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We were founded to save Houston area German Shepherd Dogs from neglect, abuse, abandonment and euthanization at high kill shelters. We are an excellent alternative for owners who must give up their cherished pets. Our team of tireless volunteers care for our foster dogs as family. We are based on the concept of placing all our dogs into loving foster homes, where they live with and become part of our fosters family until they find a forever home. Every dog in our care receives proper medical care, nourishment and the socialization needed to discover a new life without hunger, sickness, loneliness, or fear. We live to see these German Shepherds blossom as they realize that they are important to someone who genuinely loves having them as family. We are the guardians of the dogs and funds that you trust us to protect. Our entire organization is comprised of dedicated animal loving people who receive no compensation for their countless volunteer hours. We joined this team for the camaraderie and joy we get from working together to help man's best friends in the most important journey of their lives. Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team! Find out more about volunteering Thank You Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. Together, we can make a difference. We decided to form Lucky Shepherds from the belief that our society can never have too many animal advocates. Great rescue folks come from every walk of life. Each day gives us examples worldwide of rich and poor alike making personal sacrifices to help protect and shelter the forgotten and unwanted animals sharing our planet. Every political, economic, gender and race recognize equally the need to protect and cherish the joy that saving one dog can bring to each of us. Rescue work is a rare area of our society where we can truly come together and accomplish great works regardless of our worldly views. We will respect, appreciate, learn from and assist our fellow Houston area animal rescues whenever and however possible. There will always be more dogs than we can save as individual rescues. Working together in a collaborative, competent and organized manner benefits the dogs we serve as well as the good natured people who choose to give us their most cherished, non-replaceable resource, the time they volunteer with our organizations. We owe it to our volunteers to work together as efficiently and effectively as humanly possible. Our rescue strives to offer the support structure and organizational planning to ensure that our volunteers can focus on the rewarding side of our rescue without having to recreate the wheel on every mission. We all support each other in the village concept and never forget that it is our responsibility to create as rewarding of a volunteer experience as possible for those willing to give their time to our rescue. We do not have a brick and mortar shelter to house dogs that we take in. All of our dogs live in an approved animal loving foster home. Our foster families welcome each new Lucky Shepherd into their home as a part of their family. The foster families show these incoming dogs the love, nurturing and nutrition that most of them have never known. Our rescue provides the needed medical care, food and ongoing preventative care. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and brought up to date on all of their vaccinations and immunizations before we place them up for adoption. Almost every shelter dog rescued will cost our rescue far more than the adoption fee we collect. We need funding to keep this rescue open. Please donate to us if you can. We operate this rescue with sound business judgement and respect for our donors and the funds they trust us to manage. The money that you give us will be used to support the dogs in our care. Thank you for your interest in our rescue. Please click the web page link for more information on our program. We are a breeder of German Shepherds and are located in the Houston tx area. All of our dogs are raised in a family enviornment along with our 2 year old twin girls and none are ever kept kenneled. Our sole purpose is to provide your family with an affordable German shepherd that will bring you joy and happiness. We know that everyone cannot afford the high priced dogs, but that does not mean that you should have to settle for a dog that you wont be happy with or that will have health problems. We have been in business since and our dogs have gone on to accomplish many things. First and fore-most they have been perfect family dogs, but some of our others have gone above and beyond. All of our puppies are handled daily and exposed to a variety of things before they leave us so that they are well socialized and ready to adapt to you and their new living situation when they leave. All pups go with their akc application, current worming, first round of shots minimum of 1 round depending on age , current vet check including fecal exam, 30 days pet insurance through AKC, lifetime breeder support, and are started on NuVet vitamins for added immune support. Deposits are non refundable, however deposit can be transferred to another litter. Please click on the menu button on top left corner to view our males, females, available pups, and upcoming litters. Any questions feel free to give us a call at .We are always available to answer any questions or concerns! We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We have answers. German Shepherd cost will vary based on a number of different factors, as breeders may charge differently for experience, pedigree, coat color or type white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Houston , and even gender. We eliminate that risk using our strict screening process, a binding Breeder Pledge, and a powerful MatchMaker system that matches great breeders and businesses with great families. Does Uptown Puppies breed their own German Shepherd puppies? Instead, we focus on making connections between dog-seeking families like yours and the ethical breeders and companies you can count on to bring you on the healthiest, happiest puppies. With Uptown, you can skip straight to the fun part of finding a dog. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are almost like factories for dogs, where dogs are bred on an industrial scale for the sole sake of profit. Do you have Houston German Shepherd puppies now? As the Uptown partner network expands and grows, odds are great that we can help you find your dream dog. Basically, MatchMaker is how we ensure that the right dogs are going to the right families. How can I be sure Uptown is trustworthy? Puppy mills and dishonest breeders are all over the web. Just have a look at some of our Alumni to see the difference a bit of love can make.

The convenience of home delivery and the reasonable price tag make this a win-win. Woofs of approval all around! And guess what? Vets are the culinary architects here, with a board-certified nutritionist, toxicologist, and dermatologist joining forces. Rigorous research and scientific protocols have birthed this culinary marvel, bringing both taste and nutrition to the forefront. It arrives at your doorstep frozen, a seal of freshness. Keep it frozen for up to a year, and once thawed, serve up a world of yum within days. Treat your companion to JustFoodForDogs and let their tail-wagging delight tell the tale of wholesome wellness. These raw, natural patties are a symphony of protein, boasting real beef and non-GMO veggies. These ingredients are like mini time capsules of nutrition, locking in their natural vitality. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this patty is like a canine multivitamin. Your furball will be zooming around with energy like never before, ready to conquer every fetch and tail-wagging escapade. Experience the magic of raw nutrition without the hassle. Instinct Frozen Raw Patties are a game-changer, delivering ancestral nourishment in every mouthful. No more untouched bowls, just pure satisfaction. Crafted with expertise and love, this tender pate is tailor-made for your growing ball of fur. Watch as they explore their world with newfound curiosity and conquer new tricks and sights, all thanks to this genius ingredient! Real chicken is the star here, supplying the top-notch protein your pup needs for those boundless leaps and frolics. The protein power ensures your pup gets the premium protein punch needed for those adorable zoomies and leaps. Lean muscles? With 23 essential vitamins and minerals, this meal is a balanced nutrition powerhouse. Crafted in Purina-owned U. Let your pup enjoy a healthier, shinier coat and a resilient immune system, all thanks to this nutrient-packed puppy food. Pros Irresistible taste that keeps tails wagging No tummy tantrums — easy on digestion Proudly made in the U. Your pup will eagerly rush to their dish, ready to devour this delectable delight, day in and day out. So, join the ranks of happy pup parents and let the joyful journey continue with Purina Pro Plan. Picture this: real, tender deboned chicken paired with the natural goodness of apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas, all swimming in a lip-smacking gravy. And the best part? No more mealtime struggles or tummy troubles! Pros Real deboned chicken for top-notch protein Wholesome ingredients like apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas DHA-infused for brainy brilliance No artificial preservatives or unwanted fillers Supports a shiny, soft coat Cons Strong dog food scent but hey, dogs love it! Carrots and pea chunks might be too large for some tiny pups Make mealtime an eagerly awaited event with Merrick Grain Free Wet Puppy Food. Your four-legged friend deserves the best, so why not serve them a plate of pure puppy happiness? This delectable dish kicks off with real chicken for muscle growth, plus brain-boosting DHA to nurture cognitive development. Whether as a standalone feast or mixed with dry kibble, this recipe is a win-win. Reduce those puppy tummy troubles! Say farewell to upset stomachs as this puppy food helps soothe sensitivities and promotes better stools with its gentle formula made especially for growing pups. The fresh, human-grade ingredients have no fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives—just pure, wholesome yumminess because your furball deserves nothing but the best. In a world where health meets tail-wagging deliciousness, this offering is a shining star. Looking for a grade-A health boost? Packed with DHA and EPA fatty acids, essential for brain development and maintaining healthy vision Crafted with human-grade ingredients, so you can serve your favorite companion a home-cooked meal straight from your kitchen! No fillers, no preservatives, and definitely no artificial colorings or flavorings! Keep those tails wagging and those taste buds ready for excitement with the taste of home cooked goodness in a fresh, ready-made pack for your pup! Just like us, our canine companions need a balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in their overall well-being, including maintaining a shiny coat, strong muscles, and a robust immune system. Our furry companions rely on us to provide them with the nourishment they need to thrive. These nutrients are the building blocks for strong muscles, a shiny coat, and a robust immune system. Moreover, the right wet dog food can cater to specific dietary needs. Wet vs. Being a dog parent to a German shepherd is quite tricky. Its diet requirement varies in whatever life stage your dog belongs to. What does this mean? An active and growing puppy requirement is twice more than what an adult dog needs for the elderly ones. Most people feed their dogs with canned food, however there are tons of different types and labels out there in the market and you are hard-pressed to even know where to start and what to choose. We will also answer frequently asked questions to ensure that your German Shepherd dog get what it deserves. Whichever the case, your main goal is ensuring that they have a nutritious food that promotes healthy growth and energy levels, right? The problem is that the grains do not provide the same nutritional value as other forms of carbohydrates, and often cause digestion problems in your dog. Real Beef Is The 1 Ingredient: Some of the bigger named dog food companies have also started using animal byproducts, such as chicken innards, to increase the amount of protein in their recipes. These byproducts are not nearly as dense in protein as real meat, which is why Purina makes real beef their 1 ingredient. These recipes are loaded with the high quality protein your dog needs to maintain healthy muscle production. Crafted By In-House Nutritionists: Purina offers a wide range of recipes and flavors that contain no added preservatives or artificial flavorings. Caused Reactions In Overly Sensitive Dogs: While Purina went with a grain-free recipe for their Beyond Natural line of foods, some customers have also reported that it did cause sensitivity in their pets. If your dog has shown sensitivity to foods in the past, you should also keep this fact in mind. Buying Advice Purina has put a lot of time and energy into formulating their Beyond Natural line of wet dog foods. With a wide range of recipes to choose from, you can find one for even the pickiest of eaters. High Quality Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbs, unlike simple sugars, give your pet a long lasting boost of energy. Simple sugars will give them a quick energy boost, but them make them crash, acting lethargic throughout the day. Because of their wide distribution channels, they make up for the lower price by selling more units overall. That means you save money, and can easily find it in most big box and pet stores. Cons Dented Cans: Ordering canned dog food online presents one major problem: the shipping process. Some of them were unable to be opened with a can opener. Picky Dogs Turn Their Noses Up: Even offering a wide range of recipes for you to choose from, some customers have also reported that their dogs still snubbed their nose at Natural Balance, and refused to eat it. When you have to feed more than 1, you may need to consider picking up a second job just to support their diet. Or, you can look at the IAMS Proactive Health line of dog foods that are making a name for themselves for being so affordable, while still tasting great and being packed full of nutritious ingredients. This slow cooking process creates a great tasting broth. In order to gain control over the infestation, you need to be able to stop new eggs from forming into adults, effectively breaking the life cycle. Their prices are some of the most affordable on the market, so if you are on a strict budget, IAMS is a definite contender that should be considered. With free shipping, you can save almost 50 cents a can, compared to what you can expect to pay in your local big box stores or pet warehouses. You can also consider setting up automatic shipping, and have new orders sent straight to your door each month — ensuring you never run out. Their Choice Cuts line of wet dog foods attempts to position Pedigree as a gourmet choice in the wet dog food market. Keep reading to find out! Pros Essential Oils And Extra Minerals: Each can is also infused with essential fatty acids, and extra vitamins and minerals to help promote strong internal systems, a healthy coat, and skin. Choice Cuts Of Meat: One area that Pedigree did address was in the inclusion of actual meat products inside of this line of wet dog foods. Irresistible Taste: A lot of the dogs that eat Pedigree are very fond of the flavor. Each can is cooked with the meat and water combined to create a great tasting gravy that your dogs will lick clean from their bowl. These percentages keep your dogs active without feeling lethargic, and have just enough protein to help their muscles burn fat, keeping them from becoming overweight. Mixture Of Flavors: If your dog happens to snub their nose at one flavor, there are still around 10 more flavors to choose from. If you want to give your dog a variety, you could feed them a different can every day of the week, and still have a few left over. Subscription Delivery Available: Ordering from Amazon gives you the option to have your order automatically refilled on the interval you set. Cons Includes Grains: A large portion of the ingredients in each can are, indeed, grain based. Pedigree uses a slick method of renaming different grain based products to keep the overall total from being the 1 ingredient on the back of the label. Causes Pickiness In Non-Picky Dogs: Some customers have reported that their dogs, who normally eat everything in sight, would snub their noses at the Pedigree Choice Cuts line of foods. For this reason alone, you may want to order a single can to test the waters before you start purchasing in bulk. Buying Advice While we commend Pedigree for making drastic changes over the last few years, we recommend you click on the button below to read reviews from other customers, and then make a decision on your own as to whether or not Pedigree Choice Cuts is right for your dog. Probably even your great-grandparents, for that matter. We all do, and your dogs will, too. Each recipe in the Alpo Chop House line of foods is inspired by the same dishes we all love to get at our favorite steakhouse restaurants. Contains Essential Vitamins And Minerals: A lot of dog food companies are more interested in their profits, which means excluding high end ingredients that give your dog the nutrients they need to thrive. Purina, though, uses only the highest quality, all natural ingredients that deliver exactly the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients your dog requires to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Excellent Customer Service: Purina is not some fly-by-night brand who is going to take your money one day, and be gone the next. Cons Price Recently Increased: This is the way it goes with business. When you have something successful, the prices tend to increase over time. However, Purina recently doubled the cost of their Alpo Chop Steakhouse line of dog foods. Customers Less Than Pleased With Shipping: While not necessarily a reflection on the company itself, a lot of customers have reported receiving their cases of food with a large amount of dents in the cans. Regardless, we thought you should know that this is a potential problem customers have been reporting on. Each can of Freedom Lamb Dinner wet dog food by Blue Buffalo is specially formulated with real lamb, potatoes, and oatmeal, and is naturally infused with essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids to promote a healthy nervous system, brain, bones, and muscles. Recipe Includes Potatoes And Oatmeal: A lot of companies like to use low quality products even sawdust, in some cases as carbohydrates that help give your dog energy. Blue Buffalo, though, includes healthy complex carbs like sweet potatoes and oatmeal that both enhance flavor, and give your dog energy in between meals. Natural, Holistic Formula For All Dogs: There are zero animal byproducts like lungs, noses, hooves, ears, and eyes inside of the Freedom line of wet dog foods. These products are great for adding filler, but are not loaded down with the vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to stay healthy. The combination makes a great broth that dogs go crazy for, and it really extends the life of each can of wet food — especially when you have multiple dogs. You may need to wash your hands after you serve it to them. Buying Advice Blue Buffalo has a wide range of products that have all earned a reputation for being some of the best on the market, while still staying competitive on price. That means, for a growing dog, each can of Blue Buffalo Freedom wet dog food is formulated to promote healthy growth from puppy to adulthood. Another disadvantage with wet foods is that some manufacturers often add wheat flour, white rice or other grains as a thickener that makes it lower in quality. Nevertheless, wet food is also advantage in special circumstances especially when your dog is a picky eater, or if you have an elderly dog who have lost appetite and might find wet food more appealing. This is also good for dogs who have trouble chewing and digesting. Is a canned tuna good for German shepherd? Tuna is just not part of their natural diet. Another one negative factor about feeding our shepherd pups with canned tuna is the risk that we are giving them from mercury levels. German shepherds can eat tuna but you need to make sure you do it just on the right timing. For example, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, they can have it once every nine days or if yours is bigger, then once every 7 days will be enough. The amount of tuna that you feed them solely depends on the size of your German shepherd dog. How many cans of dog food should German shepherd eat? But what do they actually mean by that? Yes — it is true that our German shepherd dogs deserve a healthy and nutritious yet satisfying and generous amount of food, but please know for a fact that the said specific amount varies along the following things that we need to consider: Size — the bigger the dog, the bigger the appetite. Active and hardworking German shepherd dogs are most likely to eat more than what a couch potato German shepherd. Health considerations— Vets will recommend a good diet that would suit your senior or sick German shepherd. But to give you an approximate amount for your german shepherd dog with good health and fitness. Is it okay to feed a dog just canned food? This question can be answered by the dog parents themselves. Whether it is kibble, canned or home processed, each dog is different as well as their appetite. Some dogs are used to eating kibble alone, some are solely canned food while some others are mixed. Either way, just as long as you feed your pup the right amount, securing the quality of the food you give, not overlooking the nutritional factors needed, then your good is to go! Conslusion As the market is very much competitive against each other, we as dog parents are sometimes lead to being so indecisive of what to really feed our dogs. Along with the good intention to give your dog the best diet that you can give him, please always consider and never forget that good quality and good quantity is what matters the most. We surely want to be with our special canine family member the longest time that we could possibly be with them, right? Then, being a responsible and diligent dog parent is the key for this. You are the key for this! Search for:. The Top Picks Below is the detailed review of the top picks of the best canned dog food for German Shepherd puppies. It is a grain inclusive formulation with protein, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and packed with nutrients for the overall healthy growth and well-being of a puppy. A German Shepherd puppy requires a good protein-rich diet for muscle development, essential fatty acids for brain and eye development, and nutrients for support of its immune system. This is all provided by the Wellness Complete Health Natural puppy food. This is a good selection as a puppy food for proper development and growth. Top ingredients: Chicken broth, Chicken, Chicken liver, Salmon, Ground Barley Key features: Contains DHA for healthy brain development Has Omega-6 fatty acids and flax seeds for healthy skin and coat Contains fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants for boosting the immune system Inclusive of calcium and phosphorus for the development of strong bones and teeth Contains a high-quality protein for strong healthy muscles Grain inclusive Barley Check the latest price on the Wellness Complete Health Natural Just for Puppy Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Grain-Free Puppy Wet Dog Food - Best Runner up A holistic nutrition puppy canned dog food is essential for healthy development and growth. This is exactly what Blue Wilderness High-Protein Grain-free puppy wet food offers by having quality protein for the development of strong healthy muscles, essential fatty acids for brain, skin, and heart health, and nutrients for support of the immune system and overall well-being of a puppy. This puppy formula is also grain-free and gluten-free catering to puppies that have food sensitivities and allergies. It is an all-around nutritious and tasty food suitable for German Shepherd puppies. Most importantly the puppy food is grain-free and gluten-free which minimizes allergic flare-ups by food-sensitive puppies. This puppy food provides overall nutritious food for healthy growth. This limited ingredient dog food formula does not contain the common ingredients that cause allergic flare-ups in dogs therefore it is perfect for puppies with allergies and food sensitivities. Also, this easily digestible formula has Omega-3 which is good for the cognitive development as well as Omega-6 which helps maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. Natural Balance also contains premium quality animal protein which helps to build muscle tissue and mass in a German shepherd puppy. Different flavors are also available. A grain-free diet minimizes allergic reactions in puppies prone to food allergies. The puppy food does not contain wheat, soy, corn, or peas. For overall healthy development, the food contains essential fatty acids, proteins, and nutrients. This puppy food effectively caters to a German Shepherd puppy nutrient needs. Top ingredients: Turkey liver, Meat by-products, Water, Beef, Chicken, Salmon Key features: Contains omega-3 for brain and vision health and omega-6 for healthy skin and coat High protein diet containing quality protein sources No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives No wheat. The formula is made from non-GMO ingredients and has high-quality proteins and vitamins for healthy growth. With Nutro canned puppy food, you are assured to have quality nutrition that will be beneficial to the overall health and well-being of your German shepherd pup as they grow up. Top ingredients: Chicken, Pork broth, Chicken broth, Sweet potatoes, Chicken liver Key features: Made with high-quality protein as the first ingredient Contains vitamins and minerals for healthy growth Made with non-GMO ingredients No artificial preservatives and flavors No chicken by-product meal, soy or wheat Check the latest price on the Nutro Puppy Canned Wet Dog Food Important Features To Consider When selecting German Shepherd puppy food, the following are the important key considerations of the food to provide the best nutrition for a puppy. Protein formula Growing German Shepherd puppies require more protein in their diet due to this life stage where they are rapidly growing. The canned dog food should contain a rich source of lean protein preferably from animal protein such as meat, fish, or poultry to provide the essential protein for building and sustaining muscle mass. Avoid canned dog food that does not provide a quality animal protein as the main ingredient. Limited Ingredient Diet or Allergen-free Food Food allergies may develop in some German Shepherd puppies and it is important to provide them with food formulated with limited ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions. Some food formulations exclude common allergens such as grain, corn, soy, chicken, wheat, and beef. With the guidance of your veterinarian, you will be able to know if your puppy requires this food type. Healthy Fats and Carbohydrates Fats and carbohydrates are essential for providing calories that are used as energy. German shepherd puppies are very energetic and burn a lot of calories as they play and they require energy sources from food to replenish them. Excess fats or calories can also cause rapid weight gain which results in excess weight which cannot be supported by the underdeveloped puppy bones. This can lead to bone and joint problems therefore a good balance of the required levels in the food is essential. Puppy dog food is formulated to have this appropriate balance. Essential fatty acids are also important for healthy growth. These consist of Omega 6 fatty acids that help to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin as well as Omega 3 which supports brain development and health. Additional ingredients There are essential food elements that support the health of a German Shepherd puppy. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential elements that promote joint and bone health. They are found in meat and poultry protein sources and support joints and mobility in dogs. Other essential vitamins and for skeletal development include vitamin D, vitamin a, zinc, copper, and manganese. Lack of these leads to abnormal orthopedic development. Look out for them in the canned dog food. Controlled levels of phosphorus and calcium are also essential for bone health as well as probiotic inclusive foods which are also beneficial because they promote good digestive health of dogs. Whole Foods In order for a German Shepherd to get all the essential nutrients they require for proper growth and health, the dog food has to contain whole food that provides essential nutrients and minerals which help to provide a strong immune system. Look out for this and also ensure no artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers are included. Frequently Asked Questions Is canned food good for puppies? Canned dog food is good for puppies. Both dry and canned puppy food provides the required nutrients for the healthy growth of a puppy and should both be incorporated into their diet. However, canned dog food has the advantage of having higher meat protein, higher natural fats, lower carbohydrates, fewer chemical preservatives, more protein choices, and easier to chew which is beneficial for puppies. Conclusion German shepherd puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs as well as smaller breed dogs. They require important nutrients for healthy joints, bone, and brain development. These puppies also grow fast and their growth rate is dependent on the food they eat and therefore should be fed to grow at an average rate rather than maximum. The dog food has to have the correct balance of the required proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins and minerals essential for proper growth and development. In comparison to dry dog food, canned dog food has the benefit of having a higher concentration of animal protein ingredients, has fewer preservatives, and much easier to chew and digest for puppies. It is a good food option for your German Shepherd puppy during the weaning stage, growth, and before the transition to adult dog food. I hope this article helped you to identify and know the best canned dog food for a German Shepherd puppy as well as key features to consider during the process of purchase to get the best product for your puppy. If you liked this article you may also like to know the best canned dog food for adult German Shepherds. To learn more about German Shepherds, check out the below resources. Related Posts. The formulation specifically caters to dogs with sensitive stomachs and with skin-irritating food allergies. This is a great option for a German shepherd that requires this diet to manage allergies and sensitivities they may experience. The formulation contains real meat as the number one ingredient, in this case, Salmon. This provides the required protein and the best part of this is the DHA omega-3 fatty acid that promotes cognitive development in a dog. Purina Pro Plan is a well-balanced diet that dogs with sensitivities and digestion will love. It is a grain-free, gluten-free dog food that does not contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in German Shepherds as well as good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The formulation also lacks corn and soy which are unsuitable for food-sensitive dogs. German Shepherds require a good protein in their diet for muscle development and for a healthy body structure. Different flavors are also available to choose from. Apart from the great taste that dogs love, this dog food provides all-round nutrition for German shepherds. The formula has a high protein content for maintaining lean muscle in German Shepherds and on the other hand, also has less fat to ensure your dog is burning off their own fat and not muscle. This helps to maintain a healthy weight for a German Shepherd. The dog food formula also contains Omega-6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and a shiny coat as well as prebiotic fiber to aid in digestive health. This is an all-around balanced diet while helping to control weight for a German Shepherd. The formulation is structured to cater to the nutritional needs and health of an older dog. The food contains quality protein for maintaining lean muscles in the older dogs as well as vitamins and antioxidants to support the immune system. This easily digestible food contains fiber that promotes healthy digestion and essential minerals that support healthy bones and heart health for older dogs. This limited ingredient dog food formula does not contain the common ingredients that cause allergic flare-ups in dogs therefore it is perfect for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities. In addition, this easily digestible formula has Omega-3 which is good for the cognitive development of dogs as well as Omega-6 which helps maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. Natural Balance also contains premium quality animal protein which helps to build muscle tissue and mass in a German shepherd. Different flavors are available to choose from. Top ingredients: Lamp, Lamp broth, Lamp liver, Brown rice, Lamp meal Key features: Contains premium quality animal protein source Has essential vitamins and minerals, vitamin A and B12 to support the immune system Contains essential fatty acids, that is, Omega-3 and 6 Easily digestible For a limited ingredient diet for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies Best for puppies and adult dogs Check the latest price on the Natural Balance L. It consists of a quality animal protein to adequately build muscle, grain-free to minimize food-related allergies as well as lacking corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meal. This tasty meal is made from wholesome non-GMO quality ingredients to provide all the vitamins and minerals that help to support the immune system and overall healthy growth of a German Shepherd. This dog food is best recommended for adult German Shepherds. The below should be considered when selecting canned dog food for a German shepherd. Protein-rich formula German Shepherds require a strong lean body which is mainly built up by its food source. The canned dog food should contain a rich source of lean protein preferably from animal protein such as meat, fish, or poultry to provide the essential protein for building and sustaining muscle mass. Avoid canned dog food that does not provide a quality animal protein as the main ingredient. Healthy fats Fats are essential for providing calories that are used as energy. German shepherds are very energetic breeds and use up calories during activities and they require more energy sources from food to replenish them. As a large breed, an adult German shepherd requires a good source of support for its energy needs. Other essential fats consist of fatty acids such as Omega 6 fatty acids help to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin as well as Omega 3 which supports brain development and health. Allergen-free or limited ingredient diet food Food allergies may develop in some German Shepherds and it is important to provide them with food formulated with limited ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions. Some food formulations exclude common allergens such as grain, corn, soy, chicken, wheat, and beef. Additional ingredients suitable for German Shepherds There are essential food elements that support the health of a German Shepherd as a dog breed. German Shepherds are prone to joint and bone health problems and it is essential to have food elements that support joint and bone health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential elements that benefit German Shepherds in this regard. They are found in meat and poultry protein sources and support joints and mobility in dogs. Look out for them in the canned dog food. Controlled levels of phosphorus and calcium are also essential for bone health as well as probiotic inclusive foods which are also beneficial because they promote good digestive health of dogs. Whole Foods In order for a German Shepherd to get all the essential nutrients they require for proper growth and health, the dog food has to contain whole food that provides essential nutrients and minerals which help to provide a strong immune system. Look out for this and also ensure no artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers are included. Frequently Asked Questions How long can you leave canned dog food out? Unopened canned dog food can last from 2 to 5 years when stored properly in a cool dry place. This should not be refrigerated. On the other hand, opened canned dog food can be left out at room temperature for a few hours, up to 4 hours. The recommendation is to always refrigerate open cans which can safely last for 3 to 5 days and no longer than 7 days at a set temperature of 40 — 45 degrees. Transfer and store the food from the can in an airtight container. Always discard uneaten food after these times and clean the bowl before refilling it. Conclusion Canned dog food has the benefit of having a higher concentration of animal protein ingredients compared to dry food, has fewer preservatives, and much easier to chew and digest for puppies, adult, and senior dogs. It is a good food option for feeding your German Shepherd for healthy growth and well-being. I hope this article helped you to identify and know the best canned dog food for German Shepherds as well as key features to consider during the process of purchase in order to get the best product for your dog. If you liked this article you may also like to know the best canned dog food for German Shepherd puppies. To learn more about German Shepherds, check out the below resources. Related Posts. Updated October 31, This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Not only are they beautiful, but these dogs are also smart, loyal, and energetic. During the first year or so of life, your little puppy is going to go through a major growth spurt. Yet, by the time they are a year old, they can weight over 60 pounds! Poor nutrition at a young age can result in some serious health complications in the future. For German Shepherds, those risks are even higher due to the many conditions the breed is susceptible to. Its protein content is 35 percent, which is well above the recommended amount. Most of that protein comes from wholesome meat sources like deboned chicken and fish. Buy on Chewy See on Amazon 2. It does this with optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus. As for protein, the kibble is made up of about 26 percent. It comes from chicken meal. Buy on Chewy 3. Instead, it has healthy meat and carbs. Protein makes up 38 percent of the recipe. It comes from an array of meat sources, including chicken, turkey, fish, meat organs, and more. To make sure that their bones grow in a healthy way, it has that magic 1. Buy on Chewy 4. The food is suitable for dogs as old as 15 weeks and addresses many common health issues. To avoid joint and bone issues, it has a healthy dose of calcium and phosphorus. Buy on Chewy 5. The Raw Boost large puppy food is no different. It has .Small bits of freeze-dried raw meat are thrown into the mix as well for an extra boost of muscle-building protein. The recipe uses complex carbs and a variety of plant-based ingredients as well. It contains DHA for proper brain and eye development. DHA is found naturally in milk, so it helps to make the transition as smooth as possible. The canned food is comprised of chicken and chicken liver. The meat ingredients are paired with potatoes and pea protein. In total, the food has .There is no corn, wheat, or soy ingredients, ensuring that your pup starts off on the right foot. Real chicken is used as the primary protein source. The food has carrots and peas, which provide plenty of vitamins and minerals. The potatoes also provide a dose of fiber for better digestive health. The needs of a puppy are much different than that of an adult dog. Your pup is growing rapidly right before your eyes. Their bones are getting stronger and their muscles are being primed for a lifetime of activity. As a result, your puppy is actually going to need more nutrients now than they will when they get older. Many of this information is recommended and regulated by the Association of American Feed Control. You can look out for the small AAFO seal of approval on the packaging as a quick way to determine if a food is suitable for your dog. High Protein Content The most important thing your dog will need as both a puppy and an adult is protein. Protein is responsible for muscle growth and energy. This is higher than the 18 percent that adults need. However, we recommend going as high as 27 percent. Look out for ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish. Meat meals are also acceptable. As long as the protein is identified, it can benefit your pup. Avoid choosing foods that have byproducts or unlabeled mystery meats. They can do more harm than good. First, it acts as a source of energy. Fat is converted into usable glucose, which provides an ongoing supply of energy. Secondly, fat can support the circulatory system and skin health. However, this only applies to healthy fats. Omega fatty acids work to keep the skin supple and improve blood circulation throughout the body. One specific type of omega fatty acid, DHA, can even support the development of the brain and eyes. This type of fat comes ingredients like flaxseed and salmon oil. Once your dog reached adulthood, you can lower that amount to 5 percent. Calcium and Phosphorus Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for proper bone and joint development. Puppies need just the right amount of these minerals to stay healthy. Eating too much can lead to skeletal deformities and unhealthy growth spurts. Too little and your dog runs the risk of developing bone spurs and other ailments in the future. The most common issues that plague this breed are hip dysplasia and arthritis. With hip dysplasia, the bones in the hip joint did not form correctly. This leads to immense pain and difficulties in walking. Unfortunately, the condition can remain undetected until your dog is older. Having the right amount of calcium and phosphorus can do a lot to prevent the condition. Calcium is typically derived from dairy products or eggs. Phosphorus is found in meat products and organs. German Shepherd puppies need to have 1 part of phosphorus for every 1. As long as the food has this ratio, it should be good for your pup. Complex Carbs Carbohydrates are a source of energy for dogs. There are no guidelines when it comes to the amount of carbs needed for pups to stay healthy. Cheaper dog foods use fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These should be avoided. Healthy alternatives include sweet potatoes, peas, and whole oats. These are all considered to be complex carbs. They have a low glycemic index, which means that they are absorbed slowly throughout the day rather than all at once. Complex carbohydrates also act as a healthy source of fiber. Despite their small size as young dogs, they can pack away a lot of food. The meals need to split up to ensure that your dog can process everything before they eat again. The breed is susceptible to excessive weight gain and obesity. Your dog needs to gain weight in a healthy manner. Otherwise, they can develop musculoskeletal problems. Furthermore, Bloat is a serious risk. Bloat occurs when dogs eat too much food too fast. Air gets trapped in their stomach, causing it to twist. At around six months old, you can start to transition to two meals a day. The amount of food you feed your dog will depend on their body condition and the calorie content of the food. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and consult with your vet to see what your pup needs. Which is Better: Wet or Dry Food? Wet and dry food both have their advantages. Once your dog is weaned off their mother, you should start them off with canned food. At 12 weeks of age, start to add in kibble. Slowly take away the canned food and proceed with the dry kibble for their daily meals. Kibble is your best bet as your dog gets older. Not only is more nutritionally dense than canned food, but dry food also has the added benefit of scrubbing their teeth as they chew. Canned food should be used as a supplement only. It has a lot more moisture than kibble. So, your dog will need to eat more of it to get all the fuel they need. It should be reserved for dogs with dental issues or those who have difficulties eating normal kibble. By choosing a high-quality canned food and kibble, you can support their growing body and set them up for a healthy life ahead. It contains high-quality proteins that are recommended by vets for the development of lean muscles. The ingredients are all-natural and designed to provide the essential nutrients that your puppy needs. The balanced minerals in the food also promote good bone development. The dog food comes with clear directions on how to feed your puppy. If you have tried out a few flavors, it is best to buy the one your puppy is fond of to encourage eating. Nutrients Wet puppy food has a generous amount of proteins. Proteins are vital for the development of your puppy. The food should also contain minerals , vitamins, and omegas for the overall health of your puppy. It should also have a good amount of carbs to give them the energy to play. If your puppy has digestion issues, the food should have fiber to help with digestion. Depending on what your pet needs most, this should guide you when buying wet food for your German Shepherd. The ingredients in the wet food are the most important and what a pet owner should be keen about. The wet food should be balanced in nutrient content. The wet food we have reviewed is the best that contains all the nutrients your puppy needs in one bite. Remember to buy according to what your puppy needs or lacks. It is also good to listen to what your vet recommends when buying wet food for a German Shepherd puppy. Recent Posts. To use these recommended figures for wet food, all you need to do is check the label for the moisture percentage and the minimum crude protein guarantee. So, be careful when checking labels and make sure you convert the figures before you decide. Here are some tips: Make sure a meat source is the first ingredient. Avoid those that list non-meat components like broth or water first. Select dog food that names its meat sources. Most will have a combination of the flesh ex. Choose grain-free wet dog food or those with whole grains. Hearty grains like brown rice and oats are more beneficial for your dog than fillers like soy and corn. Opt for dog food with beneficial vegetables. Loading up on veggies like carrots and green beans offers better benefits than starches. However, it also contains other meats, including chicken and chicken liver. For moisture, it uses both water and beef broth. Rather than using filler ingredients like soy, wheat, and corn, this wet dog food contains healthier carbohydrate sources like peas, carrots, and potatoes. Nor does it contain harmful preservatives. Additionally, it is enhanced with vitamins and minerals for optimum health. This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds. You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd's diet, including vitamins A, D, and E. They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog's coat and skin health. What is the best food for German Shepherds with allergies? If your German Shepherd has allergies, it's important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison. These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies. What is the best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs? If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato. What is the best food for German Shepherds with joint problems? If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you'll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain. Now let's chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend. It is made with all natural ingredients and has no fillers or preservatives. The kibble is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs' skin and coat health. The addition of zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals to the formula is a plus, as it leads to better absorption and nutrition. We also note the inclusion of various probiotics for better digestion and salmon oil, which is beneficial to both skin and coat. Highly suggested! All of their recipes are made with whole ingredients and cooked in small batches. The meals are portioned according to your dog's weight and activity level. Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It's reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers. Probiotics, high-quality fiber, and digestive enzymes are included in this formula to aid your dog's digestive health. These components create mouth-watering, healthy food that will sustain your canine companion throughout the day. The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It's inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest. Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food Image courtesy Eagle Pack The majority of the animal protein in Adult takes the form of fresh chicken and pork meal, as confirmed by the nutritional label. The all-time classic, fully grain-inclusive design that is free of legume concentrates. Antioxidant preservatives are used in a safe and natural manner. There's no BHT or ethoxyquin. It has high animal protein levels, as well as vitamins and minerals that have been boosted through the use of freeze-dried raw pieces. It's designed to unleash your dog's potential to thrive and put the advantages of raw nutrition into every bowl, using cage-free duck as the first ingredient for powerful, lean muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost for digestive health, greater amounts of omegas for healthy skin and coat, and more antioxidants for immune health—all from the highest-quality ingredients from all over the world. This high-protein, low-carb diet is designed for sporting dogs and plush animals with rigorous exercise requirements. It's also perfect for growing pups and pregnant or nursing females. This formula has DHA to support cognitive development, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Iams ProActive Health also has 22 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy healthy and strong. It's nice to discover a Southwest Canyon recipe that includes natural preservatives, which implies the food does not contain any BHA, BHT, or other harmful chemicals. A major brand and a healthy all-age option for any German Shepherd. Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based "biologically appropriate" diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes. It's made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acids—such as DHA—necessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It's free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients meat meal , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible. This is a tried-and-true approach that has been developed and studied for decades. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios, making it ideal for German Shepherd puppies. This large-breed dry food is made with high-quality proteins and whole grains. It's free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe is designed to support the health of large breed puppies with an optimal balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. It also includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain development. This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It's also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there's less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health. Image courtesy Blue Buffalo If you're searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative. This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It's made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog's regular dry food. The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives; making it a healthy choice for your dog. All dishes are prepared in collaboration with veterinarians and come in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef, lamb, and turkey. All of the meats are imported from the United States, although only lamb comes from Australia. It's also gluten-free, so if you're allergic to grains, you'll be safe. There is a large selection of carbohydrates, which are mostly in the form of potatoes, and there are numerous healthy vegetables and superfoods including lentils, peas, salmon oil, and flaxseed. It's made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit. This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed. This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It's included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it's high in protein and free of grains. What foods are German Shepherds allergic to? German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you're not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies. If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food. Consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure what's causing the reaction. What is the best dog food for German Shephard puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to find a food that's specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content. As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you'll need to switch to a food that's designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy. What is the best food for an adult German Shepherd? The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important. A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level. Can a German Shepherd drink milk? Yes, German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients that are important for this breed of dog. However, it is important to choose a low-fat or skim milk to avoid adding unnecessary calories to their diet. What is the best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level. What are some common health problems German Shepherds face? Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight. German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog. What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan. It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life. Is it OK to put a raw egg in dog food? The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs. If you're still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet. What are the benefits of raw eggs for dogs? There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog's energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. But with our list of the 25 best dog foods for German Shepherds in , you can rest assured that you're giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Welcome to the Sergeant's Boxers website! Thank you for stopping by! We are Cassie and Luke! First off, Boxers are the absolute best family members imaginable. Luke and I gained our first boxer family member in .From the very beginning, we were hooked! We then gained our newest addition, Diva and boy does her name fit her well! We were overjoyed with our family fur-members and wanted to provide joy to other families. That is when we decided we wanted to breed Boxers and bring love and happiness to other families, just as our Boxers brought love and happiness into ours. Our family continued to grow, as did our happiness and joy! We now have 8 boxers and one spayed boxer mix. All are our fur-kids come first and foremost! Diva and Sergeant had their first litter in .Since then, we have learned so much about the breed and about producing healthy puppies. A lot of thought and research goes into each and every breeding. In the early part of , we started showing. This was such a new experience for us, but we enjoyed it so very much! Bailey was our first girl to show and she had a blast! Her face would light up when trotting around the ring. She obtained her International and National Champion Title that weekend and we were so very proud of her! Remington and Diva were a little hesitant at first, but ended up doing very well by the end of the weekend. By the 4th run, they were so excited to get out there and perform! They ran their hearts out and smiled while doing so. It also helped that daddy was there the second day and waiting at the finish line for them : Captain and Benelli went to their first show in June of .Benelli was just 3 months old and competed in the baby class. She did so very well! She gained great ratings that first day and caught the eyes of everyone there! Captain also did very well! He strutted around the ring and smiled the entire time! It was not hard to see that this was something he enjoyed so very much! We couldn't wait to get them back out there for the next show! In September of , we went to 2 shows! The first show was a UKC show. Captain and Bailey competed and had a blast. Captain obtained his UKC Champion. Bailey obtained all of the points needed and is now only waiting for her competition wins. We cant wait to call her a UKC Champion too! Captain gained his National, International and Honors Ch. At only 3 months old, Dawn made it to Best of Show during this show! It is the best feeling in the world to see the smiles on their faces and their eyes lighting up! They all had a blast! Captain obtained his Honors Bronze Champion Title. Both girls did well. They both won first in each of their classes and Dawn won Reserve Best of Breed in all four shows. We were unable to attend due to puppies being at home, but didnt want the girls to miss out on a great weekend of showing! Dawn got first in class for all three shows. Benelli got first in class all three shows. Benelli also got Reserve Best Female in two show and Best female in one show. For being at a show without mama and dad, the girls did so good! Im so proud of them and a special thanks to Angie for talking the girls! We look forward to the upcoming shows and we are so very excited!! Benelli gained another competition win and many points to add towards obtaining her UKC Champion Title! I have no doubt she will obtain the rest of the needed points and competition win needed to obtain her title soon! The girls did great, even with the judges all wearing masks! We can not wait until the next show!! This was Sergeant's first show and he surprised us all!! We had a blast! Results will be posted in each of their files. Sergeant, Harley, Captain and Dawn participated and did very well! Captain even made it to the Best of Show on Sunday! Dawn and Remi did absolutely wonderful! Harley struggled a bit. She wanted to catch the line instead of the lure! Anyways, they all had a great time and we will certainly be back for more! Harley and Captain got to attend the Norman show! Harley won Reserve Ch x3 shows. Captain and our friend Junior handler Alicia Hood won x1 best Junior class! They both did great! Can't wait until the next show! Remi also came out to the show for her very first time! Dawn and Harley also attended and both did well. Captain, of course, tagged along too! Results will be posted once they are posted on UKC site, as I completely forgot to write down results while at the show! Such an exciting sport. Watching them be so excited to chase the lure is absolutely fun times!! We traveled all of the way there to be a part of this amazing show! We earned a total of 9 titles in both Dock Jumping and Precision Coursing! Harley showed in a couple of shows there, but did not place she was too busy worrying about diving and Captain got to strut around in the TOP 10 Boxer ring! Huge Congratulations to these girls!! Information to come! This means that for every litter, Sergeants Boxers will go down the list and offer puppies to the families in order of deposits received. The family may choose a puppy from the current litter or may pass to wait for a later litter. Even if the family initially expressed the desire for a puppy from a future litter early in the conversation, they will still be asked if they would like to select a puppy when the current litter selections start. Selections start at each litter's 6 weeks of age mark. This allows the families to not only pick from color, but also from personality. Please know that these can change at any time and are only listed for reference. This is non-negotiable. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states.

Louis Mo. Our breeding dogs are AKC registered. Pet puppies will not get AKC papers. They will get copies of parents AKC pedigrees. You can get AKC pal papers once your puppy is spayed or neutered. We don't want to just meet the standard for a license, we want to excel expectations. This is required if you have five females. Please, make sure if you get a puppy in Illinois to ask for a copy of the Kennel License. Our adults are provided with an inside area with toys, beds and excellent vet care. A radio plays for them as well. Most prefer to lay up on their Kuranda beds most of the time with their toys or play with a friend. They get their areas cleaned at a minimum of four times a day and disinfectant is used twice a day. Adults get treats, vitamins, enzymes and are fed daily with a probiotic added for health. We have natural and artificial lighting as well. The dogs even have their own washer and dryer to clean blankets, toys and towels daily. Dogs are walked, given access to the pond when weather allows for swimming, let out to run in the open fields, play fetching and work on obedience training. Favorite thing of most is to find a human and crawl into their laps. Yes, our labs even come into our home and crawl into our chairs and onto the couch. Adults are treated monthly for worms, and provided vaccines as recommended by the vet. Once you see a dog with EIC or CNM you will understand why we test our labs to make sure our puppies will never be affected by these diseases that can be prevented by selective breeding. This area is cleaned and disinfected throughout 24 hours a day. If a puppy has an accident it is cleaned up and then disinfected, this is done so that by the time the puppies are six weeks old they are going outside to potty. Going outside by six weeks old to use the bathroom does help when they leave here at eight weeks old and go to their new homes in house breaking. Security cameras monitor puppies all the time and with this we can see if there is anything that needs to be done to them, while still allowing moms to help with the care of the puppies. Moms need to be able to feel comfortable with the puppies and help teach them the first eight weeks. This also helps make a better puppy when it goes home. We use blankets, towels, toys and other items in with the puppies to entertain them and help them get used to things before they go home. They hear vacuums, tractors, trucks, radio, and other noises as well. In summer time they get swimming pools and if weather is nice they run to the pond for adventures. We provide a large play area with toys to entertain them. They get Kuranda beds to sleep on or play king of the bed on. Puppies are given vaccines, vet care, wormings, vitamins, probiotics daily and fed a good quality feed. We start the weaning process at 3. This is puppy food, goats milk, and probiotic mix that we make for them four times a day. We want to provide you with a happy, healthy puppy and believe that the first eight weeks of life here gets them on the right track. Our puppies are so comfortable they very rarely cry and this is due to the care we provide them. A healthy, comfortable puppy is a happy puppy and that makes them great puppies when they get to go home. We also play with them daily, snuggle with them, and end the day with them fast asleep; before we go to bed all the puppies are sleeping safe inside. Puppies get vet care as needed and a full exam before going home. We also microchip all puppies and pay for the fees so that if they are ever lost someone can find the owners or us. Facility The building that we use for the adults is a new building put into use January .It is a beautiful building that we take great pride in owning, please check out our kennel page for pictures. It is climate controlled and the dogs appreciate it. A lot of time, work and details went into the building to make it safe and comfortable for them to use. We wanted to provide them with a safe and clean environment. They have fresh water, food and outdoor access. It has lighting inside to provide them with artificial lighting as well as outside they have natural sunlight. Every dog gets their own Kuranda bed and their own toys. We buy lots of toys here for the dogs and they appreciate that. We believe that if you are going to breed, that care of the adults is just as major as care of the puppies. Care is not just health testing it is also how the animal lives its daily life. Here at Mabry Labs we can sleep soundly knowing our dogs are safe from any bad weather, healthy and happy. The building we use for the puppies went in in March .It is sectioned off inside for each mother, so that moms feel secure with their babies. This makes it so that mom stays calm and relaxed instead of worrying if another animal is going to get her babies. It is climate controlled. We take moms for walks and playtime away from the pups so they get free time as well. Feed is never out of the bowls, so moms can eat what they want when they want. Probiotics are given daily with vitamins. Blankets, towels and toys are given inside and cleaned daily. All floors are disinfected every time we leave the building. There are mats that have disinfectant in them to make sure that our shoes are disinfected every time we enter. We also use disposable booties for our shoes when we enter puppy play areas. As of we have added on a meet and greet building. This is a secure building set up for puppies to play and interact with people no matter the weather outside. It is heated, cooled, has tv, radio, couch, toys, basically it is a house. My office is in it, so that I can spend time working and playing with the pups. We did in order to have a place that would be easy to keep disinfected between people. As much as we welcome people into our home a home can not be cleaned the same as this building. There is a lot that we do that is not listed on here and I will update more over time. We just wanted to hit some points on this page so that you understand what we do here. Our prices on pups might be a little higher than some breeders, or less than some breeders, yes some breeders do charge more than us and still don't provide half this in their breeding program. Why would we do this some might ask. Plus, people pick us to care for their puppies that first eight weeks and we do the best we can. We have dogs with excellent genetics with show lines and hunt test lines. We have brought in dogs over time to expand our lines and have some of the best that you can find. Most of all we breed our labs for looks, health, train ability and temperament. We have kept back puppies from breedings that we have done over the years to produce some of the most beautiful and smart dogs you will find. We know our lines are great so we have grandparents of our pups here that you can visit with. We've spent a lot of research time putting together our Mabry Labs. We don't just have the genetics, but we have the building to house them comfortably. We put our heart, soul and time into this. If you find breeders charging what we do or more without putting money with the facilities and just buying up dogs even high quality dogs you might want to look elsewhere. As we have high quality genetics and great facilities. If we can do it so can they. Just most don't want a real kennel building as it cost them money and time. Also, a garage with a kennel off the back or side is not a true kennel. We wouldn't want the exhaust fumes near our puppies, would you? Has this upset some other kennels? You bet it has. We hope they soon step up and do what is right for their dogs as we always will here at Mabry Labs. If we are out of reach for a drive to get a puppy here, we are more than willing to help you find a breeder near you that meets our standards. You will always see us growing as everything we get goes into the dogs. Thanks for reading this page and any questions feel free to ask. We look forward to meeting new people along the way and love to stay in touch with our puppies as they grow with their new families. Continue to watch us as we expand on ideas. We always are looking for improvement. A little about us and how we raise our lab puppies. Share 0 Shares The Labrador Retriever breeder is an excellent breed, its beautiful blend of gentle yet energetic and active personality makes the Labrador Retriever a popular breed amongst dog lovers all over the world. And if you are searching for a great Labrador Retriever breeder that would produce the perfect companion for you, then this article is just for you. Here, we list some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Illinois. They are reputable breeders that have produced some of the best Labrador Retriever puppies in Illinois. With over 12 years of Labrador breeding experience, they are all about improving and protecting the Labrador Retriever breed and they do this by focusing on the trainability, health, intelligence, temperament, and looks of each Labrador Retriever dog they produce. They breed the 3 recognized colors of the AKC, which are chocolate, yellow and black. Their breeding dogs all hail from championed bloodlines and they are genetically tested and have their hip and elbow dysplasia clearances, heart clearance, and eye clearance before being added to the breed program. Every Labrador Retriever pup is raised in clean and comfortable kennels where they are showered with all the love and attention they require till they leave for their new homes. They are socialized with adults and kids of varying age groups and are introduced to a wide variety of sounds, sights, and textures to help them better adjust to their new families and environments. All Labrador pups are healthy. They would have started the basics of potty and crate training before you take them and they are sold on limited AKC registrations. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are fun, energetic, and loving dogs. Adding one to your household is an exciting time! It can be hard to know where to begin your journey for a puppy, though. Reputable breeders care about their puppies and the homes to which they are going. Our list of breeders in Illinois can help give you a place to start your search for a healthy, happy Labrador Retriever. The breeder whom you choose should be comfortable answering your questions and allow you to visit the puppies before you hand over any money. Enjoy finding the right puppy for your household! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Illinois 1. Over 5 acres of wooded land enables the dogs to have access to trees, swimming pools, and obstacle courses where they can run and play. Empress Labradors breeds English-style Labs in three colors: yellow, chocolate, and black. These dogs are bred to have strong pointing abilities without the dilution of their retrieving instincts. They are active in hunting, obedience, and agility while being loving family companions at home. The building that the puppies are born and raised in is just a few years old and gives the dogs a climate-controlled environment. Each puppy is socialized and loved and comes with a 3-year hip health guarantee in addition to vaccinations, AKC papers, and microchipping. Swimming, running, playing, and obedience training make up their days. Each puppy comes with their AKC registration, vaccinations, deworming, and a health statement from a veterinarian. Chocolate, black, and yellow Labs are available here. They are guaranteed healthy after numerous genetic tests and come with OFA certification for their hips and elbows. Since these puppies are in high demand, potential buyers must fill out a survey beforehand. This ensures that you understand the responsibility and commitment that a Labrador puppy requires. Once your survey is accepted, you can then be placed on a waitlist for a pup. These puppies are bred to be highly trainable and make ideal hunters. While they can be active with a desire to work, they are calm and gentle family companions when in the house. This breeder concentrates on creating Labs that guide bird hunts at hunt clubs in Illinois and Wisconsin. Their goal is to create Labs that will be wonderful family companions, hunters, and show dogs, depending on your choice. Over 2 acres of land are home to these dogs, located 30 minutes south of Chicago. All the dogs are genetically tested before breeding to produce the healthiest puppies possible. Labs are available in chocolate, yellow, and black. To get the latest news on when we are expecting, just leave your email to be signed up to our newsletters. Sign Up What Pond Creek Labradors Offers to You If you are looking for beautiful healthy lab puppies that come with a health guarantee, health tested parents and a copy of the pedigree.We work to bring you the most incredible lab puppies that you will find anywhere! We are located in southern IL on 30 acres of land that our Lab family gets to enjoy. There are ponds and creeks where they learn to retrieve and get to swim just for the fun of it. Our labs are a mix of English and American and display the best features of both worlds. Like us on Facebook. Call or text. Our Labs are spoiled rotten with love and care. You can rest assured that you are purchasing the best lab for you and your family that will give you many years of enjoyment. Why Pond Creek Labradors? Best Breeding Practices We love our dogs like family, and when you meet us you will know that's true. We take great pride in breeding our dogs safely and humanely. Great Reputation Pond Creek Labradors has been breeding excellent retrievers with great blood lines for over 6 years. A little more about our puppies At Pond Creek Labradors our puppies will be wormed at two, four, and six weeks. We take care to make sure that they also have their first vaccination at 6 weeks old and will be vet checked before going to their new homes. Copies of the parents testing results will also be available upon request. This is a non Refundable fee unless your color or gender is not available. The Big Day! Pond Creek Labradors was privileged to be ask to help a groom surprise his bride with a gorgeous, champagne puppy on their wedding day. The puppy was a huge hit all the way around and we could not have been more thrilled in helping this happy couple start their new family together. The Family Is Growing! As an update to the beautiful wedding above we were so excited to hear the happy couple had their first baby recently and they were sweet enough to send us this picture. It's so wonderful to see your family grow! As with all of our puppies, we're sad to see them go but knowing they will make such an impact on a person's life makes it a little easier. Stars Are Bred.Congrats Hoover; you are a beautiful Pond Creek boy! We are so proud.She just won her first junior ribbon at ten months old. Way to go Eva! We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us. There are a lot of dedicated dog breeders who breed healthy pups. They strive to provide you with the healthiest and most compassionate labs you can imagine. Pond Creek Labradors breed conventional colored canines as well as silver, charcoal, and champagne-hued puppies. Their labs come from a long line of champions, hunting dogs, and service dogs. Looking for hunting lab breeders in Illinois? Some of their labs are currently working hard to get their hunting titles. Pond Creek takes great caution in its breeding techniques to ensure that you get the healthiest as well as the most attractive Labradors in Illinois. Their labs are loved and well cared for. Twin Lakes Kennel is where you need to be. Bullis Lake Labradors Their breeding program aims to produce show quality yellow labrador retriever puppies. Snow white, cream, and a very light yellow with white highlights are the colors they specialize in. Their breeding program seeks to generate show-quality labrador retriever puppies with intellect, temperament, and an appetite for learning. Your search for white labrador breeders in Illinois ends here. Website Email Black Ice Retrievers This breeder produces labs that are capable of doing just about everything. Their dogs have established their reputation by breaking benchmarks in hunt competitions and the Shoot to Retrieve series. They are a small kennel in central Illinois that specializes in producing some of the best Labrador retrievers in the Midwest. They aim to produce high-quality dogs with a good disposition. Puppy Lane Labs regularly breeds black, chocolate, and yellow, nearly white to fox red lab puppies. Visit our Facebook page for more pics! Louis, and Indianapolis to name just a few. All of our lab puppies in Chicago and St. Louis for sale are loved unconditionally from the minute they are born up until the day they join their new families. As a responsible and reputable lab breeder in Illinois, we genetically health test all of our Labrador retrievers in St. Louis to ensure that we are only producing healthy Labrador puppies for sale. If you are looking to add a happy, healthy, well-loved, and well-cared-for lab puppy to your family, you have come to the right place! We operate quite a bit differently than the majority of other breeders. We hold a VERY high standard here in regards to health, conformation and temperament. We always have a goal in mind when we perform a breeding. Those breeders are not breeding to better the Labrador breed or produce quality, well-bred lab puppies, they are simply producing puppies to sell and make a profit from. We own mostly females here and we use outside males stud service to cover our females. This gives us a huge advantage when choosing the perfect male for a particular female. Each female will need something different in a mate and using one male will not be sufficient for every female if a breeder is true to themselves and is breeding for a purpose. For example, you have a chocolate female but she is lacking in something whether it be coat, bone, length of leg, too long of loin, carries her tail too high, eye color is too light, etc. She is going to need a specific male to help improve those imperfections. If you have one or even a couple of males on your property and none of them have what your female needs, you are not doing the breed any justice by mating two dogs together that do not compliment each other correctly. Breeding correctly and responsibly can be very complicated, stressful and very expensive. Another important thing to consider is health testing. Do you know the genetics of your female and your male? Is one or the other or maybe both of them carriers of a certain genetic disease? Will you be producing affected lab puppies by mating these two dogs together? Genetic testing is extremely important and necessary! We specialize in producing lab puppies from high quality show lines which are commonly known as the English Labrador Retrievers. We have also been blessed with some exceptionally well bred American Labrador Retrievers which can be referred to as field labs. All of our lab puppies for sale are loved unconditionally from the minute they are born up until the day they join their new families. As a responsible and reputable lab breeder in Illinois, we genetically health test all of our labrador retrievers to ensure that we are only producing healthy labrador puppies for sale. If you are looking to add a happy, healthy, well loved and well cared for lab puppy to your family, you have come to the right place! We would love for you to join our lab puppy family and see for yourself why we are one of the best Labrador breeders in Illinois. We have chocolate, black and yellow puppies available now as well as some older pups! We only produce lab puppies in the 3 recognized colors by the american kennel club and labrador retriever club. We are dedicated to improving and protecting the labrador retriever breed. If you love labrador retrievers and would like to bring one into your family, you have come to the right place! Louis and Chicago are a popular choice for individuals who need companionship, active families, hunters and also for the serious competitor.

German Shepherd German ShepherdT The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the worlds leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds according toAKC Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in .The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high. Temperament Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming. The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent. They are very easy to train with a firm hand and keep that training well. Herding Group; AKC recognized in .Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Herding, police work. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. These pups are in Grand Rapids, Michigan too! Below are our newest added Newfoundlands available for adoption in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The price can go lower or higher depending on the offer of the breeder. German shepherd puppies for sale in Grand Rapids Michigan. German Shepherds for Sale in Grand Rapids. You will find German Shepherd Dog dogs and puppies for adoption in our Michigan listings. Her Mom is a sweet natured, very laid ba… more. Family raised with kids, cats, and. German Shepherd puppies for sale. Any adopter must be within hours of Grand Rapids, MI. Purebred German Shepherd Puppies. They will be vet checked, dewormed, had. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Sarge is being fostered in the Grand Rapids, MI area. Puppy: months, female, husky and german shepherd dog. German Shepherd Puppies minnesota, grand rapids township. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. The search tool above returns a list of. Michigan German Shepherd Classifieds Hoobly. Sarge is neutered, up to date on. She is being fostered in Grand Rapids at a loving foster home where her reactions to other dogs and cats will be learned. Share this listing: Similar German Shepherd Puppies. Miniature Australian Shepherd. Pure Bred German Shepherd Pups. Americanlisted has classifieds in Grand Rapids, Michigan for dogs and cats. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location. German Shepherd Puppies. Oreo is almost 7 weeks old and slowly being weaned. Luther, Michigan .Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and. To see more adoptable Basset Hounds in Grand Rapids, Michigan, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Puppies will be ready the 3rd week of March. Why buy a Basset Hound puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Basset Hound puppies who need a home. Search for an English Shepherd puppy or dog. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Male and female Shih Tzu puppies for adoption. English Shepherd puppies and dogs in Grand Rapids, Michigan. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Dogs for Sale in Grand Rapids. Basset Hound puppies and dogs in Grand Rapids, Michigan. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Sarge is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, has been looked over by a vet, and microchipped. He travels to my clinic daily where he gets constant so… more. If you are interested in Sarge, please email glgrr gmail. Find a dog to adopt near Grand Rapids, MI. First shots, deworming and well puppy check. Bred German Shepherd Puppies are mostly. English Shepherd. Make sure to do research on th MORE. Sable and Bicolor German Shepherd puppies. Our German Shepherds for Sale are often used in a variety of situations. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Michigan German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Breed: German Shepherd Dog. Check out our puppies! German Shepherd Dog. Grand Rapids, Michigan. We sell our German Shepherd Puppies in the U. Boston Terrier, Minnesota » Grand Rapids township. Puppy: months, male, husky and german shepherd dog. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. Find German Shepherd puppies for saleNear Michigan. Pets for Sale in Grand Rapids 1 - 15 of 11, Puppies are registered with full rights to new owner. Puppies For Sale in .This can be done by appointment and you are always welcome. German Shepherd Dog puppies for sale. Puppies are registered with full rights to new owner. This is our 2nd litter and they are adorable. Tools German Shepherd Goldendoodle. They are 10weeks old, vet checked, deworme. Like other puppies you get from a breeder, German Shepherd pups are also quite pricey. Dogs in Grand Rapids Minnesota. German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Showing 1 - 19 of results Championship or Grand Championship title. Shih Tzu Puppies 2 boys and 3 girls. They have been started on potty training and also basic commands. Luis is 10 weeks old and ready to find his forever home! Unlike puppy mills, partners in our network are proud of their pups and love to. All About Me! These 3 beautiful females puppies are just over 5 months old and are looking for loving homes. Search thousands of available pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network. He has been raised in our home with other Pomeranians, cats and guests. They are already very energetic and love to be snuggled. Find your puppy for sale in Grand Rapids, MN. They are now 9 weeks, completely on food and water. Grand Rapids, MI. He is a chocolate and white, male Pom. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. German Shepherd Dog Puppies. Recommended by Veterinarians Nationwide. Gorgeous Goldendoodles for sale. Free to Good Home! German shepherd puppies up to date on vaccines and dewormed CL. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Interested in Other Puppies? Available Litters. To see more adoptable Newfoundlands in Grand Rapids, Michigan, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Sometimes, you may find a GSD, German. Search for a German Pinscher puppy or dog. Pet Classifieds Grand Rapids. Dogs and Puppies, German Shepherd. Our Purebred German Shepherds are imported from Germany. Our puppies are purebred, Goldendoodle Puppies for sale and adoption Grand Rapids. Northern Sky German Shepherds. They come with their primary vaccinations and deworming message me if. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. I-Guard specializes in matching families with the finest German shepherds for their individual needs, personalities, and lifestyles. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. German Shepherd Breeders Michigan. Belgian Shepherd puppies and dogs in Grand Rapids, Michigan. German Shepherds of Kansas City. Since , I-Guard's prestigious bloodlines and unique breeding program—coupled with expertly tailored training methods—has set a new industry standard that makes I-Guard shepherds one of the most sought after breeds in the U. Mom and puppies are raised in or home with our family. The difficulty in finding great Michigan dog breeders Why is it hard to find purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan? This statistic ranks the Wolverine State as the 10th most populated region in the United States. And as of May , it's safe to assume that as of May , Michigan's general population has exceeded the 10,, That's lots of houses, lots of families, and even more people who call Michigan their home! So why is finding German Shepherd puppies for sale so difficult in the Lakes Region? There does seem to be a lack of reputable German Shepherd breeders in the area. And though there can be many great reasons for his, we have a few guesses. Small businesses like dog breeders are having a tough time According to Thumbtack's small business sentiment survey of Michigan-based business owners, the Wolverine State ranks extremely low for some of the more important metics for judging business health and overall market friendliness. Looking beyond just the pet industry In an effort help you understand why the market for buying puppies especially a more 'expensive' breed like the German Shepherd in Michigan is poor, we've pulled a few examples from Thumbtack's business survey mentioned above. Trying to navigate through all of the forms and documents is a nightmare. There is no set guideline to follow in terms of locating the appropriate paperwork for my specific business needs. Some regions have strict laws, others not strict enough. Many areas have breed-specific laws that limit the breeding and sale of dog breeds deemed by the public as having an "aggressive temperament. There are too many layers of bureaucracy. Each city has its own requirements. A state license should be adequate anywhere within the state. For specific shipping inquiries and other information requests, please feel free to contact our kennel at any time through email: [email protected]. We generally respond within 12 hours, less during the work week! German Shepherds love companionship and they are naturally protective dogs. These dogs were originally bred for service and not as family pets. Although the Germans are an excellent breed, they are somewhat Large dogs that are susceptible to hip and knee problems. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Grand Rapids come from a variety of different families. Some of them are purebred, while others are mixed-breed. German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs. They were supposed to be herding sheep, but the dogs soon proved they could be intelligent and trainable. When it comes to training, they are one of the easiest dogs to train. Because they have high levels of intelligence, they can learn new things quickly. Because they are highly motivated, they also want to please you, which is a nice characteristic to have in a dog. These dogs were originally bred to pull sleds. Because of their ability to do this, they require very little training cost. If you want a working dog, then you might have a bit more trouble getting a German Shepherd puppy for sale in Grand Rapids. The price of a German Shepherd is going to depend on several factors, including the training cost and whether or not the dog has any previous health problems. Their legs will be long, their coats long and silky, and their tails thick. This means that if you purchase a large German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you may not be able to keep it indoors for the first two years of its life. Large dogs are heavier than small dogs, so they will also require more specialized care. These dogs have a strong, friendly personalities and are easy to train. German Shepherd puppies are intelligent and responsive to training. These dogs should be socialized from an early age to help them develop into stable, well-behaved adults. Make sure that your puppy undergoes socialization at an early age. You can either do this yourself or you can get professional help from a trainer who specializes in working with this type of breed. Either way, your puppy will be ready for acceptance into a new group of friends and family members if it has undergone appropriate socialization. German Shepherds are excellent watchdogs, as they can be very suspicious of strangers. Before you bring a German Shepherd home, you should take it for a walk to see if it feels threatened or nervous. If it does, then you should probably not bring the dog home. German Shepherd puppies for sale in grand rapids should be healthy and strong but also very obedient. You want a dog that will not create problems in the household and yet one that can protect and serve you for many years. Share this:. He is potty trained , crate trained and loves people. He is a goof ball but also a great dog to protect your house. He is playful and loves to follow you around the house. He is mostly black with brown and is beautiful View Detail 15 months old male shepherd Great dog house trained and very smart. They are already very energetic and love to be snuggled. All puppies will come with their first set of shots and AKC papers for you to register if you choose. Well tempered puppies. Contact John Thomas for any questions at x-xxx-xxx-xxxx or email him at xxxxxxxxx xxxxx. She is the sweetest kindest dog I have ever owned. She is so kind and friendly and it breaks my heart to have to part ways. I believe because of my neglect she has turned to getting into mischief, like the garbage or anything edible. She loves attention and frankly requires it. I will not give her to anyone so you will have to prove you can give her a great home. She loves human of all kinds. She is 8 years old, never had an incident when she was aggressive towards anyone. She has no medical issues or concerns. Please call me if interests. Mom and puppies are raised in or home with our family. Puppies will be ready the 3rd week of March. They will be vet checked, dewormed, had there first round of vaccinations and be microchipped. At this time we only have females available. Please contact us for more information, we would love to talk to you! They will be dewormed, had there first round of vaccinations and will be vet checked. All our puppies are raised on puppy culture and come with a health guarantee, vet check, age appropriate shots, fully wormed, contract, AKC registration, puppy go home bag full of goodies and lifetime support. View Detail Dont have time to take care of but shes a great beautiful puppy its a Dont have time to take care of but shes a great beautiful puppy its a German shepherd and husky mixed View Detail Edtradavladimir Two months puppies German Shepard mix with Rottweiler. We are just too busy to take proper care of him. View Detail German Shepherd Shot is up to date. She is friendly and aged 11 months. Have no time to take care of her :. Our older dog is not adjusting well to having another dog in the house though, so we are hoping to find a good home for Ruby. She is crate trained already and very sweet! World Sieger VA and V lines. They are on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Both are 0FA certified. DM and brucellosis tested. We have 2 males available. They are up to date on vaccines and worming. Vet checked with health certificate and puppy packet. Please visit xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. German Shepherds for sale in Michigan Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Michigan with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Michigan. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Michigan There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Michigan, from Detroit to Flint, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in MI that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MI! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MI We like to think we've made a lot of people in Michigan happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She answered almost all our questions before bringing him home. She gave us guidance with how to raise the puppy correctly. We are looking forward to the training that comes with all of her puppies as well! Cindy loves all her dogs and truly cares for the families she works with. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. This involves handling neonatal puppies in a variety of positions in order to help stimulate and develop their neurological systems, increase stress tolerance, promote stronger heart beats, immune systems and adrenal glands. We have also started baby nose work on our puppies. Puppies with the most aptitude may be available to homes looking for service dogs for diabetes, epilepsy, search and rescue etc. Puppies receive different activities that are a part of the Puppy Culture Program. These activities are based on the age of the puppy versus their development. Those puppies that have rear dew claws will have them removed by our vet, we do leave front dew claws on our shepherd puppies. We invite those that have deposits on puppies to come to the 6 week vet check. There is a lot that goes into raising our puppies so that they make perfect companions! Parents of our puppies have appropriate health certifications including more than just hip and elbows. Our parents often have shoulders, PennHIP, eyes, heart and other certifications. Parents of our puppies often have Top Show Championship titles and recognitions as well as performance titles. I do work with newbies. You can contact me for details. The reason I like to keep homes closer by is to be able to mentor the homes since I often have newbies in my co-ownership program. As always, if you have an interesting proposition, please let me know. I do have dogs on Coownership in the state of Washington, so if you have an interesting proposition, as said, let me know. Email [email protected] and ask for a puppy questionnaire and fill out and return to me 3. If I do not have a puppy questionnaire or deposit from you, you do not have a puppy reserved. I accept deposits on litters once the litter is born so I know I have proper gender and color I may not know coat length until the litter is weeks of age or if gene testing is done. If you are close and have filled out the questionnaire, you can come and visit the litter and leave a deposit. Those further out should consider Priority mail or Overnight. I do encourage you to come and visit the litter and socialize with the puppies. I allow people to come over as long as they have not visited another litter, dog show, stable, farm, zoo, rescue etc within a week of coming over to visit this litter to keep potential diseases out of my home. I am sorry, but I do not ship puppies. You must come to pick up your puppy. I have had a person as far as New Mexico drive in to pick up his puppy, and one couple came in three times for three different puppies over the years from Massachusetts. You also have the option to fly in and take the puppy back with you in a Sherpa bag.I have had people fly in and take puppies back in Sherpa bags from as far west at Washington and California, as far east as Maine, and as far south as Georgia. I have also had a couple puppies that went to Europe that went with their new owner who flew in for them. I will meet you at the Detroit Metro airport in these instances. Nike is also pictured when she was younger. Welcome to the Michigan state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Michigan is renowned for its stunning lakeshores, vibrant cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Michigan breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MI breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Michigan, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of German Shepherd canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Michigan claims the 7th position in U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable German Shepherd breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Michigan. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your German Shepherd puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy on TrustedPuppies. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite West Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite West Michigan recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite West Michigan has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite West Michigan offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite West Michigan has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite West Michigan uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite West Michigan never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite West Michigan training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! You can tell they love what they do and it came out in the success of our dog Scout. We will be forever grateful. And he was harder and harder to walk the bigger he got. He was jumping on people and just overwhelming. Things are so much better and will just keep getting better. We took him to the beach for the first time yesterday. He loves swimming. What a great investment! Highly recommend to anyone who wants a well behaved dog.

Teach an alternative behavior like "lick" or "kisses" Alright, let's dive into each tip below. Exercising a puppy is one of the best ways to help alleviate problem behaviors like biting. Again, how much exercise your puppy needs will be largely dependent on their breed and age. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can have 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a 4-month-old puppy can exercise for 20 minutes twice a day. The more energy your pup uses, the better! Exercise can also take the form of , just be careful not to overrun your pup. Excessive exercise can cause joint problems in the long run. There are a host of options to help you overcome this issue so you can still effectively get rid of their energy. Consider getting a flirt pole. Flirt poles are a fantastic option because they allow you to play very energetic and fun games of chase, without worrying about getting your hands nipped at. You can get one here. Another option is to teach your pup a structured game of fetch. Fetch is great because it exercises dogs both physically and mentally. Zak George lays out how to teach your dog to fetch in our free online training class, 30 Day Perfect Pup. You can sign up here. Remember, many dogs can have been bred for hundreds of years to have high levels of energy. Be sure to give your pup an outlet with exercise to help stop that puppy biting! Don't miss out! That is the perfect time to engage them mentally with a quick training session! Not only does it deter them from biting, but it gives you an opportunity to reward them for positive behavior. In its simplest form, the leave it behavior is all about restraint. A dog that can restrain from lunging and grabbing a treat on the ground, is much more likely to be able to leave your hand alone when you ask. Step 2: Show your pup a treat and then close your hand so your pup cannot access it. Your pup will likely try to get to the treat by licking, biting hopefully not , or pawing at your hand where the treat is. Step 3: Practice that behavior multiple times until your pup starts to generalize the concept. The next step after that would be to try putting a treat on the ground and telling your pup to leave it. Step 5: Practice, practice, and then keep practicing. If your pup starts biting into your skin, give the leave it command, and reward when they stop. Practice makes perfect! For example, as you teach your pup the sit behavior you can help them understand yes and no. Over time trust me, it takes time , your pup will better start to understand the difference between yes and no. My wife and I raised two Yellow Labs that are about 7 months apart. And they were the first puppies we had raised as adults. So please, trust me when I tell you that getting frustrated will only make things worse. When you are frustrated, your pup likely is as well. And when puppies are frustrated, they won't learn! So, if you find a certain puppy behavior like biting or situation starting to overwhelm you… take a timeout. Let your pup cool down in their crate or sleep area and give yourself a few minutes to regroup. Guess what. So, do what you need to do for a personal break, and then recommit and get back at it! They have a keen sense of noticing our emotions. When frustration creeps in, learning stops for both human and dog. Redirecting to a game of tug of war can help teach your pup what is okay and not okay to chew on. As we mentioned before, puppies explore the world with their mouth, that is totally normal! Many pup parents have found it best to approach your pup with the toy in hand so you can be ready if the hand chomping starts happening. Teaching your dog tug can be a great way to stop puppy biting. Just remember, these behaviors can take significant practice and time to overcome. The question is, are you rewarding those positive behaviors and moments as you should be? If you are going through the process of overcoming puppy biting, you need to remember to praise the successful moments. When your pup comes up to you and lets you pet them without getting nippy, praise and reward them! Maybe you will see your puppy chewing a toy instead of your slippers or hand, reward them! If your puppy licks your hand instead of biting it, reward them! A huge part, and often underlooked, of training a puppy is to praise their successes. Treat each victory as a party and break out the fun, , and praise. Your job as a pup parent is to teach your dog what you want them to do. PS- If you're looking for a high-value reward treat for your pup, we've got your back! Check out our. Of course, you praise the positive moments but at times, you have to take away what your pup is desiring. In the instance of biting, pups are looking for playtime and engagement with us humans. Leave the room, put them in another room, or put them into a playpen for minutes. Implementing this method consistently will help your pup come to understand that when biting starts, playtime stops. A note on this, in most cases it is best to not use the crate as a negative reinforcer like a timeout. For example, when your pup starts nibbling, do your best to not jerk your hand away quickly. Most dogs love things that are moving! So if you jerk your hand or foot away, your pup may think you are trying to be playful. If your pup starts biting, let your hand go limp. Another way to make your skin a little less enticing is to keep them covered when possible. Being a successful pup parent oftentimes comes down to how well you can set your pup up for success. So if you know your pup is going through an extreme biting phase, consider keeping that skin covered when at home. It can be wearing socks, long sleeves and pants, and other things like that! When the puppy biting phase is at its worst, every little bit of help is important! Dogs are obviously very skilled at helping each other learn what is okay for play, and what is too aggressive. One quick note on socializing your puppy is that you should always be there to monitor them! Be active and aware and be ready to intervene if the play gets out of hand or aggressive. Some dogs have lower levels of patience with puppy biting, so be aware of how the other dogs are responding. Many pup parents find that the more they can correctly socialize their puppy, the milder the puppy biting will become. If you can effectively teach them a behavior that they can only do without biting then you'll be much closer to no biting! While there are plenty of alternative biting behaviors you can teach, here are some favorites:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. How to teach your puppy bite inhibition. To make sure your puppy stays out of trouble, when he comes home it is your job to put the finishing touches to his bite inhibition ability. This is especially important if he does not have a great deal of access to playing with other dogs. The right way to stop your puppy biting All puppies bite. And biting hurts! Puppies have very sharp teeth and they bite really firmly. Often making fierce growling noises whilst they do so. You may be tempted to correct your puppy firmly for biting, after all, he needs to know it is wrong to bite people! A process that will help you put an end to biting, even though it takes a little longer. Conflicting advice is very confusing, and the best way to be confident in what you are doing is often to drill down to the reasons behind each approach. And studies suggest that if good bite inhibition ability is not acquired by the time a puppy is around five months old, it may never be achieved. Stopping your puppy biting! Some people, including some experienced dog breeders , will recommend that you simply stop your puppy from biting by firmly correcting him each time he does so. Some will even advise physical punishment. And it does. So this might seem like a sensible course of action. But there is a problem here. Suddenly stopping puppies from biting may give you a fast result, at the expense of some more important aims. One problem with correcting a puppy for biting is that the puppy quickly learns to be selective about who he bites. This is very important in families with children where puppies will often bite children ferociously, long after they have learned that biting grown ups has an undesirable and even painful consequence. Being completely prevented from even gentle biting, may mean that the puppy does not learn just how much force is safe to use on people. Why is bite inhibition for puppies so important? The trouble is, stopping biting is not the same as learning to control biting. The concern is that preventing the puppy from learning advanced bite inhibition may cause him to harm a human. Perhaps much later in life, when his bite is much more powerful and potentially dangerous. The answer is that there are triggers for biting, that may cause any dog, no matter how nice, to bite. Those triggers are fear, and pain. Many dogs that are injured, will bite for example. Many perfectly nice dogs that are trapped and tormented by a toddler, will eventually bite. We can do our best to make sure that our dog is never injured or tormented, but we cannot always be sure of protecting him. One day he may be hurt or badly teased, his growl of warning may be ignored. Small children are especially vulnerable in this kind of situation, as they fail to recognise the intention of a growling dog. If your dog is forced to defend himself, he may do what dogs do in this situation, and bite. Or at the very least, their homes. Most dog bites are not serious Although many people get bitten by dogs, fortunately, most dog bites are not serious. The reason for this is that most dogs do have good bite inhibition. So that if he is ever put in the awful situation of having to defend himself, he is able to pull his punches and give a mild warning bite. Essentially, by teaching good bite inhibition to our puppies, we are doing what we can to ensure that their bite is always inhibited. And never the bone crushing, devastating bite that a fully grown dog is capable of. How to teach your puppy bite inhibition What you will be doing is providing your dog with numerous opportunities to find that really painful bites are not rewarding for him. This means ending any game or cuddle, and if necessary removing yourself from his presence. Some puppies will stop biting if you squeak, squeal or yelp, and many people recommend that you do this. By all means try this. But be aware, the noise has no effect on some puppies and is encouraging to others. Your main trump card is the thing your puppy wants more than anything else — your attention. The rule for the first month is Withdraw all attention from the puppy for very hard bites Allow less painful biting and mouthing This is teaching him to reduce the force or pressure that he applies with his jaws. As a rough guide, aim for eliminating all painful biting by around three months of age Persistence and repetition in stopping your puppy biting Persistent repetition is the key. This is a process, not an event. If you correct the puppy for biting, be careful not to frighten him so much that he stops biting altogether. He needs to work through this learning process. Most experts now agree that it is better not to use correction at all for this process. Once you have withdrawn your attention for a short while, offer the puppy a toy to bite on or play with. Or let him sit on your lap and chew on a toy whilst you hold on to the other end. And become much more sensitive about how hard your puppy can bite. Until by about four or five months old, he is no more than gently mouthing at your hands. At this point, all force or pressure in his bite should be eliminated. The final stage of teaching bite inhibition Of course, mouthing is not acceptable in an adult dog. And the last phase in our training puts an end to mouthing. Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me!

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Glasgow Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Re: Miniature labradoodle puppies Post by alison01 » Wed Apr 18, am Thanks again for your help and to those who just posted. Have checked out the websites and they all seem brilliant. We'll probably go with one of the ones which are closest to home as it makes it all much easier. We've still got a while to go before getting the puppy. I've been reading lots of posts on the website and want to make sure that the house is sorted and well prepared for a doodle puppy. I grew up with lots of dogs, but my husband has never had one and has been a bit wary about getting one he's used to cats. He likes friendly dogs but is terrified of rottweilers, alsatians etc. However, we had a labradoodle as a neighbour for a few months and he fell in love with it. The fact that they are such a sociable breed is also such a plus I have horrible memories of walking my fox terrier in the park and having to keep him on such a close leash when other dogs walked past, in case he attacked them - stressful for me and for the dog too. Thanks again!!!

Menu Welcome to Dry Creek Poodles. We are two sisters specializing in raising beautiful, pure-bred Standard and Toy Poodles. Our families have raised Poodles in Central Valley for over 25 years and know that both the Standard and Toy Poodle make a perfect friend and companion. Our goal is to produce healthy and sound Poodle puppies with wonderful temperaments. We do extensive health testing on all of our breeding dogs, and take extra measures to promote the health and well being of our pups. Click here for more info. We strive to produce pups that will be the perfect family companions. Poodles might be known for being show dogs, but this breed is very versatile. The Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and retrieval but we have also found that the Standard and Toy Poodles make wonderful Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and thrive in many types of environments from living in the city in an apartment to running free in wide open country. And as they love to run, make great jogging partners! This breed is very intelligent, eager to please, wonderful with children, and make great watchdogs as well! If you're looking for a Standard Poodle Puppy for sale, look no further! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are a small kennel, located in the gold country of Northern California, a short drive from beautiful San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. We breed and and raise red standard poodle puppies. Our focus is on health and companionship, with the goal to improve the breed, but also to breed sweet pups with temperaments calm enough and suitable for service and therapy dog certification. Our puppies are born in our home, in their own personal puppy room, which by the way is right off our great room and kitchen, in the heart of our home and we are there for the entire whelping process. When the puppies are old enough, they are exposed to any and all sights, smells and sounds that are needed to properly socialize a puppy. One of our goals is for each and every puppy to meet at least 50 different people before they even go to their forever homes. Plus our research has brought us to the realization that over vaccination and early spay and neuter could be shortening the lives of our beloved canines. Therefore we encourage a minimal vaccine protocol and do not encourage spay and neuter until after our beautiful puppies are fully grown. We hope you enjoy exploring our web pages and drop downs that follow, and as you can tell, we are transparent in every aspect of our raising and socialization of these precious puppies. Through pictures, videos, and our 'closed-private' FB group where we post at least one video each and every day of every litters life here at our poodle plantation , and personal visits you can fully see each and every aspect of our breeding program. Now how many breeders can say that. Before there were no red standard poodles. Yes there were reds in the miniature and toy varieties but not the standard size. In the standards there were Apricots. I feel Janet made the greatest impact on the red standard poodles as we know them today. Following are a few kennels that have made a mark on the red standard poodle. Palmares Kennel. Janet Blannin who was Key in the development of the Red color in the standard poodle size passed away .Although the Palmares name lives on. Shangri-la kennel. Ilse Kong passed away in October of .Majestic kennel. Joan Mistkowski started with Shangri-la reds. She passed away in , her daughter took over the kennel and she too passed away in Minarets poodles. Ester Underkofler still breeds, shows, and titles her poodles in among other things agility and obedience proving that standards are more than pretty faces. Leatherstocking kennel. Barbara and Stratfod Deitch were successful in breeding top show quality standard poodles as well as therapy dogs. At this time there are many breeders trying to breed the ever beautiful deep red standard poodles that are conformationally sound enough to show, sweet enough to be therapy dogs, and smart enough to be hunters. I would like to think that my small kennel will do all that and more. COM bottom of page. Allie finished in 6 shows, 3 majors, from the Bred By Exhibitor class! He is champion number 7 for his sire, Birdsong Roses for Giacomo. Allie will continue as mom's bed dog. Look for his beautiful loving pups in the future. Finished at 13 months. Quality Poodle pups are available in most colors. Zamora's Poodles were the TOP toy poodle breeder in the US in , and consistently in the top 10 show breeders every year. More are currently being shown. Health, temperament, body type and good coats are our goals. We are always happy to speak to anyone about the breed, help you with questions you may have about your poodle or a prospective purchase or adoption. It is best if you can find a local breeder when seeking a poodle companion, not have one shipped in sight unseen and we are happy to help you find someone reputable in your own area. Please view our puppy photos, which include some photos from satisfied pet customers. Your new Zamora puppy will reflect quality you can be proud of. Zamora's Lasting Impression Ch. They are bright companion dogs and are considered one of the easiest to train. They thrive best when they have full-time or close companionship. Toys can vary in size. Some are Teacup size tiny toy , some right at the 10" size, and some larger, considered small Minis or oversized Toys. Zamora's Mocha Mania Ch. Zamora's Little Red Raider Ch. Zamora's Reddi N Willing Ch. The larger Toys are heartier and work out best in active homes and homes with children. These diminutive Poodles are usually not recommended for households with children under eight years of age. Zamora's Got the Action They require professional grooming, usually once each month, but in exchange you will have a dog that does not shed. They are often described by their owners as having a temperament like a young child rather than a dog! Gail's Pet Food Tips:. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Northern California? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Northern California. Poodle prices vary based on a few different variants, which include the experience of the breeder, color, size, etc. Do your breeders arrange travel for Northern California Poodles out of state? Yes they do! They can even send your little pooch by airplane to you. Due to the fact that our network is so large and still growing , there may even be a Poodle breeder in your area! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Northern California? In order to keep our best intentions for your puppy, we have very strict standards with regards to breeding facilities, breeder experience, animal care, and more. The terrible truth of puppy mills for miniature Poodle Northern California? Breeding centers that are professional provide a beautiful and happy place for puppies. Puppy mills are awful places that are produced with one thing in mind - to make a profit for the owners. Dogs and puppies are treated badly and puppies that come out of these places often cost owners thousands in vet bills because of health problems. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Northern California for sale now? There definitely are! Poodles are a very common breed and you will surely find one very soon! Just begin your Poodle search below! We will help match you with the best breeders according to all the things you like and want, and before you know it, you will be ready to bring home your new best friend. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Northern California? Poodles belong to a group of formal dog breeds. Poodles are also super-smart. The Poodle can do dog sports and activities easily, and are agile, obedient, and can track herds. They are also great assistance dogs. Today, puppy scams that happen online are as common as any scam out there. Just take a peek at some of our reviews and recent puppy alumni to see how well our whole process is working! Dedicated, loving family homes only. My puppies only go as pets but if you are a breeder looking for full registration I do know some breeders I can refer you to who sell with full rights. Thank you for respecting my choice to sell as companions. I only want to place this dog ONCE as new homes are a hard change and he deserves to be in a permanent home until he passes at a ripe old age. He is a wonderful black male, neutered and roughly 20lbs and on the large side of miniatures. Here is a description of him and pictures. If interested please fill out a puppy home questionnaire and we will go through the normal screening process to find him the right home. Please note he is currently in WA state near seattle. Luka is an affectionate and smart boy who loves being around his person. He has been trained in a variety of ways, including obedience, tricks, rally, nosework and agility his favorite! He is great on-leash and on walks and has exposure to both natural and urban environments. He is dog friendly, although dogs of equal size and larger are best suited for his playstyle he tends to forget his own strength. Luka has had exposure to small children, but can become nervous if the child is loud or energetic. He is currently groomed by his owner and does well with baths, nail trims and grooming, and can be touched anywhere. He can be quite vocal and excited when meeting new or familiar people he adores people! He also loves to play — fetch, tug-o-war, and chase are some of his favorite! The ideal family for Luka needs to be able to be with him most of the time. His current owner works from home so he is used to having someone around. If the family is not able to be with him because of work, etc, he would need a support system such as another dog for company or a dog sitter. Luka has separation anxiety that causes him a lot of distress and should not be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. Aside from this issue, he would make a great family dog for a family with older children, especially if they would like to do 4H or continue with his sports training. He would also do great in a home with a relaxed environment as a companion dog or with someone who has the capacity to take him everywhere. All puppies leave here with all the parts they were born with.

Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. No Why is the Pug so expensive? Pugs are often considered expensive due to a combination of factors, including their popularity, demand, and the costs associated with breeding and raising them. Here are some reasons why pugs may have a higher price tag: Breeding challenges: Pugs have a unique physical structure with a short snout, which can lead to health issues. Breeding pugs requires careful selection to minimize these problems, which can increase the cost of obtaining healthy and well-bred puppies. Health concerns: Pugs are prone to several health conditions, such as respiratory problems, eye issues, and skin allergies. Responsible breeders undertake health testing and provide necessary veterinary care, which contributes to the overall cost. Limited availability: While Pugs are a popular breed, finding a reputable breeder can be challenging. Responsible breeders may have a limited number of litters each year, which increases demand and drives up prices. Popularity: Pugs have gained significant popularity over the years due to their charming appearance and friendly temperament. Increased demand for Pugs can drive prices up, as breeders can charge more when there is high demand for a particular breed. Breeding expenses: Responsible breeders invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and money into breeding and raising their puppies. This includes expenses such as health checks, vaccinations, proper nutrition, and socialization. These costs are passed on to potential buyers. So just be ready for more than the price of a puppy — unexpected vet bills, food , treats, toys, etc. This is pretty much the same price as a Pug from any reputable breeder, as you would expect to get a purebred Pug from a reputable breeder. What is the cheapest price of a Pug puppy? Adopting is also a great way to provide a home to a pet in need while also saving yourself some money in the process. What is the price of a Male Pug Puppy? However, prices are high for those with superior lineages and pure breeds. How Much Is a Pug in the Philippines? In the Philippines, different Pug breeders from different parts of the country have varying prices. However, the average price is slightly consistent compared to in the US. Below are some of the Pug prices and descriptions. A purebred 1. A purely black female Pug without papers aged between 6- and months costs PHP8, Plus, you can also negotiate the price with some breeders. In California, the cost of Pugs constantly fluctuates due to market demands. The cost of a typical puppy Pug in India lies between 5,Rs and 20,Rs. However, the average price ranges from 10,Rs and 12,Rs. Keep in mind that these prices also fluctuate from time to time. Posted on. Prevalence: Common Pugs are members of the toy group despite their solid appearance. They range in height from 10 to 11 inches and in weight from 14 to 18 pounds six to eight kilograms. They are square dogs with substantial limbs. Pugs are the sturdiest dogs of the toy group, befitting their mastiff heritage. Pugs are known for their large, round heads, with the shortened muzzles and extensive forehead wrinkles. The vertical wrinkle on the forehead is said to resemble the Chinese character for "prince" and thus known as the "prince mark. The tail curls tightly over the hip. They have a short, but very dense double coat. Colors can range from apricot to fawn, silver and black. All but the black dogs have a dark mask and ears with a trace of darkening down the back. The ears feel like black velvet. Personality: Pugs are not the lively socialites that some of the toy breeds are. They are a bit more serious, with a dry sense of humor. The breed motto is "multum in parvo," meaning a lot in a little, with plenty of dog in a small package. Pugs can be stubborn but normally want to please. These are fairly laid-back dogs, not usually given to extensive barking, digging or chewing. Pugs tend to get along well with other dogs and are sturdy enough to get along with children. They enjoy company and can be quite affectionate. True to their grouping, they are good companion dogs. Living With: Pugs are extremely easy to keep and have a serious tendency to become obese unless their diet and exercise are watched carefully. With the short muzzle, they do not do well in hot, humid weather and must be observed carefully for heatstroke. Pugs do tend to snore, again a result of the short muzzle. The prominent eyes are easily injured and care must be taken to keep them moist. Pugs are fairly robust and often live to 14 or 15 years of age. Pugs do best with some daily exercise to help with their weight problems. Despite their heroic alarm years ago, they are not usually great watchdogs, preferring instead to greet newcomers with a wagging tail. Pugs should be socialized to keep that outgoing temperament, and they do well with other pets. Grooming is important, both for the shedding from the dense coat and to keep facial wrinkles clean. A quick daily grooming, even a swipe with a hound mitt, usually suffices for the coat and a gentle wiping with a wet cloth for the face. History: While the pug is often associated with Holland, the breed originated in China, probably bred down from one of the local mastiff-type dogs. The little dogs with the round heads and expressive facial wrinkles were then transported to Holland via trading ships of the Dutch East India Company. In , a pug sounded the alarm that saved Prince William from the approaching Spanish soldiers, and the breed forever after was tied to the royal House of Orange. Napoleon's wife had a pet pug, and the duke and duchess of Windsor had a pug as a royal companion. Victorian England took on pugs as the latest rage in canine fashion and many pugs can be spotted in paintings of that era. The word "pug" may come from the Latin "pugnus" for fist, possibly describing the round face and head. The name does not fit the breed's temperament, because these are not really guard dogs, but designed first and foremost as companion dogs. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed.