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Currently, GSDs have eleven dog kennel club-accepted coat colors. Pure white, solid blue, merle and brindle are coat colors that some regard as faults and sadly, are slowly coming to extinction. This article will focus on Brindle-Colored German Shepherds , how the color was achieved, its history, where they can be found and why do we have fewer sightings of this coat color pattern. What is a Brindle Colored German Shepherd? Brindle is a coat color pattern in German Shepherds that looks like stripes on their fur or coat, along their legs. Though the pattern is similar to tiger stripes, it appears to be more subtle and has irregular shapes and streaks of color. The color markings are usually darker or slightly lighter than the base coat. It is commonly seen as a black stripe on a reddish brown or tan base coat. Brindle Colored German Shepherds have four different brindle color patterns depending on their dominant and recessive genes. It has the most solid brindle color amongst the four types of brindle color. After careful observation and analysis, it was found out that two of his sons were brindle colored. It might be strange to some as to how he got two brindle colored sons. In genetics, brindle is one of the three variants of the dominant black gene. Brindle is a separate mutation that allows the agouti gene such as sable, tan points, recessive black and tricolor to come out. However, the result causes brindling or streaks of the agouti color. This explains why brindle colored GSDs have the dominant black gene. They are very active and need a lot of exercises, just like standard GSDs. Healthwise, they can have inherited diseases and other health issues, too. And just like other GSDs, they can be straight backs or sloped-backs. Their intelligence is equal to other colored GSDs. Therefore, with proper training, diet, and care, these Brindle Colored GSDs are set to become great working dogs and loving family pets. Since brindle is considered as a washed-out color, Brindle Colored GSDs are disallowed from being included in the conformation rings. Looking for a Brindle Colored German Shepherd is like looking for a needle in a haystack. One needs to understand the history of the GSDs in order to fully grasp the development of this dog breed and how some colors like brindle, was severely affected. For some unknown reasons, liver, white, brindle and blue merle were chosen to be eradicated. In an attempt to breed a GSD similar looking dog, the Dutch Shepherd was created and standardly having brindle colored only to be distinguished apart from GSDs. Nowadays, Brindle German Shepherd can be found in rescue centers or shelters. Some are also left by breeders who messed up a breeding program and ended up producing a Brindle GSD with health or physical issues. So, interested adoption applicants should be ready to embrace everything and must not expect too much. Looking for an ethical breeder is also a good option for one to have a healthy Brindle Colored German Shepherd puppy. How much does a Brindle Colored German Shepherd cost? The cost for Brindle Colored GSD will always depend on the breeder and the demand for this color pattern. This can go higher if the Brindle Colored German Shepherd puppy has papers proving its pedigree, line, breeding history, and working title. Conclusion Brindle might not be recognized as one of the standard GSD color variations, but this should not hinder breeders from continuing to nurture German Shepherds having this unique color pattern. Is the Brindle German Shepherd dog the lost pattern? The answer will be yes and no. Yes, it will soon become a lost color pattern if GSD breeders and enthusiasts will not do something to promote its beauty and continue breeding them not only for their rare color but also to breed them ethically. Training and proper care is crucial for GSDs whatever coat color they have. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. This brindle term is also known as tiger stripes. There are times where two dogs with a brindle coat can look different. The markings or stripes are usually darker than the undercoat of the coat. You may see a black streak on a tan or reddish base coat. The Brindle German Shepherd will always be a great curiosity among traditional German Shepherd breeders. Four types of the brindle color As mentioned above, four types of brindle color depend on the recessive and dominant genes. This disparity in brindle colors arises from a change in the base coat color gene. Gray brindle German Shepherd The brindle German Shepherd with a gray or silver base color can appear with very subtle or even absent pattern markings. Brindle-Sable German Shepherd The sable brindle German Shepherd has a brown or sable base color that looks like a more solid brindle. They may have darker fur on the back and head. It can have a coat that can range from black, tan to blue, from isabella to liver with brindle markings. Black Brindle German Shepherd This black brindle German Shepherd typically have recessive genes that can appear solid black, blue, liver, or Isabel. A black brindle German Shepherd appears to have light stripes on a dark coat base. You may notice that 2 of the base colors arise from generic alterations of the eumelanin black gene. Simultaneously, 2 of the base colors come from genetic modifications from the red pheomelanin gene. According to certain German Shepherd breeders, the first name certified as a German Shepherd was Horand Von Grafrath, previously known as Hektor Linkshrein, and he had 33 children. After extensive analysis and observations, they discovered that 2 of his sons had a brindle color. Producing a brindle coat pattern requires complex genetic processes. It is more difficult to breed a dog with this brindle color and more difficult for people who consider brindle to be not a standard color than breed a dog with a basic or standard color such as red or black. There are two types of central color genes that all canines inherit: pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin controls primary red and red tones that can range from pale ivory, liver, brown to a burnished reddish. Pheomelanin is only responsible for controlling the color of the coat. Eumelanin is in charge of controlling basic black and any color in that spectrum. It can be seen as pale blue, silver, and even absolute black. Eumelanin is also responsible for controlling the eyes, nose, and skin color. Brindle-colored German Shepherd puppies are no different than other German Shepherds. They require many exercises and are very energetic dogs. They can inherit certain diseases or health problems as in the other standard GSDs in health. They can have the sword inclined or straight, and they are very intelligent dogs like the German Shepherds of other accepted or standard colors. If you train them properly, care for them, and feed them the correct diet, you can have GSD brindle dogs that are ideal for work, intelligent, and very affectionate for the whole family. Unfortunately, some clubs are not very fond of this type of brindle color because they consider it a failure. They regard brindle coat color as a faded color. In this way, you can understand the development of this breed and why colors like the brindle are seriously affected. They did this because they were normalizing the GSD breed. Looking for a GSD brindle can be difficult because colors like white, liver, blue blackbird, and brindle are the chosen eradication. To create a dog that bore a similar resemblance to the German Shepherd, the Dutch Shepherd was bred and came standard with a brindle color. These are now available to German Shepherds at shelters or rescue centers. Many breeders also leave them because they ruined a breeding presentation and produced an SD Brindle with health problems or physical health problems. People who want to adopt Brindle German Shepherds should accept everything regarding this coat color. You should look for a breeder who is ethical so that you can find healthy tabby German Shepherds. It can be time-consuming and generally expensive work, but it will be in your best interest to have a coat color that is thought to be extinct. A brindle German shepherd is expensive, but it will depend on the breeder and the demand for this color. You may also like:. Lifespan Sociability As the name implies, German Shepherds are herding dogs. German Shepherds are eager learners but can be a little stubborn, which some owners may find challenging. Socialization is essential for these pups because they have a powerful jaw and a heritage guarding livestock and people. Improperly socialized German Shepherds may be suspicious of people and animals alike. Brindle Coating Has Distinct Genetic Markers In genetics, color patterns can be a bit more finicky to determine than simply colors. The brindle pattern is marked in genetics by a specific mutation of the dominant black coloring gene. This variation of the dominant gene allows for the recessive coloring gene to show through on the fur and results in the brindle patterning. A post shared by Totem totem. Of these, at least two were observed to have the brindle genetic mutation! This means that brindle coloring was documented early on in the German Shepherd family tree. The S. The reasoning is not stated but seems to be cosmetic rather than for health reasons. According to the S. V, white, liver, brindle, and blue merle colorings were all chosen for eradication. There Are Four Types of Brindle Coating The brindle pattern is distinct, with irregular streaks of darker or lighter color through the base color. The four patterns of brindle coating are black brindle, brindle-tan, brindle-sable, and brindle- gray. Black brindle, or reverse brindle, appears to have light stripes on a dark coa. Brindle-tan dogs have a lighter coat with darker streaks. Brindle-sable dogs have a darker coat color on the head and back only. Brindle-gray dogs may only have Brindle points on the feet and face. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are considered serious faults. A post shared by Our Sweet Fur Babies tajiasangelsgsdlegacydobermans 6. The pattern was explicitly chosen to distinguish the breed from the German Shepherd Dog. Conclusion The German Shepherd is one of the most distinct and beloved dog breeds. There seems to be no reason that the brindle patterning could not receive similar recognition. Apart from those, specific colors are either unregistered or are considered a coat pattern. One such coat pattern is brindle, a coat pattern best described as striped or marbled. This pattern is similar to the stripes on a tiger but is more subtle with irregular streaks of color and shapes. Brindle German Shepherds are so rare that there is no singular standard to their actual physical appearance. However, the most commonly seen coat has blacker markings on a reddish-brown or tan base coat. Their dominant and recessive gene pool decides four different brindle color patterns. They are among the rarest types of German Shepherds and belong to the dominant black gene series. Some people even claim that they are now entirely extinct, which is not the case. It is unclear where the first brindle German Shepherd originated. Horand sired many pups, and very few pictures black and white exist of them. Most experts who have analyzed those photographs believe that at least two of the pups had the brindle color pattern. This makes the brindle coat color pattern one of the originating patterns of the German Shepherd breed. But how did Horand Von Grafrath, formerly known as Hektor Linksrhein, birth two brindle-colored pups? From a genetics perspective, brindle is one of the three variants of the dominant black gene. It is also a separate mutation that allows the agouti gene to appear, such as sable , tan points, recessive black, and tricolor. The result causes the agouti color to form streaks or brindling, which explains the presence of a dominant black gene in brindle-colored dogs. We can trace this color pattern back to Europe when specific colors and color patterns like blue , liver, white , and merle German Shepherds were imported to America. These colors were; blue, liver, white, and the patterns — brindle and blue merle. A brindle GSD is not very different from its counterparts except for its color. Just like other types of German Shepherds , they require lots of physical and mental stimulation. They can be straight-back or sloped back, depending upon their breeding. Male brindle German Shepherds are usually 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh about 66 to 88 pounds. Females weigh approximately 48 to 70 pounds and are 22 to 24 inches in height. Their typical life span is like that of other German Shepherd varieties — between 10 to 13 years. They are also highly intelligent like other varieties, and you can quickly train them. Brindle German Shepherds also suffer from specific inheritable health concerns just like all the other types. Brindle German Shepherds possess a specific coat pattern of alternating strips of color different from the base color. The exact pattern on each dog depends upon his genetics and is thus variable. Two brindle German Shepherds can even have completely different coat patterns. Below are the brindle German Shepherd color patterns: Black Brindle Brindle Sable Brindle Gray A black brindle German Shepherd is also known as a reverse brindle and possesses recessive genes of solid black, liver, light buff, or blue. They have lighter colored stripes on a darker base coat. Brindle-tan German Shepherd Dogs have brindle-colored markings on usually black, blue, isabella, or liver-colored coats. Brindle-sable German Shepherds possess the richest brindle color amongst the four types and typically have a darker coat color only on their head and back. Brindle-gray German Shepherds, in contrast, have brindle markings that appear either only as brindle points or do not appear at all. Despite these genetic variations, their coat color is a hot topic for debate and controversies. Some will say that brindle is a non-standard color for German Shepherds and partly due to the close association between brindle coloration and Pit Bulls. Others believe that the brindle gene is genetically unstable. Thus this color pattern is always going to be rare amongst mainstream breeders. They were inserted into the standard because lighter dogs were easier targets in times of war. Finding brindle German Shepherds is quite a task. German Shepherd history books show that many originating breed colors were eliminated by the German Shepherd Dog Club also known as SV in the standardization process of this breed. Liver, white, brindle, and blue merle colors were chosen to be eradicated because as dogs of war, darker colors and patterns were less of a target. The German Shepherd Dog Club considered the brindle color pattern to be unsuitable in wartime Europe, and thus breeders made no efforts in the following years to increase the numbers. Today, brindle GSDs can be abandoned in rescue shelters or centers by owners interested in mainstream German Shepherd colors. A few are also left by unethical breeders who misbreed and end up with brindle shepherds with health or temperamental issues. Intentional breeding is very rare as they have been sidelined over the years. Many see this color pattern as a genetic mutation that makes it even harder for breeders to produce brindle dogs. The brindle gene is one of the three variants of the dominant black gene the other two are dominant black and non-solid black. Specifics of this gene are mostly a mystery, but it is speculated to result from a spontaneous mutation. Looking for a brindle German Shepherd is not an easy task, and interested individuals are most likely to return empty-handed. A better option is finding an ethical breeder that breeds healthy brindle-colored German Shepherd puppies. But since they are scarce to find, their price can be much higher than anticipated. Similarly, a brindle puppy with papers proving its pedigree, line, breeding history, and running title will have a much higher price. It is evident that prices mainly depend upon breeders. Because of their high demand and low availability, some unscrupulous breeders often breed and raise brindle pups inadequately to make money quickly. This takes a toll on their health and makes them prone to illnesses. The official coat colors listed in the German Shepherd official AKC breeding standard are black , black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver , blue, white, liver, grey, and sable. However, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America who has control over the written standard within the AKC , does not want to list colors and patterns separately. Exotic patterns such as brindle are frowned upon by many breeders and some dog clubs, which reduces their popularity. However, a few ethical breeders focus their breeding programs on the development of such rare coat-color patterned dogs. You can find such breeders, but you may have to pay whatever price they charge. If you are looking to take a brindle German Shepherd in as a pet, adopting is a good option as adoption fees are much lower. Brindle German Shepherds are good family dogs. They get along with children and other pets and are incredibly intelligent and thus highly trainable. They also make good guard dogs as they innately have protective instincts. Their temperament traits are the same as all other GSD types. These dogs are highly versatile and have an uncanny ability to learn new tricks. Their easy-going temperament makes them easier to train than other breeds. They are eager to learn and, if socialized and trained correctly, make great companions. They are somewhat aloof to strangers, and some may even be fearful of new people or other dogs or animals. You can prevent this by socializing them early to become familiar with new people and smells and sounds. A lack of socialization can make them aggressive and view other animals and people as threats, leading to destructive behavior. In contrast, they grow up to be calm and well-balanced and behaved dogs when trained well. Since they require appropriate mental and physical stimulation, you can quickly devise exercises or training routines that you both can follow, such as jogging, running at the beach, hiking in the woods, fetching a ball, or playing certain sports. Exercising along with your dog develops a friendly bond of trust with him. Brindle GSDs are very loyal dogs, and once this bond is established, it can never be severed. Apart from being good family pets , German Shepherds are also great for agility training, lure coursing, flyball, tracking competitions, Schutzhund training, and search-and-rescue work. The brindle German Shepherd is also known as a mouthy breed because they use their mouths due to their herding heritage. Therefore, it is normal for them to chew on anything that fits in their mouth. But you do not have to allow it as you can train them to channel their instincts appropriately and safely. They are also very social and would be the happiest when with family. These loving and affectionate creatures will put their own lives at risk to protect their loved ones. Some people believe that their coat color correlates with bad temperament, thereby making them unfit for families. The Center for Animal Genetics says that their color is a genetic factor determined by color pattern genes and does not impact their obedience, intelligence, or even working ability. They possess traits and a temperament comparable to other standard colored German Shepherds. Pros of Brindle German Shepherds Unique Appearance: Brindle German Shepherds have a unique and majestic appearance that makes them stand out from other types. They have a wolf-like appearance and are relatively sturdy and well-built with a proportioned body, making them visually appealing. They also possess a double coat, a bushy tail, and erect ears, making them look intimidating yet cuddly. Versatile Dogs: Brindle German Shepherds are versatile dogs with incredible intelligence, loyalty, and bravery and are among the top obedience competitors. They can be trained through consistent reinforcement-based training and mentally and physically stimulating exercises to excel at various activities. They possess an incredible cognitive, physical, and emotional capacity and are great at police work, therapy, scent detection, agility, and service work. The German Shepherd breed ranks third in intelligence globally. Very Protective: Brindle German Shepherds have an alert nature and are incredibly loyal to their guardians, and make great protective dogs. The behavior of dogs usually depends on the education and environment they are subjected to. Consequently, you can train them to be friendly and fierce. Highly Active and Energetic: These dogs thrive on regular exercise and possess medium to high energy drive. Not giving them enough mental and physical stimulation can adversely affect their health and behavior. If you are not an active person, they are not the right fit for you. But if you lead an active lifestyle, they can be your best companion and even motivate you to exercise or burn those extra calories. If you develop a strong bond with them, they can quickly become your best friend and would love you no matter what. They may look intimidating on the outside but are deeply caring dogs on the inside and would always put you first. Cons of Brindle German Shepherds Have Heritable Health Concerns: The Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals reports that all German Shepherds are prone to several heritable health concerns, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and von Willebrand disease, to name but a few. Since they are not bred according to specific breeding standards, it is widespread for these dogs to develop such conditions. It is essential to make sure that your dog has health-tested parents before adopting. Their rarity adds to their price as well. Finding healthy brindle dogs in shelters and rescue centers can be even more challenging than looking for serious breeders. There is nothing in the breed standard that disqualifies their exotic coat color pattern from being show dogs. The confusion lies in that no brindles have yet entered the show ring as it is presumed by many owners that they will be marked down by the judges. Can Become Greedy: Although they have well-balanced behavior, they can still overeat and even become somewhat gluttonous. Their eating habits need to be monitored carefully to manage their weight. You may also need to eradicate bad eating habits to prevent them from becoming fussy eaters. You should also portion their daily food intake into two or three meals to prevent bloat GDV. However, they should not be adopted simply for their aesthetic appeal or their rarity. You should only get a pup if you treat it like a family member and companion and raise it according to their needs. Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info The tan and black-saddle coat is what the German Shepherd is most recognized for. But not many realize that they come in many other coat colors—some more common than others. There are uncommon colors like silver and blue. Even more rare are others, including the brindle German Shepherd. A brindle German Shepherd has a coat that is best described as tiger-striped or marbled. Theoretically, the base color could be tan, black, or sable. Even more rarely, it could be silver, blue, or liver. For all dogs, coat coloring is determined by two pigments called eumelanin and phaeomelanin. By default, eumelanin appears as black but can be modified by certain genes to become blue or liver. On the other hand, phaeomelanin controls the color red. However, the brindling or striped patten will only appear if the dog carries the K locus. This is related to the A locus, which is responsible for the sable GSD coat. The only way to breed the brindle coloring in purebred GSDs is to have at least one brindle parent. Even so, a brindle puppy is not guaranteed. This is because the brindle allele Kbr is recessive to the dominant black allele Kb. So, not only should one of the parents be brindle but also the other parent should at least carry the recessive Kbr allele. Brindle German Shepherds are now incredibly rare. GSD enthusiasts believe that the brindle coat was common among the working dogs that the breed founder, Max von Stephanitz, developed. Some believe that it was purposely bred out of the GSD gene pool as a means to distinguish it from similar dogs like the Dutch Shepherd , which is most commonly brindle. This makes it even rarer than colors produced by genetic abnormalities. In fact, enthusiasts of the breed say they are already extinct. According to the Aringsburg Kennel , no brindle GSD has been registered with a kennel club since .Their brindle coloring should not affect any other physical attributes and would definitely have no effect on their health or temperament. Knowing this, a brindle German Shepherd would definitely be a rare-looking companion. However, the requirements for its care and rearing would be the same. They would need high-quality food, regular grooming, early socialization , plenty of exercise , and tons of opportunities for mental stimulation. Are Brindle German Shepherds Purebred? Brindle German Shepherds that were produced by two purebred parents are technically purebred. Despite not being recognized by the AKC, a brindle GSD that can be proven to be purebred would definitely cost much more than a typical puppy of the same breed. Its rareness will definitely contribute to its value. However, enthusiasts of the breed believe in reviving this variation if only to ensure that the breed stays true to its history. Another unusual GSD variation is the blonde German Shepherd , which breeders do not yet know for sure how to reproduce. Rare GSD coat colors include white, black, blue, and brindle. The pattern is somewhat equivalent of tiger stripes, although it is less obvious and has asymmetrical forms and splodges of color rather than symmetrical ones. In most cases, the color marks are either darker or a little bit lighter than the base coat. Irresponsible breeding of brindle GSDs can lead to low-quality puppies. So, before buying, ensure that the puppy is healthy and the breeder is of good reputation. But this option is not of good use because of the rarity of this breed. Still, you can try to find them by checking at the local shelters and rescue centers. If you are lucky, you can discover precisely what you are looking for. However, you should ensure that you are adequately prepared for any medical or physical concerns that may develop later on in the life of your dog due to overcrossing. The main reason behind GSD brindle patterns is the mutations in normal gene interactions. Usually, alterations or mutations in genes Kbr gene are responsible for brindle coat coloration in German Shepherd Dogs. Because Kbr is a recessive gene, it is only possible for puppies to have brindles in their coat if they inherit two copies of the gene. If a GSD gets the dominant black gene, which functions at the same locus as the brindle gene, the dog will not develop a brindle coat. Breeders have a more challenging time producing brindle German Shepherds since a genetic mutation causes this color pattern. As a result, finding brindle German Shepherds for sale might be challenging. The characteristics of brindle-colored German Shepherd puppies are almost identical to those of other GSDs. They are similar to normal German Shepherd Dogs in that they are pretty energetic and require a great deal of physical activity. They only differ in coat color and pattern. In terms of their health, they are susceptible to hereditary illnesses and other health problems. In addition, much like other types of GSDs, their backs can either be level or sloped. They are just as smart as any other colored German Shepherd Dog. Therefore, with the right kind of training, food, and care, these brindle-colored German Shepherd Dogs have the potential to become wonderful working dogs as well as affectionate companions for families. Sadly, some kennel groups do not strongly prefer washed-out colored German Shepherd Dogs and even consider it a flaw in the breed. There is a prohibition on brindle-colored German Shepherd Dogs competing in conformation events because of the perception that brindle is a color that has been washed out. Conclusion The fact that brindle is not considered to be one of the conventional color variants for GSDs should not discourage breeders from continuing to develop German Shepherds with this distinctive color pattern. Brindle GSDs are amazing dogs. Dog Pricing Welcome to Dog Pricing, your comprehensive source for all things canine! As the team behind this thriving hub, we're dedicated to researching and presenting the best and most reliable information to dog lovers everywhere. Our mission is simple: to help you become the best dog owner you can be. Related Articles Bull Terrier , Breed Prices Before introducing a spirited and affectionate canine companion to your household, one must be aware of the financial commitments of pet ownership. This guide delves into the costs linked with owning the charismatic and vivacious Bull Terrier. Below, you'll find a

More accurate descriptions of these two dogs would be working type Labrador and show type Labrador. This is because their differences have more to do with the roles they were bred for than where they came from. American Labs were bred for working ability, and English for show quality. American Labs are built for endurance, speed and loyalty. While English Labs are calmer around game but more friendly around other people and dogs. For this reason, the American Labrador excels as a working dog. But, the English version makes a great family pet. Or that the English Lab will be low-energy. He was tasked with retrieving game without damaging it. In the s, visiting English nobles brought these dogs back to England, where British breeders refined and standardized the breed. As exhibiting dogs came into fashion on both sides of the Atlantic, the bloodlines for showing and working lines began to separate. Breeders started to create two different varieties of the breed. American Labs are both larger and leaner with a more athletic physique. Standard height varies from .Generally, male Labs weigh between 65 to 80 pounds and females from 55 to 70 pounds. But, English Labs can be as much as 20 pounds heavier without being overweight. This is due to their shape and structure. They have a stockier, heavier build and bone structure than their American cousins. The working type Lab has a finer bone structure, longer legs, and a lengthier muzzle. Plus, they have a narrower head and neck. But there are some differences when it comes to temperament. Although all Labradors are known for being energetic, American Labs are working gundogs with strong instincts to hunt and retrieve. You can expect their energy and stamina to know no bounds. This means they need lots and lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep from becoming bored and destructive. These dogs are also typically more independent, intelligent, and adventurous than the English variety. In addition to their many other desirable qualities, Labs are also known for their trainability. One study of Labrador Retrievers found working dogs to be more trainable than show dogs. Luckily, both types are intelligent, eager to please, and highly food motivated when it comes to rewards during training sessions. The American Lab can excel at competitive sports such as agility. These dogs are also well-suited to a wide variety of service dog roles. Regardless of the type of Labrador, they will require proper training and socialization. Although the amount of exercise can vary from dog to dog, an athletic American Labrador typically needs approximately two hours of daily exercise. As long as mental and physical requirements are met, these dogs are relaxed companions. But even the best trained American Lab can turn to unwanted behavior if they have no way to release pent-up energy. Walking briskly offers mutual benefits for both dog and owner. But this athletic canine will need some off leash time for aerobic activities. Running, swimming, playing Frisbee, retrieving a ball, and other games are all great ways to keep an American Lab in shape. Exercise-Related Health Issues It should be noted that the Labrador breed is prone to some serious health problems that are related to exercise. Young adult Labradors are genetically at risk for a condition called exercise induced collapse EIC. This causes loss of muscle control after periods of extreme exercise. Bloat is a life-threatening stomach condition that can be brought on by vigorous activity before and after eating. Labradors are also at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia which can be made worse by excessive exercise. Quality nutrition, adequate exercise, and proper veterinary care will also help your pet live a good long life. Inherited conditions that affect the breed include the muscular disease hereditary myopathy. Puppies present with an abnormal gait and their growth can be stunted. Generalized weakness often gets worse with exercise and cold temperatures. Labradors are also at risk for eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and heart conditions, like tricuspid valve malformation. Famously friendly and affectionate. Both the English and American Labrador can make a great family pet. These dogs bond with the whole family and will get along with other dogs as well. Choosing between a field or show dog really comes down to personal preference. Since American Labradors have so much energy, they do best with active families that enjoy spending time outdoors. Both of these dogs need a daily commitment to exercise. First time owners and those with a less energetic lifestyle may find the English Lab easier to handle. Our Commitment: Welcome to Bailiwick Retrievers web site. We concentrate on Sporting Dogs, Hunting Dogs, Puppy training and of course, family companion puppies. We take a great deal of time researching just the right breeding combination, resulting in puppies very strong in intelligence, health and genetics. All of which allows you to take your new hunting companion and family member to the next level. We are licensed and inspected yearly by Georgia Department Of Agriculture We are not a boarding facility……. .Our Labrador retriever puppies carry the intelligence, trainability and instincts found in only the very best. Hunting Lab Breeders, like Bailiwick Retrievers, produce top hunting companions and of course, first class family members. We have placed our lab puppies for Search and Rescue, Narcotic Dogs, to the government and individual trainers, and Agility Dogs. We at Bailiwick Retrievers believe in socializing, starting on the first day they arrive. Our Pups are born in our house, in the Florida Room next to the Pool…. They are socialized from day one, introduced to loud noises, different sounds and different spaces. This is very important in helping them adjust to their new world without fear. It is all in the training, our dogs even sleep in the bed BUT they know the house rules as well as learning the rules and requirements of a Hunt Test. Teaching what is acceptable from the beginning is very important. Getting a Hunting Labrador Retriever puppy that has the best of both worlds is very easy with great breeding. The intelligence this strong breeding brings makes training easy. Our new lab puppy owners are very important to us. We encourage you to keep us posted on your new labs progress and development. We take great pride in our pups and love progress reports. We are always here for you with suggestions and to answer all questions. Labs are naturally born to hunt and make wonderful companion dogs with a natural family oriented temperament. The Labrador Retriever is unusually adaptable, obedient and kind-hearted. They are sociable, affectionate and loyal with a keen sense of smell. No wonder they are so popular!!! When we began looking for a puppy, we knew we wanted her to have a strong bloodline and come from a reputable breeder. We did a lot of research and finally landed on the Kennels of Baliwick based on their breeding standards and credentialed dam and sire. We are so happy with our decision and feel our Sweet Reese Lee is truly a great-looking dog! She is very affectionate and has demonstrated her ability to be a fabulous hunter time and time again. Loud noises, not a problem; gun shy, not this pup; curious, you betcha! Crate training was no problem with Reese and she had the basic obedience commands down in weeks. On top of that, her keen sense of smell and alertness is unmatched. She is high energy, super playful, and brings so much joy to our lives! We are very grateful to Barbara and Tyler for the love and safekeeping of Reese after she was born and could not have asked for a greater first puppy buying experience! Thanks again! He must have been thinking of a Lab! Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog in the USA year after year since .For good reasons considering they make gentle friends, are great with children, have outgoing personalities, are very intelligent, eager to learn, easy to train with a high natural retrieving instinct, and are excellent hunting companions. Here at Southern Flight Retrievers we raise and focus on working retrievers. They are bred and built for endurance, speed, and agility in the field. While most of the puppies we raise go to Field Trial , Hunt Test, and Hunting homes, we also have sold and continue to sell pups for the other useful work Labs are quite capable of doing. Labs are becoming increasingly popular for the use of Guide Dog services for the physically handicapped or for Search and Rescue dogs. Their excellent sense of smell makes them highly effective in Detection work as well. All in all, it is hard to go wrong with choosing a working Labrador Retriever. We look forward to helping you find the perfect lab puppy to fit your need and situation. American Labs are typically bred to compete and hunt. They tend to be taller and more athletic with muscular body conformation. American labs are preferred for better mobility in marshes, waterways, and muddy fields. A true British Labrador is short and stocky. They would typically be found in show rings. If a person sees American and British Labradors side by side, there is a noticeable difference. For a good idea of what a puppy from us will look like grown up please visit our Client Gallery under the Photo Gallery tab. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. Our Prices: Our base prices are listed below, according to current demand for colors and genders. Note: Sales tax is due on any pups or merchandise sold in California. By request, and for an additional fee, we often transport puppies to Davis. We used to be able to ship puppies via airplane all over the continental United States, but more restrictions apply at this time, due to Covid, extreme heat, or extreme cold. Unfortunately, we no longer ship puppies to Hawaii, due to their quarantine restrictions. Can I pick out my Labrador Retriever puppy before the designated adoption date? Sorry, but no. Most people will not know which puppy they are choosing until puppy adoption day. What supplies do we need for our new puppy? So many people ask us this question, we wrote a blog giving our advice. You can read our blog here. Do you raise American or English Labs? Both, actually, but mainly American. Only a few of our dogs are pure English; some are a blend of American and English. Litters are usually pure American or a blend of American and English. None, so far, are pure English. If you scroll down to the bottom of the videos page you can also view links to past litters of Labrador puppies for your viewing pleasure. We may, however, be able to refer you to hunting dog trainers, so feel free to shoot us an email asking us about that. Marble Mountain Kennels.

The pugs were inside warming themselves by the wood stove after running around outside in the rain. Pugnella was in her workshop hammering on something, and there was a wonderful smell of a mincemeat pie cooking that permeated the house. Pugnacious was sitting in his easy chair, smoking his pipe. He had just finished looking through the Holiday edition of the Ellsworth American. Somehow the smell of wool mittens there were 12 of them for the three pups warming by the wood stove always acted as a soporific. Have you wondered how he does it - how Santa flies to all the houses in a single night? In fact it slows down so much that Christmas night lasts for two years as far as Santa is concerned! Nash looked at them and scratched his head. A great professor named Stephen Hawking has some theories on how this works, because Santa is moving faster than the speed of light, and that does funny things to how time passes. But all we know is that Santa manages to deliver all his presents every year in a single night. That means a long time for Santa before his first plate of cookies. What do you suppose Santa eats to keep his strength up as he journeys to that first house? A single piece is so nutritious it keeps Santa fed for a whole week, so he takes it with him to feed him on the first part of his journey until he gets to the first house with the first plate of cookies and milk. Santa and the elves had been loading toys all night. The sleigh was riding low on its runners from the weight, but otherwise it seemed like a routine Christmas Eve. Santa was dressed in his green velvet working suit and looked very fit and hearty as he checked the harnesses for the reindeer. None of the reindeer were hitched up to the sleigh yet, because they had two hours before leaving. Every now and then the sky would light up as one of the reindeer would snort flying dust out of his nostrils, and more flashes as they kicked more flying dust up with their hooves. The Aurora Borealis that makes the flying dust was especially bright this year and made the flying dust powerful! Santa loved this part of his journey as he anticipated making all the boys and girls happy with their presents. There was the long journey ahead of course, and while it seemed to take years for Santa, it would all be done in a single night. Santa liked not having to rush. This was one of the most important jobs at the North Pole, and Mrs. Flour, of course, and eggs, and ginger and reindeer milk. No baking soda for this gingerbread, though. Claus used only the lightest, brightest flying dust collected from the giant mirror basket on the top of the house for leavening. And for energy, she used a special windmill to collect cosmic rays from the exact center of magnetic north. This was very difficult as the position of magnetic North changed every year, so she had to send the elves out to locate where to put the windmill to collect and process the cosmic rays. They got caught up on the sails of the windmill, and were collected in a special glass barrel as cosmic candy where they waited to be mixed into the gingerbread every year. The light from the barrel was every color of the rainbow and was so brilliant that Mrs. Claus kept it in a special cupboard until it was ready to be mixed into the gingerbread. On this particular night Mrs. Claus was having some trouble with her gingerbread. First the flour was too coarse and she had to sift it again, then the eggs were too small and she had to send the elves out to get more eggs. They were all out of Ostrich and Christmas Goose eggs, but she was lucky that someone had brought her Penguin eggs all the way from the South Pole. She was whipping the batter with her special whisk and humming Oh Tannenbaum happily under her breath as she checked the clock and saw that she was just going to make her deadline without a minute to spare. As she whirled around the kitchen her apron strings fluttered like streamers caught in a hurricane. A very handsome pug dog named Spunk was sitting out of the way next to the fireplace. Spunk was Mrs. Spunk was a handsome jet black dog with beautiful brown eyes - the only white was on the tip of his curly tail. Spunk always sat next to the fireplace because it offered the best view of the entire kitchen. He had been Mrs. Claus except perhaps for her special gingerbread recipe. Claus had a very special oven in the stone fireplace that Santa Claus had built centuries before. The oven had a big iron door adorned with a Christmas Tree design that had some very old magic in it - as the oven heated, the ornaments on the Christmas tree would change from dull grey iron to bright colors - blue for warm, green for medium, red for hot, and bright red for very hot. There were even some colors for in-between temperatures. It was very clever blacksmithing to create such a magical oven door, and it was also fun to look at. Right now Spunk was eyeing the oven and all was on schedule. The green indicated that the oven was almost ready. Claus was bustling around the kitchen and was at a critical point - adding the flying dust and cosmic candy to the batter. As she tipped the flying dust into the cosmic candy her hand slipped. The mixing jar fell on the floor, spilling some of the precious dust onto the tiles. She looked up to check the clock - it was late but she still had just enough time to finish! The batter glowed and glittered with power as she turned it into the giant gingerbread pan. Spunk jumped out of the way as Mrs. Claus opened up the oven door and put the pan in. Claus was sweeping up the glass and flying dust into the dustbin. Spunk barked and ran over to her to tell her that the oven needed to be turned down, but she closed the door before he got to her. Spunk was alone in the kitchen and the gingerbread was going to burn! Maybe even too weak to slide down the chimney! This was a terrible crisis! Spunk ran round and round the kitchen - he glanced at the oven - the ornaments blinked red and were starting to glow brighter. If they turned to purple all the gingerbread would be ruined. If they turned white, the whole kitchen would explode! Spunk had heard the elf repairing the oven say that when the oven got to white it was hotter than the sun in July! The controls for the oven were way up high on the fireplace chimney, far to high a reach for Spunk. The ornaments were starting to glow bright red and move to orange! Spunk raced over to the worktable and a tiny flash of light caught his eye. It was the cosmic candy and flying dust that Mrs. Claus had spilled. Suddenly Spunk knew what he had to do. He ran over to the spot and licked the tile. Mrs Claus had said it was dangerous, but it was the only way to save the gingerbread and to save Christmas. Even though it was only a few specks, Spunk hoped it would be enough to somehow help. Suddenly Spunk sat back on the floor and shot across the floor, trailing sparks and rainbows as he slid! He hit the wall next to the fireplace and stars shot across his vision. Suddenly he was flying! He looked at the clock on the wall - the pendulum was stopped - the fire on the logs was at a standstill, and even the dust motes in the air were motionless! He was in the Santa Claus time flow! Now he had all the time in the world, and he could fly! The colors on the indicators went back from almost orange to a brownish red, just right for cooking gingerbread. The gingerbread was saved and Santa would have enough food to last until the first plate of cookies! Christmas was saved! Spunk looked around the kitchen as he floated back to the floor, wondering how long the effect of the flying dust would last. The clock was hardly moving. It was only a little flying dust and cosmic candy, but Spunk was a lot smaller than Santa Claus. Claus was all out of ingredients. Spunk settled down feeling hungry. Spunk settled down for a nap, hoping that when he woke time would be sped up again. He looked in the trash can and found the broken bits of glass and some more of the flying dust. There was nothing to eat! He looked in the cupboards and found nothing. He took a deep breath and exhaled, and slowly floated up to the highest cupboards in the kitchen, opening one after another. Nothing to eat, not even a crumb. Spunk told himself that he just would need to be patient and either the cosmic candy would wear off or the 30 minutes would pass. Either way eventually Mrs. Claus would come back and all would be well. After the second week, Spunk was hungry and thirsty, but he noticed that the clock hands had started to move more normally. The third week passed and Spunk was so weak that he had a hard time getting up to check the clock to see if it had moved. Now it was showing twenty minutes had passed. Only ten minutes to go in normal time before the gingerbread was cooked and Mrs. Claus came back to the kitchen! He was skin and bones and his mouth was parched. Claus rushed into the kitchen. Much to her great surprise, everything was fine - the gingerbread was perfect, the multicolored steam rising with sparkles and stars as she removed the pan from the oven. She scratched her head with one of her knitting needles as she tried to figure out how the gingerbread was saved. As she set the pan on the table she heard a faint cough by the fireplace. Over in the basket there was a tiny black form, not much bigger than a Christmas cupcake. Claus in wonderment. He tried to get up but was too weak. When I left the kitchen 20 minutes ago you were happy, healthy and chubby. Sparky leaned down to look at Spunk. He sniffed Spunk and felt his hind toe. Then he jingled his elf had bell to see if Spunk could hear it. Have you fed him any? Then she looked at the oven. She looked at Spunk. Suddenly she knew. You saved the day! Did you fly? Spunk weakly wagged his tail. Claus wiped a tear from her eye. In fact, once he was better, Mrs. Claus made him her first assistant in the kitchen. Now you know why Santa has gingerbread to get started on Christmas Eve, but you also know why he needs your cookies and milk as he goes from house to house. Carrying toys and lugging them down the chimney is hard work! The puppies squealed with delight and ran into the kitchen to decide what kind of cookies they would make for Santa. Pugnacious grunted with satisfaction that the puppies were entertained for a while, re-lit his pipe and settled back in his chair to enjoy the latest Weekly Packet newspaper from Blue Hill. Birthday And more! Of course, you don't need a special occasion to buy a gift for your Pug dog; he or she is deserving of gifts all year round! However, at Christmas, Valentines's Day or on birthdays, this is a reminder that your Pug would be very happy to receive some new toys and other special things. Face it, dogs have very few possessions, so what they do have they tend to really love and appreciate. But, toys can wear down or Pugs can lose their enthusiasm for things when they get old. Receiving a new gift can lift a dog's spirits and at the same time, help their humans feel great about being the giver. In regard to the Christmas holidays and for birthdays, most owners include and recognize their pets. And what can really make a day special, is to buy or bake a cake for your Pug; there's some great pumpkin cake recipes that you can use to make a healthy dessert for your puppy or dog including frosting! One of the best elements about finding great gifts for your Pug, is that most serve a legitimate purpose. Whether it's to help keep your dog happy when they're home alone.So, let's get started and see some great gift ideas for your own Pug or for a special dog that you know. Please note that all of these gift ideas are served by Amazon and may not display if you have an ad blocker. Great Toy Gifts to Serve Different Purposes For Pugs that are teething - When a Pug puppy is teething, the best gift you can give him is one that soothes his aching gums and hits just the right spot for all that itching that is happening in his mouth. Tip - freeze these toys for about an hour, to give to your Pug cold, this will be an additional element that helps. For Pugs that are really strong chewers - Are you surprised at how sharp and strong your Pug's teeth are? Do toys get ripped and shredded way too fast? If so, your Pug will love these toys for super strong chewers, they are just about invincible. When a toy calls out to them and speaks, this can make playing very exciting for a puppy or dog. If this is what your Pug needs, these are the perfect gifts. Excellent Gifts for Pugs that Don't Like Being Home Alone There's things you can do to help your Pug with separation anxiety such as having him in an indoor canine playpen or gated off area, so that he does not roam a big empty house have it filled with great toys, a quality dog bed, water, food in treat-release toys, pee pads and experiment with a window vs non-window view. However, the best methods include having products designed to help dogs feel less lonely. The two main things that can help a Pug are a companion toy to eliminate the element of feeling isolated and soothing sounds to help stay calm and relaxed. Here are some awesome gift ideas for Pugs that need a bit of help: Companion toys that offer both a soothing heartbeat and warmth optional - With these, your Pug is no longer alone; he has a 'living' friend to snuggle against and to keep him warm. These recordings MP3, streaming, CD are especially created for a dogs. When everyone gathers around the tree, be sure to include your puppy or dog. Here's some great ideas to bring about holiday cheer and to offer as special gifts that will brighten up your Pug's day. Holiday Accessories These are perfect to help your Pug get into the holiday spirit, while additionally making your Pug look adorable. Cute Holiday Sweaters Stretchy, warm, comfortable and high quality, these awesome winter sweaters serve two purposes: To bring about some holiday cheer and to keep your Pug warm on cold winter days. Christmas Themed Gifts - Perfect for Under the Tree Canines are incredibly smart, they know when a day is special and people are excited when they are getting gifts. So, be sure to not leave your Pug out of the celebration. These special toys make wonderful gifts for the holidays and will offer some fun all year-round. You don't need to leave your Pug out! Here are some top recommended treats, both those that you can buy and give to your Pug right out of the package and those that you can bake for a special dessert. However, this is the one special day out of the year that you can make it all about your dog. Show your Pug how special he or she is by giving some awesome gifts, both fun birthday themed toys and a special birthday cake mix, so that your dog can be celebrated just like we humans are. And if you like to bake, another great alternative is these canine cake mixes with frosting ; these come in two great flavors that dogs love: pumpkin and peanut butter. These, as well, are made in the USA and are fairly easy to make; all you need to add is eggs, water and a bit of vegetable oil. With these, you can make either cupcakes for your Pug or a double-layer cake! You may also like: Harnesses for Pugs - Being a brachycephalic breed, a Pug should always be on leash and harness, not a collar. Learn why and see examples of the types of harnesses that are best for this breed. Best Snacks for Pug Dogs - This includes snacks for in between meals, reward training treats and wholesome fresh foods. This article covers how much water your Pug should be drinking and ways to encourage a dog to drink enough. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. It turned out better than I expected, thank you! William B. And our.And our TrendyAloha shirtswith the brightest lemons! Perfect fit, feel and look! Thank you, Kenny Flowers! Everything was fantastic from the ordering process to delivery. Rated 5 out of 5 So Comfortable a beautiful shirt that feels so comfortable and it is perfect to wear with jeans or with linen trousers Sylvalyn S. Rated 5 out of 5 Husband loved it! My new husband looked so dashing in this top during our honeymoon in the Caribbean. He loved the material, its very lightweight and flowy. The colors.More My new husband looked so dashing in this top during our honeymoon in the Caribbean. 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Names for your toys Playing the Name That Toy game: This game for German Shepherds begins with only one toy if your puppy or dog is new to the game. As you play with the toy and toss it for retrieval, begin to name the toy as your dog picks up the item. You can name the toy whatever you want, but remember to always use the same name. When your puppy learns the name of one toy reliably, give the next toy a name. You can even begin to introduce new toys that you bring home with their name almost immediately when your puppy catches onto the Name That Toy game! I like to use my laundry basket and a small pile of towels. Use your treats to lure your puppy through, around, over, and under your homemade obstacle course to burn off their energy. As your puppy learns the routine, you can increase the speed to use up even more of those puppy zoomies! Even adult German Shepherds love this game, especially on a rainy or snowy day. Over time, increase the number of obstacles you create on your course, always keeping in mind your environment and staying safe with your dog. Fun Games to Play With Your German Shepherd These fun activities are also considered brain games, also known as mind games, for your German Shepherd because they challenge him to think and make mental connections. Just enjoy playing games with your German Shepherd and see where the fun takes you! These games to play with a German Shepherd also have many benefits, like: reducing boredom decreasing unwanted behaviors and keeping them busy giving you a chance to bond with your best friend and are perfect for a rainy or snowy day Every German Shepherd owner should play a few of these brain games a week, preferably at least once daily! Some puppies can even strain their necks and backs with a vigorous game of Tug-of-War. And, even my adult German Shepherd who weighs almost 90 pounds has suffered a neck pull when someone played a rough game of tug with her. Playing these common games too frequently, especially with a puppy, could tear cartilage, damage their tendons, and cause microscopic tears in the muscle which take longer to heal. Furthermore, even if you have a full-grown adult German Shepherd, the quick starts and stops of chasing a toy to Fetch place immense strain on their joints and may damage them over time. Limit your games of Fetch and Tug-of-War games to a couple of times a week, preferably for no more than minutes. Besides… Who needs a regular game when you have these awesome games to keep your German Shepherd busy? What games can I play with my German Shepherd? And these fun German Shepherd games will leave your dog begging for more! Pick several activities off the list and try them a few times a week. Which one of these fun German Shepherd Dog games will give your pet a grin a mile wide? Start with the lowest stars, especially if your dog is new to brain games or you have a puppy. Game Level of Difficulty 1 — 5 Fun Factor 1- 5. Playing Fetch Most German Shepherds love to play fetch. Trust me! The activities involved in this game are simple and effective. When you are playing fetch, you are throwing an object for your dog to chase and bring it back. GSDs naturally enjoy chasing! Playing this game allows your dog to satisfy its urge to hunt. You could use a tennis ball, light frisbee, stick, or toy to play fetch. Choose an object that travels farther to make it a great game. German Shepherds can do this for hours without getting bored! This keeps your GSD entertained and active. Reward your GSD whenever they come running to you with the object. This fun game causes your dog to spend a great amount of energy in a little time. Of Course, that means your GSD gets great physical exercise too. However, make sure to use a soft object because hard ones can damage their teeth and jaws. Furthermore, avoid quick starts and stops of chasing an object. It may cause strains on their joints. So limit playing this game daily. Learn more about the game by watching the following video: 2. Ring Stack Ahem! You must have patience to play this great game with your German Shepherd. Ring Stack is your best bet if you are looking for a game with a lot of mental stimulation. When your dog becomes bored, it is better to play a mind game. First, you must find a set of rings and a stick. Make sure to use a ring stacking toy safe for your GSD. A wooden and dye-free ring stacking toy is the best option. Your dog should know how to fetch and retrieve to play this game. It is better to start this game with only a few rings. You have to guide your dog to pick a ring first. Next, you direct them toward the ring stacker to put the ring onto it. Give your GSD a treat again. Moreover, ring stack is extra challenging, and you can play it indoors. Cool, right? Your German Shepherd will take a few weeks to understand this game. Check out the following video to find out more: 3. Agility Training Does your German Shepherd need some serious exercise to release its energy? If yes, agility training is one of the best games for GSDs to relieve their liveliness. Wait till you hear how awesome this game is! Cannot find an agility training course in your area? Do not worry! You can do this at home too. Set up your agility course by using tables, chairs, towels, poles, and a few toys. You must guide your GSD to walk through, jump over, or duck under these objects. So many exercises! After a while, you should change the agility course style and guide your dog again. This game has a variety of fun activities. It is a terrific way to keep your GSD entertained, happy, and healthy. Check out the following video to learn more about the game: 4. Alright, let the dog do obstacle training. It is an effective and fun way to make your GSD coordinate with you. Both you and your dog can enjoy this game. Now that you know about agility training, it is easier to understand how this works. You have to organize an obstacle course to play this game. The obstacles can be anything. For example, you can use chairs, wheelbarrows, pieces of wood, or piles of clothes. You can also create an indoor obstacle course if it is a bad weather day. Keep the obstacles between you and your German Shepherd. Call your dog toward you. Make sure to treat your dog to lure them through the obstacles. Make it more difficult when your dog succeeds in the first few rounds. Then, after a while, increase the number of obstacles. This game works well for both adult GSDs and puppies. Treasure Hunt If you are looking for the easiest games for German Shepherds, treasure hunt is the best choice. It is one of the mentally challenging and fun activities. Then, you have to hide them in some places. First of all, get your German Shepherd to sit and wait. Then let your dog watch the process. To begin with, hide the treats somewhere accessible for your dog to find. Next, give a command and encourage them to find it. This game is super easy for your GSD because they have a great nose. Remember to treat your dog once they have found the treat. Most dogs love this! Once your dog understands the game, keep the treats somewhere more difficult. Believe me! This game will entertain both you and your German Shepherd. Of course, your dog is going to love it! Well, your German shepherd is an intelligent dog. So they can bring you toys if you teach them. The name game is a fun way of teaching your dog about the names of the toys. It is also one of the great mind games for German Shepherds. Now give them the toy saying the name of it. Moreover, give them a treat whenever your dog takes the toy. Finally, when your dog learns the name of one toy, begin to name the next toy. Fun fact: After playing this game over a few days, your dog will be able to know the names of many toys. After a while, put the toy on the floor and ask your dog to pick it up. Your German Shepherd will do it. Now you can ask your dog to bring any toy in a single order! You are face to face with your dog throughout the game. To play Tug of War, you only need a rope with knots. First, let your dog grab one end of the rope with its teeth. Then you have to hold the other end. All you have to do is drag the rope. Of course, your dog will work harder to keep the string. When playing this game, you can give commands like take, stop, or release. Playing tug teaches your GSD to obey commands. However, this game does not involve treats. Remember, you should have great strength to play this game. Also, make sure to leave the rope and leave immediately if your dog starts biting or snapping. Watch the following video to learn about Tug of war: 8. Just like kids. You must ensure your dog obeys commands such as sit and wait before playing hide and seek. In the beginning, there should be two people to play this game. First, ask the other person to give your dog the sit and wait command. Then you can go and hide. Start by hiding in a place that is easier to find. Remember to praise your dog when they find you. After a while, make the game harder. Once your German Shepherd learns to obey the sit and wait commands. Then you can play the game with your dog alone. This game is entertaining and teaches your dog to use its senses. More importantly, it instructs your dog to be patient and obedient. Just the way you want your German Shepherd to be, right? Check out this excellent video of playing hide and seek: 9. This game is super easy and involves mental stimulation. All you need is three cups and yummy treats. To begin with, have your dog sit and wait near the cups. Place treats under one cup and leave the other two empty. First, let your dog know which cup the treats are in. After a while, shuffle the three cups. Then, let your German Shepherd try again. You have to ask your GSD to find what cup the treat is under. Give your dog a treat for each guess in the first few rounds. In the following rounds, stop giving treats if your dog guesses the wrong cup. But, it takes a few games for the dog to understand this. Your German Shepherd will learn soon. You can add more cups to make this brain game harder. This cup game will keep your dog entertained and mind excited! The following are some of the games Brain Training For Dogs includes. Target train. They are also very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation. Many German shepherds are involved in dog sports, work in law enforcement, for the military, and other agencies. However, many more are simply family pets of those that love the breed. Playing games also fulfills another requirement of German shepherd ownership, which is spending lots of time with the dog. German shepherds require lots of socialization and companionship. As a herding dog, they were bred for their loyalty and ability to protect a herd. This characteristic causes them to form a strong bond with their owner and they do best spending time with their family. Some games that German shepherds love, will burn off some energy, and as a bonus give their brain a zap of dopamine are: 1. Fetch Although basic, German shepherds have a high prey drive and most love to play fetch. Playing fetch is also great because it burns off a lot of pent up energy. You can kick up fetch a notch by alternating toys or only using favorite toys. Try throwing a treat stuffed toy, Frisbee, plastic stick, and toys that bounce and tumble like Westpaw Zogoflex and Kongs. Hide and Seek Like the name implies, you hide a toy and your dog finds it. German Shepherds have scent receptors so they are naturally adept at this game. It is especially good for dogs that can no longer engage in high impact activities. For those that can, reward the dog by throwing the toy then hide it again. Urban Agility Urban agility is a noncompetitive fun sport that can accommodate nearly all dogs. You simply set up an obstacle course and balancing equipment in the yard and train your dog to weave, jump, balance, and more. There are urban agility trainers, books, articles, and YouTube videos to give you ideas on what your dog might enjoy. Tug Teach your dog to tug which means, tugging enthusiastically, releasing the tug toy, and bringing the tug back after you release it. Tug should be fun and exciting for both owner and dog and it can be used as a training tool, to burn off energy, as a reward, or just for fun. There is a huge variety of tugs on the market so no doubt there is a tug for all dogs. Search and Rescue This game reinforces the stay command and also challenges your dog. This game works well with more than one person who can help restrain the dog or when multiple hide. Nosework Teach your dog to find objects, food, or scents using essential oils. As your dog gains more confidence, you hide the scents in more challenging locations. You can learn more at the National Association for Canine Scent Work and there are books and videos available on the subject. This game is super rewarding because it is very mentally challenging. Pick Up Time You can teach your dog to pick up nearly any toy and drop it into any basket or box. This game is also useful for teaching your dog to pick up their own toys or other objects on command. Relatively easy to learn, this game is immediately rewarding and can continuously switch up as you teach your dog to pick up and put away new things. Have fun with these game ideas and be sure to share with your family and friends. Aug 14, Share German Shepherd Dogs GSDs are highly intelligent and athletic dogs, and they need to be both mentally and physically stimulated to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through regular, directed interaction with your pooch through training and games or, even better, a combination of both. While training is an essential aspect of raising a well-behaved and healthy German Shepherd, games are also vital to their overall health. From physical, athletic activities to mind games for German Shepherds, there are so many to choose from to keep your GSD stimulated. Read on for 12 of our favorite games to play with your German Shepherd! The 12 Best Games for German Shepherds 1. Frisbee Image Credit: kscholl, Pixabay Another classic game for playing outdoors, frisbee takes fetch to another level. Begin by throwing the disc short distances at first and getting your GSD to bring it back to you, and then gradually increase the distance. You can also roll the frisbee vertically on the ground for them to chase. Fetch Fetch is a classic game to play with any dog, but there is a huge variety of ways to play it. Simply throwing a ball or stick and getting your GSD to bring it back is not as easy as it seems, so it is a great opportunity for training. For younger dogs, you may need to use a treat or reward to get your dog to release the ball, and this can take practice. For large and athletic dogs like GSDs, try to use a toy that travels farther for a more extreme version of this game. Puzzle Games German Shepherds are highly intelligent animals, so mind games are important for them too. There are a ton of puzzle toys on the market, most of which involve hiding treats in closed compartments for your pooch to find. Your GSD will need to figure out how to open the various compartments to access the treat, and you can increase the difficulty as they progress. Begin on the easiest level and move up from there. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, so it is great for any living situation or age of dog. Once they catch on to the game, you can make the hiding spots more widespread and difficult. Hide and Seek Hide and seek is not only fun for kids, but it can also be an exciting game to include your GSD in! In the beginning, you may need two people, but once your GSD learns the game, you can play it just with your pooch. Begin by hiding in easy places, and give your pooch plenty of praise when they find you. Gradually find harder places to hide. This game is not only fun but will also teach your pooch patience and obedience. Even though these classes are generally worth it, you can do it at home too. By simply using common items in your home like chairs, boxes, towels, and toys, you can set up your own agility course and teach your GSD to walk through it. However, if done properly, the game will not make your dog aggressive and can be a great method for training. The game should be initiated by you only, and the toy available to your dog only during the game. Also, any skin contact, biting, or nipping ends the game straight away, and you must walk away with the toy immediately. Ring Stacking For advanced, intelligent dogs that have mastered other puzzle games, ring stacking is a great new challenge. Your dog will need to have mastered basic commands in order for them to play, and even then, it may take a while to master. Magic Cups Magic cups is a fun game to play indoors when the weather is bad. All you need are three plastic cups and a treat or a small handful of kibble. While this game is not physical in any way, it is a great way to stimulate your GSD mentally. Place the three cups upside down with treats hidden underneath one. Let your dog see which one has the treats. Once they find the treat, shuffle the cups and let your dog try again. Once your pooch gets the hang of it, you can make the game harder by not letting your dog see you shuffle the cups or by simply adding more cups into the mix. You can train your GSD to bring you individual toys on command, providing great mental stimulation for your pooch. Begin with just one toy, and toss it for your dog to retrieve while vocalizing the name of the toy. Once your dog learns the name reliably, you can add other toys into the mix. Soccer All dogs love balls, and German Shepherds are no different. Soccer is great because it uses large balls that your pooch cannot run away with and stimulates their hunting and tracking skills. You can play the game with your pooch in mid-field trying to get the ball from you or put them in front of the goalposts and teach them to stop the ball without biting it! Soccer is great exercise and an excellent training method for your GSD. Once they get this basic routine down, you can make it more challenging by making them stop mid-run or throwing the toy and making them wait for your command before running to fetch it. Final Thoughts Some games are great for exercising your German Shepherd, while others are ideal for mental stimulation. Some are great for both! Hide the treats in various locations for your dog to search and find. Remember to start out easy. You may need to place a few treats in obvious areas, like right in the open. After a few rounds of play, your GSD will use their nose to race ahead of you and find those little hidden treasures! Mental Exercise with Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys are great stimulation for puppies and seniors! Luckily, my German Shepherd went through vigorous and fun! Bubble Chase and Pop These bubbles are for eating! Do you have an energetic German Shepherd and a kid? Because both kids and dogs love this game! Have your kids or yourself blow bubbles for your dog to chase and pop while they burn off their pent-up energy outside! Instead… Treat your pup to these dog-safe peanut butter-flavored bubbles! Use Nature as an Obstacle Course Get creative outdoors. What better way to keep your German Shepherd active, fit, and mentally happy than by strapping on a small backpack and taking them to a new place to hike and explore? There are endless interesting scents your dog will smell and the varying terrain provides your German Shepherd a way to tap into their skills and increase their mental stimulation. Mother nature provides all you need for this obstacle course. Large fallen log? Have your dog walk or hop over it! Big puddle? Pile of leaves? Get ready to rumble! And they will still will enjoy the new hike with you! Do you think your German Shepherd knows every command possible? Well, think again! German Shepherds are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This makes them prime candidates for even more mentally stimulating training. There are endless commands and tricks to teach your German Shepherd who will enjoy every minute of these challenging mental exercises with you. Sounds good, right? Provide your puppy the opportunity to play with other vaccinated puppies and dogs that you know are happy and safe around other dogs. I suggest simply sitting on a bench in an area that allows you and your German Shepherd to observe from a distance the world passing you by… literally. When they look back to you after watching another dog or object, give them a tasty treat for behaving nicely. Spice it up, then! Are you and your dog stuck in the same exercise rut? Why not switch it up and enjoy a different exorcise together? German Shepherds generally love to swim, jog, and run with their owners. Especially those that are high drive and stuck indoors most of the day. Use a training program like Couch to 5k to start off easy with your dog and work up to longer distances. Try to run on softer surfaces mostly stay away from concrete and asphalt to avoid any bone and joint damage. Too hot outside to run and jog? Do a search for ponds, creeks, or lakes nearby where you can take your dog for a walk in the evenings as the sun goes down. Always, always watch your dog around water, especially puppies since many overestimate their swimming abilities and could get hurt. Why not try one of these exercises for your German Shepherd to brighten up their day? To make this mentally stimulating enrichment box, find a larger cardboard box, some smaller boxes of various sizes, empty toilet rolls, and old newspaper or brown packing paper. Place a few treats in the toilet rolls, inside the smaller boxes, or wrap them in the newspaper and brown packing paper. Now, fill up the big box with these treat treasures! Look: You may have a mess of shredded paper and chewed boxes to clean up. Provide the Right Chew Toys Have you heard of yak milk chews? Chewing is a totally natural behavior for your dog and even has many benefits. When your dog chews for an extended period of time, it has a calming effect on the brain. Stress levels are lowered, and your dog experiences a sense of calmness. While your dog chews, it releases special endorphins, which give their brain a relaxing feeling. Looking for a tasty chew treat that takes your German Shepherd hours of chewing and naturally cleans off tartar and plaque buildup? Give your dog a Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew to help them release those feel-good endorphins while supporting their dental health and engaging in mental exercise. Or find the right chew toys for German Shepherds for fun and play. Try a flirt pole to entice their minds and bodies to move! Do you have an energetic German Shepherd but not a lot of space to let them run free? Enter the tail-teaser flirt pole! Simply move the attached toy around the ground for your dog to chase and catch. Instead, move the fluffy toy along the ground like a rabbit for them to hunt and chase. Why not give them a job? Why not teach your German Shepherd a job they can do at home to help you out and give them some needed mental stimulation? If your dog knows the basic training commands, then step it up a notch and give them a dog job at home. You could: Teach them to close doors Carry your mail inside. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior. 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. Some owners have large yards and several family members that can help keep the dog busy, but it can be a struggle to keep finding something to do if there are only one or two people in your household. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading while we list several activities you can do with your German Shepherd to keep it happy and well behaved. Fetch Frisbee, ball, throwing toy Plenty of room Fetch is the most basic dog game that almost everyone knows. To play this game, all you need is a Frisbee, ball, or any toy that you can throw so your dog can chase it and bring it back. Balls and Frisbees work well because you can get a good distance with them, which will keep the dog more active. These toys can cause your dog to expend a large amount of energy in a short amount of time without you needing to put in a lot of effort. There are even accessories you can purchase to help you throw the ball further with less effort. The downside to this game is that you need a lot of room for the dog to run. To play this game, you only require a piece of rope with knots in it so you and the dog can get a grip. Many commercial ropes will work perfectly, and there are many varieties available, so you can find one that is comfortable to use. To play, let the dog grab one end with its teeth, and you take the other. It will also help your dog expend energy quickly, especially if you are in good health, and can make the dog work harder to keep the rope. It only requires a fraction of the space fetch does, but it does require considerable strength to play against a full-grown German Shepherd for more than a few minutes. Obstacle Training Obstacles Plenty of room Obstacle training can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. It will help your pet burn off excess energy quickly and sharpen your skills as a trainer. To play obstacle training, you will need plenty of room to set up obstacles. The obstacles can be anything, but we recommend starting with something simple like a piece of wood or a chair. Put the obstacle between you and the dog and call it toward you. If it jumps the barrier, give it a treat and try again. The downside to obstacle training is that it will go a lot easier for someone with experience training, and it can take up a lot of room in your yard if there are several obstacles. Wrestling Strength As strange as it may seem, wrestling is one of the best ways to bond with your German Shepherd because few other activities cause you to be in such close proximity with your attention focused on each other. The dog will climb all over you to try to get the ball, and you can flip your pup over gently to get the belly which will get it all riled up. It has a long pole that you hold. Attached to the pole is a long string that has a toy tied at the end. The toy usually squeaks, and you use it almost like a fishing pole to dangle the toy in front of the dog to get it to chase it. Our dogs get a lot of enjoyment from the Flirt Pole , and the only downside is that the dog chews them, so you will need to replace them every few weeks. Mind Games for German Shepherds 6. To get started, hide a treat in plain sight, then let your dog see you hide another behind a wall. Try a few more easy hides, and when your dog starts to catch on, you can make them a little more difficult. The easiest way to play this game is to wait until your dog is out of sight and then call them but quickly run and hide before they get there. When the dog arrives, they will be confused and begin to search for you and will usually continue looking until they find you. As the dog catches on, they will begin to check past hiding spots first, so you will need to be clever. Call your dog over and watch as they turn them over looking for the treat. As they get more skilled, they will find the treat faster, so you can add even more cups. Ring Stack Ring stacking toy If you have children or know someone that does, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the ring stacking toys for babies. You can also use these toys with your German Shepherd and learn to stack the rings in the right order with a little patience. The best way to play is to start with only a few rings and add more as your dog catches on. After some time, put the item on the floor and instruct your dog to fetch it. After several months, you will be amazed at how many items your dog knows by name. Some are extremely easy and only require the dog to step on a lever, while others are quite complex, requiring multiple steps to unlock the treat. It burns off excess energy extremely fast and helps keep your dog in top shape. The other games are all fun, but they take longer and require a bigger commitment of your time. Luckily, you can play as many games as you want, so you can play fetch every day and do some wrestling on your days off work. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found the answers you need. If we have helped you keep your dog entertained, please share these eleven best games to play with your German Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. The following list combines some exciting and quite fun games to add to your routine. Flirt Pole German Shepherds love to chase, so give them plenty of opportunities to do that with one simple dog training tool — the flirt pole. The flirt pole offers an element of never-ending fun to German shepherd dogs, who naturally have a high prey drive. It gives your dog physical and mental exercise, teaches coordination and impulse control, and is the perfect way to burn off extra energy. Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog with healthy treats whenever they catch the toy. Allow them to use their energy to tug on the toy, but make sure they drop it as soon as you ask them to, or you might find yourself replacing the tool every few days. Allow your dog to calm down fully before starting the process again. Also, ensure you keep switching the direction you wave the flirt pole to offer enhanced mental stimulation. Luckily, you can enjoy this fun indoor cup game with your German shepherd. Magic cups help increase the brain activity of puppies and adult dogs by stimulating their hunting and seeking skills and also works their curious mind. How to play: Place three plastic cups upside down. When they nose the cup or paw it — or, in the case of the overexcited pups, knock it over — give them the treat as a reward. Repeat the process while having your dog sit nearby, but this time shuffle the cups. You can even make the game harder by having your dog wait outside the room or by increasing the number of cups to give your dog plenty of mental stimulation. Fetch German Shepherd dogs delight in fun and frolic. It does that by stimulating thinking, enhancing mood, and offering anxiety relief. It also reduces behavior problems. Another great thing? You can play fetch with a huge variety of toys , and most dogs absolutely adore a game of fetch. However, if you have a pup, you may want to roll the toy closer to the ground. Doing so will help avoid stressing their joints, preventing long-term damage to their bones and joints. How to play: Take a frisbee or a ball. Basically, any toy that can be tossed at a huge distance will work. If your dog is new to the concept, it may take some time and lots of treats! Reward your dog with a treat every time they come back with the toy, and increase the distance of the throw bit by bit. Take breaks when you think your dog is getting tired to allow it to relax and calm itself down. Muffin Tin Game Muffin tin games are one of the best canine enrichment games. They give your German shepherd dog a safe, fun way to use their excess energy and help improve their problem-solving skills. How to play: To get your dog acquainted with the game, allow them to eat their favorite treats from the muffin tins. Now, you can conceal treats in the holes of muffin tins, then cover each hole with a muffin wrap. Your dog must learn to remove the muffin wrapper to access the treat. Then, have your dog move the tennis balls to get the treats. It can also help your pet burn off excess energy, preventing obesity and keeping them fit. It also increases endurance and strengthens their bones and joints without special training! You can play obstacle training with puppies and can also use it to entertain your fully-grown German Shepherd on a rainy day. How to play: Place a few safe objects like a pile of clothes, curtain rod, or laundry basket around the floor in a small part of the room to form your obstacle course. Once your dog gets familiar with the routine, you can place more hurdles along the way. Ring Stack Got a wee babe at home? Then, chances are, you already have a ring-stacking toy on hand. Did you know you could use it to play with your friend too? How to play: Set up your ring stacker and direct your dog towards it with the ring. Now, command your dog to drop the ring near the ring stacker stick. Repeat a couple of times. Chances are, your dog will likely drop the ring on the ring stack stick, albeit unknowingly. Cheer it on and give it a big treat for positive reinforcement. Start with a single ring, then add more as you go till your dog gets the hang of it. With time and a little encouragement, your dog can stack the rings in the order of their size! Puzzle Games Puzzle games are a great alternative to muffin tin games. It entices German Shepherds of all shapes and sizes to use their minds and bodies! It comes in levels, so you can choose one that best complements your pooch. Start with level 1, and increase the difficulty levels as your dog learns the ins and outs of it. Now, instruct your dog to find the treats. Your dog will have to learn to open the various compartments in the food dispensing toys to access the goodies. It keeps your German shepherd dog active and mentally strong; it also strengthens the bond between humans and dogs and can be played with young puppies and full-grown adults. Start with one toy and add more as you go to keep your dog entertained for longer. As they go to fetch it, give the toy a name. Make sure the name is easy to understand, so your dog can easily pick up the concept. When your dog picks the right toy twice in a row, give them a treat. And, when it shows signs of learning its name, you can take things to the next level by introducing other toys to the game. Tug of War Tug of war is a great game to play with your four-legged friend. It promotes impulse control and taps into the natural drives of the German Shepherd. This indoor agility game requires lots of energy and can challenge your dog, especially when it comes to maintaining its grip on the rope. You can indulge in these fun activities with adult German shepherd dogs and puppies that have stopped teething. How to play: Get a rope and tie lots of knots on it for grip. You can choose whichever rope variety works for you. Make your dog grab one end of the knotted rope in between its teeth. Thus, you are advised to play this game for only a couple of sessions per week, ranging from minutes. It can help you train your dog — without the use of treats. Sherlock Bones German Shepherds are known for their tracking and sniffing abilities. With this game, you can put their sense of smell to the test and give them the mental stimulation to last an entire day. In this article, we presented some of the best games to play with your German Shepherd, giving you the perfect opportunity to bond with your pup. So, which German Shepherd dog game are you most excited to try with your pup? Let us know in the comments below. Our content does not provide veterinary advice and, thus, should not be substituted for expert veterinary guidance.

We need to find a new home for her due to allergies that just haven't cleared up. We bought her as a puppy and has only had one home. She comes from a family with young children 12, 4, 3, 1 and is great with them. Since living in an apartment she has become a great indoor dog and lounges around but enjoys a good game of fetch outside. She has basic training such as house trained, crate trained, sit, down, leave it, and wait. She loves to play find it with a toy or treat. She is reactive to other dogs, barking and hackles raised, so she will need to go into a home with no other animals OR an owner with the patience to slowly bring her in to their pack. She has separation anxiety and will not do well in a home where she will be left in her crate for most of the day alone as a SAHM she is able to free roam almost all day and crated at night Small right facing arrow Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable German Shepherd Dog puppies and adults German Shepherd Dog in Rapid City, South Dakota. Welcome to the South Dakota state page on TrustedPuppies. Situated in the heart of the United States, South Dakota boasts a diverse landscape, rich history, and a variety of dog-friendly activities. Our mission is to connect you with the finest German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale, ensuring you find the perfect companion. Our site features a wide variety of reputable South Dakota breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our SD 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. Experience the vibrant dog-friendly scene in South Dakota, from welcoming restaurants to expansive dog parks and captivating dog shows. For dog show enthusiasts, events like the Sioux Empire Kennel Club Dog Show showcase the beauty and grace of German Shepherd canines while connecting you with fellow admirers. Holding the 25th spot in dog ownership across the United States, South Dakota is home to a canine population of approximately thousand. 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 South Dakota. 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.

Raw Dog Food Calculator Raw Dog Food Calculator Your dog's dietary needs vary by activity level, metabolic rate, age, breed, outdoor temperature and other variables. It is important that you observe your pet closely and increase or reduce food quantity as needed for proper weight. Smaller dogs will require a higher percentage of their body weight, while larger dogs will require a smaller percentage of their body weight. The daily portion should be split between morning and night. Observe your pet closely and increase or reduce food quantity as needed for proper weight. Always consult your integrative veterinarian, especially for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs. Important note: If you are transitioning from dry food, it is common to see significant weight loss in the first week, which is primarily water weight. It is recommended that you work with your veterinarian to assist in monitoring your dog during weight loss. Feed puppies anywhere from x the amount an adult dog of the same weight would eat. For example, a puppy that weighs 10 pounds would eat x the amount a 10 pound adult dog would eat. Feed very young puppies 3 or 4 times per day. Older puppies generally do just fine with twice-daily feedings. Just like adult dogs, there are several factors that play into the amount of food to feed your puppy: age, weight, anticipated adult weight, breed and more. Observe him or her closely and adjust food quantity as needed. Nutritional requirements of a German Shepherd What exactly should the diet of a German Shepherd consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your German Shepherd, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a German Shepherd, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. German Shepherd raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your German Shepherd, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. German Shepherd Feeding Chart. Simple Guide To Feeding A Raw Diet Jun 01, Raw diets are controversial diets that are new to many people, but as old as the domesticated dog itself. Raw diets are gaining in popularity at a phenomenal rate. It's now at the point that raw diets can even be found pre-made at not only pet stores, but in the cold food and freezer aisles at grocery stores. Here's what you need to know about making your own. Dogs can get all the nutrition they need from the meat, organ and bones found in prey animals. Check the end of the article for foods to avoid. The PMR gets it's name from the fact that it mimics the contents of a prey animal by their meat, organ and bone content. To make raw feeding simple, keep it simple and relax. Again, keep it simple and relax. Simply feed more when you notice the weight loss. No need to panic. If you're switching from kibble to raw it's normal to be nervous, but exercise common sense and you'll be fine! What about sourcing food to keep things simple? You can buy in bulk at the grocery store, and talk to the butchers that are working in the meat section. You can also visit your local butcher, talk to local farmers; and even contact restaurant supply companies if you have the freezer space or a lot of dogs. Speaking of freezer space, buy a deep freezer. The bigger the better. You'll be glad you have extra space if you come across a good deal on lbs of meat and it'll make raw feeding easier! What should you buy to keep a raw diet simple? Simple answer: Buy what's cheap! Chicken necks and backs are very inexpensive, so are chicken quarters and livers. You can also buy whole chickens and cut them up. Avoid chicken that has "added salt solution. Chicken quarters, thighs, legs and necks with the skin can be fattening. You should trim the fat off if your dog isn't active or is overweight. Raw poultry bones are probably going to be your 1 source of bone. Pork is also cheap, but certain parts like pork bellies are very fatty. Pork necks contain a lot of edible bone. As far as beef goes, there are lots of inexpensive cuts of beef that are mostly for stewing and contain little fat. Cuts like sirloin tri-tip roast, top chuck roast, first cut chuck roast, top blade roast, bottom round roast, chuck shoulder roast and bottom round rump roast are inexpensive and good for the base of your dog's diet. Fish, especially oily fish are very healthy. Feed at least twice a week. Organ can be tricky to source. Many Asian and Latino food markets have organ for sale. You can also try local farms. Many simply throw out organ. If you can't find what you're looking for, many raw diet vendors exist online. You can have frozen organ delivered to your door on ice! Sourcing bone is easy. You'll do it by accident when feeding bony cuts of poultry mostly. Your dog's droppings will be much harder when feeding raw. This often results in healthier anal glands. If your dog's stool is too soft, add more chicken necks, feet, backs, pork necks, ribs etc to solve the issue. If your dog seems to have too much difficulty going, you should cut back on the bone. Now you know what to feed, how much to feed and even where to source your dog food, but here's where we make it really easy. A lot of people meticulously weigh their food and prepackaged and freeze a week or even a month's worth at a time. They balance each meal with an exact amount of meat, organ and bone and it takes hours! The secret is that not every meal has to be balanced. You don't weigh and balance each meal of your own, do you? Your diet balances itself out over time. You can do the same with your dogs raw diet. Instead of a lot of pre-packaging, simply thaw out 3 days worth of meat and bone and 3 days worth of organ. Just mix and match meals and let them balance over time. For example, on Sunday you could put 3 days of frozen chicken quarters, beef chuck, mackerel and calf liver in the fridge to thaw. Then you have meat ready to put in your dog bowls from Monday - Wednesday night. On Wednesday evening, you could put 3 days worth of goat meat, turkey necks and sheep kidney in the fridge to thaw. When it's time to feed on Thursday morning, add a sardine or 2 if canned, make sure they're canned in water , as well as a raw egg with shell to your dog's breakfast. Do the same Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning. That's 3 eggs and sardines from Thursday-Saturday 3 eggs a week are plenty. That also covers every meal from Thursday-Saturday. On Saturday evening, take out another 3 days of food and repeat. Now you're on an easy schedule where you don't have to bag entirely balanced meals for every meal of every day of the week. You've cut down your bagging from 2 or 3 meals a day per month meals prepped to 10 pre-packaged 3 day meals a month! Remember, just relax! I do suggest you start by weighing your food, but after a couple of months you'll be able to eyeball how much food is enough for each of your dogs. If you notice a dog seems to be losing or gaining a little weight, that's no problem. Dogs lose and gain weight very fast. Just feed a little extra, or a little less depending on the circumstances and you'll notice the difference in your dogs weight inside of a few days. Once you master eyeballing the amounts of food to feed and learn to eyeball your dog's weight, scales become unnecessary, which will save you more time and make things that much simpler. To conclude, I said that I would go over items to never feed. Wild pork and bear alike can contain parasites. Farmed pork in the US and Canada are safe. If you procure wild deer, elk, goose, rabbit etc, be sure to freeze it for 3 weeks. Also remember 1. No wild pork and no bear ever. Not even after freezing. It can contain a bacterium that's dangerous to dogs. Canned salmon and mackerel are cooked and perfectly safe. Farmed, raw salmon is also fine and usually comes from Norway. Fish, especially oily fish, are very healthy. Avoid fish with sharp spines and barbs, like catfish, unless they're removed. They are hard and will cause premature wear, or even breakage of the teeth. If the prey animal is bigger than about 10lbs, only feed the spine and ribs to be safe. No leg bones, pelvis etc. Please do your research so that you know what vegetables and fruits are safe to feed! Avoid cow's milk completely and limit cheeses and yogurts. Make sure yogurts are plain. Grinding up meat mixes the germs on the outside of the meat all throughout the ground meat. Also remember that ground meats don't contain bone unless otherwise specified and do not have the added bonus of cleaning teeth. Feed the leanest ground products possible. Thank you for reading. It's impossible to have a full, comprehensive conversation about raw feeding in an article. This is a guideline for those who are interested. I suggest you read books and source information from several authors and friends who feed raw to best educate yourself. Key Takeaways A raw dog food diet has a high nutritional value beneficial for German shepherds. The digestive system and general behavior of the German Shepherd breed account for the diet tendencies. One of the easiest raw dog food recipes for German shepherds: Grind 3 lbs ground meat, 2 lbs organ meat, and 3 lbs fruit and vegetables. I love the German shepherd breed! They are beautiful dogs with such strong personalities. German shepherd dogs GSD can and should eat a lot of raw meat, considering they are one of the closest relatives to the timber wolf. Wolves are carnivores, which is why such dogs have a genetic predisposition to similar traits like hunting. It is for this very reason why pet owners often seek raw dog food recipes for German shepherds as this is healthier and more affordable in the long run because you get to save those trips to the vet. A beefy mix recipe with 3 lbs ground meat, 2 lbs organ meat, and 3 lbs fruit and vegetables is one of the simplest meal you can prepare for your German shepherd. Commercial dog food is not the best alternative for these dogs as they require a high-nutrient diet. Choosing the best fresh dog food or raw diet is the perfect option. Raw Dog Food Recipes for German Shepherds Homemade raw dog food is easy to make as meat is the main ingredient in all recipes. Eating raw meat is a natural thing even for a German shepherd puppy. However, when making raw food for your pets, observe food safety and only get ingredients from reputable sources. The following are a few you can use for your furry friend. Beefy Mix Beef is the go-to protein for dogs considering it is readily available and one of the more affordable options. A German shepherd dog would particularly appreciate both beef muscle and organ meat. This raw dog meal can also be mixed with different vegetables to make a palatable meal. Ingredients Three pounds of ground beef muscle meat Two pounds of beef organ meat One pound of cut spinach One pound of broccoli One pound of mixed berries Preparation Cut the organ meat into small cubes if you cannot grind it. You can mix the organ and muscle meat with even distribution. Blend the spinach, broccoli, and berries in a food processor. Add water to make a puree. Mix the vegetables with the meat combination with even distribution and divide them into small containers. Turkey and Veggies Turkey meat is uncommon in most dog diets, but it is an ideal option for dogs with food allergies [ 1 ] to chicken or beef. It is also low in fat, so it is excellent for weight loss. You can use it as the base protein for your meal plan for your German Shepherd. Ingredients Five pounds of ground turkey Two pounds of turkey organ meat One teaspoon of dried rosemary One pound of broccoli One pound of mixed berries Preparation The first thing would be to combine your meats, so mix the ground turkey muscle meat with the organ meat. Make sure the organ meat is cut into small cubes or ground, so it is easier to combine with the muscle meat. Chop the vegetables, carrots, and berries into small pieces and blend them in a processor. Mix the blended vegetables with the meat combination and separate the whole into small containers. Tuna with Vegetables Like other meat options, tuna is an excellent alternative for German Shepherds. These fish are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are great for your dog. It also has omega-three fatty acids, which are suitable for its skin and cardiovascular systems, promoting activity. Home It is a well-known fact that raw feeding promotes excellent health, a happy disposition and longevity. Along with the complete food your puppy has been eating, he may have experienced small bones, such as chicken wings, lamb ribs and marrow bones. These are not so much to feed them on at this young age but to encourage their natural skills; pulling, stretching, gnawing, tearing and ripping at the bone. They offer your puppy stimulation and gentle exercise. The bones also provide relief for teething puppies, massaging sore gums. As an adult, your dog can be offered soft bones as a meal replacement both puppies and adults should be supervised with their bones. Both have added vegetables, fruit and parsley, plus some other natural additives, flax oil and organic sea kelp. We have a specially designed variety pack for puppies. As your puppy has grown, the size of the mince meal provided has increased, starting off first as a blended consistency and now ground to a manageable consistency for their age. All Wolf Tucker food is hand made by us to ensure everything that we do is correct. We make the food in batches and, unlike other manufacturers, we do not mass produce. Because we are using raw meat, it is especially important that correct preparation is used to minimise the risk of harmful bacteria, for this reason our meals are frozen at an extremely low temperature, something that can only be carried out in commercial freezers, making correctly prepared raw feeding much safer than homemade diets. How much should you feed your puppy? Feed your puppy 4 meals a day up until he is four months of age this can then be reduced to three meals a day then 2 meals from 6 months onwards. This amount will increase as he grows, you will need to have him weighed regularly and continue to feed him on this method. Alternate the chicken and beef mixes. Smaller breed puppies generally require a higher percentage than larger breeds. It is important to remember that as your puppy grows so indeed does his daily intake. So for example once your puppy Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs 9kg is daily intake would increase to g per day. Your puppy should gain weight at a nice steady pace; he should be nicely covered but not fat! This is especially important in larger breed puppies; we do not want any unnecessary strain on growing bones and joints. Many skeletal disorders are caused by inappropriate diet and feeding so we can help to avoid such conditions as hip dysplasia. No supplementation of calcium is required when using this method of feeding. From 1 year old, in terms of feeding, you should move your puppy onto the adult feeding plan. You can use our calculator to easily calculate your pup's daily requirement Puppy raw feeding quantities chart Use the chart below to calculate how much raw food to feed your puppy for a given weight and age. New Column. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best German Shepherd raw diet or recommend a raw dog food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your German Shepherd gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. For common GSD problems like osteoarthritis and other joint maladies, look for products containing glucosamine and chondroitin , which may help treat or prevent symptoms. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little time to cook for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a German Shepherd that weighs 65 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. It seems many of us can relate to health problems we have encountered while feeding our dogs dried processed dog food. He is 8 years old, so an older dog, and I was told he may have cancer. Knowing this, I knew I had to focus on his bone health and at the same time stay away from all sugars and grains as cancer can feed on both of these. I also make sure to feed Boaz raw organ meats times a week. Organ meats contain nearly every nutrient including B vitamins, folic acid, minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and iodine. They also provide the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Also important is making sure that Boaz is getting vegetables into his diet. Every week in his own batch of broth, I include vegetables with dark leafy greens which he devours. The calcium in his diet is coming from the raw beef and chicken bones and fermented dairy of yogurt and cottage cheese. When feeding dogs bones, make sure they are always raw. Never feed your dog cooked bones of any kind as they can splinter and cause intestinal problems. For his essential fatty acids, I give Boaz a teaspoon every day of fermented cod liver oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil.

Linda Hurst k9crazylady hotmail. Our puppies are multigenerational. This ensures the sound temperament, non-shedding coat, and the allergy-friendly family pet and therapy dogs that we are dedicated to producing. We take enormous pride in producing the Australian Labradoodle and hope that we can help you find your special family member. Please let us know your wishes. We will do our best to fulfill your family's needs. We look forward to helping you with this special life event. Please browse through our site and enjoy learning about the Australian Labradoodle. Please note: While we would love to accommodate everyone who would like to "meet a doodle," we are unable to do so in order to protect the health of our puppies. The parvovirus is a very deadly virus that lives for months on hard surfaces and can be transmitted from shoes, clothing, tires, etc. We accept visits by families who have put a deposit on a puppy and are making their final puppy choice. When we have no puppies, you are welcome to make an appointment to meet our Labradoodles. Thank you for your understanding. Learn more about our Dogs and Available Puppies by contacting us We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies. Cookie settings Accept Your Cookie Settings We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Cookie Categories Essential On These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy. Analytics On These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are. Save settings. 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 Tucson Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. In play group, Kaleb started playing as soon as he entered the yard and did very well with the other dogs but would do best with a relaxed dog. He was nervous of the humans in the yard at first, but after a while he ventured over to investigate and warmed up a bit. Kaleb is a trauma survivor and has a long journey ahead to emotionally recover from his past. His foster has been helping him heal and learning all about him along the way. And kennel trained. Yes, he loves to play but gets overwhelmed VERY easily so will need a gentler, calmer dog buddy. Would not recommend him for a home with children. Training details:He knows sit very well. Next best would be stay and wait. He loves to climb up on the couch and sit pressed against my side while I surf the internet. Play behavior:All things that squeak! Tug, fetch and giant stuffies he can shake. Activity level:Moderately high. Would recommend him for a more active home. Favorite things about him? He pushes at everything to figure out what it does! He likes to jump on the couch next to me and then press his entire back along my side, then rest his head on my knee. Email his foster to ask about him! Sarah: eternalfireson. They are intelligent and friendly. The physical characteristics of this hybrid will vary depending on the genes inherited from its parents. They can have different coat types including: wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece with colors ranging from red, black, cream, chocolate, gold, and brindle. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic breed, the Labradoodle may be a good fit for people with allergies. Discover more about our Labradoodle puppies for sale below! Overall, they make excellent companions. Due to their easygoing nature they usually do well with other pets and are generally good with children. As a result, they require exercise every day and can be prone to restlessness or loneliness if left along for too long. Their activity level and larger size means they are a good fit for a house with a yard. They are great walking companions and actually love the water and can be exceptional, natural swimmers. Due to their Poodle genetics, incorporate educational games to stimulate their intelligence as well as their bodies. Training Training a Labradoodle is easier than many other breeds, because they are eager to please and intelligent which makes them attentive while learning. They respond best to positive reinforcement due to their friendliness and intuition. Praise for good behavior in the form of treats and affirmation will work best when training. As with every other breed, train and socialize your Labradoodle when it is a puppy and exercise it regularly in order to avoid negative behaviors. Generally though, brush them about twice a week to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. However, it should only need to be bathed as needed. They also tend to be less prone to odor than other breeds. For optimal health, brush their teeth about three times per week to avoid bacteria and tartar buildup. It is also good to trim their nails about twice per month. However, the Labradoodle did not truly come to be known until when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The cross breeding was a success and resulted in a dog that had a disposition appropriate for guide dog work with a low-shedding coat. See store for details on a particular puppy. International Designer Canine Registry. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Tucson AZ? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Tucson AZ. The Australian Labradoodle is a lovely dog that is perfect for families. How should I search for Labradoodle puppies for sale in Tucson at Uptown? Once you have picked out your dream puppy, contact the breeder and start arranging to meet your new pup. Are there Labradoodle puppies in Tucson available now? There are many Tucson Labradoodle breeders and companies in our network with lots of litters to choose from. So begin your search today and you could well find your perfect new puppy very soon. What is the Uptown view on transparency when it comes to breeding Labradoodles for sale in Tucson? Transparency is something we take incredibly seriously at Uptown. All the Labradoodle breeders in Tucson here have been fully vetted to ensure they meet the highest breeding standards and provide excellent service. Only the best breeders get into our network because we want you to be able to search with complete peace of mind. How can I meet my new puppy? Talk to the breeder once you have found your dream puppy and they will explain the next stage. All the Labradoodle breeders Tucson in our network are experts at arranging transport for pups. Even if you find your puppy in another state, they can arrange transport so you can meet your pup at your nearest major US airport. What makes Uptown different? Lots of people like to visit the breeder when choosing a puppy, but this is often not possible for many families. At Uptown, you can search for Labradoodle puppies Tucson from the comfort of your home, and because you are only searching from top breeders you can avoid coming across puppy mills and scammers. Will I be able to find cheap Tucson Labradoodles for sale here? This is not the place to find the cheapest Labradoodle puppies for sale Tucson. The Labradoodle Tucson breeders and businesses in our network provide a boutique service. They have exceptional breeding standards. So you can search for Tucson Labradoodle puppies for sale here knowing that you are getting a puppy from a great place. Yes, you can certainly go to a shelter and there is nothing wrong with them. But if you want to find a Tucson Labradoodle for sale or something else very specific, it may be a better option to use Uptown. Here, you can choose from a wide range of puppies and also get a full health and behavioral history of your pup. Will my Labradoodle get on with my other pets? Labradoodles are friendly, sociable, and intelligent dogs. Will training my Labradoodle be easy? Almost certainly, yes. Labradoodles are known for being incredibly intelligent dogs, meaning they tend to pick up new commands very quickly. But on top of this, Labradoodles are also obedient and loyal dogs that love to please their owners. All of this will make training an absolute breeze and a lot of fun for both you and your dog.

We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. Photoshopped Indoor Potty Systems This Omeuamigo potty tray may seem like a good option at first glance until you realize that the featured pictures are photoshopped. Additionally, this product has very few reviews, and the ones that do exist are fairly negative. Some dog litter boxes come with a material inside for absorbing liquids while others require you to select the filler of your choice. Litter: The traditional choice of cat owners, regular litter can also be used with doggos. You can sift litter, making it easy to clean, but dogs will often end up tracking it around the house. And some puppers may even be inclined to chew or eat it. We really only include it to be thorough. Consider the size of your dog. Choose between disposable vs reusable options. Think about how you will clean the litter box. Figure out your budget. However, if you do have some disposable income to throw at the problem, you can consider fancy options, such as self-cleaning models. Some of the most common situations in which they may help include: Owners with mobility issues. Dogs with bladder-control issues. Some dogs simply have more trouble holding it than others — particularly small breeds with tiny bladders. While belly bands may provide some help with this issue for male dogs, an indoor bathroom facility will often be more convenient to use. Owners living in high-rise apartments. Even if you have an elevator, bathroom trips are still quite an ordeal. Young puppies going through the house-breaking process. Not only do they help teach your dog that there are right and wrong places to relieve themselves, they also help contain the inevitable messes that accompany the process. Owners who live in areas with inclement weather. If you live in an area with long, cold winters or sweltering summers, you may find a litter box or some other type of indoor potty to be very helpful. Owners who are away from the home for long periods of time. While it is never ideal to leave your dog alone for lengthy periods of time, it is sometimes unavoidable. Indoor potty spots help keep your dog from having to sit cross-legged all day long, waiting for you to get home. Dogs who are recovering from illness or injury. If your dog has been battling illness or recovering from an injury, your vet may recommend keeping him as calm, quiet and still as possible. By utilizing an indoor bathroom of some type, you can reduce the number of trips your dog needs to take outdoors. Dogs who are afraid of the outdoors. If your is dog scared of going outside , you may want to try an indoor potty while trying to build his confidence. It is also worth mentioning that most litter-box-style products work better with smaller dogs than larger dogs. Nevertheless, many owners of dogs in the to pound range find indoor bathrooms effective. Having a backup potty option can provide you with valuable peace of mind and is worth considering if you have the space. In the event that your dog does need to go inside, at least it will be in a contained space. Most litter boxes and indoor bathrooms are appropriate for 1 or 2, although some handle poop better than others. Keep in mind that litter boxes are not designed to completely eliminate trips outside — they are designed to reduce the number of trips you must take. Accordingly, most owners still take their dog out to poop once or twice a day, and primarily use the litter box as a place to tinkle. Unfortunately, dog urine can contain leptospirosis bacteria which is zoonotic, meaning it could be passed on to people and other species. Make sure your pooch is safe and secure so that you can focus your attention on thoroughly addressing the mess. Remove as much waste as possible. Be sure to check out some of these dog poop disposal ideas before you settle on a solution. Immediately cleaning up doo-doo is doubly essential if your dog has a bad habit of eating dog poop — yikes! Rinse down the potty with hot water. Rinse or wipe out any residue using hot water. Make sure you get rid of disposable potties as needed. Puddle Spread to your floor? Here are some strategies that might make it easier for Fido to go inside. Bring the outside in. If possible, it may be helpful to bring this plant inside and place it on top of the indoor potty. It could be enough of a cue for your furry friend. Place the potty near the door. If your pooch is used to going outside, placing the indoor potty near the door may make for an easier transition for Fido. You can also try bringing the indoor potty outside, have your dog go on the potty outside, and then move the potty inside. A potty trained pooch may not understand that he can go on the indoor dog potty. You could try leashing up your pooch and taking him on a walk around your home, only to stop for sniffing by the dog potty. Praise your pooch! Whenever you do catch your dog using the indoor dog potty, be sure to reward with lots of praise and treats. Try another texture. Some dogs may naturally take to one potty type over another. You may have to tinker with different potty styles before landing on the ideal solution for your furry friend. Typically a bathroom in the main portion of your house is the best option. What kind of litter is best for dogs? Some pet parents have success with paper pellets, while others prefer clay litter or dog-safe wood shavings. Try out small batches of litter to see what works best for your dog. Is litter box training a dog a good idea? Litter training your dog is helpful if you often work long hours or if your dog struggles to hold his bladder. An indoor pottying area like a litter box offers your pup a place to safely and comfortably do his business without ruining your floors or furniture. Is there a dog version of a litter box? Yes, there are several dog litter boxes available, ranging from the standard bins you may envision for a cat to those that are more pad-like in design. Each has its own list of pros and cons to consider. The most important aspect is to choose a dog litter box that works for your pup to ensure he actually uses it. Can dogs learn to use a litter box? Yes, dogs can learn to use a litter box like a cat. When he potties in the litter box, offer praise. Lather, rinse, and repeat until he happily trots over on his own to do his business every time. How did it work for you? Was your dog comfortable using it, or did he fail to understand the point? Like it? Share it!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.