their intelligence! They can be a little bit goofy from time to time, but they also have a serious side and usually behave very obediently during the training process. This means that a French Bulldog for sale in New Hampshire can be strongly recommended to a first-time dog owner. Do French Bulldogs make good family pets? In fact, French Bulldogs for sale New Hampshire are one of the best choices out there for the average family. They're small and portable, making them well-suited for outdoor adventures and car journeys, and they have gentle, affectionate, kid-loving qualities that are just right for family life too. What are some common health issues associated with Frenchies? Sadly, as with other breeds, French Bulldogs for sale in New Hampshire can develop certain health issues throughout their lives. Due to their flat faces, French Bulldogs may suffer with snoring, snorting, and wheezing, and their little, stocky bodies can give them some spinal issues and joint problems later in life too. Buying your Frenchie from a trusted seller is the best way to find a healthy pup that should live for years on average. Can I only search with local Frenchie breeders? We usually recommend searching with local sellers to begin, as this simply makes it easier to meet the breeder and collect your French Bulldog for sale New Hampshire. However, the Uptown network stretches all across the US and you can buy from any of our featured Frenchie breeders. If your pup is too far to collect in person, the breeder will fly it over to an airport near you. How do you screen businesses selling French Bulldog? There are some amazing French Bulldog breeders New Hampshire, but there are also a shocking number of scammers and unethical breeders out there too. To help tell them apart, we make use of our super strict screening process. This way, users of the Uptown network can enjoy total peace of mind as they search for French Bulldog puppies New Hampshire from ethical, professional sellers.

Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. So, how many times a day should you feed your German Shepherd? German Shepherds should be fed at least twice a day. Vets recommend two smaller meals instead of one large meal for healthy digestion and energy. For puppies, feed 4 meals a day up to three months old, then 3 meals a day up to six months old, before finally reducing to 2 meals a day. It is essential to stick to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your German Shepherd, especially as the breed is prone to the life-threatening condition, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat. This article will cover how often to feed a German Shepherd whether puppy or adult and how much to give your dog to keep him healthy and happy. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. My German Shepherd Willow eating her meal Hey! As a working breed raised to herd and protect sheep, they are typically energetic, enjoy physical activity, and love having a job to do. Due to their dynamic character, they demand a high-energy diet. However, as large, deep-chested dogs, they are one of the breeds prone to bloat GDV , and vets advise against feeding one large meal a day. Twice per day is the standard, with a good few hours in between, as it allows your GSD to eat and digest his food properly. German Shepherds, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. I absolutely agree with this, especially as the German Shepherd is susceptible to a sensitive stomach and is known to have more digestive problems than other breeds. However, if you have any concerns, you should speak to your vet. If you have a high-energy or working German Shepherd, such as a guard dog, assistance dog, or Police or Military dog that gets a lot of exercise, you may consider feeding little and often to prevent hunger. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule German Shepherd puppies will require more frequent feedings as they expend far more energy and have smaller stomachs to hold their food. You should feed a German Shepherd puppy four meals a day between 6 and 12 weeks old. Puppies aged between 12 and 24 weeks should have three meals a day, and from 24 weeks onwards, German Shepherd puppies should be fed twice per day. Age of Puppy. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading.

Accidents are part of the process, but if you follow these basic house training guidelines, you can get the newest member of your family on the right track. To potty train your puppy, establish a routine Puppies do best on a regular schedule. The schedule teaches them that there are times to eat, times to play and times to do their business. Typically, a puppy can control their bladder one hour for every month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old, they can hold it for about two hours. Take your puppy outside frequently—at least every two hours—and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy on a leash to that spot. While your puppy is relieving themselves, use a specific word or phrase that you can eventually use before they go to remind them what to do. Take them out for a longer walk or some playtime only after they have eliminated. Reward your puppy every time they eliminate outdoors. This step is vital, because rewarding your dog for going outdoors is the only way to teach what's expected of them. Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. What goes into a puppy on a schedule comes out of a puppy on a schedule. Depending on their age, puppies may need to be fed two or three times a day. Feeding your puppy at the same times each day will make it more likely that they'll eliminate at consistent times as well, making house training easier for both of you. Pick up your puppy's water dish about two and a half hours before bedtime to reduce the likelihood that they'll need to relieve themselves during the night. Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without needing a bathroom break. If your puppy does wake you up in the night, don't make a big deal of it; otherwise, they will think it is time to play and won't want to go back to sleep. Turn on as few lights as possible, don't talk to or play with your puppy, take them out to the spot where they relieve themselves and then return them to bed. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Tether your puppy to you or a nearby piece of furniture with a six-foot leash if you are not actively training or playing. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go out. Some signs are obvious, such as barking or scratching at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around or circling. When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot. If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat. Keep your puppy on leash in the yard. During the house training process, your yard should be treated like any other room in your house. Give your puppy some freedom in the house and yard only after they become reliably house trained. When you can't supervise, confine When you're unable to watch your puppy at all times, restrict them to an area small enough that they won't want to eliminate there. Browse Dog Crates on Amazon. You can use a portion of a bathroom or laundry room blocked off with baby gates. Or you may want to crate train your puppy. Be sure to learn how to use a crate humanely as a method of confinement. If your puppy has spent several hours in confinement, you'll need to take them directly to their bathroom spot as soon as you return. Mistakes happen Expect your puppy to have a few accidents in the house—it's a normal part of house training. Here's what to do when that happens: Without a lot of drama, immediately take them to their outside bathroom spot. Praise your pup and give a treat if they finish there. Don't punish your puppy for eliminating in the house. If you find a soiled area, just clean it up. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking them to the spot and scolding them or any other punishment will only make them afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. Punishment will do more harm than good. Clean the soiled area thoroughly. Puppies are highly motivated to continue soiling in areas that smell like urine or feces. It's extremely important that you use these supervision and confinement procedures to minimize the number of accidents. Make plans for when you're away If you have to be away from home more than four or five hours a day, this may not be the best time for you to get a puppy. Instead, you may want to consider an older house-trained dog who can wait for your return. If you already have a puppy and must be away for long periods of time, you may need to: Arrange for someone, such as a responsible neighbor or a professional pet sitter, to take them for bathroom breaks. Alternatively, train them to eliminate in a specific place indoors. Be aware, however, that doing this can prolong the process of house training. Teaching your puppy to eliminate on newspaper may create a life-long surface preference, meaning that even as an adult they may eliminate on any newspaper lying around the living room. If you plan to paper-train, confine them to an area with enough room for a sleeping space, a playing space and a separate place to eliminate. In the designated elimination area, use either pet pee pads, newspapers cover the area with several layers of newspaper or a sod box. To make a sod box, place sod in a container such as a child's small, plastic swimming pool. You can also find dog litter products at a pet supply store. If you have to clean up an accident outside the designated elimination area, put the soiled rags or paper towels inside that area afterward to help your puppy recognize the scented area as the place where they are supposed to eliminate. Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary.

Insufficient relaxation or sleep time Other animals harassing your dog Lack of positive attention from you Inconsistent or unclear behavior rules taught by you Insufficient physical or mental exercise You give incorrect attention during arousal behaviors You can correct the lack of exercise through a balanced German Shepherd exercise routine for health. Boredom, due to lack of mental stimulation, is also correctable. Read this guide on using mental stimulation exercises for German Shepherds to improve their behavior. Motherhood, hypothyroidism, and physical pain all contribute to stress and hostile episodes. While motherhood passes, other medical conditions need treatment. Talk to your vet before trying to address aggression on your own as an underlying medical condition may exist. Triggers are immediate actions or behaviors that increase or begin the act of aggression in your dog. Determine what sets off your dog by watching their body language signs listed above and noting their environment. This requires identifying the trigger, eliminating any stressors, and creating a training modification program that is consistent to meet your GSDs end goals. Use the stress list, found above, to help you figure out stressors that you can control. Track what things cause your dog to react hostile. Use Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury Try a control management tool such as a muzzle or headcollar to regain control when out in public. Gentle Head Collar This control tool provides gentle corrections and prevents jumping, lunging, and pulling. It does, however, provide better safety and control. If you need more confidence in handling your aggressive German Shepherd, then place the head collar on them before going outside. Aggression Treatment To have the best chance of success with training an aggressive German Shepherd, use the entire treatment protocol listed below. Using all the steps of treatment gives you and your dog more positive results. The following chart provides the training step and the action to help lessen aggressive behavior. The program can take many months depending on what issues your dog exhibits and how deep those issues are. Instead, take an approach that touches on all of the daily life skills. In a nutshell, the NILIF technique means that for everything your dog wants in life they must perform a command that you give them. You can make yourself more predictable to your dog by teaching them that rewards only come when he asks nicely with a calm behavior, like a sit. Your dog earns all rewards such as food, treats, praise, and affection by giving you the behavior you want. Most importantly… Teach your dog the basic obedience skills to reinforce your expectations and use this obedience training in your daily routines. Instead, use positive reinforcement that promotes and rewards desired behaviors. Here are some problems and solutions to help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming aggressive. Rather than think your German Shepherd has simply become aggressive, look for the areas of their life that tend to upset her. German Shepherd Aggression Prevention There are many reasons you must consider when wondering why your German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. Use a complete training regimen to ensure success. Aggressive German Shepherds are a potential threat and a safety hazard. Safety is your priority. Both for you and your dog. Your patience and persistence help your GSD become a success story! The correct thing to do is to make sure your dog is kept away from harming any person or animal. Please share this to help others! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Genetics, learning history, and environment all play a role in behavior. Here are the four questions you can ask to get the full picture: 1 What kind of information has the breeder or rescue organization given? Has the breeder become aware of other puppies in that litter showing aggression? Does the rescue have any information on either of those things? Is your GSD puppy showing aggression only when there are items of value nearby, like toys or bones? When do other dogs walk by your house? When his food bowl is present? Keep a puppy behavior diary — make notes of when you see behaviors of concern so that we can identify those specific environments. GSD puppies are typically fantastic communicators — they are born with the ability to use body language to express themselves to us and to each other. A fearful puppy may show his teeth, pin his ears, piloerection, growl, whale eye show the whites of his eyes in a doggy glare but keep his distance. More aggressive behaviors are similar to the above but they are much more inclined to break that space bubble and move in to make contact with the threat. However, a GSD puppy who is struggling with anxiety, pain or neurological issues, may take several hours or days to return to their normal state. These puppies require veterinary assistance to look further into WHY — a Veterinary Behaviorist who is qualified in both behavior and medicine. It is not only scary and upsetting after your GSD has become aggressive with you, but very confusing. They use their teeth for everything, especially while interacting with their people. Encourage him to go into his crate and get him into the car and to the vet for professional help to rule out any medical issues first. The short answer is YES. Whenever you see the behavior of concern, especially in a puppy, the very first thing to do is to see your veterinarian to rule out any chances of an underlying medical issue — medical trumps behavior, always. Ask your vet for assistance in finding the best harness for his body shape. Ask them what their training methods are and what you can expect from your first session with them. A GSD, even as a puppy, can certainly have great instincts to begin to protect his family and his environment — however, he does not yet have appropriate experience under his belt to know what to do with possible threats. Like most GSD puppies, they play, eat and sleep hard. If you have a friend or neighbor with a healthy, stable dog that could teach your GSD puppy how to play, this is always best. If, however, your GSD puppy is hurting your older dog — biting legs and neck to the point of drawing blood or causing a fight between them, separate them immediately and book that vet visit. When it comes to children and dogs of any age, there is no grey area. Is your or any child safe with your puppy? You will then need to contact a qualified Canine Behavior Consultant, not just a trainer, to help you. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. A total of children were identified. The average age was 4. The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger .Almost all .When circumstances surrounding the bite were documented, over half .Truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — however, it happens. Qualified professionals will not recommend euthanasia lightly — they will do everything they can to ensure that underlying medical issues or specific contributing environments are ruled out. Conclusion In conclusion, truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — but not impossible. Hire a qualified behavior consultant to help you figure out the WHY to prevent it from getting worse. Be sure, when looking to purchase or adopt a GSD puppy, to ask about their contracts to make sure that you are covered. If the aggression is based in fear, which it typically is — yes, with the right professionals on your side, your GSD puppy can live a normal and happy life. Fear is complex and time-consuming to work through but it can be done! More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. If you have previously had pets of medium or smaller size, you might be used to lower activity levels. The same applies if the German Shepherd is your first dog. Unless you have had a big dog before, you will almost always underestimate the exercise demands of the breed. He will no longer override commands or ignore etiquette upon exhausting this energy. Taking the dog on a long walk is a straightforward way to channel this excess energy safely. That said, you must create a minute break between his display of aggression and exercising him because the last thing you want is for your German Shepherd to start associating aggressive displays with reward. Now, he gets aggressive anytime he hears a doorbell because the association has taken root, and he is in fear. Unfortunately, a German Shepherd forms most of his lasting associations when less than six months old. That means any older rescue dogs will require a lot of patience to have aggressive defense mechanisms deactivated. It is advisable to use the services of a professional dog trainer if your rescue seems to be aggressive because of PTSD or trauma. In the meantime, avoid being harsh with punishments and do not opt for negative reinforcement as a mode of discipline. Read more on exactly how to discipline a German Shepherd. While sexual aggression is often associated with the male gender, even female German Shepherds get aggressive when in heat. Spaying or neutering your German Shepherd can resolve aggressive displays that occur because of sexual maturity. Nonetheless, before you get your dog snipped to resolve his anger issues, you must be sure that the aggressiveness is indeed a result of sexual energy and talk to your veterinarian first. It helps to look at the aggressiveness levels over a longer period. Suppose the levels of aggressiveness correlate with development and sexual maturity 5 to 6 months and are inconsistent across a few weeks. In that case, you can be sure that this is because of the changes in their body. Sexual aggression can be of two kinds. The first is a result of frustration. It is also the assumption that makes owners wonder whether male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females. Male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females in general, but females tend to be relatively more aggressive during periods of heat. Males remain more dominant even after neutering, while female GSDs lose the bulk of their aggression upon getting spayed. That brings us to the second kind of sexual aggression. When a GSD undergoes sexual maturation, internal changes in their body make them feel anxious. Internal changes can be temporary when the dog gets sick or permanent in reaction to environmental changes around the dog. Either way, German Shepherds are not the best at handling change, internal or external. Showing compassion and making sure they have more routine in their life can help reduce these aggressive tendencies. Poor Training Some aggressive behavior seems abnormal because it is conditional. A German Shepherd might be perfectly well-behaved throughout the day but start being aggressive around strangers. German Shepherds descend from a line of highly disciplined work dogs, making it pretty hard for them to be unpredictable even with average training. However, if an owner gives mixed signals unknowingly, he ends up with a well-behaved GSD who seems to act out unpredictably at times. Your German Shepherd is aggressive towards strangers because he is not socialized correctly. By lowering his threat radar and getting him to meet more friends, you reign in his aggression toward other people, especially strangers. You can also show dominance to get him to stop being too possessive. This happens because some German Shepherds need more emphasis in certain areas than others. When you give a GSD the standard training regimen, you might overlook the fact that certain areas, like socializing and dominance, need extra work. Here are some aspects that your German Shepherd might need further training. Command reception — This is a part of early German Shepherd training, where you establish yourself as the dominant guardian. Dominance management — The German Shepherd should not feel protective to the point of being too possessive. By establishing yourself as alpha, you can discourage aggressive tendencies. By establishing a predictable consequence of aggression, you can get your dog to associate aggressive outbursts, loud barking, etc. Common Aggressive Behaviors Continuous Low-range Barking, Growling, or Snarling Because humans project their own psychology and actions onto dogs, they assume that anger is expressed in volume alone. Dogs barking excessively express intent to attack, especially when their volume is low. So, pay attention to your German Shepherd when his barks barely break a growl. Your dog may also bare his teeth. Snapping, Clawing, or Lunging While clawing can be an instinctive reaction to being anxious, your German Shepherd is displaying aggression when it is accompanied by snapping. This is also a moment or two before the dog jumps at someone, so it is advisable to hold his leash tightly. That said, do not tug on his leash, as doing so might make the GSD more stubborn. If your German Shepherd is the anxious, aggressive type, then his fear-driven anger is visible from his tall posture combined with ears pinned back. Becoming still and rigid or staring are other indicators of dangerous behavior. Check out the below photo of my German Shepherd with raised hackles piloerection. Although piloerection is a sign of aggression, you must look at the whole picture. In this case, it was a simple case of another dog walking past the house, and Willow was excited. Notice how her ears were alert and not pinned back. My German Shepherd Willow with her raised hackles. Having a Tail Held High or Moving Stiffly This behavior is too subtle for most people to notice but displays the kind of anxiety that turns a dog aggressive. If your German Shepherd holds his tail unusually high and moves it stiffly from side to side upon introduction of a specific stimulus like a person , then he may be about to get aggressive. You can read more about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. It is better to manage this before it becomes a problem. The following section on preventing aggression will give more insight into this. This is why it is crucial to avoid judging your pet and instead focus on how to stop him from being aggressive. When this something is external like a stranger approaching , then training is easier, but if the trigger is internal, it becomes hard to discourage specific aggressive reactions. Internal triggers are also hard to see. Still, when it comes to external triggers, you can bring him in decent proximity to the trigger that otherwise leads to aggressive behavior. You want to desensitize him to the trigger — in other words, get him used to other dogs at the park. The treats can be accompanied by praise and a soothing tone. This is known as counterconditioning. So rather than seeing other dogs as scary, your German Shepherd sees them as a chance to earn a tasty treat. Your German Shepherd, already calm, will not likely get mean at this distance. Do not push your luck and try walking him further. The farthest boundary is enough. You will have a chance to shorten the distance between your doggo and the park. The park in this section is a substitute for any external trigger. This could be a stranger, a specific friend, or even a vehicle. As long as the trigger is visible yet far enough away for your German Shepherd to be relatively calm, you can give him treats and have him start associating the previous trigger with a positive outcome. Repeat the Steps While Increasing the Proximity You now have to judge when your German Shepherd is sufficiently secure at a certain distance from a trigger. Then you must decide how much more distance you can cover to bring him closer to the trigger without switching on his aggressive side. I would recommend closing the distance by as little as a few feet per day. If your German Shepherd stays calm, shower him with praise and rewards. Keep repeating until the trigger no longer causes an aggressive outburst. However, you cannot focus on discouraging aggression without thinking about how you can make your dog more comfortable. From taking your German Shepherd to a vet to switching back any recent changes in diet and habitat that may correlate with anger issues, you can do your best to single out the internal source of fear or anxiety in your German Shepherd. While you cannot make your pet associate his internal triggers with rewards such as treats, you can give him compassionate company. Your presence, words, and tone can contribute to calming down your best friend. What To Do if Your German Shepherd Growls: For external trigger management, I recommend taking your dog to a certain distance from his trigger and rewarding him for being calm. At this point, one might think grounding the German Shepherd is a good solution. It is not. Your German Shepherd will get mixed signals if he gets rewarded on some walks and grounded after others. Simply retreating and taking him away from the trigger is the best option when he starts growling at the stimulus. The worst thing you can do is nudge him toward what he seems to be fearful of or anxious about. Even if you have pocketed treats to give him for being calm, you cannot reward him once he has shown even the slightest sign of aggression. However, you can ensure you choose the correct timing when giving treats as a reward, which is a fundamental part of dog training. At the precise moment your German Shepherd stops his mean behavior, such as growling, snapping, or lunging, you reward him. That way, he quickly associates his calm demeanor with the reward. Progress toward the stimulus even more gradually, and keep rewarding your dog disproportionately for being calm. Overall, a growl equals no treats, no grounding, and moving away from the external trigger. In fact, distance is one of the best ways of preventing an aggressive reaction before it occurs. Here are some ways to prevent German Shepherd aggression from occurring in the first place. A well-socialized dog is a well-liked dog, and since German Shepherds are excellent at picking up on body language, they can see if people like them or are cautious of them. An asocial GSD will make people nervous, pick up that energy and become nervous himself. Such a dog can also be aggressive towards other dogs and trigger them to be defensive, leading to altercations. Follow my guide on socializing a German Shepherd to ensure your pet is socialized appropriately even if he is older. Female German Shepherds Male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females owing to their gender traits, energy levels, and overall nature. Sometimes, females can get aggressive depending on the environment or other trigger factors. Black vs. Long-haired vs. Short-haired German Shepherds Long-haired and short-haired German Shepherds are equally aggressive and have similar temperaments. Here are the key takeaways from the article: German Shepherds have a protective instinct that is naturally asocial if not managed with training. Socializing your puppy is critical to preventing aggression. Male GSDs are more aggressive than females unless the female is unspayed and in heat. Spaying or neutering your GSD can significantly reduce aggression. You can lower aggression by gradually exposing a dog to his triggers while rewarding him for staying calm. You can prevent an aggressive episode in a German Shepherd by pre-training him to relax on command. Related Posts You May Like:. Are German Shepherds Aggressive? Fact vs. Fiction German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. But are German shepherds aggressive too? Find out the facts. German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. The German shepherd dog has a devoted fandom of dog lovers around the world — so devoted that this dog breed even has its own acronym, the GSD. The GSD is often associated with loyalty and bravery. The truth about dog aggression is that it can affect any breed of dog, especially if the dog doesn't get enough socialization from an early age. But there are dog breeds that are more prone to aggressive behavior because of their breeding or because of genetically inherited mental disorders, like rage syndrome , cognitive dysfunction , or hypothyroidism. We'll look at the risk factors and statistics surrounding German shepherd aggression. Plus, we'll share tips for dog owners trying to prevent aggression in their German shepherd puppy or adult rescue dog. A Look at the Facts There are three ways to assess the likelihood that a dog breed will have aggressive tendencies. The first is to look at what they were bred for — this is often the best indicator of a dog's hardwired personality traits. Next is to look at the breed's health and inherited disorders to determine whether they inherit conditions that put them at risk for aggression. And finally, look at the data surrounding dog bites to see if German shepherds bite more frequently than other breeds. This data will help us discover the answer to: Are German shepherds aggressive? Were They Bred for Aggression? German shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs, and this dog has a history of succeeding in all types of work — most of which require a stable temperament. Herding These dogs started out as herding dogs where an aggressive dog might injure the livestock. But, part of the job of a herding dog is also to protect their herd. So, they may show aggression when they perceive something to be a threat to their flock, or in the case of a family dog, to their family members. Police Work German shepherds also work as police dogs. While this may bring to mind the image of an aggressive German shepherd, police dogs actually need to have an even temperament and be able to keep their cool in high-stress environments. Otherwise, they would be at risk for biting innocent civilians. This work requires an intelligent dog that pays close attention to its handler and loves the mental stimulation they get from police dog training, including obedience training, scenting, and search and rescue. Guarding Now we come to the one job that most people associate with aggression — The German shepherd breed is often used as a guard dog. These large dogs have an imposing size and appearance that can scare off strangers, and typically they will act to protect their home and family from a perceived threat. What constitutes a "perceived threat" will be different for every dog. A well-socialized dog may welcome strangers into their home and only act if their owner appears to be frightened or in pain. An undersocialized dog may perceive every visitor as a threat and need to be put away in a crate or another room whenever you have company. German shepherds are rarely aggressive towards their owners or family since that is the thing they're protecting. They may at times become overprotective of family members, but this trait should be manageable with proper training. While German Shepherds are at risk for a variety of health problems from arthritis to pancreatitis , they are not prone to rage syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, hypothyroidism, or brain tumors. However, GSDs are prone to epilepsy , which has been linked to aggression when it's left untreated. If you're buying a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder about any history of epilepsy in their dogs and in puppies from previous litters. While a responsible breeder will conduct a variety of health screenings, there isn't currently a genetic test that can predict epilepsy. If you've had a German shepherd for a long time, and it suddenly starts to show signs of aggression, take your dog to the vet. Even if your GSD doesn't have epilepsy or another condition linked with aggression, their new-found behavior problem may be a sign that they're in pain. Many dogs will behave aggressively if they're in pain, and your dog may need medical attention and pain relief. According to recent data, German shepherds rank fourth on the list of dog breeds that bite the most. However, when you consider that German shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the U. And while the study referenced above listed the top breed as unidentifiable, many local reports list Labrador retrievers as the breed that bites the most people. Labs also happen to be the most popular dog breed, which means there are more of them in the U. More Labs means more chance of getting bitten by a Lab — just like how more German shepherds means more chance of getting bitten by a German shepherd. A literature review by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA found a strong link between the prevalence of breed-specific bite incidents and the regional popularity of the breed. For example, in some regions of Canada where sled dogs are the most popular breeds, Siberian huskies caused the most dog bites. The AVMA review also found that with many but not all large breeds, the number of bites by that breed went up during times when the breed's popularity went up. A few years later, around the time that those Rottweiler puppies would have reached maturity, there was a spike in the number of reported dog bites by Rottweilers. This same study found that, compared to their prevalence in the dog population, small and medium-sized dogs were more likely to bite than large dogs. But bites by large dogs were more likely to be reported because they cause more damage. Because an aggressive large dog is more dangerous than an aggressive toy breed, large dogs are also more likely to get treatment and training to prevent their aggression. And lack of training may be part of the reason aggression was more prevalent in small and medium dogs. This research found that situational factors not related to a dog's breed were more likely to lead to biting. The situational risk factors included a dog owner's mismanagement and neglect of the dog, the bite victim being a stranger, and the dog not being spayed or neutered. Because purebred German shepherd puppies come from breeders, rather than rescue organizations, owners are not typically required to get their GSDs spayed or neutered. So, it seems that any increased risk of a dog bite from German shepherds may be based — at least in part — on the increased number of GSDs in the population. And that's if the breed reporting can be trusted at all. Ultimately, any dog can bite if they're not trained and socialized from a young age. However, because German shepherds are large and powerful dogs, their bite will do more damage than the bite of a chihuahua — making it even more important for German shepherd owners to sign their pet up for obedience training. How to Prevent Aggressive Behavior The majority of aggressive behavior is preventable. Here's what you can do as a German shepherd owner: Start Socializing at an Early Age Dog owners can raise well-adjusted pets by introducing their dogs to as many different kinds of people and environments as possible, starting at an early age. Take your puppy to parks, restaurants, sports games, and any other dog-friendly locales you can find. While you're there, ask people of all different heights, skin tones, ages, abilities, and genders to interact with your German shepherd puppy. And make sure your pup gets plenty of treats at each new location and from each new person they meet. Take Your Puppy to Training Classes Sign up for obedience training to further socialize your pet and prevent common issues like puppy nipping. Look for dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training. While dominance-based dog training used to be a popular technique, animal behaviorists now recommend against it, partially because these techniques can sometimes cause dog aggression. Rehabilitate Older Dogs If you're rescuing or fostering an older GSD or GSD mix and the dog already has behavior problems, work with an animal behaviorist to find the best positive reinforcement techniques to rehabilitate your pet. If your adult dog has aggressive tendencies, train them to enjoy wearing a muzzle and make sure they wear it whenever they're around new people. Recognize the Signs of Aggression Even if your dog is perfectly trained, they may still behave aggressively if they feel frightened or threatened. Watch your dog's body language for early signs of fear and aggression , including a lowered head, tucked tail, pinned-back ears, growling, and snarling. Remove your dog from the intimidating situation before the behavior progresses to lunging or biting. As a vigilant dog owner, you can help prevent dog aggression and keep your pet feeling safe and calm. While any dog can show aggressive tendencies if they aren't socialized from a young age, German shepherds don't appear to be more at risk for aggression than any other dog breed. As a German shepherd owner, we know you want the best for your dog — from the best food for German shepherds to the best dog training. These intelligent dogs are easy to train, so sign them up for positivity-based obedience classes to help them become better behaved and better adjusted canine citizens. To learn more about your dog's health and wellness, check out the Native Pet blog. Read more. As well as this, there may be behavioral issues that you have to work through with your dog too. Here are some of the common signs you may notice in an aggressive german shepherd puppy. And remember, one of these signs alone may not be a sign of an aggressive puppy. The more signs there are the more likely it is that your puppy is aggressive. So you should read the situation before jumping to any conclusions. This can normally be a sign that worse things are to come. Biting Or Lunging Another sign of aggression is biting, or snapping the air to try and bite you, and lunging at you. These are all extremely serious signs of aggression and should not be taken lightly. However, once again, apart from actually biting down on you, they may not be being aggressive, but too rough during play. A Stiff Posture If your pup is dead still as you approach them or try to do something then this is another clear sign of aggression. They may also be snarling and showing you their teeth as well. Find out why your german shepherd puppy is barking and what to do! Fortunately, with this kind of aggression, once you know the cause, you can normally find a solution to stopping it. Here are some of the things to look for. The way to tell if the growling is aggressive or not is to see what the rest of their body is doing. It can also be another sign that your german shepherd pup is trying to play. Find out more about what to do if your german shepherd puppy is biting and nipping. There are a lot of different reasons, and each reason may be slightly unique to your pup. Here are some of the most common causes of aggression in german shepherds. In fact, this can often exacerbate the problem. Normally this could just be growling or snapping, but if you keep hurting them then they may end up biting you. If you think that your pup is in pain then you should take them to the vets ASAP. You have to remember, that we all have a fight or flight response. When one of my dogs was a pup, she used to do it over bones until we trained her. Predatory Aggression Aggression could also be predatory in nature. German Shepherds are herders, but also like to hunt prey. If they notice someone moving too quickly especially children that are screaming , then they may chase them. While you may think this is cute. Predatory aggression can be dangerous especially as your pup gets older and more powerful. You should never encourage predatory aggression no matter how cute it is, but instead, teach your pup how to behave properly. Territorial Aggression While territorial aggression generally happens in older dogs it can still happen in puppies. Territorial aggression is when someone enters what your pup considers their space. German shepherds are a lot more likely to show signs of territorial aggression than other breeds, after all, they are commonly used as guard dogs. Hormones While hormonal aggression is a lot more common in male german shepherd pups, it can still occur in females. During adolescence, male german shepherds are going to have high amounts of testosterone in their body, as you can probably guess this is going to increase their chances of being aggressive. One way you can lower the chance of aggression is by neutering your pup. Neutering them does increase the chance of them suffering from certain diseases while reducing the chances of them suffering from others. If you want to know more then check out this article about neutering your german shepherd! Rivalry Sometimes aggression can start when you have more than one dog in your home. This is more common when you buy more than one dog at a time ideally, you should wait two years between dogs. Have you ever wondered how hard a german shepherd can bite? Once again this comes down to their fight or flight. Unable to flee from perceived danger, the only thing they have left to do is fight. Find out more about your german shepherds teething as well as great toys you can give them. Genetics And Temperament Sometimes, just like with people, some german shepherds are just more aggressive than others. However, the chances of this are happening are quite small. Find out how to discipline a German Shepherd the right way! Fortunately, if you want to stop your german shepherd puppies aggression then there are plenty of different methods you can try. Otherwise, you may not get the best results. Speak To Your Vet The first thing you should do when your german shepherd pup is acting aggressive is to consult with your vet. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! If your puppy is sitting patiently, playing nicely by themselves, or just generally remaining calm, give them lots of praise and affection. For every month old they are, take them out for 5 minutes. I use a KONG with my dogs and they absolutely love it. You just fill it up with food and your pup will spend hours of their day trying to get the food back out. Dogs can only do one thing at a time, so by giving her a task, I was stopping her from wanting to act aggressively. Interrupt Them As well as distracting them, another great tactic is to interrupt them. The best way to interrupt them is to do something that startles them which will immediately get them to stop. However, some people also have success rattling a can full of coins. Any noise will do, it just has to be sudden and sharp. Oftentimes this interruption is enough to stop aggressive behavior in puppies. Socialisation One of the most important things you can do for any dog is to socialize them. And the earlier you can socialize them the better. And this is also true with everything else. You can read this article to find out more about socialising your german shepherd puppy. Leave them for minutes and let them back in. Once the time is up, let them back in with you. However, once again this only works with play aggression. And you can do the same. If you give them attention and they start acting aggressive again, once again, just ignore them. What Should You Avoid Doing? This fear and mistrust can grow inside them and cause all sorts of negative emotions. If you hit your dog you may only end up amplifying their aggression in the long run. However, the results you get from these are often questionable. Remember, positive reinforcement is better than punishment. However, dogs will reciprocate your emotions. They may end up barking and growling or becoming more excitable. For the meanwhile you should stop playing these games with your pup until they act appropriately. Recap Now you know all the reasons that your german shepherd pup may be acting aggressively. While most of the time it may just be over-excitability as a puppy, there are times when aggression is more serious. The most important thing you can do is speak to a vet or pet behaviourist to help sort out the issues. And remember, there are a lot of reasons that can cause aggression in german shepherds, but also a lot of solutions! Otherwise have a great day! Related Posts:. This is simply not true. A dominant GSD essentially likes to be the center of attention and will do what it needs to do in order to establish that. It is not acting in a way that is coming from a fear of some sort, instead it acts in a way that is an attempt to prove to the world that it is the leader and needs to be taken seriously. Shows his strength: He will never give up on a game of tug of war, be it with you or another dog. He will show that he is stronger than the next dog or person each and every opportunity that arises. Stare downs: He is all about eye contact, but not as a sign of affection. His intent is to show you that he will not budge and that you should seriously consider submitting to him. He will do this with both people and other dogs. Mounting: He will, bluntly put, mount anything that he can. He will not discern between male and female, as this is not an attempt to mate, but more a showing that he is in control. One of my dogs used to just take bones away from my Rottweiller and go sit with them on his own bed. An aggressive GSD is coming from an entirely different place psychologically than a dominant one. Instead, there is either a primal instinct or learned fear from a past experience that is traumatizing the dog and causing it to lash out with aggression. Types of aggression Possessive: At one time, dogs had to protect their food supply and sleeping dens from other predators. This primal behavior sometimes takes root in the modern dog and it becomes protective of its food and bones, lashing out at anyone who gets near. You may not even know that you are close, but they are the first to let you know. So for my second GSD I made it a point as a puppy to get him used to my hand in his food bowl when he was eating and I would hold onto bones while he chewed them. This resulted in him simply not minding at all. In fact, as he got older, he would bring bones over for me to hold for him so that he could get a better chewing angle. Fearful aggression: This generally occurs when a dog feels that it has to defend itself, but it has nowhere to go. If given a choice, most dogs that exhibit this type of aggression will retreat and remove themselves from the situation. But if they are backed into a corner, they may feel that aggression is their only recourse. Defensive aggression: This is very similar to fearful aggression. It still arises out of fear, except the difference is that the defensively aggressive dog will not use retreat as its first option. Instead of letting itself get backed into a corner, it would rather handle the situation before it gets to that point. Aggression due to pain: This can cause a normally gentle and calm dog to become aggressive in an instant and with no warning. This is may happen if the dog has an underlying medical condition, or if it perceives something as likely to be painful. This is one reason that dogs often lash out at veterinarians. The dog is not really thinking, it is just reacting. A territorial aggressive dog may simply bark at unfamiliar people attempting to enter the home or property, but sometimes they will not just bark but will also bite — regardless of who the person is. Many dogs will instinctually chase something that it thinks is getting away. This can be a kid on a skateboard or bike, a car, a jogger, or any number of other things just moving by. Protective aggression: This behavior is sometimes displayed by dogs, especially German Shepherds, when they feel that part of their family is being threatened. It is this type of aggression that often leads mothers to be protective of their litters as well as any dog being protective over a new baby in the family. Frustrated aggression: A dog may display this when held back from something that it wants. For example, if a dog is excited and wants to interact with another person or animal and you try to restrain it, some dogs may become aggressive out of frustration. The potential for a German Shepherd to become aggressive begins at a young age. It actually begins when they are just several weeks old and under the care of their mother. This job is not an easy one. Consider a human mother being overwhelmed with a child — the mother of a litter of puppies is in the same circumstance. Just like people, first-time moms can have it rough. A GSD who is a first-time mom may just be overwhelmed. This stressful situation is also one which causes a lot of fear in the mother. And when frightened, a German Shepherd mom might not act rationally — she may even act aggressively towards her puppies. If a mother acts aggressively towards her puppies, then the puppies will no doubt also become frightened. It is at this point that her puppies, because of their fear, may also begin to become prone to aggression. This will also make them more difficult to train as they get older. One lesson here is that you need to make sure that your breeder is using the proper dogs for having puppies. If you plan on getting a puppy, make sure that you discuss this point in-depth with your breeder. The actions that you take when your GSD is a puppy and growing up as a young adult are key to preventing aggression. Consistency in Training As your puppy is growing up, it will be exposed to all manner of different things that are brand new to it. There will be new people, new places, objects, new animals, and just new experiences all around. While your puppy is going through all these changes, there needs to be a constant. And that constant is you. More specifically, the constant is you and the discipline that you give to your puppy. Disciplining here does not mean correcting your dog every time it does something wrong. Rather it means positively reinforcing your GSD every time that it does something correctly. And the best way to make sure that your dog is doing something correctly is to associate a reward with something that it wants. The first step to accomplish this is by requiring your dog to perform an action any time that it wants something. Examples Your puppy is approaching you and whining to go outside. Your first instinct may just be to take the puppy outside. Do not do take the puppy outside before making it sit. As your puppy gets a little bit older and accustomed to doing this one simple action, you will need to increase what you require of your puppy. Just as a teenager needs responsibilities to grow, so does your puppy if you want to keep it disciplined and away from aggressive behavior. Your puppy is wanting a treat. Before the puppy is allowed to have a treat, make it lie down and roll over first. Your puppy is coming to you and asking for a walk. Have the puppy go over and sit, lie down, and stay by the door. Your puppy is coming to you and wants to play. Have the puppy shake and roll over, then shake again, and then sit. Use your imagination with all of this, your GSD puppy is very smart. You may even find that your puppy begins to approach you after doing these behaviors for some time and just does them on its own. This is ok — praise your puppy for asking politely. This is a good way to teach it that it cannot always get everything that it wants whenever it wants it. But going down this route will be setting you up for failure. Just like a teenager, if you give them too much and they have to do nothing to earn it, they may begin to feel entitled, and reluctant to work for anything in life. Your puppy really is no different. Depending on the puppy, if you deny it what it wants, some may sulk, some may accept it, and some may express their frustration by growling or even biting. If this occurs, your number one priority is to keep cool. Do not express any negative emotion or raise your voice. Keep cool and stay quiet. And under no circumstances should you get physical with your dog. Do not try to restrain it, and certainly never smack or hit it. Many many people often make this mistake. This could not be further from the truth. When a German Shepherd shows aggression towards someone and is met with aggression back, the dog views it as a challenge — and a German Shepherd will not back down from a challenge. Your dog is simply trying to get your attention. So now this is another attempt and nothing more. Do not read into it beyond that. And if you meet your dog getting physical with you getting physical, you are simply showing it that it has now found a way to get your attention when all else has failed. Maybe I should do that next time. If you do not approach this situation in the proper manner, you will be setting a terrible example for your dog, and creating a pattern that you may never be able to train out of it. So be smart about it, you can keep your cool. And you must. Follow these steps: Remain unresponsive and nonreactive. Do not raise your voice or say anything at all to your dog. Once you are in another room, calmly speak to your dog and command it to sit and lie down. Stay in this place with your dog until it calms down. It may whine at first or even bark. But just stay the course until your dog is calm. Let bygones be bygones. Do not hold a grudge. Your dog loves you and has limitless forgiveness toward you — you should have the same attitude. If you lay each brick carefully, you will have a solid wall. But if you fail to lay a brick, or lay it improperly, you will have an unreliable wall that will not stand the test of time. Understand that this will take time, repetition, and consistency on your part. Just be patient and build your wall properly. And know that if you do it properly, the odds are very much in your favor that this type of aggressive behavior will be trained out of your dog. If you fail to do this properly however, you may be opening a door that down the line could lead your dog biting someone or even worse. Socialization Is Key This topic is addressed a number of times on this site because it is so important. So before we even begin on this topic, be sure to take a look at or bookmark the article linked below: How To Socialize Your German Shepherd A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized may grow up to be timid, it may have anxiety problems, it may be depressed, or the worst-case scenario is that it may become aggressive. One of the reasons that you likely got your German Shepherd is because you love the idea that it is naturally protective of you. Your German Shepherd does not need any specialized attack or protection training for this to happen, it comes instinctually to a German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd was bred to be protective, and they are territorial by nature, so it is its instinct to protect you and your home. When confronted with a new situation, your dog will use its best judgment in determining how to react. But without having the proper foundation for making good decisions, such as a variety of past experiences that you created for your dog, there is no telling how it may react. Because its instinct is to protect you, if it misjudges a situation as one that warrants being fearful, it may well act aggressively in an effort to protect you. Socialization Overview People When a German Shepherd is meeting a new person for the first time, it may not know what to think, and on an instinctual level, it is gauging whether the person is friend or foe. So when introducing your GSD to a new person, your behavior is key, as well as the behavior of the other person. The person needs to be aware of the purpose of your meeting. The person must clearly understand: The purpose of them meeting your dog socializing it. To remain calm and act only in a positive manner. To not make any sudden movements, especially towards you. If you are near your home, then not to make any sudden movements towards your property. I will give you an example from my personal experience when the other person did not do as instructed, and they got nipped. Keep in mind, however, that the following account was with one of my dogs when he was around 1 year old and was being trained to protect our home. Therefore, his natural protective instincts were heightened. It nonetheless serves as a good example of what can go wrong if an introduction is not made properly. I began by introducing a friend of mine to my dog off of our property. They got along well, so we then progressed to the point where I would hand the leash over to my friend and he would walk the dog himself, again off of the property. Then we gradually brought my friend into the yard. Me, my friend, and my dog would sit and the yard and talk while my friend petted my dog. But I advised my friend never to make the first move towards the house and to always let me lead the way. My friend got a little bit too confident because the dog and him and were interacting very well. And because of his overconfidence, he just became absent-minded and decided to make a move towards the house. And for the dog, there was no grudge, no further aggression — no nothing. The situation was over for the dog. To him, he was just clearly defining his boundaries. I had done the same thing multiple times with different people who all followed my direction, and my dog grew to love each one of them. Had my friend in the above instance carefully listened to and followed my instructions, there would have been no problem. He would have been able to come into the house in a matter of minutes and there would have been no issues with the dog at all. The point in relating this story is to make sure that whoever you are socializing your dog with is prepared, and to ensure that all introductions go smoothly. You should introduce your German Shepherd to new people frequently and in different settings. Make one introduction near your home. Make another introduction in your home. Do another while out shopping. Do another inside of your car. Any circumstance that you may ever potentially be in with your dog and another person needs to be covered during this time in his life. Proper socialization also includes your dog being introduced to all different kinds of people. Introduce your GSD to: tall people. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? December 30, German Shepherds were originally bred as protection animals. Therefore, they have protective and territorial instincts that other dogs may not have. There are a lot of mixed opinions about this topic — as well as a lot of mixed science that seems to back up both sides. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. German Shepherds need to be socialized and trained so that their territorial instincts can be harnessed. To accept individuals into their homes, German Shepherds need to be taught that not everyone is bad. In fact, these dogs can be extremely gentle when raised properly. However, not everyone who owns a German Shepherd is responsible. Without the proper knowledge, these dogs may not get the socialization they need to thrive. On the other hand, other owners know perfectly well what the German Shepherd needs — but find it more difficult to provide for those needs than they originally expected. They may get the care they need as adults but then be mostly kept to themselves as puppies. The American Veterinary Medical Association ran a whole study on whether or not particular dog breeds were more likely to be aggressive than others. However, it is essential to realize that these breeds are also more common in the United States. In Canada, most dog bites are attributes to Siberian Huskies and other sled dogs — likely because these are the most common breeds there. Similarly, in Rome, Italy, Mastiffs were found to have the highest bite occurrence. However, they are also one of the most popular dogs in that area. Furthermore, the popularity of different breeds coincided with bite reports. The more popular a breed was, the higher that bite statistic rose. It seems to be largely associated with the popularity of the breed, not their actual aggression levels. Based on behavioral assessments, small breeds seem to be the most aggressive — not larger breeds like the German Shepherd. However, these bites are largely underreported because they do not usually require treatment. Bites on children statistically come from small breed dogs, like Chihuahua and Lhasa Apsos. The statistical difference in bites reported between children and adults likely comes from the fact that children need treatment after a small breed bite, while adults do not. The behavioral assessments for German Shepherds are mixed. This suggests that there is likely high variability within the breed. Some German Shepherds are much more likely to be aggressive than others, in other words. Again, socialization and training play a large role in this. Adopting your dog from a qualified breeder is also important. After all, genetics do play a role as well. There is no evidence that German Shepherds are more likely to bite their owner than any other breed. Like all dogs, German Shepherds will protect themselves if threatened. If an owner is too rough with a German Shepherd, they may try to defend themselves by biting. This trait can be said for all breeds , though. No dog is going to submit to injury if they feel like they can defend themselves. Again, we highly recommend socializing this breed at a young age. Most bites are caused by fear, including those directed at people. For instance, dogs are commonly afraid of umbrellas. At the same time, you should also familiarize yourself with proper dog training. Positive reinforcement training works best, as there is a very small chance that the dog is going to react negatively to treats. After all, dogs bite things they are scared of! Dominance training has been disproven for dozens of years. It can also make your dog react negatively, causing your dog to bite. Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive? They were bred to protect herds of sheep and were then utilized for military and police work. Their protective instincts are still with them today, as they are commonly still used as guard and protection dogs. They are not Labrador retrievers in the least! They are very calm family dogs in most cases, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They are not particularly more likely to bite than other breeds when properly socialized and trained. There is a lot of variation amongst German Shepherds, though. Some are more likely to bite than others. Much of this depends on the training, though genetics can play a role as well. If you purchase a German Shepherd as a puppy, we highly recommend purchasing them from a quality breeder. Breeders are not going to breed a dog if they are overly aggressive and untrainable. Dogs are born with innate instincts and behaviors — including territorial behaviors. All German Shepherds will display territorial behaviors from their birth. These are innate instincts. A little German Shepherd puppy is going to be at least somewhat wary of strangers. It will likely take a least a year for a German Shepherd to get large enough to actually be intimidating. Before this time, these dogs will likely be too small and puppylike. However, it can take up to two years before a puppy is full-grown. The instincts will be there from birth, though. German Shepherds can be great pets — for the right family. However, there are many cases when they can make very poor pets. German Shepherd dogs require significant amounts of training. Not only do they need to be taught how to behave, but these dogs are also extremely intelligent. Therefore, you should continue to train them even after they have mastered all the basic commands. However, it is particularly important for German Shepherds. Sadly, good breeders can be difficult to come by. These dogs are quite popular, so there are lots of breeders out there. Many people mistakenly believe that purebred dogs are healthier than mixed breeds. However, the opposite is true. Purebred dogs are prone to a variety of genetic conditions, including the German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia and a wide variety of other conditions are common in this breed. German Shepherds shed a lot. They require daily brushing in some cases. You should only adopt from a breeder that puts temperament at the forefront. You need to socialize German Shepherds a lot. They need to be introduced to many different people so that they know that not everyone is a threat. You only want them protecting you and your family from bad people — not everyone. German Shepherds usually live between 10 to 14 years. However, 15 years is not unheard of. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have the potential to be aggressive. Every dog does. However, with the correct socialization and training, these dogs can easily be trained to accept others into their territory. However, these dogs are a big responsibility. Be sure to carefully consider whether or not you want a German Shepherd before you adopt one. Your actions will largely determine whether or not they become aggressive. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Prices can vary depending on who the parents are. Do they have photographs of their dogs online? Do they provide descriptions, or can you see photos of parents, grandparents? You might ask to talk to former buyers. These are all good questions to consider when looking for a responsible dog breeder. Not all puppies are cute as youngsters so take that into consideration also. If you want your dog specifically trained for work like Guarding, Search and Rescue, Therapy Dogs, etc. Many times people look for the cheapest price; however, you get what you pay for and this is especially true when it comes to buying a puppy from an irresponsible breeder. The German Shepherd Breeders in Maryland may only breed one or two litters per year and the female dog has just one heat cycle per year. Some breeders will not sell their puppies to just anybody who is interested in purchasing a German Shepherd Dog Puppy. They reserve the right of approval and would like to talk with you on the phone first before they allow you to buy a puppy from them. They may have different methods of doing things and would be willing to show their facilities and adult dogs. You will know right away whether the German Shepherd Breeders in Maryland is reputable or not by how they conduct business and treat their animals. If they are relaxed, relaxed about their dogs and puppies this is a good sign; but if they appear tense, stressed out and impatient for your visit to end then this is definitely not the place for you to buy a puppy from. When most people choose to buy a German Shepherd Dog Puppy , especially as a pet, we want our new furry friend to be part of the family for his entire life. After talking with the breeder on the phone or emailing, have them give you their references. Make sure you call all of them and ask if they were satisfied with the quality of puppies they bought from this breeder. If one person mentions that their dog had health issues then that does not mean it is true for every German Shepherd Dog Puppy this breeder has sold; especially since most breeders do everything Does Your Maryland German Shepherd Breeder Have a Good Vetenarian They Use? Whenever you purchase a puppy from the German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Maryland make sure they give you the name and phone number of their veterinarian. You want to make sure your new pet is healthy and will live for many years before anything serious happens. This is an obvious sign of an unethical. If you ask the breeder if you could meet past puppy owners, see how many people actually say yes. They can quickly cause considerable damage and expensive repairs; not to mention how dangerous that can become if they eat something poisonous. There are different foods that will help him develop into a strong and healthy dog; especially since they grow extremely fast in their first year of life. If your breeder has brand preferences make sure you follow them closely; same goes for how much to feed him each day. If you go against his wishes it could lead to serious health problems down the road. Chew Toys — German Shepherd Dogs like to chew things so make sure you purchase plenty of toys that are made for dogs. The best thing you can do is try to stick with the same schedule each day until your pet gets used to it. You should keep him in one room of the house for a few days and allow him to get used to everything before moving onto another area of the home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. If this is so, then congratulations are necessary, the German Shepherd is an incredible Canine breed that is arguably one of the top most loved and popular dog breeds in the United States. They are highly versatile as they can serve a plethora of different uses including being top police dogs, military dogs, therapy dogs, herding dogs, show dogs, family dogs, and a lot more. There are a lot of different processes that go into picking the right German Shepherd puppy, one of these processes would be selecting a breeder to obtain your puppy. Luckily the popularity of the German Shepherd in states like Maryland is quite high, so it should be easy getting a breeder. However, it is essential that you search for a responsible breeder that combines a genuine love for the breed, good breeding practices, and a healthy socialization and training program. In this article, we have provided you with a list of 10 German Shepherd breeders that are residing in the state of Maryland. These are top breeders that possess good breeding programs that help with improving the breed. We have also attached the contact details for these breeders to help you reach these breeders with ease and make your personal, detailed research, so only view this article as a guide. With that being said, I recommend you read till the very end as we reveal our personal pick from the list below. As stated earlier, they offer two major services which are a top boarding service and an equally good breeding service. As breeders, they are focused on the German Shepherd breed. Joyce Burdette is the owner and top breeder at this fine breeding facility. Their German Shepherd puppies grow to become top conformation dogs, companion dogs, family dogs, and working dogs. The breeding dogs are all tested for genetic health defects like Degenerative Myelopathy and each has their OFA certifications to show they have good working hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts. All their dogs are raised on a beautiful acre kennel that also serves as their animal resort in Windsor, Maryland. There, they are given the best of treatment as they get to sleep in comfort, play or socialize and train. They provide adequate activities to keep the puppies mentally and physically fit and each dog is well vaccinated and dewormed to help keep them healthy and safe. First you must find your foundation. I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a German Shepherd Dog like when I was young. I remember how pretty they were so I told Jeffrey, "I want a German shepherd". He immediately went on the hunt. He loves that stuff. When Jeff started showing me the dogs he was finding I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It is so hard to find a old fashion discerning yet calm, straight back shepherd these days. We found out the show dog people, changed the appearance of the Shepherd. It all looks legit so we bought a couple. I didn't care how much money or time I had in them or how great their paperwork said they were I had enough. I couldn't take it anymore. It was not what I wanted. Next Shepherd dog we found was the working line. We got a beautiful pup we called Titus. When we went look at him as a pup I mean he shined. He was like his owners shadow. He never got tripped on and moved like the wind. I knew that this dog had a high prey drive but I didn't know he didn't have an off button. We loved him but at a year old we placed with a man who lived on an 80 acre farm. Lord Jesus, what happened to the big beautiful straight back family farm German Shepherd Dog? I mean who would have thought? How hard could it be? But nowadays, what we were wanting was the minority. Most shepherds now either have the curved back that they swear is healthier, tested and winning everything. That is how they separate them now. They need a job, a serious job. They to hyper and to prey driven for what I wanted. Thanks to The Good Lord Jeff had ask me several times if I would be interested in the white shepherd. I said, "That is exactly what I want. We bought off different litters. These dogs are mentally smart. They are like a human with fur. They will understand your language and they learn everything very very fast. You should just be able to tell them once or twice and they get it. They potty train very fast! They are clean dogs. Most GSD tend to be wary of strangers or aloof, but not ours. Their drive to retrieve things makes them a companion for entertainment. They love kids. Who better to trust watching over the kiddos than the trusted loyal White Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. According to an article in USA Today, 1, sheep fell off a cliff to their deaths in Turkey in .One sheep fell, so the others followed suit and jumped. In the end, sheep died. The ones that survived only lived because they were cushioned by landing on top of their fellow herd members. As a child growing up in church, I remember seeing a picture of Jesus with a lamb wrapped around his neck. As I grew older and visited more churches, I remember seeing similar pictures at a lot of places. I never questioned the image. The Bible is clear that God is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture, so I assumed the image demonstrated that biblical truth. However, several years ago while I was attending seminary, the image of the lamb wrapped around the neck of Jesus was explained to me. Because sheep tend to stray and will also follow wherever they are led, shepherds often had to discipline lambs that would stray from their shepherd. The shepherd would use his rod to break the leg of a wandering lamb. After binding the break, the shepherd would carry the lamb on his shoulders while the wound healed. If the lamb struggled and fought, it would quickly realize that the broken leg wouldn't allow it to flee. The lamb learned during the healing process that the shepherd could be trusted. The lamb needed the shepherd to provide food, transportation and protection. Once the wound was completely healed, the lamb was fiercely loyal to the shepherd and wouldn't stray from the shepherd's leading. A few years ago a news story broke about Shrek the sheep. Shrek was a Merino sheep who lived in New Zealand. Shrek became famous because he managed to avoid being captured and shorn for six years. His wool continued to grow and thicken, and his eyes were eventually hidden behind the thick coat. Shrek dodged the sheering by hiding in caves and running from his master. Once Shrek was finally captured and shorn, he carried 60 pounds of wool on his body, nearly six times the average amount. The wool on Shrek's body was enough to produce 20 men's dress suits. It's easy to see why the Bible compares us to sheep. We often follow the crowd, even when it leads to our own demise. We stray from the shepherd who loves us and seeks to protect us. We don't appreciate when God disciplines us. But if we surrender to him we learn through the discipline that God can be trusted. We are often like Shrek the sheep as well. We hide from God, clinging to the things that need to be shorn from us. We become weighed down with the burdens God could easily remove from us. The Bible also shares with us that God anointed his people with oil just as the shepherds anointed the heads of their sheep with oil. This wasn't just a symbolic ritual. Sheep are easy targets for flies, lice and ticks. A sheep that was not covered in oil on his head could easily become the victim of infestations of these pests. However, it wasn't just a nuisance. Bugs would crawl through the ear canal of the unoiled sheep and nest in its brain, eating away at it. The pain from the bugs would be so severe on the sheep that the sheep would bang his skull on rocks and against trees to ease his suffering. The sheep could break his own skull seeking relief from the brain-eating parasites. When God offers to anoint us with his oil, it means he offers us protection from the parasites of this world that seek to eat away at us. If we hide in caves, or jump off the proverbial cliffs of this world, dodging his anointing and protection, we may become victims of this world. We may become so filled with pain that we hit our heads against rocks to ease our suffering. God seeks to shepherd us through this life. Oftentimes that is through discipline, sheering or anointing. But it is always with love, and it is always with our best interest at heart. He is our shepherd. He can be trusted when we surrender to his leading. Jamye Lanning Duncan is a curriculum writer and has served as a minister and teacher throughout North Carolina. She holds an Master of Divinity in Christian education and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. She is married to Dr. Hunter Duncan, and they have two children, Katherine and Cameron. For six television seasons Bullet played in episodes of the Roy Rogers show called Bullet the Wonder dog. Bullet was fast enough to keep up with the camera shots of Roy Rogers galloping on trigger in pursuit of something. Bullet was an exceptionally smart dog. He did everything a good dog would do. Rin Tin Tin Rin tin Tin is a story of a dog who went from rags to riches. He was an orphan from world War 1 and was found by Mr. Lee Duncan. Mr Lee trained Rinty to do tricks and to do silent picture work for dogs. Rin Tin Tin immediately was a big success. He was responsible greatly for the increasing popularity of the German Shepherd breed as family pets.