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Our final word on the Australian Retriever 1. Imagine a dog with the sweet, happy face of a Golden Retriever and the thick, multi-color coat of the Aussie. As mentioned above these crossbreeds grow up to be large dogs , reaching up to 19 to 30 inches 48 to 76 cm in height and weighing 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 27 kg. They have well-built bodies and broad heads with expressive eyes, a round black nose, and dropped ears. Some of these hybrids will favor their Golden Retriever side and have solidly colored golden fur. Many Australian Golden Retriever mixes also have facial markings, like this adorable little Aussie Retriever puppy: The Australian Retriever inherits the double-layer coat of its parent breeds. More often than not, its dense layers of hair have a coarse, slightly wavy texture. The Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mix gets along with everyone. Kids, other dogs, strangers on the street — the Aussie Golden mix will be friendly to everyone it encounters. The Golden Retriever-Aussie cross might be the perfect pet for you if you have young kids or other dogs at home. The Australian Shepherd-Golden Retriever mix has both herding and hunting instincts. Both its parent breeds are working dogs, so the Australian Retriever is no couch potato. This hybrid needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise twice a day and makes for an excellent companion for your morning or afternoon jog. Aussie and Golden Retriever crosses love to run, which they inherit from the Australian Shepherd. Of course, this strong herding instinct means that your Aussie Retriever might end up pulling or nudging you into the backyard for some playtime. Thanks to their Retriever heritage, Golden Retriever and Aussie Shepherd hybrids will love playing fetch with balls and frisbees. They also enjoy the occasional dip in the pool. The Aussie and Golden Retriever cross may wander off your property trying to follow a scent. The Aussie Golden mix will look at you as a pack leader. These hybrids need a pack leader who can provide firm, consistent guidance. They tend to behave best with strong-willed masters, so they might not be suitable for first-time dog owners. Australian Retrievers are intelligent dogs, so they easily pick up commands. Frequent training sessions, along with treats and verbal praise, will help this crossbreed adopt positive behavior. Despite its friendliness, early socialization ensures that the Golden Retriever-Australian Shepherd mix behaves properly around other dogs and family members. These dogs are moderate to heavy shedders. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner if you want to keep your clothes, furniture, and floors free of hair. The Australian Retriever has a double coat that sheds hair all year round, with springtime being the heaviest shedding season. Brush your Aussie Golden mix at least thrice a week to remove loose hair from its top coat. Regular brushing will also ensure that the undercoat will properly grow in. Make sure that you reach all the way down to the skin to distribute the natural oils in the hair. Trims will also help prevent tangles and mats from forming. Protein-rich dog food will help strengthen its muscles, bones, and joints without the risk of weight gain. The best dog food for Golden Retrievers will be ideal for Australian Retrievers, too. Two to three cups of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals throughout the day, should be enough for this crossbreed. Properly spacing meals for the Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mix also minimizes the risk of bloat, a fatal condition that commonly affects large dogs. Are there any health issues that affect the Golden Retriever Aussie hybrid? Like their parent breeds, Australian Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Eye conditions such as cataracts and colobomas can also affect these hybrid dogs. Golden Retrievers are known for having some of the highest cancer rates , so the Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mix may inherit the same vulnerability to the serious condition. MDS can cause fatal reactions to various drugs administered by the vet. The good news is that early screening can help detect most health problems in Australian Retriever puppies. As long as it grows up healthy, as mentioned in the first paragraph an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix can enjoy a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Where can I get this awesome dog? Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, and intelligent. Australian Retriever Appearance Depending on which genes they inherit these pups can look more like either the Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd. This will impact their size with those with more Golden Retriever being larger. Most of the time these dogs will be well-muscled with a bushy tail and friendly alert eyes. These dogs are one of the most popular breeds for a reason — they are not only friendly but stunning dogs. They have powerful and athletic builds that make them good for hunting, obedience, and guide dogs. Height and Weight These dogs are a medium to large breed that can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. They should stand between 19 to 23 inches — which is the perfect height to pet them! Colors and Coat You can expect these dogs to come in a variety of colors including black, brown, white, and golden. They can also come in merle, speckled, and spotted variations of many different colors. Your pup will have a waterproof double coat that is flowing and wavy. Many Australian Shepherd and Golden Retrievers are used as guide dogs to help the visually impaired. These dogs make great watchdogs since they are protective over their people. These dogs would be great as farmhands and herding dogs because of their high herding and protective drive. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Personality and Temperament Since these are mixed breed dogs they tend to have personality traits from both parents. They are very even-tempered and loving dogs that truly want to please their owners. These dogs are best known for their gentle disposition — they are outgoing, confident, and trustworthy dogs that make a great addition to the family. The Australian Shepherd is known for their intelligence, determination, and energy. They are dogs that need a job and have a high impulse to herd and a strong work drive that will need attention. Australian Retrievers have personality traits from both of these breeds which means they should be loyal, affectionate, eager to please, and energetic. Since these are an intelligent breed they are going to need a lot of exercise and training to keep them motivated. They have high energy levels and remain puppy-like throughout their lives. If their energy is not directed in the correct ways or they are not stimulated enough they will find a way to keep themselves entertained. This means that they can have some destructive behavior if not properly trained. They can be protective over certain items in the house so they will need to be properly socialized. Overall they will want to be with their owner every part of the day and love to be loved. They are amazing dogs that are ready to do whatever you want especially if that means outdoor activities. Australian Retriever make great family dogs — they love children and form close bonds with their human family. These dogs need exercise, mental stimulation, and some grooming to keep them happy. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes need to be socialized from a young age and like to be with their owners most of the day. They are an amazing addition to an adventurous and outgoing family that have the right amount of time and energy that these dogs need. Exercise Requirements This breed needs a lot of exercise. They are always ready and waiting for the next fun adventure to go on. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mixes need at least an hour of exercise a day whether that is through long walks, a game of fetch, or running around outside. A great way to help these dogs get exercise would be a game of fetch or as a running partner. While running with your dog you could also have them heal next to you for some extra obedience training — this would be a good way to keep them mentally stimulated as well. They enjoy being outside as much as possible, so weekly hikes with your dog will help. Number of Walks Per Day: .During the seasonal changes they will need to be brushed daily. As these dogs love to be outside they will most likely come back in dirtier than they left. Giving baths once a month and brushing them to get excess dirt out of their fur will help to keep them clean. Checking their ears for dirt is a must as well. Make sure to also check their paws for damage that could have happened while playing outdoors. Feeding and Diet Looking for food that is specific for their size, stage in life, and exercise level is a must for these dogs. Their energy needs will change throughout their lives so finding food perfect for these different stages is important. Sticking to food that avoids fillers and concentrates more on high protein since these dogs can be prone to overeating and gaining some unwanted pounds. The high protein diet also helps to keep up their caloric intake for their high energy needs. They should be fed 2 times a day with equally weighted meals. Getting your dog from a reputable breeder that has checked their dogs for these traits is a good idea. The Golden Retriever is known for certain health issues such as cancer. This can also be a problem for the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. The most common health problems include: Eye cataracts. This dog is naturally healthy, and thus free from genetic-based illnesses. However, there are also reports of this kind of breed getting cancer, hyperthyroid, allergies, and many more. The best way to avoid these scenarios is by getting a breeder. With that, we recommend brushing it on a daily basis if you want to maintain its luscious and shiny coat. Otherwise, cleaning the coat at least once or twice a week will do. It is known to have moderate shedding periods as well, but there are two seasons where they drop more hair than usual. With that, you might also want to invest in a vacuum. Not only will this make your dog cleaner, but it will also save you the trouble of doubling your cleaning chore from time to time. In line with that, you need to create hygienic routines for the dog. As much as possible, give it a bath once a day. Not only that, but you also need to trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush its teeth on a daily basis. Ears that are in this position are more prone to acquiring infection due to the absorption of moisture. If not cleaned and treated properly your dog might be prone to ear mites and other infections. You can also rent grooming services. If you do this, you will only have to take your Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd breed for a bath when it is visibly dirty. For more information regarding this, it would be best to discuss it with your dog breeder. This is due to the flexibility and genetic variety of this particular breed. Reports have shown that the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is also capable of acquiring diseases such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, deafness, allergies, and epilepsy. Aside from that, some dogs of this kind are also known to be sensitive to drugs. But among all the illnesses this dog is prone to having, the ones you need to watch out for are pigmentary uveitis, heart diseases, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. Overall, however, you can expect your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd to be a healthy and athletic dog. A Golden Retriever can live from years. An Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of years. With these numbers in mind, you can expect your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever to live for about years. A dog nutritionist will tell you to engage your dog in routine meals on a daily basis. This will provide it with the standard amount of energy and nutrients to rejuvenate the ones that it lost running around and playing in your house. Meanwhile, here are our top suggestions for dog food. Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe Seventy percent of this dog food is made out of meant nutrients, which can help build lean muscles. With this dog food, you can also be sure that your pup eats corn, soy, and wheat free. You might also be thrilled to know that the company is known to be a manufacturer of locally produced dog food, which crosses out the possibility of some ingredients coming from China. One of the best features of this dog food is its 34 percent crude protein paired with 16 percent crude fat. Its top ingredients are deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, and peas. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage This is probably the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever crossbreed while he is still in his puppy stage. Earthborn has been known to produce one of the best dog foods for adult dogs, but the company recently released one variety that was specially made for Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race puppies. This dog food aims to give your pup a healthy brain and good eye development. Your doggo deserves to have the best care and nutrition you can give them. If you come across some of the worst dry dog food in the market, just keep going. Puppies should get food that will give them enough proteins, which you can find among best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas should get only the best senior dry dog food to make them feel young and strong. Also, if you stumble upon best dry dog food brands for Pugs give it a go these pups have refined taste buds and your doggo might, too. Your cutie carries the genes of super-unique and distinctive parents, so you can always opt for best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements Many dog owners are disappointed with having dogs contribute to mischief around the house. Little do they know that this mischievousness is just a result of high energy levels. Such is the case with the Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race. The dog is quite energetic. In line with that, if they do not get sufficient amount of exercise, it will try to release their energy through other means. This is why some owners find their Mix of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd chewing and biting their shirt, slippers, or socks. You can schedule a session where the dogs can socialize with each other. Despite being a crossbreed, this dog also needs to socialize with its kind because it has a natural desire to be part of a herd. Socializing with other dogs of its kind will teach your puppy how to play nice with other animals. Still, these two things are done separately. The first thing you need to do is let the dog become acquainted with the environment since these types of dogs have hunting instincts. If you have other pets at home, it would be best to let your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd mingle with them. Let them play with each other. This will give the animals sufficient time to get to know each other. You might even want to walk your dog around the neighborhood. The reason for this is to familiarize your dog not only with the surroundings but also your neighbors so that when someone visits your home, your puppy will not think of them as trespassers. Once you have done that, you should invest your time in teaching these simple training tricks: Walk. Spotted Golden Retriever Aussie Mix Temperament There is no exact way of predicting the personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, and the same is true for Australian shepherds. Intelligent As soon as you bring an Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix home, you will notice they are an exceptionally intelligent dog. Needless to say, this mix is very easy to train and will pass potty training and obedience training with flying colors. Keep in mind that, as such an intelligent canine, your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix will probably outsmart you more than once. Highly Energetic The Golden Aussie is a highly energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise , playtime, and training sessions to stay on top of his game both mentally and physically. If you have a more active lifestyle, this mix will fit right in with your schedule and be a great jogging, hiking, or swimming companion. However, if you are more of a couch potato, your Golden Aussie will behave a bit like a drill sergeant with a goal to get you in shape! Your Aussie retriever mix will need at least an hour of exercise every day ideally spread out over several play sessions to stay physically and mentally stimulated. If not provided with an appropriate outlet for their energy, your golden retriever Aussie mix will use destructive chewing, barking, and digging to prevent boredom. The Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix bonds strongly with its family and seeks out human companionship at all hours of the day and night. This mixed breed loves to be close to its people and is always in the mood for cuddles or petting sessions. Your Golden Aussie will have a strong desire to be close by and involved in everything you are doing and might feel unwanted if ignored or left alone. Thus, consider how much time you have to spend cuddling and interacting with your dog before you bring your Golden Aussie home. Hard-Working Since both Australian shepherds and golden retrievers are working dogs, their offspring tend to inherit a strong work ethic and be the happiest when they have a job to do. Depending on how much your mix takes after its Aussie parent, they might try to herd and nip at your family members, children, and smaller pets. This sort of behavior will work in your favor if you live on a farm; otherwise, you should discourage it with training. You can use these working skills while training and exercising your mix, like having him or her fetch and retrieve balls and freebies. This way, your pooch will feel like they are doing important work and get a workout at the same time. However, this mix is prone to certain health problems that are often seen in Australian shepherds and golden retrievers. The most common health problems seen in this mix are: Hip dysplasia Cancer Bloat The best way to avoid these issues from arising is to get your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix from a reputable dog breeder. You should also meet both parents and ask the breeder to show you their hip, elbow, and eye scores, as well as any other tests that he has had done. Compared to other dogs of their size, Aussie retrievers have a fairly long life span and on average live from 12 to 15 years. Be prepared for a long-term commitment and at least a few vet bills down the road before you ultimately decide to bring this mix into your home. Feeding An Aussie Golden Mix The ideal diet for the Australian retriever is one that consists of a lot of protein, fat, healthy carbs, and all other essential vitamins and minerals. Your mix should primarily eat dog food formulated especially for large dogs with high energy. Since they are prone to bloat , you should feed your Australian retriever two equally spaced smaller meals, once at the beginning of the day and another in the evening, and avoid free-feeding your dog. As a puppy, your mix will need calorie-dense puppy food suitable for large breed dogs and have to eat four small, evenly spaced out meals per day. To start, you should continue using the same dog food the breeder was feeding them and wait a month to slowly transition your pup to a different formula. To stay on top of all of that loose hair, you should brush your mix two to three times a week. The coat will shed to some extent all year round, and your mix will go through a heavy shed every spring, at which time you might need to brush your dog every day, using a dog brush that fits its coat best. Bathing once every other month will suffice unless your mix likes to roll in the mud and has to be bathed more often. After reading through our complete description of the Aussie retriever, you might still be unsure whether this wonderful crossbreed is right for you and your lifestyle. We suggest that you ask the following questions to help you decide. These dogs are both large and energetic, which means they thrive when they have a bit of extra space to exercise. An apartment will feel both feel small and confining to them and be inconvenient for you when such a big dog is wandering around in it. Even a small outdoor area that they can play around in will make a big difference to their overall health and happiness. Aussie retrievers love companionship and always want to be in the thick of things. If they are left at home on their own for several hours a day, perhaps when everyone is at work, they are likely to develop anxiety and depression. Not only is this bad for them, but it also often manifests in destructive behaviors like chewing, scratching, and digging. These dogs do best in households when there is generally someone around most of the time. How Energetic Are You? These dogs need lots of exercise. As well as at least an hour a day, they thrive when taken on regular weekend adventures like hiking, camping, or swimming. In addition, their daily exercise needs to be more than just a casual walk. Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have lots of energy that they will need to burn off daily to stay happy and healthy. Will this suit your lifestyle? Are you going to be able to keep up with this dog? If not, this particular breed might not be the right choice for you. Are You Experienced With Dogs? These lovely crossbreeds are highly trainable and very personable, so even first-time owners should be able to teach them the necessary commands. However, bear in mind that they are also large dogs, and they respond best to a strong alpha. How Old Are Your Children? If you have young children at home, you might want to wait until they are a bit older to bring home one of these dogs. Not only do Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have a tendency to herd younger children, but their size and energy can also be overwhelming for smaller kids. They will want to play quite energetically and confidently with your kids, who might be too small to control the situation. Also, these dogs are quite a lot of work, and you might not want to be running around after one of them while also running around after a toddler. Older kids, however, will find it rewarding to help you care for this personable pup. As with most designer pups, their cost varies greatly depending on where you are in the country and the subsequent supply and demand. You may also find some of these desirable pups looking for homes in a local shelter, so be sure to call around these shelters as your first option. Can Australian retrievers be golden? Australian retrievers can inherit the gold coats of their golden retriever parent, but a pure golden coat is relatively rare, as they usually have a mix of color markings like their Australian shepherd parent. Wrapping Up… It should be no surprise that golden retriever Aussie mixes are quickly becoming very desirable dogs, as they combine two of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are a stable crossbreed, as their parents have similar temperaments. They are both friendly and intelligent, which means their offspring are sure to be the same, no matter how their characteristics mix. Overall, these dogs are: Best suited to having constant company around the house Highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation The Golden Aussie is ideal for active families who have lots of time to spend with their pup and enjoy getting active with them. While they need lots of love and attention, the unconditional loyalty and affection that they offer in return make them well worth the investment. Do you have experience with Golden Aussie mixes? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like. Despite their name, they are not Australian but it is thought that they are called Australian Shepherds because of their association with the Basque Shepherd Dog. The Pyrenean Sheepdogs are also thought to be ancestors of the breed. Whilst they remain great working dogs, they are now becoming a popular domesticated breed too. As serious working dogs, they were once used for doing fieldwork and hunting. Due to their intelligence, this breed is a commonly recognized service dog that has impressive obedience and agility capabilities. Emerging as a fairly new designer dog, this hybrid was first registered in .This breed is often referred to as the Australian Retriever. The Temperament and Personality of an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Identifying the temperament of a mixed breed dog can be quite a challenge. As a breed, Australian Shepherds are known to be smart and determined with a natural instinct to herd. Aside from this, they are also affectionate, easy-going, and make great family pets. Golden retrievers are intelligent and confident dogs with a kind and friendly nature. Recognized for their gentle manner, they are even-tempered and devoted to their owners. Aside from this, they are excellent additions to active families and because of their intelligence, they are easy to train. Australian Retrievers have personality traits from both parents. As such, you should expect them to display loving behaviors and form strong bonds with their owners. Because both dogs are energetic breeds, you must make sure that they are exercised daily to keep them stimulated, though they will find ways of entertaining themselves if need be. This dog is also an obedient breed that is very sociable and thrives when surrounded by comfort and love. As the Australian Shepherd was originally bred for protective purposes , you may find that the mix still displays these tendencies. For this reason, it is important to ensure that you set boundaries to make sure that they behave appropriately. You should expect this breed to be easy to train and willing to do whatever you ask of it. The appearance of an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Golden Retrievers are sturdy dogs with a head and muzzle that are evenly proportioned. Usually, their eyes are brown and round. As implied by their name, they come in a few different golden-toned varieties, some of which are a lighter shade and others that are darker. When raised their tails are equally level with their head and they are also quite thick and bushy. This breed comes in many different color variations and this including merle, blue merle, red merle, black, and tricolor. The appearance of this mix will be influenced by the genes that it inherits from each of its parents. As such, it can be difficult to determine exactly what the dog is going to look like. For example, golden retrievers are larger so if the mix inherits more genes from this breed it is going to be bigger built. Generally, they are an equal mix of both dogs. Typically, they tend to have an athletic build with friendly bright eyes that are either blue, brown, or hazel. Aside from this, they also tend to have bushy tails with a merle coat and a large head. An Australian Retriever can also come in several colors. This includes brown, black, and golden, although there are now spotted varieties available too. Like the majority of breeds, the females are typically smaller than the males. On the whole, the height of the breed can fall anywhere between 19 to 23 inches. Weight of an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix The majority of male Australian Shepherds weigh between 25 and 32kg whilst the females weigh around 16 to 25kg. Generally, Golden Retrievers weigh between 25 and 34 kg, of course, there are differences between the weights of male and female golden retrievers. As such, this mix will typically weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Training and Exercise Demands of an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix It is important to make sure that you socialize your Australian Retriever from the early stages as this will help to make it more confident. Because this breed is so active, your dog will need plenty of exercise. As such, you will find that they are always eager to engage in an adventure. Separation anxiety is an issue that affects many Australian Retrievers. If you are likely to be leaving your dog home alone at any point during the day, you may feel more comfortable putting them in a crate. Positive reward training is also effective. When in the process of training your dog it is important to recognize good behavior so that they know to continue this in the future. If they are being rewarded by treats, you will find that they are more likely to pick up the tricks that you are teaching them sooner. As a breed, an Australian Shepherd is a fairly easy breed to train, however, you may still benefit from taking your dog to obedience classes to keep them stimulated. If possible, you should try and take your dog for at least two walks a day. They also enjoy burning off some energy by running outdoors. Ideally, you should bathe your dog around every 8 weeks. Their additional care demands are pretty much the same as any other breed. Alongside bathing and grooming your Australian Retriever, you will need to dedicate sufficient time to clean its eyes and ears, trimming its nails, and also brushing its teeth. Because this breed has a coarse coat , it is pretty adaptable to both warm and cold climates, however, if the temperatures drop quite significantly, you may choose to put a coat on your dog before taking it outdoors. The lifespan of an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix You should expect your Australian shepherd to live for between 12 to 15 years. When compared to the lifespan of other breeds, this is fairly lengthy. Of course, the exact lifespan will depend on whether the dog has any health problems. Health Problems Many breeds are known to suffer from health problems. The most common issues that affect this mixed breed are hip or elbow dysplasia, however, on the whole, they are deemed to be fairly healthy dogs. It is worth noting that because the Australian Retriever is a mixed breed, there is an increased chance of it inheriting health problems that affect either of the parent breeds. Golden retrievers in particular are known to suffer from cancer. To minimize the risk of your dog suffering from any severe health problems, it is important to get your pet from a reputable breeder. Furthermore, it is also important to take your dog to the vet for wellness visits. Besides the health problems that we have mentioned above, both parent dogs are known to suffer from eye problems such as cataracts and retinal atrophy. This breed may also experience issues with bloating. If you suspect that your dog is ill or is showing visible signs that it is suffering from a health problem, you must act accordingly by taking it to a vet for professional advice. Dietary Requirements As an energetic breed, Golden retrievers have a ravenous appetite and are known to eat their food quite fast. Normally, this breed will eat around three to four cups of food a day. It will also depend on which parent it has inherited the most genes from. Remember that this mixed breed is typically full of energy so their diet must provide them with all of the nutrients that they need to fuel this. As they are prone to bloating, you should give them smaller meals and avoid overfeeding them or feeding them leftover scraps of food from your plate. Also, you should try and avoid foods that contain a lot of fillers. Base the amount that you feed your dog on the necessary factors that we have mentioned above. Make sure that you choose a food that is intended for larger dogs because it will be more effective in keeping your dog feeling fuller for longer. Now that you have a better understanding of the breed, it is time to determine whether it is right for you. Because the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is an active breed, they are best suited to energetic families who will be able to meet their exercise needs. Whilst they are excellent family dogs, they are great companion dogs too. This breed is friendly, affectionate, and good with other children and pets. Similar to many other breeds, the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is known to suffer from some health issues. Aside from this, they are also known to be enthusiastic eaters so you will need to ensure that their mealtimes are regulated as this will help to prevent them from overeating. Feeding them equal amounts at mealtime is also important.

This hybrid dog is known to be even-tempered, friendly to its favorite people, intelligent, and extremely loyal. Basenji German Shepherd mixes are medium- to large-sized dogs with an athletic stance. Early exposure to new faces and scents helps them mellow down their guarding instincts, especially knowing that their parent breeds are known for their wariness toward people. When around their family, this mixed breed is up for games and various activities such as hiking. However, as much as they love having company, these canines also need their alone time. Basenji German Shepherd Mix Origin and History As with several other mixed-breed canines, there need to be more records showing how the Basenji Shepherd mix came about. Whether they resulted due to intentional breeding or by accident is unknown. The only clear way to better understand the roots of the Basenji German Shepherd mix is to learn a bit more about its parents. For starters, the Basenji is an ancient hunting breed that originates from Central Africa. They closely resembled the dogs depicted in Ancient Egypt and were thought to be offered as gifts to Pharaohs. It was in when the United States had its first glimpse of this yodeling pooch. The Basenji achieved full recognition as an official dog breed three years later. Meanwhile, as the name suggests, the German Shepherd Dog comes from Germany. Their history and development were largely influenced by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who pursued creating a versatile herding dog. Eventually, they were modified from farm dogs to military dogs, especially during World War I. In they became an official breed in the United States. Regardless, the resulting dog is outstanding and worth the effort. Often, they resemble a lot like German Shepherds, but taking a closer look will get you to notice the subtle features of a Basenji. However, this also depends on whether the German Shepherd parent has a short , medium, or long coat. They can also have the isabella, blue, panda , black, sable, liver, or tri-color pattern of the German Shepherd, albeit rare. A white patch on the chest may also show, along with a few blotches on their belly and legs. Other possible colors include red, cream, and mahogany. They fall somewhere between the upright ears of the Basenji and the occasional floppy ears of the German Shepherd. Their height varies but can be between 15 and 21 inches. Generally, these canines are predicted to be larger than their typical Basenji parent but smaller than their German Shepherd parent. Their wider gene pool makes it difficult to predict their specific proportions and how long they will be fully grown. Their affectionate and loving traits make them naturally protective when there is a need to be. While they may have occasional outbursts of energy, Basenji Shepherds may sometimes resort to a corner to recharge. Long periods of boredom and lack of physical or mental stimulation may lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors. Basenji German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues The diversity in the genetic pool of the Basenji German Shepherd mix allows them to live a good lifespan that ranges between 7 and 15 years. This is even more guaranteed, provided they have healthy lifestyles and routine health check-ups. Still, mixed breeds stay prone to several health problems that their parent breeds are predisposed to. The following are the prominent health issues found in the Basenji Shepherd mix: Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs more often in dogs with larger proportions. This can lead to pain and dysfunction through arthritis and limited mobility. This occurs in both eyes, with a likelihood of triglycerides and cholesterol deposits forming in the connective tissue of the cornea. The deeper areas it affects, the more swelling and pain can be felt, which may require surgery. Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation may occur as a result of physical injury. This skeletal abnormality involves having their kneecap slip out of its proper place due to a knee injury. In some cases, this condition may also be inherited. You must know the prominent health problems a Basenji Shepherd is at risk of acquiring or developing. Many of these issues can be prevented early on, diagnosed, and treated before they worsen. Always take your pooch for regular vet check-ups and pair this with a healthy lifestyle and nurturing environment. Also, invest in pet insurance for unexpected vet bills that may come along the way. Read more below to be guided on the basic requirements of a Basenji German Shepherd mix. This means feeding your Basenji Shepherd with food that is free from harmful preservatives. Typically, they need to be fed 1 to 3. Meanwhile, at least ten percent of their total calorie intake consists of treats, which can either be frozen fruits, tidbits of meat, or even crackers. Other owners opt for a raw diet called BARF for their dogs, but there are considerations you have to be aware of. You can also check out our guide on how much food to feed a German Shepherd for more references and helpful tips. Cleaning and Grooming The frequency of grooming your Basenji German Shepherd mix depends on their coat type. However, if their German Shepherd ancestry is more prominent in their coat, more tedious grooming is required. Baths may be done every 3 to 4 months or whenever necessary. In addition, make it a habit to brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a week. Their nails should also be trimmed when long or if you hear clicking noises as they walk on the floor. This helps maintain their good posture. Check their ears as well for any signs of infection. Their ear wax color can tell a lot, which may require an emergency visit to the vet. Ear cleaning in dogs must be done with caution by using sanitary materials. This suggests that they need to be mentally stimulated regularly by giving them tasks. Teaching them basic commands, obedience, potty training, and other forms of training come off easy with positive reinforcements. Basenji Shepherds can also participate in lure coursing, dog agility, and rally obedience for advanced training. Meanwhile, during playtime, these furry companions can be seen running around the yard or actively participating in the game of fetch. At least 60 minutes of daily exercise is required to keep them fit and happy. Divide this period into two shorter sessions. You can take them for walks, jogging, hikes, or runs. This also allows them to explore their outside environment. Aside from this one-time payment, there are other recurring expenses you should be prepared for. Puppies require a few essential items, such as a suitable dog bed, treats, water and food bowls, a dog collar, and more. The table below shows a list of the initial expenses associated with owning a Basenji German Shepherd mix: Type of Expense. Here we will talk about the grooming requirement and the dietary requirement of a Basenji German Shepherd Mix. The grooming requirement has also been divided into two subheadings which is brushing their coat and bathing them properly. Other than that, the dietary requirement has also been divided into two subheadings which is food and supplements. You may think that feeding supplements to dogs is not necessary because it is not going to make any much difference which is true. Feeding a supplement to any pure breed dog is not going to make any huge difference but it can prove to be gold for hybrid dogs. You must feed your hybrid dog with supplements because they act as an extra layer of protection against the health concerns that they pose. You might have no that the health concerns that are likely to appear in a hybrid dog is more than any other pure breed dog. Basenji German Shepherd Mix Grooming Requirement The proper and effective grooming can make a huge difference not only in terms of the appearance of a Basenji German Shepherd Mix but also in terms of their healthiness. One of the most important factors of proper and effective grooming is brushing their coat and the second one is bathing them properly. Not all brush available in the market perfectly suits a Basenji German Shepherd Mix coat need. Let me aware of you, a slicker brush is what your Basenji German Shepherd Mix needs. It can easily comb a handful of hair with a single combing. When you brush your Basenji German Shepherd Mix coat in the direction of their hair growth, it becomes very painful for your dog to bear. That is why you must brush a Basenji German Shepherd Mix coat in the direction of their hair growth. Brush your Basenji German Shepherd Mix coat outside your home to prevent the mess from getting collected inside. Always brush German Shepherd Basenji Mix coat twice or thrice a week to keep their grooming perfect. Dry skin is going to promote more shedding and dander forming. Excessive shedding is mostly caused by the excessive bath. Let me aware of you, when you bath a Basenji German Shepherd Mix, their natural oil gets washed away with the water leaving their skin dry. You must use a good quality pet shampoo and conditioner and keep that bathing schedule to a minimum. You must bath your Basenji German Shepherd Mix only once a month with good quality pet shampoo and conditioner or when needed. These are the shampoos and conditioners that are effective enough for your dog. The shampoos are going to help you in removing all kinds of excess loose hair and dirt from the depth of their coat without hurting them or making them lose their natural oil. Feed your Basenji German Shepherd Mix with the right foods and supplements that is necessary to fulfill all his nutritional needs because if their nutritional needs are not fulfilled properly, they will not be able to maintain their body function properly, resulting in not being as healthy as they should be. At that moment, their body will be prone to various kinds of diseases and who knows they may also invite a few. These are the food that has the right balance of nutrients that can fulfill all your Basenji German Shepherd Mix nutritional need along with the taste. You must avoid feeding a dog with any kind of cat food or human-made food. You should also avoid feeding your Basenji German Shepherd Mix with foods that contain grain in it. Grains are harmful to dogs and it may affect their health causing dental problems and gum diseases in the future. Omega 3 fatty acid supplement is the supplement that I have been feeding to my hybrid dogs for the last six months. You must choose Omega 3 fatty acids supplements that have been derived from the wild fish rather than farmed pond fish to get a more effective result. Let me tell you, Omega 3 fatty acid supplements can also help your Basenji German Shepherd Mix in against any kind of dysplasia in the future. Yes, Basenji German Shepherd Mix are good pets if they have been trained and socialized early. Early socialization is important to make them more friendly. Proper training will make them good well-mannered dogs. Your residential location may also fluctuate or lift the puppy price. Try to locate a well-known breeder in your residential location who can avail you of the puppy or help you to get the puppy from another state or country. Another option is to check the availability of the puppy on different websites. Basenji German Shepherd Mix Puppies For Sale Here are few websites where you can always check the availability of your puppy and if you find one then get it delivered to your doorstep right away. After all, these two dog breeds are nearly complete opposites. However, combining the traits of each can have profoundly positive impacts on the puppies of the two. Basenji German Shepherd mixes are equal parts friendly and aloof. They will play with others and have fun but require alone time to recharge. Temperament Basenji German Shepherds are friendly hybrids with loving personalities. The breed loves nothing more than spending time with their favorite people. Basenji German Shepherds are comfortable meeting new people. This breed is highly energetic, and that is reflected in their various habits. In particular, you can expect to see them prowling about the home and running around. Their curiosity and high-tempo personality make them a perfect guard dog. However, they may not alert owners with their voice, but instead an iconic Basenji yodel. One thing to consider is that they will require extensive daily exercise to keep on top of their precious personality. Colors Basenji German Shepherd mixes can be solid tan but may also have a tri-color design resembling the German Shepherd. This coloration depends on which breed offers more genetic makeup to the dog. Some Basenji German Shepherd mixes bear more of a resemblance to one ancestor. Basenji German Shepherds usually have more than one color and may retain the coloration of a Basenji, being tan with white going down the center of its chest. In addition, some examples of the breed can have reddish tones on their coat. You might imagine this would cause the resulting puppies to be a mix of sizes. However, most Basenji German Shepherds will take after their German Shepherd parent, making most puppies on the larger side. While Basenji German Shepherd mixes will typically be smaller than a standard German Shepherd, they can still grow as dense and tall as one. This breed will usually be anywhere from 25 to 80 pounds and can grow up to 25 inches. It may be rare, but some Basenji German Shepherd puppies can be on the smaller end and inherit their Basenji parent genetics for smaller stature. Lifespan Basenji German Shepherds can live between ten to 14 years. However, when the breed receives the proper care and treatment, they may live longer. The longest living dog was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who lived 29 years. Usually, Australian Cattle Dogs live 15 years and no more than that. In contrast, the average German Shepherd has a lifespan of slightly over ten years , while a Basenji ranges from 12 to .When your Basenji German Shepherd mix lives a life full of fun, abundance, and exercise, they may have more years in their life. Health Conditions Basenji German Shepherd mixes are generally healthy. However, some may be susceptible to conditions like hip and joint dysplasia. Allergies may also be common in a Basenji German Shepherd mix. These can manifest in many ways but often result in excessive scratching and itching, and sudden rashes. Some may even have food allergies or environmental allergies that could impact their daily life and make it difficult to do basic things. Watch for signs like itchiness, scratching, and excess salivation since these may indicate an allergy to something in the environment. Training Basenji German Shepherd mixes can be challenging to train. That is partly a consequence of the breed typically borrowing stubbornness from their Basenji parents, making training at home difficult. However, it is not impossible. With time and patience, you can train a Basenji German Shepherd mix, but you will need to be consistent with your approach and methods. With that in mind, consider making a training schedule to follow to ensure that your Basenji German Shepherd mix can rely on predictability and understand what you expect of them. Use training treats, praise, and affection to aid your effort. Moreover, start training young to ensure your Basenji German Shepherd mix puppies and other Basenji Shepherd mixes learn much better and faster. Grooming A German Shepherd Basenji mix may not need much grooming and is hypoallergenic. However, German Shepherds have long hair that will need to be brushed and washed several times a month. German Shepherds are notorious shedders and may leave a trail of hair in the wake. If a Basenji German Shepherd mix inherits their coat type, they will require frequent brushing and hair trimming. Regardless, a Basenji German Shepherd will need to have its nails clipped and filed every couple of weeks, as well. Exercise Basenjis and German Shepherds are active dogs and need plenty of exercises to keep up with the demands their energy calls for them. Although these breeds are calm and mild-mannered, exercise keeps them happy and healthy. Daily walks, runs, or jobs can provide a Basenji German Shepherd mix with the exercise it needs to be happy. Besides more rigorous activities, Basenji German Shepherd mixes can also get exercise from playtime with older children and other pets. Dietary Needs Basenji German Shepherd mixes should be fed a high-quality diet with ample protein and fiber. Avoid food options with by-products, unnecessary sugars, and fillers. Basenji German Shepherd mixes usually take after their Basenji parents in this regard. A Basenji German Shepherd mix will prefer the calmness and quiet typical of an older child. They will also likely enjoy small games like hide-and-seek, tag, fetch, and tug of war. Usually, the breed would rather prowl around their established perimeter, looking for dangers or trouble. Most Basenji German Shepherd mixes are vocal and enjoy using their voice as a typical German Shepherd would. However, some Basenji German Shepherd mixes are barkless and may inherit the short larynx of the Basenji. They can bark, but it causes discomfort. Instead, a Basenji will yodel, scream, and howl—a habit that is most common when they get excited. When a Basenji German Shepherd inherits a short larynx, it may only bark to alert their owners of danger or a need. As with the Basenji, they will likely retain the ability to yodel, mewl, and groan. Basenji German Shepherd mixes are a perfect option for busy families. In particular, the breed requires alone time after social interactions to recharge their batteries and keep themselves happy. Since they are so deeply independent, the breed prefers to prowl around the yard and perimeter at their leisure, looking for potential threats or danger. In that context, you can be confident that your Basenji German Shepherd mix will be comfortable at home while you are away from home. Basenji German Shepherds are stunning and fascinating dogs. However, they are picky and require a lot of care, time, and patience. Basenjis tend to pass down their genetic traits for stubbornness and difficulty training. So, while the mix may be affectionate, they can be challenging to train for verbal commands. Due to this difficulty with training, the breed is best for seasoned dog owners and those with experience training canines. First-time owners may be better suited to a more easily trainable breed. However, first-time dog owners can volunteer at shelters to get some experience before adopting their Basenji German Shepherd. With this approach, a prospective owner will be better prepared to learn how to care for this unique breed. Couples who want a companion for outdoorsy adventures will love introducing a lively Basenji German Shepherd mix into their home. The breed is highly intelligent and loves nothing more than watching out for danger and hunting small creatures that wind up in the backyard. Basenji German Shepherd mixes are also loyal dogs who get attached to their owners and are willing to protect them at all costs. Choosing a Basenji German Shepherd mix will give you a pet full of energy. You will also like:. Brindle and white Tri-Color White is usually in a stereotypical pattern on the chest, legs, and varying proportions of the neck and down the front of the face. The gap in general appearance is huge The German Shepherd is a medium-large dog with moderate to long fur and a substantial undercoat. Basenjis are medium-small dogs with firm pliant skin developed for dense forest undergrowth. The Basenji has short glossy hair and only grows an undercoat if the weather warrants it. Breed-defining wrinkles on the forehead give the Basenji further protection hunting in thick shrubbery. Your puppy could inherit a tightly or semi-curled tail from the Basenji or a low-slung long bushy tail of the German Shepherd. The Shepherd has a sloping topline from shoulders to hips, while the Basenji is level with long legs relative to his body. Athleticism and activity levels are more similar While the German Shepherd is considered the most versatile of working dogs, the Basenji is a remarkable athlete. Basenjis are powerful for their size, agile and fast with a whippet-like double-suspended gallop, and are excellent climbers. German Shepherds have impressive stamina, efficient ground-covering strides, and speed when necessary. Since physical prowess and activity levels are so similar in the two parent breeds, exercise requirement is one of the most predictable qualities of a Basenji Shepherd mix. A mixed puppy will need over an hour of exercise a day. Sedate walks will not be sufficient for his lively personality. Intelligence and trainability do not always go hand in hand According to Good Housekeeping and other lists based on the research of expert canine behaviorists, German Shepherds rank high in intelligence according to most charts. They usually reign in the top two or three with Border Collies and Poodles. While smart, Basenjis ranked No. With a long history of independent cooperation with their owners, Basenjis do not have an inherent desire to please. Whether you get an obedient or uncooperative puppy is a roll of the dice when you blend the two breeds. Both breeds require consistent training and constant mental stimulation. You can use interactive toys or activities like fetch to engage them or add puzzle games. Additional concerns for the Basenji are her ability to scale walls to escape and her speed and disobedience off-leash. Is the German Shepherd Basenji mix a good guard dog? Although Basenjis are not bonafide guard dogs, they are attentive and alert and somewhat aloof with strangers. By body language, a Basenji will let you know of intruders. Some Basenjis are silent, while others will growl, whine, or yodel. German Shepherds are uninhibited in their announcement of threats or guests. German Shepherds can be ferocious defenders of home and family. A Basenji is not nearly as likely to bite preemptively. However, Newslinq ranks them No. Newslinq ranks dogs, like Alsatians and Basenjis, on how much damage they could potentially do if they attack, not necessarily the likelihood they would bite. Will you have a good family dog? A Basenji German Shepherd mix has all the qualities to be a good family dog. German Shepherds are loyal and dedicated while Basenjis are affectionate and attached. Both parent breeds tend to form deep bonds with one person over others. Use caution around other animals Germans Shepherds, if raised with proper socialization, can get along with other animals in the household. Their size and herding instincts, which in some manifests as prey drive, make them untrustworthy around small dogs and cats. A solid hunting background and strong prey drive paired with their unpredictable natures around other dogs describe Basenjis. Therefore, Basenjis do best in single-animal households. What about children? Neither Basenjis nor German Shepherds are great around babies, so you cannot expect a mix to be ideal. Their activity levels make them better candidates for older children. Expect moderate grooming requirements German Shepherds require a thorough brushing at least once or twice a week to remove dead hair and dirt from the undercoat. Regular brushing of Basenjis keeps their skin healthy and coat free from debris. Neither dog requires hair clipping. You should bathe when you deem appropriate. German Shepherds are generally much more amenable to baths than Basenjis, who cannot stand to get their feet wet. Basenjis often groom themselves like a feline and lack the odor and shedding associated with most other dogs. Do you want to talk about the weather? Intuitively, German Shepherds can withstand frigid temperatures much better than Basenjis. Basenjis can handle moderately cold weather for short durations if they are in good physical condition. German Shepherds also handle the heat surprisingly well, but Basenjis are better equipped. Your Basenji mix may not like the dampness of snow or rain. How long will my Alsatian-African Barkless Dog mix live? The different breeds experience divergent health issues and the resultant crosses of the two can exhibit any of them. What is a Basenji? A medium-sized hound dog that comes in many colors from brindle to tan or even black. Basenji stands between 16 and 17 inches 41 and 43 cm tall and weighs between 22 and 24 pounds 10 and 11 kg , the Basenji is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world. Hailing from Africa, this ancient dog has been showcased in artwork from Egypt and Babylon. These skilled hunting dogs were initially used for flushing out small animals. With an excellent sense of sight and smell, strong prey instinct, and smart, energetic nature, this primitive breed has secured their place in history through the ages. They have also been likened to an undersized racehorse with a lean and graceful appearance and a distinctive, fast run. This unique breed is also known for its vertical jumping skill and quiet, bark-free personality, although Basenjis have been known to yodel. Aloof and independent, and cat-like in many ways, the Basenji can be tough to train. With hybrid dog breeding growing in popularity over the years, many Basenji mix dogs are available today. Keep reading to discover more about some of the top Basenji cross breeds and discover which one is right for your home. Although small in stature, the Basenji Chi packs a punch, with a big, super-friendly personality. With an alert nature, the Chisenji also surprisingly makes an excellent watchdog. The Labrador Retriever adds a loving, intelligent side to the Basenji, making them a perfect choice for active families that can attend to their high-energy needs. First-time owners must be warned the Labrasenji can have a problematic, stubborn streak, which makes training a challenge, while these dogs are also known to shed a fair amount. With early and consistent socialization and training, the German Shepenji can make for a fantastic watchdog. Just be aware, this particular Basenji mix is guaranteed to shed a lot! Also, due to the German Shepherd parent, this cross can be prone to developing hip dysplasia. As both the hound-type parent breeds are known for their great noses and excellent hunting instincts, the Baseagle should never be trusted off a leash when out for a walk. When it comes to human interactions, the Basenji breed is wary of strangers, while the Beagle is super friendly, so you can expect this Basenji mix to sit somewhere in the middle. This Beagle mix breed will grow to around 20 to 30 pounds 9 to 14 kg and will resemble the Beagle predominantly when it comes to appearance, often exhibiting the tricolor coat and shorter legs. The Whippet Basenji mix will weigh between 22 and 40 pounds 10 and 18 kg. If given the proper attention and love, the Pitsenji can make a very loving family pet and an excellent guard dog. The Corgi side also gives the Corsenhi an affectionate, friendly, and fun-loving nature, with this playful pooch being overly devoted to its family yet also displaying an independent streak. The Basenjipoo dog could have the curly hair of the poodle or the straight coat of the Basenji. Also, with Poodles coming in toy, miniature or standard size, a fully grown Basenjipoo could weigh anywhere between 4 and 70 pounds 2 and 32 kg. Either way, with these intelligent parent breeds, you are guaranteed one super-smart pup! Akita Basenji mix Cross the Akitz spitz-type breed of dog with the Basenji, and you will end up with a powerful and brave dog. Although robust, active, and fiercely independent, the Akita Basenji also loves people and is exceptionally loyal, making them excellent guard dogs. Thus the Eskenji can weigh anything from 6 to 35 pounds 3 to 16 kg. This vibrant and energetic Basenji mix will have a strong hunting drive and will need regular exercise to avoid setting in destructive tendencies. With this crossbreed, you can expect year-round shedding with seasonally based blowouts. These hardy, healthy dogs can have a lifespan of around 16 years, with the Blue Heeler holding the Guinness World Record as the oldest dog. Due to these innate instincts, families with small children may also want to avoid this particular Basenji mix. This crossbreed will have intense hunting and sporting instincts that need consistent, reward-based training to keep in check. Be sure never to be too harsh with this sensitive breed that can shut down quickly. Great Dane Basenji mix AKA Great Dasenji An affectionate and loving crossbreed, the Great Dane Basenji mix will form lasting bonds with family members, particularly children, but may be more reserved when it comes to strangers. An active and sensitive crossbreed, the Great Basenji will also benefit from plenty of exercise. This crossbreed weighs between 22 and 70 pounds 10 and 32 kg and will have a sleek, athletic appearance. You can expect some light shedding with the Greyhound Basenji mix. Exhibiting determination and endurance, this Basenji mix will excel in rally, obedience, and agility challenges. Due to the Italian Greyhound parent side of this cross, the Italian Greysenji can be a touch clingy. Due to the Jack Russell parent, the Jack Basenji can show an aggressive side, particularly towards other canines. That is why it is best that this dog rather be the only dog in your home. Saluki Basenji mix The graceful and lean Saluki Basenji mix breed is a handsome natural athlete with both parent breeds developed in ancient times as hunting and racing dogs. These dogs can have difficulty adapting to life as a companion dog in a family home and thus need specialized and dedicated training and socialization from a young age. With both parent breeds requiring low maintenance, the cross of these two is easy to care for with a short, smooth coat that sheds a little. The hybrid dog is likely to have an alert, curious personality with high energy levels. However, they will also have a friendly and affectionate side as well, making them a good choice for active families with older children. With so many mixes out there, it can be challenging to choose the perfect Basenji puppy. With some better suited to guard dog duties, others will make loving companion pets, while others still will love to run with energetic owners. An excellent place to start your search for a crossbreed to call your own is at a Basenji rescue center. Do you have a Basenji mix? Let us know below. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. The German Shepherd Breed German Shepherd dogs are renowned for their incredible intelligence, bravery, reliability, and immense loyalty to those they trust. This breed strikes an iconic appearance with graceful curves and a muscular, agile form. The large dog is renowned for its willingness to risk its life for the sake of others, which has made them famous as guard dogs and loyal companions. German Shepherds are known for being a good fit for experienced pet owners who are willing to provide a lot of activity, exercise, and enrichment. The Basenji Breed The Basenji is easily recognizable by its compact, adorable appearance. Originating from Africa, the Basenji is a unique hound-type dog with a shiny, short coat and a cute curled tail. A wrinkled forehead and emotive eyes also make the Baseni often seem to display human-like emotions! Basenji dogs are very fastidious creatures, with a tendency to groom themselves a lot and be picky, poised, and somewhat demanding. This means that the breeds can mix together in a vast number of different ways. A German Shepenji can bear an equal resemblance to both of its parents or most to just one of them. Even puppies within the same litter of this mix may not look like siblings at all. Size: Basenjis are compact dogs, and German Shepherds are large. When mixed, the results can be anywhere from a relatively small pup to a bigger one, depending on how genes are transferred. In general, you can expect a Basenji German Shepherd mix to have a height of between 45 and 55 cm for males and 40 and 50 cm for females. In other words, the mix loses the larger size of the German Shepherd, going to a more compact appearance. You can expect a German Shepenji to weigh anywhere from 22 to 90 pounds, depending on their specific height and length. Grooming Requirements: The coat that a Basenji German Shepherd mix ends up with can depend on each dog. However, mostly, you should expect moderate requirements for grooming. Here are some aspects of grooming to keep in mind. Brushing German Shepherds have medium double coats with a soft undercoat and a close-lying, harsh, and dense outer coat. Brushing is easy, and the coat is simple to maintain, needing about one or two brushing per week to get rid of dirt and loose hair. Basenjis, on the other hand, have a very short coat that needs just a quick brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt per week to distribute healthy oils. As such, a mix of the two breeds will likely require a couple of brushes per week, with occasional shedding depending on the thickness of the coat. No clipping of fur is required. A German Shepenji will, therefore, not need frequent baths either. Too much bathing is likely to dry out its skin and cause irritation. Trimming and grinding down these nails is crucial to ensure that their walking is not affected by too-long nails. Expect that level of necessary care for a mix of the two breeds, too. Strength: Basenjis and German Shepherds are both highly athletic and energetic dogs. As such, a German Shepenji is typically quite strong for its size, though this will depend on the individual dog. These dogs, while not as strong as their Shepherd parents, can use their high energy to pull, push, or carry items that can seem impressive for their smaller stature! Speed: Once again, we have to look at the athleticism of both Basenji and German Shepherd dogs. Both of them love to run and burn off their energy at quick speeds. Just like with strength, a mix of these breeds will lose some of the iconic speed of their Shepherd parents but will maintain an impressive rush for their size. Basenji German Shepherd mixes can be wonderful family dogs, but they need to be trained well first, especially if there will be very young children around. These dogs can have sharp and unpredictable personalities, so proper socialization and training is needed from a young age to allow them to be good family dogs. When trained well, a German Shepenji can be a fierce protector and loving guardian of its loved ones. Both parent breeds form deep, close bonds with their owners and families, so you can expect the same from the mixed mutt. With that being said, the Shepenji is one of the few exceptions to that rule. Health: Both German Shepherds and Basenjis have their fair share of health concerns, as do most purebred dogs. The benefit of mutts is that they often have stronger protection against the breed-related troubles of their parents. German Shepherds are at risk for: Hip dysplasia.

Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. We have answers. Of course! What makes Uptown different from other places with German Shepherd puppies in Charlotte? One of our main priorities is to make your puppy search as stress-free as possible. To do this, we pre-screen every one of the Charlotte German Shepherd breeders within our network. They all have to sign our Breeder Pledge, which details our expectations in terms of breeding ethics, healthcare, and looking after those adorable pups! Are there any Charlotte German Shepherd puppies for sale right now? But be warned, these little pups are seriously in demand, so they can get reserved in a very short space of time. Once you see a pup you like, we recommend contacting their breeder as soon as you can. Do you have the cheapest German Shepherds for sale Charlotte? Setting out to buy the cheapest puppy can end up in heartbreak. Those cheap puppies that seem like a bargain are often poorly bred in puppy mills, and can suffer from both behavioral issues and ongoing health problems. When you buy a puppy, remember their price is a reflection of the time, dedication, and expertise it takes to breed them! Uptown is pro-shelter, and we think every single dog deserves to find a loving home. And only you can make that decision! How do I know that my German Shepherd for sale in Charlotte will be healthy? As well as having a robust breeding program, our partners will give each of their puppies the best healthcare too! Is it enough to walk German Shepherd puppies Charlotte, or do they need more exercise? German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels, so these dogs need regular, active walks. Just as important is to make sure your dog gets plenty of opportunities to use their brains as well. Training sessions, plenty of play time and learning new tricks and commands will keep your German Shepherd happy in body and mind. Will a German Shepherd for sale Charlotte make a good family dog? German Shepherds absolutely adore being part of a loving family. They will shower you all in affection as well as watching over you loyally. What will a Charlotte German Shepherd for sale be like to train? The German Shepherd is one of the best working breeds in the world. Signing up for puppy training classes will help you find the methods that suit your puppy best, as well as give you lots of opportunities to find out just how smart they are. We are a small family operated kennel located in the Northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. I only have dogs with excellent temperaments, good minds, strong character and nerves, nice structure and willing to please attitudes. Puppies will all have plenty of drive for training and working, but not over the top prey-monster types. Some will have more drive than others and will be very suited to sport, police K9, and other working endeavors. While other puppies will be a bit more laid back and fit in well with families as companion dogs. Over these years Janette has evaluated many hundreds of puppies and has become very adept at pegging what an individual puppy will be like as an adult. Robert Oglesby and Janette Oglesby have been involved with German Shepherd Dogs, puppy care, and training for many years. In her previous life Janette was a veterinary practice manager, veterinary technician, and kennel manager. During the past 15 years she has been evaluating, working, training, titling, and breeding these fabulous dogs. Robert, now retired, has been in veterinary practice for over 32 years and maintains the successful website www. He is responsible for the veterinary care of the dogs. A Little About the German Shepherds Our male and females are often purchased titled or started prospects from Europe after a thorough evaluation. We also use quality outside males for genetic and color diversity. More recently we are breeding, raising, training, then titling our own dogs. Occasionally some of these older puppies or young green dogs are available. Our goal is to be able to offer your family the opportunity to welcome into your home your new best friend and family protector. Coldwater German Shepherds.

Temperament: Eager to please, loyal and affectionate. Their thick fur often sticks out in all directions and can grow long enough to cover their eyes. Despite this scruffy appearance they have sweet endearing eyes that will quickly earn your love and affection. However just by looking at a German Shepherd Poodle mix you can see their strength. As both parent breeds are sturdy and muscular this mix will also have an athletic build. Their beautifully sculpted bodies and long tails give them an undeniable aura of strength and confidence. Height and Weight These mixes can weigh anywhere from lbs. Their weight can vary a lot and will depend on which parent breed they inherit more genes from. As both parents are tall their height is slightly easy to predict — they are typically inches in height. Colors and Coat There is not much color variation with these pups. Shepadoodles can be either black, cream, tan, sable or gray. Their fur can be wavy like a German Shepherd or curly like a Poodle. If your pooch inherits the fur of a German Shepherd they will probably shed a bit more. But if you are lucky enough that your dog has the curly coat of a Poodle then they will shed very lightly and may even be hypoallergenic. Regardless of the texture of their coat, it will be medium length fur that is soft to the touch. The German Shepherd Poodle Mix hybrid was originally developed in the s to be used as military police dogs for the U. Both the German Shepherd and the Poodle originate from Germany. Poodles can come in three sizes standard, mini, and toy but most German Shepherd Poodle mixes are bred with a Standard Poodle parent. Chew toys can greatly help reduce separation anxiety with these dogs. These bundles of energy would happily play all day long if you were willing. They love running around, hiking, fetching balls and especially playing with toys. They are one of the most playful breeds in existence and they will always be in search of a new playmate. German Shepherd Poodle mixes are friendly and loving souls that will quickly become another member of your family. These affectionate pups love to be the center of attention and will happily snuggle up with you on the couch. This dog will quickly become your second shadow and will always be with you. Because of their strong attachment to their humans they often develop separation anxiety and cannot be left alone for long periods of time. This breed is extremely hardworking and can diligently perform any job you train them for. German Doodles are extremely intelligent and are ready to work if you are willing to give them a job. These dogs rarely bark. However due to their protective nature when someone new approaches your house they will bark. They are a bit aloof with strangers and it will take a while until they can trust them. However once a stranger has proven themselves worthy this mix will give them their unfailing loyalty and demand their affection. These protective pups will keep your children safe and will be their best friend. They form extremely strong bonds with their family members and are friendly and playful. Caring for a German Shepherd Poodle Mix Beyond their high demand for exercise and mental stimulation the German Shepherd Poodle mix is a fairly low-maintenance breed. These intelligent pups are easy to train and have low grooming requirements. Their diet is also fairly easy to manage as they will eat just about any food that you put in front of them. Because they are so easy to care for this breed would make a great choice for first-time dog owners. Exercise Requirements The biggest part of caring for them is keeping them active. These strong athletes love to exercise — running, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or skilfully completing agility courses are all favorites. They need at least hours of exercise each day in addition to their daily walks. Because these dogs need plenty of time and space to run all the energy out of their bodies, they do not typically do well living in an apartment. Apartments are far too small for these gentle giants and they need lots of space to roam around outside. If you are not dedicated to properly exercising your German Doodle they will become cranky. These dogs love their active lifestyles and they get bent out of shape when they do not get to run around as much as they want to. They will most likely express this to you by chewing on your belongings. If they inherit the fur of their German Shepherd parent, they will have thick, long, wavy fur that falls out frequently. Regardless of the texture it is recommended that you brush these dogs times per week. This helps to stop it becoming tangled and matted. While you are brushing your dog you should check their skin for any abnormalities. This breed is prone to sensitive and dry skin so you will want to examine them for any irritation, redness, swelling, rashes or bald spots. Feeding and Diet This breed can vary a lot in weight depending on which parent breed they take after. Smaller hybrids will only need about 2 cups of food per day, but if your dog is on the larger side they will need 4 cups of food per day. If you are unsure then it is best you speak with a veterinarian to make sure your pooch maintains a healthy weight. Make sure you spread their meals out over meals per day. They can suffer from bloat so make sure you space out their eating times. Also they can easily become overweight so make sure to feed them a diet that is low in carbs and high in protein. Hip and elbow dysplasia are not uncommon because of how often these dogs are running around. Osteoarthritis is also common in this mixed breed. Closely watch your dog for any signs of discomfort or pain while they exercise and alert your veterinarian with any concerns. Other possible health issues involve bloat, allergies and hemophilia. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! Like other mixed breed dogs , the German shepherd and standard poodle cross inherits traits from both parent breeds, which means the dogs can range in size, weight, appearance, and temperament. These dogs can have the coarse, dense, black and tan coats that German shepherds are known for, or sport curlier, low-shedding coats that are the hallmark of their poodle parent. Both German shepherds and poodles are known for being active, intelligent breeds and the shepadoodle remains true to his roots. He's a dog that needs a lot of exercise, consistent training, and because shepadoodles descend from two working dog breeds he'll be happiest with a job to do. Appearance Just like German shepherds and standard poodles, shepadoodles are large dogs. Full-grown shepadoodles stand 22—28 inches tall and weigh between 60—90 pounds, but that's where the mixed breed's consistency ends. These pups can look totally different from one another, depending on which parent they take after more. Courtesy of teddy. But it's certainly possible to see the poodle influence in their coats, too, says Sally Hammond, director of Doodle Dandy Rescue in Texas. Temperament Though German shepherds and poodles differ in appearance, these distinct breeds do share some personality traits. Hammond says both were developed as working dogs and are prized for their intelligence, athleticism, trainability, and need for mental stimulation. As a German shepherd and poodle mix, shepadoodles embody all of these characteristics. Hammond says a well-exercised and well-trained! He needs an owner who can keep him busy and engaged so his sharp mind doesn't become bored. A shepadoodle is no different—these are not dogs that like to spend a lot of time alone, and their families should be prepared to meet their social needs. Living Needs When it comes to the best environment for the shepadoodle, Hammond says the more space, more interaction, more exercise, and more training, the better. Poodles are known as champion barkers , she says, and German shepherds will sound the alarm when there are deliveries or noise from neighbors. So if you don't want passive aggressive glances from neighbors in the hallway, think twice before bringing a shepadoodle into your unit or commit to training them not to bark at passersby. But even with a yard, you shouldn't expect your shepadoodle to entertain himself. Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that love running , hiking , and swimming. This is not a dog that will be satisfied with a quick walk around the block ; expect to devote a few hours a day to helping your shepadoodle burn off his energy. And because they're so energetic, big shepadoodles might be a little much for a family with small children. Care To keep a shepadoodle mix happy, he needs plenty of exercise—both for his muscles and his brain. The breed excels in agility , obedience, and flyball. Hammond also suggests nose work for these dogs, in either a formal or informal setting: "Take them outside on a leash and let them smell things," she says. Training is essential. Not only are shepadoodles highly intelligent and eager to learn new things, but without adequate mental stimulation the breed will get bored and exhibit some unwelcome behaviors like chewing or barking. Get a trainer and keep up the training. As with all dogs, always use positive reinforcement methods and reward your shepadoodle's good behavior. Another constant of shepadoodle care is grooming. Whether he inherits the German shepherd's flat, coarse coat or the curly poodle locks, he'll need to be brushed several times throughout the week. If you have a curly-coated shepadoodle, you'll need to schedule regular appointments with a professional groomer, too. Remember keeping up with nail trims , routine dental care , and monthly preventives to protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease are also an essential part of caring for your shepadoodle. Check and clean his ears , too, especially if he spends a lot of time swimming. Health Shepadoodles are fairly healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10—14 years. But they are susceptible to some health issues inherited from their parents. Poodles are prone to progressive retinal atrophy , a group of eye diseases that cause the retinal cells to degenerate, leading to blindness. The diseases can be diagnosed in puppies and older dogs and, while it causes no pain, there is also no treatment. Your vet may recommend antioxidant supplements to delay cataracts and prolong vision. It's a progressive disease that targets the spinal cord and causes hind limb weakness and paralysis; lack of balance and dragging hind feet are the earliest symptoms. There is no treatment or cure for degenerative myelopathy. Hip dysplasia is also commonly diagnosed in German shepherds. It's a condition that causes the joints in the hip to grind because the joint and socket do not fit together. Common treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery. Perhaps the biggest shepadoodle health condition to be aware of is gastric dilatation volvulus, or bloat. This is a life-threatening condition when gas stretches the stomach, causing it to twist and cut off blood to the stomach. Both poodles and German shepherds plus other breeds with deep chests and thin waists are prone to bloat. Gastropexy, a preventive procedure that involves stitching the stomach to the side of the body, is sometimes recommended for bloat-prone breeds. History After the first documented "doodle" dog a Labradoodle was bred in the s, demand for the designer breed took off. This led to interest in crossing poodles with other breeds, such as—you guessed it—German shepherds. And, without formal breed registration, little is known about how the breed originated. But the shepadoodle's parent breeds both have rich histories. Poodles originated as hunting dogs in Germany and are the national dog of France. German shepherds are another German breed and have a long resume as working dogs for militaries and police departments around the world. Fun Facts The shepadoodle isn't the only popular and loved! German shepherd mix. There's also the Gerberian shepsky a German shepherd and husky mix , the golden shepherd a German shepherd and golden retriever mix , and a sheprador a German shepherd and Labrador retriever mix. There are a lot of popular poodle mixes out there, too, including the goldendoodle a poodle and golden retriever cross , Bernedoodle a poodle and Bernese mountain dog cross and Yorkie-poo a poodle and Yorkie mix. Was this page helpful? Shepdoodle Description The Shepadoodle is not a purebred dog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is almost 11 months old. His dad was a German Shepherd and his mom was a Standard Poodle. He weighs about 76 pounds. Bailey is a kind and loving dog. He loves other dogs and kids. He is very shy in meeting new people but once he decides he likes the person they become almost like his friends as my family calls it. Everyone loves meeting him! He at weeks-old was super quick to learn sit, shake and down. House training was a breeze with him. All and all I would say he is an amazing dog who is vocal and is to smart for his own good! Bailey is a big goofball I laugh at him everyday! He loves all people and other dogs. Very obedient, he excels at any type of training. We get his grooming done every 3 weeks. Kyser has been a joy to have in our family, even when he is having a "Kyser bratty moment" everyone still loves his goofy personality and sweet temperament. His owners call him.We've had her for just over a month now and couldn't be happier with her; she fit right into our family of two kids and two other dogs. The variance of weights may be attributed to the contrasting sizes of its parent breeds. Their height may range from 22 to 24 inches. The German Shepherd Poodles have a medium-length coat. It may inherit either the curly type coat of the Poodle parent breed or the wavy type coat of the German Shepherd. The coat colors can be a mixture of gray, black, cream, tan, and sable. The Poodle German Shepherd mix features the energy and courage of the German Shepherd breed in a subtler way. You would appreciate its loving nature and energy as you play together. The German Shepherd crossed with Poodle dogs is intelligent. This trait enables faster training and easier acquisition of skills and commands. These dogs can become service dogs if trained appropriately. This crossbreed tends to be a great family dog. It needs to be around people most of the time. If left unattended, it may develop separation anxiety and other negative psychologic disposition. It is crucial to be selective in choosing where you would get the dog. A responsible breeder must be knowledgeable about the breed and the optimal conditions where he grows the dog. Aside from thorough research of canine resources and breeders, it is optimal to visit the home of the breeder or the kennel of the venue. You can also inspect how the parent breed is living. You must observe the cleanliness, odor, and other factors for the living conditions of your future family member. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Another important variable in buying the crossbreed is good communication with the breeder. The professional breeder can help you if you encounter some problems. These sources have inconsistencies and unreliability. If you are doubtful of breeders, you could check out a few non-profit rescue centers for particular dog breeds. The German Shepherd Poodles may shed lightly to moderately, based on the dominant genes between their parent breeds. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. It is worth giving some time instead of becoming frustrated when the dog gets ill. It also aids in removing loose hair. You may opt to use of a slicker for untangling mats or knots in the fur. The slicker brush is capable of penetrating the thick layers of the double coat and enable a wonderful grooming session. The coat of the German Shepherd Poodles needs two to four times of brushing per week. Its active lifestyle contributes to becoming more unkempt faster than other less energetic breeds. Daily brushing is necessary during the seasons of undercoat shedding. I advise that you groom the dog on a flat surface or clean table. It is better to do the activity in a tranquil and peaceful environment to reduce the chances of irritability. It is essential that you apply gentle touches and as minimal pressure as possible. Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs are mainly odor-free and pristine. Their bathing schedule maybe once every two to three months. Human shampoo is prohibited. You should only use a shampoo formula that is hypoallergenic and neutral pH. In grooming the Poodle mixed with German Shepherd dogs, you must also pay attention to the small parts such as the teeth, nails, eyes, nose, paws, and ears. You should look thoroughly for signs of eye, nose, or ear infections. If you are unsure of clipping the nails, I advise that you set an appointment with a local groomer. The nails are important parts of the dog, and they easily chip off by accident. The procedure for brushing the teeth of the German Shepherd Poodles is the same for brushing your own teeth. You will need some extra time to allow for familiarity to settle in. You must conduct the activity in a gradual manner. Its health status and risk factors depend on genetic inheritance and environmental factors. The parent breeds Poodle and German Shepherd have a variety of differences in health predilections and benefits. Below is a list of the usual health problems observed in the combination of a Poodle and a German Shepherd: Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition occurs often in heavy dogs. It is caused by the displacement of the thighbone and hip joint. Perianal Fistula: This illness occurs mainly in the parent breed German Shepherd. This happens when the skin surrounding the anus drains and communicates with an internal cavity. The wounds on the anus may cause foul smelling discharge and infections. Tick and flea infestations: This condition is mostly caused by poor grooming habits. This is also a reminder of how crucial grooming can be. Osteoarthritis: This degenerative disorder is a result of aging. It leads to difficulty and pain when utilizing the affected joint. In German Shepherd crossbreeds, the most affected part is the spine. Hemophilia: This is a blood disorder that manifests as prolonged wound closure and healing and excessive bleeding. It is incurable but manageable. It is important to notice this early on the life of the dog. One of the primary prevention methods you can do is having consistent schedules with the veterinarian. These visits will allow you to track the course of health problems. These visits can also help reassure you if you notice some suspicious signs that need to be addressed. A minimum of an annual checkup is recommended for dogs with no warning signs. Poodle Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements Achieving the best health status for your dog is dependent greatly on the nutrition that you provide. The quality of the dog food is crucial in the overall diet plan and the difference between worst dry dog food and best dry dog food is huge! The amount will vary from one dog to another, heavily based on its weight, level of activity, size, and age. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Poodle mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 4 cups of high-quality kibbles. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. The size of the pooch should dictate the choice between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food. When it comes to age, appropriate recipes for whelps, like best puppy food brands , will help your furry pal thrive. Once they enter their golden years, the best senior dry dog food will help to keep their brittle bones stronger! Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is crucial in the growth of strong bones, teeth, eyes, and joints. It has a vital role in the immune system as well. Phosphorus is needed for the proper development of joint and bones. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It contains deboned and rich chicken with peas, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and apples. It has a savory flavor that your dog will truly love. It helps in the joint and hip function due to the chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. Dog For Dog Food : This recipe is rich in amino acids for strong and lean muscles. It has high-quality protein and a hefty amount of carbohydrates to sustain the energy level of the dogs. It contains essential vitamins and minerals as well. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Natural Balance L. It has a mild and selected mixture of protein and carbohydrates to help in digesting the food more easily. The carbohydrates in this formulation may be garbanzo beans, brown rice, potatoes, and peas. It also features the right amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny and healthy coat. You should consult with a veterinarian if you have more inquiries about the nutritional needs of the dog and if you want to have a detailed diet plan. It is better to monitor the food intake and food reaction of your dog to assess the nutritional status. Your pooch may otherwise suffer from a nutritional imbalance, which can be fixed by giving them Nutra Thrive dog food supplement or any similar product. Naturally, talking to the vet is essential before resorting to food supplements so make sure you make an appointment prior to buying them. They need to have an adequate amount of physical activity of at least one hour. To capture the attention of your dog, you will need an adequate combination of mental and physical stimulation for this mixed breed. The dogs will enjoy jogging, playing fetch, and hiking. One activity that you can include in the exercise period is a chewing activity. It can rebound when compressed, allowing a more dynamic playtime for the dog. You can fill the tire walls with treats. On some days, you would choose to stay at home and allow your dog to play inside the house. You would need to have a playpen with adequate space. It has a coating finish for preventing rust build-up. It can be assembled more easily. You can also use this with non-climbing small animals. Poodle Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Poodle dogs has a boundless potential to become therapy and service dogs, particularly in the military. You will need proper training for effective behavior and skill acquisition. They can be very adept to agility training. The training sessions could be stressful for the dogs, so it is crucial that you are there for them to boost their morale. Here are some tips on training the German Shepherd Poodles: Positive rewards-based system: This system is one of the most effective among the techniques. Dogs tend to learn better in a gentle and supportive atmosphere, as humans do. Positive words and gestures will help reinforce learning and avoid discomfort and other negative emotions. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Limit the duration of the training sessions: Misbehaviors often result from long periods of training. If you do this technique, your dog can focus better on the training periods. Take advantage of its young age: Puppies learn the fastest among the age range of dogs. You need to be consistent and reasonable when training puppies. A good training period can boost the relationship between the owner and the dog. There are available experienced dog trainers that you may contact if training proves to be extremely challenging. These family-friendly dogs enjoy the company of the little ones. It is important to set an example for children in how to treat the dog with respect and love. German Shepherd mixed with Poodle pups may crave attention. You should set aside some time to attend to their needs, because this may contribute to the development of separation anxiety. You can subject the dog for early socialization. This process will help in achieving better adjustment and more loving family dynamic. It will help the dog distinguish between good and bad stimuli and emotions. It can also make them feel at ease with the new environment, especially when you acquire them from another home. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to your family. They would bring excitement to the household, and they help cultivate the spirit of closeness. Life Span Did You Know? These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and loving. They bond closely with their families, are protective of them, and are affectionate with them. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Shepadoodle, but they are recognized by other dog registries. Shepadoodles make great family dogs. They are playful and energetic, and they get along well with children and other dogs. Their high prey drive can be a challenge with smaller pets in the household. They do well with pets that are part of the family unit and they were raised with, but will need extra socialization and training in other cases. Because they are naturally protective, they are initially wary of strangers. If they have been properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced, but it may take a little bit of time before they are comfortable. They also tend to bark to alert you, which can become a nuisance if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Shepadoodles are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they require so much daily exercise and mental stimulation, they do not tend to do well in apartments. They are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond closely with their families, are protective, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. The Shepadoodle is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and responds well to training. They are lifelong learners that love learning new things. Generally, they are easy to train, but they do require a confident, respectful, and firm leader that can provide structured, consistent training. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners or owners that do not have experience training a large dog. Because of this, puppy training classes or a professional dog trainer are recommended. A Shepadoodle coat will either be non-shedding like the Poodle or low-shedding if they take a little bit more after their GSD parent. Either way, they will need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats and professional grooming every weeks. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care along with cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and extra activity are usually enough for them. A fully-grown Shepadoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Some Shepadoodles have weighed in at over pounds, so you will want to meet the parents to get a better idea of what size to expect once your Shepadoodle is done growing. Shepadoodles were developed in the s by the United States Army. The goal was to create a highly intelligent service dog that did not shed much. Featured Shepadoodle Article.

The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. While looking through the different stages of growth you can see the rough size of German Shepherd puppies at different stages of their life by comparing the ages to a German Shepherd growth chart. Important Note: Once a puppy has been weened off milk it is essential that the puppy is given a high quality puppy food to ensure proper development. A lack of proper nutrients can result in ears not rising, smaller than normal dogs and health complications in later life. In my opinion Blue Buffalo Puppy Food is the best available on the market. German Shepherd puppies, as with all other dog breeds, are born with their eyes and ears closed. At this stage the GSD puppies are completely dependent on their mothers for care, food and the like and the newborn puppies are relatively immobile. A small section of the umbilical cord will still be attached to the German Shepherd puppy - this will dry up and fall off on its own within a few days. The first 3 days are the most critical in a GSD puppies life. Birth is the beginning of the neonatal period in GSD development and it lasts roughly 2 weeks. Typically the puppies will curve into a comma type shape when picked up. This is because their nervous system at this time is still very immature. Additionally, they can't eliminate unless the mother, or caregiver, stimulates their anus or urethra by licking or gently rubbing the area. Gentle, frequent handling by humans is very helpful from this age onward. As their nervous system development continues they will now also now arch their backs when they are picked up and held rather than curving into a more comma shaped position as before. Around Day 7 German Shepherd puppies now begin to crawl more readily and more often during this phase of GSD development. Short periods of daily handling and exposure to some stimuli can also be very beneficial to stimulate weight gain in the puppy, earlier eye opening, hair growth and motor development in all members of the GSD litter. The German Shepherd puppies eyes will appear to be blue in color at first even though they can't focus right now. They will be able to see shapes after about 2 weeks of age during continued GSD development. Around Day 14 The German Shepherd pups eyes and ears should be fully open by now and many may have their first incisor teeth beginning to erupt. The puppies should also be crawling quite well by this time. This is the beginning of the transitional period of GSD development which typically lasts about a week or so. This is also a period of profound changes in the German Shepherd puppies growth and development. The German Shepherd puppy will begin to be more independent from it's mom during this time. During this time the German Shepherd puppies will begin to eliminate on their own and should start walking within 2- to 3 days by about day 16 or so - very shaky at first, but with practice growing legs will soon become less wobbly. You can observe tail wagging as well as the beginning of play fighting. German Shepherd puppies will also be eliminating on their own by this time. Around Day 21 Around this date the German Shepherd puppy will move from the transitional phase into the socialization period of GSD development. By this time GSD puppies should be able to walk pretty well, with a more adult-like gait. They will also begin a more active exploration of their environments and that of their GSD litter mates. This period is thought to last from about 2. This is an extremely important time for the emotional and social development of the German Shepherd puppy. This is also a period of dramatic changes in your German Shepherd puppies life. This is the period in GSD development when puppies can form bonds with species outside of its own such as human beings. This is also the time when the puppy can identify their own species as well as being able to identify future social partners. Oftentimes, the peak of sensitivity to the formation of social bonds is described to be between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is also called the fear period in GSD development! Around Week 4 By now social play becomes an important factor in GSD development and German Shepherd puppies learn how to interact with litter mates and adult animals of their species as well. They can also play with toys, play fight, play with humans and other animals and are beginning to eat other soft foods to supplement their mother's milk. Many times the GSD puppies are fearless during this time - exploring their environment and all that is about them. This is also a good time for continued exposure to new and novel things, to various people and other kinds of animals, all while the German Shepherd puppy continues to develop. The socialization stage is very important in the growth of GSD development, however it should be looked at within the context of the developing emotional system of the puppy. At around 3 - 5 weeks of age attraction responses in German Shepherd puppies are very strong. These kinds of responses begin to diminish between 5 - 7 weeks of age as fear responses begin to emerge. It is important to note that early socialization is tremendously important in the development of well-adjusted GSD puppies. During these few weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will also learn how to play and communicate with it's littermates, respond to humans it comes in contact with and how to get along safely in the adult dog world. Around Week 6 German Shepherd puppies begin exhibiting more adult like behaviors such as mounting of other litter mates and demonstrating dominance roles. Sniffing of tails and noses also becomes an important part of the greeting process among their canine peers. Between about 7 - 9 weeks of age the fear response may become so strong as to begin to overwhelm the attraction response. For other puppies the social motivation to make contact may very well overcome any wariness during this phase of GSD development. Around weeks 7 - 12 Among other things, this is an ideal age of socializing your German Shepherd puppy to humans, other animals and new surroundings and objects. It also a great time to learn such important skills as: leash training, housebreaking, crate training, accepting gentle handling and grooming and to accept human domination and control. The socialization period is absolutely critical in GSD development and acceptance of other animal species. If a GSD puppy is not exposed to horses, sheep, goats, other dogs, cats or small children before it reaches 12 weeks, it is likely it will never accept them. You may also observe that your German Shepherd pups ears are beginning to come up in some form or fashion. Don't be surprised by the wild and interesting shapes that they may take on as they mature. As the puppy goes through the teething process the ears will go up and down and will do all sorts of weird things - one up one down; one flopping to the left, the other to the right; both in the center, etc. This period is thought to occur from the end of the primary socialization period through sexual maturity. Motor skills are increasing for the GSD puppy. During this time the puppy is still refining both learning and social skills as well. While puppies in this phase can learn quite well, they are easily distracted and very hard to keep on task. This is an excellent time to start puppy kindergarten. This is also a good time to start being very aware of your GSD puppies ear carriage. Around 4 Months German Shepherd puppies will begin to lose their puppy teeth and will soon replace them with their adult teeth, generally starting with the incisors. Young German Shepherds will continue to learn about their environment and all the individuals in it throughout their social maturization process. This is often the time when older puppies are learning about their social relationships within the environment they live. Social maturity takes more time to achieve than sexual maturity. In the beginning of social maturity dogs will begin to display more mature, adult social behaviors. This time is thought to vary between breeds and from dog to dog and to occur anywhere from 12 - 36 months of age, especially in the larger breeds such as German Shepherds. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good place to start. If your German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing up by this time on their own it is a good time to consider taping them. Detailed directions for this process can be found here. Overall, most of the puppies internal body systems are nearly "adult" even though the skeleton is still growing and will for some time to come. In many respects your German Shepherd puppy is now a "small adult". The heart rate has decreased again to about 70 BPM and by the end of this month the GSD puppy should have a full set of adult teeth. Also an important milestone: German Shepherd females reach sexual maturity and have their first estrus heat period. If the GSD's ears are not up by this time you need to take action quickly to get them up before it is too late. Read the article on ear taping. Around 7 - 12 Months German Shepherd males reach sexual maturity and begin to hike their leg when urinating. It is important to be especially firm and consistent about setting limits and enforcing commands during this time since your older GSD puppy may challenge dominance of other dogs or humans during this stage. If the German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing on their own by this point, there is a good chance that they will never stand on their own. This is an ideal age in GSD development to start "Beginning" level classes of obedience training. Bonding to humans is now very firmly established and your German Shepherds vocal and body communications are now that of a more mature individual dog - and more easily understood, and well on their way to many years of happy companionship with you. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males. It just might be. During this period, the puppy is dependent on the mommy dog because it comes out of the womb pretty much blind and deaf like all puppies. In fact, the puppy will spend most of his time sleeping during this period. By the end of this period you will start to see those little eyes open up and the puppy will start to attempt standing. The puppy will be unsteady on his feet as he wobbles when trying to stand. It is also normal to see those initial baby teeth start poking through the gums. The puppy will start to show a bit of personality as it interacts with both you and the other puppies in the litter. However, it will still be largely dependent on the mother during this period. You should see the rest of the baby teeth coming in during this period. And the puppy will become steadier on his feet when standing. They puppy will take its social cues from both you and the other dogs in the house. This is the perfect time to start reinforcing some good behaviors while the puppy is open to learning. For female dogs, the heat cycle begins now and for the males they reach sexual maturity. The puppy witching hour really sets in during this time. It is important that you have a regular routine established for your dog by this period to counteract some of that hyperactivity. Starting at around 16 months is when the attention span of your German Shepherd puppy is strongest, so this is a great time for training and obedience classes. And by around 36 months, the male dog is considered a full grown adult dog. A regular routine with exercise is still required to keep those zoomies at bay. As your dog continues to age, you will notice that over time he becomes calmer and a more mellow pupper. But German Shepherds never lose that high energy level. Final Word As you can see, your German Shepherd will go through some distinct behavioral stages as he grows. But one thing that will remain constant is that high energy level that these dogs are known for. Sharing is caring!

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Labrador Retriever Mix, or a Goldador Dog. The Goldador dog is a playful and good-natured, large dog. When you cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Golden Retriever , even though both parents are recognized purebred dog breeds, the result — the Goldador — is a hybrid dog; recently known as a designer dog. Designer breeds come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This cross-breed dog has parents with hunting and retrieving skills. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of service dogs, even bomb detection: but not as a guard dog or watchdog! This hybrid dog breed has the classic appearance of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever dogs; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their big brown eyes. The Labrador Golden Retriever mix is soft, loving, and intelligent. This is a large, bouncy, and easy-going dog that loves to be active. It will want to be wherever you are; in your bed, on your sofa or in the bathroom with you! A Goldador puppy is simply adorable. But remember, nowhere is private with a Goldador around! Fact: When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it called a designer dog; any hybrid dog will inherit its characteristics and health problems from both parent breeds but the result will not be seen until the puppy is born and observed as it grows up. A Goldador is friendly and will always want to be close to you. In , Lord Tweedmouth, a British Aristocrat, wanted a loyal and hard-working gundog to retrieve waterfowl while hunting on his estate in Scotland. So he crossed a wavy-coated yellow retriever sire with a Tweed Water Spaniel dam and produced 3 Golden-colored Retriever puppies. Fact: the Tweed Water Spaniel is now an extinct dog breed. Lord Tweedmouth mixed this new breed Retriever with an Irish Setter dog to breed the recognized Golden Retriever dog breed. In , the Golden Retriever dog breed was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and they quickly became popular as family pets and show dogs. Parent 2: A brief history of the Labrador Retriever parent — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid- color double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just a good looking dog breed for any level of dog owner or family member. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Golden Retriever Lab mix — the Goldador puppy. This mixed breed puppy will be happy, affectionate, and will easily become a family member for sure. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Goldador puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of a Golden Retriever Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, a Labrador Golden Retriever Labrador mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbreed dogs, like The Goldador, are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any mixed puppy can inherit all, some, or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of The Goldador are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Goldador — possible coat colors Both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever parents have a thick, double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Goldador will inherit the same double coat but is likely to be short-haired like the Labrador. With its impressive and popular parent breed mix it will be loyal with a loving temperament and good around children and other dogs. It will be caring and become and active companion, that just wants to be by your side all the time. Reputation: This large Golden Labrador mix breed dog comes from two of the best-loved and most popular dog breeds. This is why they can make such good service and guide dogs, therapy dogs or even search and rescue dogs. They will still need to be trained and socialized early to teach them how to use that energy positively and learn how to behave in public. They are people-friendly and need exercise. They would not make a good guard dog, or watchdogs as they are approachable with strangers and make friends easily. So watch your slippers! Trainability: The trainability of this intelligent Golden Labrador mixed breed should be easy. The Goldador needs to be trained and socialized early as it will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog especially those with herding and service dog parents. The Labrador Golden Retriever Mix wants to be active and occupied; if bored it may become destructive and bark. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around all types of people, children, and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. It will need to be trained and socialized early as it will help with control its excitement in public and develop obedience norms. It will form an early bond and lasting companionship with its owner. Either parent will still give it an athletic, well-balanced build and a strong working ethic. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You might be concerned that this is a sign or some kind of anxiety, frustration, or deviancy. That said, if it is an uncharacteristic behavior that they seem to develop suddenly, if they seem to do it compulsively, or if it is very difficult to get them to stop, these can all be signs that there is something up with your dog that needs some attention. It is called this because it also looks a lot like what male dogs do with female dogs when they are in heat. But simulated mounting can be done in a huge variety of circumstances and with pretty much anything. Dogs may appear like they are humping the air, another animal or a person, or an inanimate object. While the behavior is most common in male dogs, and especially non-neutered male dogs and male puppies before they have been neutered, female dogs will also sometimes display this behavior. Why Do Dogs Hump? There are a variety of reasons why your dog might start humping the air or something else. Some are simple instinctive behaviors, while others are concerning. It is important to observe the situation that your dog is in, and what kind of stimulus they are exposed to, to determine the motivation for their mounting behavior. Here are the primary reasons that your dog might be humping the air and how to identify them. This can send their hormones into overdrive and cause a high level of frustration. Humping the air can be a way to release that tension. This behavior is also quite common in male puppies before they are neutered. While they are not yet ready to mate, the hormones are developing within them and they need an outlet, which humping can offer. This is not that different from human teenage boys. Male dogs that have been neutered may also hump for this reason, and not just in the roughly one month after the operation that it takes for their hormones to settle down. Male neutered dogs can still produce sex hormones. These are the dogs that are most likely to want to hump some of their favorite toys. In this case, it is more or less best to let them get on with it, and make sure to keep a bit of distance between them and any female dogs that might be in heat. Our female Golden Retriever who we never noticed hump anything in her first 6 years decided to hump our female Lab when she went into heat. If your dog reaches any levels or uncontrollable excitement, they might use humping as a way to release that tension. You will often see this if a dog has been at home alone all day and you finally walk through the door. They are so excited to see you that they might start humping the air,—or you. This suggests that you have a high-maintenance dog when it comes to sociability and attention, and that you should avoid leaving them at home alone for long periods at a time. If this is challenging because of work , it might be worth having a dog walker take them out during the day. Another scenario might be a dog that spends most of the day inside. When you let them out to do their business and get a bit of exercise, they can get so excited that they start humping the air. Up their daily exercise, and be sure to leave them with appropriate puzzle toys so that they have something to stimulate their minds while they are stuck inside. You can find our recommendations for the best puzzle toys here. Poor Socialization Dogs that have not been properly socialized as a puppy do not always know what to do in certain situations. They may resort to humping as a way to initiate engagement. This is a worrying behavior that can develop if your dog is not taught how to interact with new humans and other animals. The key to prevention is good training as a puppy. Training is also the answer to curbing this behavior in adult dogs. However, if the humping behavior has already become ingrained and habitual, you will very likely need the services of a professional trainer. Displacement Behavior If your dog suddenly develops humping behavior, and especially if they seem to hump the air spontaneously and not in response to anything, this can be a sign that your pup is dealing with stress and anxiety. Mounting is a way for them to release the tension that has built up in their body. When this is the case, you need to look at the underlying cause of their stress. It is most likely a traumatic event which hopefully you will know about or something that has changed in their lives recently. Dogs are very sensitive to change. If new people or animals join or leave the household, this can cause them stress. Even changes in the way the house smells can cause them anxiety. Have you changed your laundry detergent? Has something in their routine changed? Are they spending more time alone? Some of these are issues that you can address, but in other cases you might just have to wait for your dog to adjust. In the meantime, a little bit of air humping is an innocent and harmless way for them to let off a little bit of steam. Medical Issues In some relatively rare cases, humping can be a sign of medical issues, and moving in this way can be an attempt to alleviate some discomfort they are feeling in that area of their body. Some of the most common medical issues that might be at fault are urinary tract infections and skin allergies. You are likely to notice other symptoms when this is the case. For example, if they have a UTI, you might notice that the color or their urine is different, and that they look uncomfortable when peeing and may even cry out. They could also suffer a bit of incontinence. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a UTI or skin allergies then you should contact your vet to find the best solution for your dog. These include: Natura Petz Organics Urinary Tract Kit If it is a skin allergy, in addition to redness of the skin you will probably also notice frequent scratching and licking of the area. These include:. Dogs of any age may initiate humping behavior, whether with their littermates, other pets in their home, or unknown dogs they meet at the park or at daycare. Response to Stress or Overstimulation Humping can be a self-soothing behavior for dogs who are stressed, whether it's "good" stress or bad stress. This is usually the most common reason for humping that I see in my behavior consultations. Or a dog may become anxious in certain environments or when uncomfortable with what's going on around them, such as with other dogs or when new people visit your home. When there's a lot going on in the environment, a dog may become overstimulated and not know how to deal. A dog can start humping when they get really excited, such as when you arrive home after they've been alone all day or when guests come over to visit. This could happen when they are at a dog park or dog daycare, and there are a lot of different dogs and play styles that your dog can't control. Play Initiation Humping is a normal part of dog play behavior. It's not unusual to see a dog try to initiate play with another by humping or to see humping as part of wrestling. While it may be embarrassing to see your dog start to hump another, if it's just a short burst during otherwise appropriate play sessions, it's okay to let it go. However, watch for other signs of stress or overstimulation, as a dog may start humping during play when they feel overwhelmed or are policing other dogs' play. You'll also want to make sure that the dog being humped isn't showing signs of stress or dislike of being the target. Some dogs don't mind it if it's just a small part of the overall play, but other dogs can get very annoyed and lash out in response. Learn more about managing dog play here. Dominance I always hesitate to introduce the "dirty D word" when talking about dog behavior because it has been misused and misunderstood. And that misunderstanding of dominance has resulted in inhumane training methods being encouraged throughout the industry. With that being said, humping can be related to dominance or social status in dogs. BUT — the dog doing the humping isn't always the one trying to dominate the other. A more insecure dog may hump a more confident dog simply because they don't have the social skills to otherwise deal with the situation. And a confident dog may just let them! Typically, humping related to social status between dogs is seen along with other body language signals related to social status, such as posturing, submissive rollovers, or face licking. If a dog is humping a person, it's most likely to be stress-induced or overstimulation. Dominance between humans and dogs is rarely an actual thing. Humans are what we call "super dominant" over dogs — we control all the resources, after all — and dogs know this. Hormones Yes, humping can be about sex! Puppies approaching sexual maturity around 5—8 months old may start humping for reasons other than play or stress. Those teenage hormones are raging, and it's instinctual to mount and hump in response. Dogs can smell when a female dog is about to go into heat , and this can trigger the instinctual response to mount — even in neutered males. A dog may also find out that humping feels good and then engage in more humping, whether on another dog, a person, or a favorite pillow, to experience this "pleasure" even more. Watch this quick video to see a young puppy engage in humping with an adult dog playmate. He's likely starting to feel the urge as he gets closer to sexual maturity, but it's likely combined with the excitement and overstimulation after romping around and playing. Notice how the adult dog is rather permissive but does mouth at him to ask him to stop and then moves away. That's a great sign of a confident and well-socialized dog who knows how to interact with puppies well. Here's another video example of a dog in a daycare setting who was five months old. His increase in humping was most likely caused by hormones but could also have been a learned play behavior combined with overstimulation. His humping became an issue because it was so obsessive — and he was a large and strong dog — he was dismissed from daycare a month prior to the neutering age requirement. Note: You'll notice that the dog he is humping is rather permissive and doesn't seem bothered by being humped. The daycare attendants in this video allowed the humping to continue as long as it did so they could get video footage to show the dog's owner. However, there are a few possibilities to consider and rule out just to be sure: Urinary tract infections: These are generally painful and may cause pain and swelling of the genitals. Humping may help relieve this discomfort. Skin infections: These types of infections are often itchy and cause irritation. Humping may be an alternative to chewing or licking to relieve discomfort, pain, and frustration. Priapism persistent erection : When erections last for an extended period of time, it can be painful, and instead of licking, some dogs hump to ease the pain. How to Stop Dog Humping Humping, while a natural behavior, can become a problem for the following reasons: The other dog or pet may not tolerate humping and react aggressively to make your dog stop. A large dog can hurt a smaller or older dog in their enthusiastic humping efforts. Frequent humping, especially when young, can become a lifelong habit if not stopped. If caused by stress, a dog can become more fearful and anxious over time if not addressed. Humping may escalate to more reactive behaviors. Chronic stress affects your dog's health as well. It can lead to high blood pressure and other medical issues. Most people don't appreciate being humped by a dog and the larger the dog, the more likely they may knock over or injure someone. Young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of infection if accidentally scratched while being humped by a dog. Even if the humping is mostly a non-issue such as play-related humping , other dog owners may not like or want your dog humping their dog. Having your male dog neutered can certainly help reduce hormone-related humping. However, it's important to address your dog's humping behavior prior to neutering if it is driven by hormones. Not because it's not "okay" — remember, it's a natural and instinctual behavior. But hormone-driven behaviors can become lifetime habits even after neutering. If a dog rehearses humping behavior over and over, it becomes self-reinforcing and will not just disappear after being neutered. Address Your Dog's Stress It's important to consider the environmental factors that may be causing your dog stress or simply being too much for them to handle all at once. If these situations trigger humping behavior, you'll want to address whether taking your dog to the dog park or daycare is appropriate. Instead, you could set up playdates with other dogs that your dog is more comfortable with or plan your visits to the park when there are fewer dogs. This can be especially helpful for dogs who hump as a way of policing other dogs' play. If they hump people or other pets, you can reduce excitement and stress through management and training — keeping your dog in a separate area until they've calmed down or for the entirety of the visit if the stress is fear-based , and working on desensitization and counterconditioning with a certified dog trainer or behavior consultant. Providing other self-soothing activities for hyper or anxious dogs can go a long way in preventing the humping from even starting. Interrupt and Redirect Your Dog To stop humping, try to be proactive in managing your dog. If I see a dog that is starting to mount or hump, I'll simply use their name recognition cue to interrupt and get their attention. Then I can redirect their attention to a different activity if necessary. I may allow them to go back to play, or I may have them take a break for a few minutes to calm down. If your dog doesn't respond to their name or call away cue, then you need to go and get them. Give them a break for a few minutes before letting them go back to play. If they resume persistent humping, they are likely humping due to overstimulation, stress, or hormones. In this case, group play may not be a good choice for them while you work on addressing those issues. Here's an example of me calling a dog during play who was starting to hump a playmate: Provide an Alternative 'Target' If your dog has taken to stress humping on pillows or other household items, or even humping people, sometimes the easiest solution is to give them a designated humping pillow or stuffed animal. This could be something you do as a stopgap while you address their underlying stress or overstimulation, or can even be a long-term management solution for some dogs. Don't Punish Your Dog for Humping Humping is a natural dog behavior and can be a sign your dog needs support if they are overwhelmed or stressed. Yelling at or otherwise punishing a dog for humping not only won't fix the problem, but it can have some unintended consequences, such as increased anxiety, damage to your relationship, or escalation into aggressive behavior. Focus on calmly interrupting your dog's humping and then addressing the real reason they are engaging in this behavior. Does your dog hump a lot? What do you think causes your dog's humping? Let me know in the comments! With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding. Canberra, Australia Humping isn't necessarily a sexual behaviour. It's not dominance. It's often a play behaviour or an attempt to initiate play. It's not a hugely polite way of doing it, but it's well intentioned.My dog Obi is 4 and he was desexed at 7 months. There are some individual dogs that he will always want to hump, without fail. Usually these are chocolate Labradors also desexed but there was also one very elderly male Border Collie at our dog club that was a humping magnet we just had to keep Obi on lead around this old doggie. With all the dogs he humps he's trying to get them to play a chasing or wrestling game. So, humping can be a behaviour that is directed at certain lucky individuals only and it can be a play thing. If it is a play thing, it is most definitely not going to be resolved by neutering. But if there are other reasons you want to neuter then go ahead. In the meantime, building a strong recall cue or 'leave it' cue are better alternatives - or just removing your dog off the other dog. And don't worry, your dog is totally normal and it is definitely not something he's doing to be dominant. Think of it as a slightly goofy, slightly socially inept way of sending out a party invitation - that's all it is really. Arousal The cause could be that it is aroused. You can reduce this behavior by getting it neutered or you can try the ignore or redirect techniques mentioned in the section below. Dominance It could also be the case that it is a power play where your Labrador is trying to figure out how much power it has and to exert its power over you or other dogs. As mentioned on pets webmd the Labrador that is doing the humping might not be the dominant Labrador. Rather, it might be unsure of its status and it is doing the humping to figure it out. If this is the cause then there will likely be other signs of dominance-seeking behavior such as not being willing to listen to your command, aggression or other power plays like trying to sit on you or where you would normally sit or trying to lay down in a position higher than you. Regardless, you should take measures to prevent this. You can do that by doing lots of training with it so that it sees you as the one in charge. Labradors will often show their levels of excitement by doing outlandish things like humping or rolling in the grass or even mud. If your Labrador only seems to do the humping when it gets excited then excitement is likely to be the cause. Situations, where it might get excited, could include when you are playing with it or when you arrive home. To prevent this kind of behavior you should make sure to give it lots of exercise so that you can reduce its hyperactivity and to train it not to by trying the ignore or redirect techniques in the section below. You could also try getting it neutered if you can. Attention It could also be the case that it does it in order to get extra attention from you. This would be more likely if it does it more when you have not been giving it much attention and if you tend to give it more attention when it does it. Instead, it would help to give it attention throughout the day by training it, walking it and playing with it. But, it would help to stop rewarding it with attention when it starts misbehaving unless necessary. Stress The cause could also be that something is causing it to be stressed. If this is the cause then it may have come on suddenly after a recent stressful event or it might be due to something that happened when it was young. Some things to consider when trying to figure out if this is the cause would be whether or not there has recently had a stressful event like losing a friend, changing its owner or changing its home. Neuter it The first option that you could consider would be to neuter it. There are also a number of other benefits to neutering your Labrador such as allowing it to be more healthy and reducing its urge to roam so it would help to consider it anyway. Get up and ignore it Since your Labrador might be doing it in order to get extra attention from you, one option would also be to stop giving it attention when it starts doing it. By doing so, you should be able to teach it that humping you will not result in it getting attention from you. Try the redirect method Another option would be to train your Labrador to do something else such as to roll over and to tell it to do that as soon as it looks like it is about to start humping. Doing this could get it out of the habit of trying to hump you. Give it lots of exercise It would also help to give it daily exercise so that it is fully stimulated. Generally, it is recommended for adult Labradors to get at least an hour of exercise per day. Give it distractions Another option that you could try would be to take its mind away from humping. You can do this by giving it lots of toys and bones to play with. If you wait until it is older then getting it to stop doing it will be a lot more difficult since the habit will be more ingrained. Avoid punishing it If you punish it when it misbehaves it might not understand why it is being punished. Instead, it would help to reward it when it is being well behaved and to use positive reinforcement training to get it to change its behavior. How To Stop Your Puppy From Humping December 6, Both male and female dogs hump for a range of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with sexual desire. Why is my puppy humping? Because of this, it can continue into adulthood, even if your dog is female and has been desexed. Some dogs respond to stressful or exciting situations by mounting things. It may also happen if your puppy is scared at the dog park. Sexually motivated mounting is usually accompanied by certain body language: tail up, panting, whining or pawing. What age does a puppy start humping? At around 6 months once your puppy reaches their sexual maturity, their humping will grow more sexually charged. Is it normal for a puppy to hump? Overall, male and female humping is usually a way to alleviate excitement during play, stress relief or an expression of dominance. If your adult dog has begun humping recently, it could be a symptom of a medical related issue. If humping suddenly appears or grows more frequent, it could be a sign of a urinary incontinence, a UTI, skin allergies or priapism. Why is my female puppy humping? It is not uncommon for female dogs to hump often if they have not been spayed or desexed. Female puppies tend to have their first season anywhere between months old. However, humping in female dogs can still just be the result of them attempting to assert social dominance and honing their social interaction skills. Here are some suggestions on how to stop your dog from humping. Tough love Humping is usually caused by anxiety or over-excitement.

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. Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation.

Recchia My brother had one in California. I am looking for a micro or mini goldendoodle. Loves kids and is greAt with all people. Was easily potty trained! I would be so very happy yo get one! I have had 2 bischon s. One for 14 years and the second one for 13 years. My heart needs to be filled back up with some puppy love! She is the most awesome, smart, loving, patient, calm dog ever. Amazes me everyday and she is only 13 weeks old. Do not shed. His name was cookie on the site… but we named him Enzo. He grew up in a pen in a barn… so I believe that helped out with crate training. He sleeps through the night and is just so chill. I am so happy that we got him through them. Just need to be a bit patient. Overall , great process. Thank you Greenfields puppies for making sure these pups are brought up in a clean and healthy environment. So happy, and highly recommend them! Happy owner of a beautiful mini goldendoodle pup that is almost 5 months old and super awesome!! I really wish to get one as my best friend has one and they shed a little to not shedding at all! If you're looking for a dog who's not that hard to take care of and super cute, you should definitely get a goldendoodle! I would love to have a mini doodle that will be easier to exercise and live in a smaller home. I know the poodle and golden breeds are very easy to train and are friendly to all. Especially the Minnie's. Dealing with John King was very easy and we feel very comfortable. Its been a few months now and Prince is growing up to be a smart, energetic and loving pet. We are grateful and happy that we made the choice of bringing Prince home. She is sweet, intelligent, loves to play and run, gets along well with other dogs, and loves to go for rides in the car. She is an F1 and non shedding. She loves everyone she meets. She is 9 months old and was easy to train. I love hee! A dog that sheds less. We just lost our cockapoo a week ago and already miss him so much. He was 16 years old. Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Sameer Singh Amazing dog very friendly and caring to have in the house as a furry friend!!! He is smart and very cuddly. He learned how to sit on command, walk up and down the stairs within a matter of 3 weeks of mr having him. My mini goldendoodle loves people and is very friendly. They are also hypoallergenic so perfect for anyone. My dog licks me a lot which is cute. She loves to be around other dogs and people. She is the sweetest dog ever! Super outgoing, friendly and smart. Berkowitz, Ph. So cute!! She has a cousin owned by our daughter who has a property manager in her dog Ziggy no bad habits. I love the golden retriever but grow larger than I can manage and they need a lot of physical exercise to thrive. With a few hip issues the max I can provide is walking regularly and some moderate exercises. She is now 18 months old climbs on the dog, pulls her hair sits on her, and the dog remains calm. Great watch dog, but barks way too much, that is the only problem. The grooming is expensive. We got her from a breeder father was a standard chocolate poodle, mother the retriever. She is playful and energetic and loves people. She does not care for hot weather and tends to overheat quickly. Overall, best dog we have ever owned. He was a very happy and playful dog!!!!!!! I know she's been asking for a Baby sister. My Zoey is the smartest dog. And a very quick learner. We just absolutely love our new edition. She has and continues to be such a pleasure in our home. She trained easy and is a very loving dog. I highly recommend this breed. Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Sini Ninan My kids who are older now ages 11, 13 and 17 have wanted a dog for many years now. This breed was suggested to us by a close family friend, also a vet, and it was most certainly the best decision we have ever made. Mason, our mini golden doodle puppy, has been by our sides since the purchase and never fails to make us happy and comforted. His name is Tucker. I researched the breed before my purchase. This is the best breed on earth. I am so happy this is the only breed for me. These doodles are awesome in everyway. He is the love of my life. Thank You to the awesome breeder in Gap PA. We are looking for a mini or miniature goldendoodle F1 or Fb1 with a wavy coat reddish or cream in color. Thanks so much. They are a wonderful breed? Gracie is smart and sweet, and loves people as well as other dogs. She is our precious pup, and wonderful addition to our empty nest family!!! Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by bianca I have a week old mini Goldendoodle puppy, and she is the sweetest, friendliest pup. She is so easy to train and so cute! Looking forward talking to someone about finding you my new best friend!! I was devastated to lose my life-long companion and my sweet little Angel at the same time. Angel was only about 20lbs and very polite. She had full access to my fenced in backyard through her doggie door. She got along with anyone who was willing to pet her and with other dogs as well. She fits our lifestyle so well and my friends now want a dog just like her? This site as well was very helpful in finding our forever dog! Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by emily Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Brandon Bolton My gf really love golden doodles and loves this one Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Taylor Edmonson 4 months ago we decided it was time for a new family member and brought home our little mini goldendoodle boy, Paxton. Paxton has shone a whole new light in our lives as we are newly married and not quite ready for children. He has made my life x better and we will definitely be getting him a brother mini dood in the future! White My 8 month old mini golden doodle is such a great dog. He is so smart and so tolerant of my grandchildren. He was quickly house trained. Although I walk him daily, he is very active so I'm glad I have a large fenced in yard. I am currently looking for a little sister Cavap0oo for him. I would not hesitate to recommend the mini golden doodle to anyone as long as you know they are quite active. We are retired and interested in a mini. We are 68 and 69 years old. I had a cockatoo that lived to be 20 years old and a standard pomeranium that lived 17 years. I message my dogs and believe that is the key to good health! Do you have a litter coming in the spring of a mini? I already have a Siberian husky who is 2 years old. My golden doddle mini is the best his name is Kiwi and he is so sweet very smart and is getting alone perfectly with our kids and Koby our Husky. I'm very happy to have added him tp our family. We are still looking for a Wheaton. We lost ours last year , due to heart failure. A great addition to our family! Your babies are beautiful and we would like to set up an appointment to come and meet your puppies. The only days my husband is off is Sunday and Monday. So let met me know when it is convenient for you. Year old still crazy on most days even with acreage to run. Love every inch of her! They are wonderful dogs. They are loving and energetic. Our female takes after the retriever and has straighter hair and sheds a bit. Our male is super curly and doesn't shed at all. I'm allergic to dogs and my dogs do not trigger my allergies. I would definitely recommend this breed and I would not hesitate to choose this breed in the future. Not only was Mark super helpful and accommodating but the puppy, Dodge, was absolute perfection!! He has been the sweetest, most loving, well behaved little puppy! We are crate training him and he is doing great. Only gets up one time a night to go potty and then goes right back in his crate without fussing. He walks great on a leash and has already started sitting on command! We are absolutely in love with this little guy!!! His name is Charlie and he is the most amazing puppy I or anyone that has been in contact with him have ever seen in our lives. Even when we are walking around town people constantly stop to pet and play. He is the most adorable little angel pup in the world. Never bites, loves to play and cuddle and follow you around, very very good listener. I would recommend mini golden doodle to anyone interested in getting a dog. We get compliments from everyone saying how amazing Charlie is. Just lost our Golden after 14 wonderful years. However a little too big as your article indicated 30 lbs to 40 lbs at full maturity. I was glad to hear that a cross between the Mini Goldendoodle and the Miniature Poodle will give you a much smaller dog, I presume the size of a Bichon Frise, which would be more in the weight range we desire. Best dog ever!!!!! He is the best dog I have ever had. Easy to train. Lovable, smart, easy to care for. We have had 2 beautiful blk lab and 2 miniature schnauzer s. Loved both breeds. Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Evelyn Doyle Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by tran tran i've owned a golden doodle in the past and i totally fell in love with them instantly! She was a real love! Oct she passed on! Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Brittany A great dog for kids and other people that are not going through the same way. Grimes No I am 83 and I have a stand goldendoodle. I am 83 and she is 12yrs. So when she has to be put down. I would like a smaller golden. Wray I just love the golden doodle. I have never seen the miniature before , but I am looking for a miniature top small breed dog. High energy can be a challenge for smaller living spaces. Very smart and very playful. A TON of energy and very alert. Also good with morning cuddles. Great with babies and kids. Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Mike gray Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by DC we got our first mini goldendoodle from a nice breeder on this website, we were nervous and wasn't sure if it was the right decision, 10 months later, turns out it was the best decision ever! I need one ASAP. We decided upon a Mini-Goldendoodle because our house is small about square feet. We do have a big yard and woods for the dog to run around in. I can say with certainty that if we would have known how amazing our puppy would be, we would have gotten two. Our puppy weighs about 35 pounds, and loves people. Seriously she loves people. She gets along great with other animals. We have four pet rabbits, both she and all my rabbits spend time together, and I feel that they are all safe together. I would tell anyone that this is a great type of dog. We love ours! Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Samantha Wile I am intrested in finding out more regarding your mini golden doodle puppies. I am located in Boston, MA. Thank you! If you want a dog with equal amounts if playful and cuddley this is your dog. They are easy to maintain, train, and they shed little to none. Mostly none so if you want a dog that's playful, love able, wonderful with families and kids, alert, and AWESOME, than this is the dog for you. If you want a dog that is very easily trained, playful, lovable, and adorable, this dog is right for you. Also, they shed little to nothing and are good for people who are allergic to dogs because they are hypoallergenic. Get this dog! Good with kids and other animals! Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Jessica Mini goldendoodle is exactly what ice been looking for, over 2 years in searching!!! Too bad they could not do that with the golden too--but we love our golden r!!!! Sweet and easy to train. Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Ashley i luv my dog she is soo playful and so gentle around kids she loves to give kisses Rating: Goldendoodle-Miniature Breed Review by Holly Slusser Perfect mix of intelligence, trainability, size, non-shedding, lovable dog. Highly recommend. Of course I am! When else do I have time to write the newsletter? Hey, we went for over 10 years without a. Not one. Just came in from snorkeling. Water warm, sun, warmer. Day, beautiful. I love my ranch, what I do for a living and all my dogs. And want to go back and keep doing it. Not looking forward to the plane ride that takes forever, or the lay over in Seattle for three hours although I do like Seattle and then the short ride home on what is supposed to be a very windy read bumpy day. I get air sick easily. Ahh, Colorado weather! The biggest news in our newsletter would be the construction of our new office, which will I hope be done by Christmas. When I get back home and have access to my desk top computer and all the photos I have taken along the way of building the new office I will put a few in here. It will be so nice to have an area big enough to have several people sit comfortably and talk about the kind of puppy they are looking for. Right now we are using an itty bitty space that is office, storage, grooming room and exam room. With really only enough space to be ONE of those places. So, be prepared that if you have been here before, the office will be located next to the house and in a free-standing building. Wishing to continue my marriage of 31 years, I have not attempted to bring these dogs into the house but on rare occasions. The area they are allowed to be in that is part of the office will be right next to my desk and very easily cleaned. Check out our new page: Ranch Photos from Then and Now It gives some background on the ranch and what we started when we moved here and why. Ritz, our apricot sable daughter of our wonderful Lady Bug now living near Seattle and Rowdy living the good life as well, in Boulder has been retired and is now the cherished companion and pet of the family who had been her guardians. We are hoping that the new comers, Foxy, Munchie, Autumn, and Kimber-too will be able to take over for Ritz, and that she lives a very long and happy life with her family, who is moving to Kansas. You did a great job of being a mom, Ritzy. Enjoy your retirement! So, be on the lookout for a release date of the new and improved book on living with, training and understanding the little dogs, and know that there COULD be other interesting endeavors on the horizon. In the meantime, stay safe. Terry, Maui, HI, Oct 21st. On vacation but writing your newsletter. They were out there for about 45 minutes jumping in and out of the water and chasing schools of fish toward shore. In the off season, sure, but still — what a view and what a cool old hotel! Gracie is a 5th generation bulldogge from Rocky Mountain Rawhide and Jenny her very capable guardian — and now her outright owner. When it became apparent that the cancer treatment that I had gone through in and had seriously impacted my stamina and physical reserves I knew I needed to stop breeding my bulldogges. The problem was that the cancer treatment left me unable to stay up all night and be an active participant in the birthing process of my bulldogge litters. Poodle labor lasts a few hours — maybe as much as 5 or 6 hours. Bulldogges can be in labor for 12 to 24 hours — easily. And you can not leave them along during that time. You can not go to the store, stop and cook dinner for your family — and most of all — you can not fall asleep. They can not be left alone. So I had to let someone else take over. Too big of a risk to take. And she said YES! Thank goodness she did! And I am so glad! This summer to be a busy one! We HAVE been very busy and will continue to be all summer. We retired Maya this year but kept one of her silver daughters, and also kept several other goldendoodle daughters from other mamas. Solo, already in a great guardian home with a wonderful family, has passed all of his genetic tests, achieved his National and International Champion Titles, his DNA is back and the OFA Preliminaries are in. He is good to go and has taken over for his dad, Rowdy, who was retired last year as one of our two miniature poodle studs. Chewie is now a pet and is retired both from the show ring and from our breeding line. Solo will carry on. In the meantime — those of you who are guardians and past guardians who now own the dogs we used as breeding dogs — please remember to RSVP our ice cream social coming up on June 22nd. Bring your kids. Ice cream for everybody! We will have DA2PP vaccinations available to any of our dogs who need one. Games, playtime for the dogs, training tips! It will be fun! Til next time! Terry Jester Fall Newsletter Hi folks! Here I am again, in an identical bed, in the wonderful Inn at Port Ludlow in Washington state once again writing you your much deserved and long time coming newsletter. Diving off the dock, they chase each other briefly and then disappear into the choppy waves brought on by the icy wind and rain. I sure hope I get to see them again. We have three new International Champion Puppies. Rowdy, now retired and living the good life of a pampered pet in Boulder, CO produced all three. Both Cathy, with Tootie and Michelle, with Solo did a fantastic job showing the puppies even though they had never even SEEN a dog show before — much less taken a puppy into a show ring. They did a great job as is evident by all the Best of Breed titles and new championships. Thanks again, ladies! I can only devote one weekend a year to showing our dogs and puppies. We have to make it count! Retiring dogs and some new faces This last year we retired one of our most popular boys — Tango Haus Powder Valley Rowdy. A wonderful producer of beautiful, smart and capable miniature poodle puppies. His sons, Solo and Chewie, will continue his line and I hope have the same positive impact on our puppies for years to come. Retiring later this year will be our beautiful silver standard doodle, Maya. She will most likely have only one more litter, due spring or early summer of .To take their places we have our three new champion puppies, of course, Tootie, Solo and Chewie, as well as several younger dogs and puppies that are still being evaluated and tested. As a teaser, their names are: Silver that should give you a hint as to whose puppy SHE is! So guess what? You guys get a newsletter! Spring is a great time to think about signing up for a dog or puppy training class if you have not yet done so. For those who hike a lot with their dogs I suggest a rattlesnake avoidance clinic. She offers several over the year— usually starting around April — and they are reasonable priced, very comprehensive, and — most importantly — VERY effective. Her number is .Life is much easier with a well-trained dog. You can do so much more and have so much fun — not to mention a well-trained dog can have a job, like visiting the lonely in a nursing home, or entertaining residents at a rehab center or hospital. A trained dog is a pleasure and our Powder Valley Poodles and doodles are typically very easy to train — so go for it! A dog training session in downtown Fort Collins, CO. The reason is because so many have or are retiring this year. Jersey, our steadfast producer of wonderful service and therapy dogs will have her last litter this summer. And with the unexpected scaling down of our bulldog program we are trying to make up for it in our poodles and goldendoodles. Her hips were not good enough to breed. So, after having our own line of beautiful, healthy and wonderful bulldogges for so long — we had to retire our Olde English Bulldogge line. It is a wonderful program and we give them many puppies every year. The Veterans Puppies for Life program will take care of all of the training Oz will require to be the service dog Earl needs. Every veteran that receives one of our dogs through this program is a Purple Heart Recipient. You can also contact Terry Jester at Powder Valley Poodles at landline — no texts please or email at: Arriniranch aol. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. We have some new questions and answers. If you are going anywhere with your best friend make sure he or she has plenty of COOL water in which to quench his or her thirst. Is your dog suddenly digging? If digging in dirt is a new problem it could be because he or she is trying to find the cooler dirt underneath the top layer. Make sure your pooch has shade and water. Now for the fun stuff! Our newest addition to our poodle breeding program. Bandit is a 11 month old red and white standard parti-color who has passed all of his preliminary genetic tests. Assuming he continues to do so we will be breeding him to Isis later this year. He is an AKC registered cream-colored golden retriever that we will use to replace the retired Nemo. Tinman will help us produce our very popular goldendoodles starting in the fall or winter of .I picked Tinman out of a large group of puppies because he moves so beautifully and fluidly. These small bulldogs are excellent companions and very trainable service and therapy dogs. These wounded warriors need good, solid, healthy puppies to train as service and therapy dogs for our veterans wounded in action. Tyreese turned out to be a great match for a navy warrant officer in need. Congratulations to Tyreese for finding his new best friend! Good job Claudia and Dandee!!! We can now proudly display the BBB logo on our windows and web sites. Other than to say we still need Guardian homes for puppies that will be used in our breeding program but housed by a family — perhaps YOURS — nearby Fort Collins. Talk to you later! To say these four judges liked him is putting it mildly! Good job Rocky! They get to be pets in a family AND a show dog and breeding dog. I am very lucky to have all of these folks so that I can have my dogs live with families and still get to offer top quality puppies to people all over the US. I also want to let people know that we are looking for Guardian Homes for several of our puppies this spring and summer. We have retired some dogs and are retiring more dogs as they get older and we need to replace them. We will be getting a French Bulldog male puppy this spring or early summer. Read our page about Guardian Homes to see if this is something you might be interested in. Let me know! Toni and I got the message this week we have waited so long to hear. Poor Amelia carried that baby a little longer than she wanted to and then gave birth to 9 pounds, 3 ounces of baby. We, of course, are absolutely thrilled. The cancer I fought last year had NO chance of winning once I learned I was having my first grandchild. I get to be a Bemom. I am so happy! More in May, take care everyone. Be safe, love your family two and four legs and never take them for granted. Step four Get to know your new puppy! All our moms are F1 mini or moyen goldendoodles, which means first generation goldendoodle, and our dads are mini or moyen poodles. That makes our puppies a F1B mini or moyen goldendoodle which is better for less shedding and also for people with allergies. They are known for their affectionate nature and attentive behavior. These amazingly friendly and very intelligent puppies are a result of a cross between a golden retriever and a miniature and moyen poodle. They are adorable and look like a small fluffy teddy bear in appearance. The goldendoodle has become very popular family puppies since they are great with children and incredibly loyal companion, they have the same energy and similar way of carrying themselves as a miniature poodle, as well as a gentle nature and temperament of a golden retriever. The goldendoodles love interacting with humans, they tend to trail behind their owners and just genuinely like to be in your presence. These little bundles of joy are cuddly and love to be paid attention to and shown affection to. Their high energy and silly, carefree nature make them a rather enjoyable puppy to watch and have around! Make sure you leave your name, phone number and email address. We hope to hear from you soon! Love our Penny girl! We adopted our fur baby last May. She is amazing! Excellent breeder, excellent service, fantastic dogs! Furry doodles was amazing to work with they were very prompt in responding and sending us options of puppies to pick! They are absolutely adorable!! They are mini goldendoodles formally Libby and Luella, now Izzy and Shiloh. They both slept through their first night! Furry Doodles was a great experience! I highly recommend them!! We picked up Archie previously Seth about two months ago and cannot express how much we love this boy! He has such a fun personality though he can be a bit sassy when he wants to be, but that just makes him even more special. She is smart, healthy, kind, easy to train and has an amazing temperament. As you know, neither of us ever owned a dog before, so his very growth is amazing to us. Most importantly, is his innate disposition, which I attribute to your choice of parents and his first 8 weeks. He is the perfect dog for us, friendly, smart, and eager to please. He loves people and other dogs, which makes him a favorite among our friends, of course : Crate training was a no-brainer for us and for him, because of your early introduction to it, and he learns commands so easily. So we thank you and greatly appreciate your early efforts. Here are some pictures of this cutey. In the way of background, my husband and I have two children who are 9 and 6 years old. As a family of four, we had never owned a dog before. We started researching breeds of dogs and what to look for in a breeder for over a year before we got our cockapoo puppy from Syndi. Unlike other breeders I spoke with, Syndi was very honest and responsive. My husband and I communicated extensively with Syndi both via e-mail and by phone. Syndi is a very caring and responsible breeder. Her priorities are breeding for sound temperament, which is what my husband and I were most concerned about. When we visited Forest Creek Kennels, Syndi was very welcoming and showed us around the premises. It was clear that the dogs and puppies that were well taken care of and loved. Our dog Yatzi is even better than what we had imagined. We wanted an energetic and playful dog who could keep up with our two active children. Yatzi is awesome in that she is high energy and extremely playful at the right times. She is quick to settle down at the appropriate times and has been extremely easy to train. From the first night Yatzi came home, she has slept through the night. In closing, as detailed above, based on my experience, I can unreservedly recommend Forest Creek Kennels to anyone who wants an awesome dog in their family. If you would like further elaboration, feel free to contact me at or via e-mail at sandra. Jennings dhs. From: Jessiegrls aol. From the first time I called with questions, Syndi was welcoming and helpful. At her urging, my family and I visited Forest Creek to see the puppies. We made three visits to Forest Creek and got to see where the puppies are kept and meet the parents of our puppy. All the puppies are kept in the house and surrounded by love, other pets, and family. When we picked up our puppy to take him home, he had been checked by a veterinarian and given a certificate that he is healthy. Syndi gave us a puppy care pack with directions, puppy food, a blanket which he loves to be wrapped in when he's going to sleep! She encouraged us to call with any questions and sent a follow-up email asking about the puppy and his adjustment to our home. I am very pleased with Syndi and our new puppy. We have a healthy, happy little puppy from one of her litters and I will go back again whenever we decide want another puppy for our family. I highly recommend her to anyone! He is very loved. Tommy started Kindergarten this year and Darby loves the bus stop. He is doing well with the "settle" command and sits nicely with his little tail wagging until he sees Tommy get off the bus. He's a very sweet puppy and waits until I tell him "OK" to run over for hugs from Tommy. He is a smart and calm dog and we're very happy with him. We would be happy to be a reference to anyone looking for a cockapoo from you. I've told lots of people about you so I hope business is going well. We still appreciate the attention you gave us by emailing pictures of Darby and letting the kids leave a collar on him until he was ready to come home with us. Thanks again for helping us make this wonderful addition to our family. He is a great pet! Kris Rogers From: G. He comes into a home where we have grandchildren of various ages coming and going and where we already have a Bullmastiff and a frequently visiting lab of my sons. We are delighted with our puppy. He is very healthy our vet said he is one of the healthiest pups he has seen in a long time , very bright and a joy to have around. In addition he is a gorgeous dog and loves everyone. He is training extremely well and we would certainly recommend Syndi as a breeder. She take the time and care to assure a strong, healthy, and good natured dog. I found Forest Creek Kennels when I was researching breeders of goldendoodles. I contacted Syndi and heard back from her promptly. Syndi was very accommodating and answered all our questions. She sent us several pictures of the litter and kept us updated since we were from out of state. When we arrived at Forest Creek, Syndi was out in the kennels amongst all her pups. Every one of them looked healthy, happy and well cared for. We spent quite some time in the kennels with Syndi, and were able to meet Heidi and Tripp, the parents of our mini-goldendoodle puppy. We could see first hand that all the dogs and puppies were well taken care of, had lots of interaction with Syndi, and that they were loved. She may be little, but she is feisty and full of energy. Our veterinarian and the office staff were immediately smitten with her, and she was found to be in excellent health. My husband and I are very pleased with our experience with Syndi and Forest Creek Kennels, and have already recommended her to friends, neighbors and strangers who want to know where we got such a sweet and adorable puppy. Sadie is an energetic, adorable, and friendly puppy. We constantly get comments on how cute she is. She loves to play and loves to be around people. Sadie has a great temperament. Syndi was wonderful to work with. She was quick to respond to my e-mails and questions and sent new pictures every couple of weeks while we waited to bring Sadie home. Syndi was a great resource, answering our many questions as new puppy owners. Syndi's love for her dogs is obvious both on her website and in person. We visited when Sadie was 5 weeks old and Syndi graciously introduced us not only to Sadie but to her many lovable dogs. Syndi is honest and responsible with her pets and her business, and we would definitely consider her again if we added another pet to our family. Thank you, Syndi! Charlie's health guarantee has expired. Charlie didn't need it. Charlie has been VERY healthy since day one. I first learned about Forest Creek Kennel's online. After Talking to Syndi, I felt comfortable enough to send her a deposit for a dog. Syndi kept our family with updates and photos. Only problem was that was our first winter blizzard, which I did get stuck in. Syndi stayed up and meet me at am down the street from her home because the snow was too deep for my vehicle to continue. I believe we had 27 inches of snow by the time I made it home. I don't know who is more excited to see each other when I get home from work, me or Charlie Brown. Charlie by far is the funniest, loving, smartest and well behaved dog I have ever owned. I will be back in to buy another dog. But this time not in a snow storm. Sydni, do you breed poodle mother and spaniard father? Dan vogel- dvogel33 yahoo. She is absolutely perfect in every way. People are stopping us in the street when we walk her to comment on how beautiful she is and they are always what breed she is. The goldendoodle is a mixture of all of the benefits of both breeds. We have already seen loyalty and love in Koda, from her English Golden Dad, Ranger, as well as smarts from her poodle momma. Syndi was helpful from the beginning when we inquired about the puppies months before they were born. The entire process of receiving pictures and updates was fun and exciting. It is wonderful knowing that our puppy came from a good environment and from parents that were well loved! Thank you Syndi! From her gorgeous looks, to her sweet little personality, she exceeds all of our expectations! She is perfect in every way. Healthy, intelligent, and easy to train! Syndi has graciously answered all of our questions from the beginning months before Koda's birth. When we went to pick Koda up, we were pleased to see how happy all of the dogs were, playing and enjoying the grounds. It has been wonderful knowing that she was in good hands over the first few weeks of her life, and that her Momma and Daddy are well loved! Few breeders raise gorgeous English goldendoodles. Posted by Marcy Lindenmuth on August 24, at am After months of research and searching for the perfect breed, I found Syndi and Forest Creek Kennel while searching for breeders of Cockapoos in Virginia. From the first email, Syndi was super helpful and knowledgeable about the breed. She kept me updated with emails and photos when the puppies were born and we visited the puppies at 5 weeks old and again at 7 weeks old before picking our male pup. Syndi was very patient with me as a first time puppy Mommy. She answered all my questions and helped us decide which puppy would be the best fit for our active family. He loves to play and be near us. He is doing very well with his potty training, and he has been sleeping through the night in his crate since the 3rd night home. He is a very healthy and smart puppy. He is already starting to obey the "sit" and "down" commands-with a treat, of course. She had her first vet appointment yesterday at Hunter Mill Animal Hospital here in Oakton, Virginia and the veterinarian commented on how healthy and well-mannered she is at just 8-weeks. Today, I took her to work with me for a few hours and she behaved so well and just won everyone over at my school.I think we may have a new mascot. She is also a champ with the crate training.She is also impressing us with her quick housebreaking. She has only had two accidents. Otherwise, she let's us know when she has to go and gets right down to business when we take her out. I've attached some photos of little Tootsie and will continue to send them along so you can see her growing. Thank you for gifting our lives with this beautiful little dog. She is such a wonderful part of our family and has adjusted to the Patriciu household so effortlessly. Thank you for the care and love that you dedicate to your dogs. It really shows from Tootsie's great health, intelligence, and personality that you are truly a remarkable breeder. I have already started to recommend you to all of my co-workers and friends in Northern Virginia and DC considering a Cockapoo or Goldendoodle and will continue to do so. She sent us pictures of the puppy prior to our purchase and everything was handled very professionally. We would definitely use her services again. I can't believe that Bailey is going to be 13 weeks old tomorrow. She is doing great. She just graduated puppy kindergarden yesterday. I have attached some pictures of her. We got Bailey our cockapoo puppy from Syndi in February .My search for the "perfect puppy" began last summer. In my research I found Syndi on the internet. I felt drawn to her because I could tell there was something special about her. Syndi is a Christian and gives God all the glory for her dogs and her kennel. Being a woman of God myself I knew that I wanted to find out more about her. We live over six hours away from Waynesboro VA however we were fortunate enough to be traveling to Florida for a family vacation. I asked Syndi if she would mind us stopping by just to meet her and visit her dogs. She was very accomodating and made special arrangements in her schedule to meet us at the time that we would be stopping through. She allowed us to meet all of her parent dogs and to see the puppies that were available at the time. As time went on and I continued my research I wanted to wait until closer to spring to bring a new puppy home , I was able to get in contact with another past customer who also gave Syndi an outstanding reference. This family is still very pleased with their decision to choose Syndi as their breeder. This further confirmed my choice to choose Syndi. When the time came for us to choose our puppy Syndi was awesome in assisting us with the match. Because of the distance we could not visit the litter to choose our puppy in person, however I explained to her the puppy that I had in mind based on sex, size, color, temperment. When we arrived I was more than pleasantly surprised. The puppy was even more beautiful than what I was expecting. Everything about her was perfect and her color beautiful. Everything was ready for us. The puppy had been vet checked, wormed, and given her first shots. There were no unexpected surprises. Bailey is very healthy and smart. She just finished puppy kindergarden and knows several commands including sit, down, and come. She is very attentive for being just thirteen weeks old. She loves to be around all people including women, men, and children. She likes being around cats and other dogs as well. She sleeps all night in her crate and toilet training is coming along we have an active household and sometimes she slips away to another location and has an accident but I take the blame for that. I would recommend Syndi and would choose her again in the future. Feel free to e-mail me if you have additional questions. Please do not include my e mail address, but I would be happy to speak with someone whom you direct to us. Perhaps you can just paste this for your website. We are the very happy owners of "Max", a male cockapoo puppy, who just turned five months. We first met Max when he was just six weeks old, and it was love at first sight. It was instantly obvious that he had a wonderful disposition, and it was clear that Syndi had given him excellent care. Syndi also gave us great insights on the breed and guidance on how to care for him. He crate trained very quickly, and his other training is progressing well. He is very bright, and his affectionate disposition continues to be his best trait. He loves to play with our 9 year old twins, and he is very patient with them and other children. We are very grateful to Syndi for introducing us to Max, and we look forward to many happy years with Max. Syndi was everything she advertised. All the dogs at her kennel have calm dispositions and my puppy was no exception. She is healthy and has adapted to her new environment perfectly. What impressed me the most about Syndi's kennel is that the dogs are clearly well taken care of.There are not surprises either! Syndi is honest and delivered on everything she promised. She helped me select the puppy that would adapt to our lifestyle the best and she assured my deposit order in the litter was honored.I would get another puppy from Forest Creek Kennels in a heart-beat!!! I couldn't be happier! And, Syndi and her family are loving, dedicated breeders. It is obvious how much Syndi loves her dogs and her work. And all of the dogs love her. We highly recommend Forest Creek Kennels! We visited Forest Creek Kennels several times before bringing Brewer home, and it was evident that Syndi cares very much for each and every one of her dogs. Thanks to her handling of them from a young age, they are all very social and well-mannered, which is important because Brewer is so cute that everyone in our neighborhood who sees him can't help petting him! Syndi answered all our questions about Brewer and sent us home with some toys, food, and medical records for him. He is very smart and adapted to our home well. I would definitely recommend getting a new pet from Forest Creek Kennels, and actually I already have to several people in my neighborhood who have asked about Brewer! We wanted a little bundle of joy that would not strain our limited physical strength, but would bring a sense of new energy, life and hope into our home. Syndi listened intently to our descriptions of what we were looking for, and she recommended a little Cockapoo pup - that we named Lola. Lola easily lives up to our hopes every day and has brought new life, love and happiness into our home. Whatever Lola wants Lola gets is our new mantra - as well as a nice song from the good old days. When Lola was weaned, Syndi allowed us to take her home with us, and Lola has been everything Syndi told us she would be. Lola is so calm and adaptive. She apparently recognized that she needed to deal with the potential trauma of the long, noisy drive in our truck back to our home. Lola ignored everything and slept most of the way during her long trip to her new home from her first home at Forest Creek Kennel. The hundreds of miles of the long journey home were interrupted by rest stops as needed to allow Lola frequent opportunities for leg stretching and potty breaks. Her first visit to the Veterinarian was a breeze as Lola is happy and healthy — just as Syndi promised. Lola is very adept at knowing when we have enough energy to play, and she happily jumps right in to play. She is equally adept at knowing when snuggling, sleeping or quietly watching TV is what we need, and she happily settles into that mode as needed. We heartily endorse and recommend Syndi and Forest Creek Kennel. The vet says they are in "perfect health" and they are the cutest puppies in the world! Every week we take Sookie and Murray to a puppy party and all the other owners completely gush over them. They are super smart and are already house-trained at 13 weeks! Syndi is a wonderful breeder and it's great to visit Forest Creek and see how much she loves all of her dogs. We highly recommend her as a breeder. Dollie Madison, our medium goldendoodle, is such a joy! She is just as you described- laid back, but playful. She is super with the kids. You are such a nice person and on every visit that I made to Forest Creek kennels, it was obvious that your dogs adore you. I've always believed that someone is a good person if a dog truly loves them. Usually, dogs are the best judges of character. Thank you for being responsive to all my emails and for being so flexible in your schedule to allow me and my family to visit the kennel on numerous occasions. If it is okay with you, I will sing you and your dogs' praises to everyone who is interested and I will definitely recommend not only this breed, but Forest Creek Kennels. Posted by Eva Lewis on November 3, at pm I cant give Syndi enough praise and thanks for the little angel she has brought to my family. I recently picked up my male Goldendoodle and he is such a sweetheart, I dont know how I ever lived without him. Syndi is there for any question I had or will have. I look forward to sending her updates on my little Milo and possibly getting another Goldendoodle to add to my family one day. I absolutly without reservation recommend Forest Creek Kennels for your puppy needs. I had a good sense about her when I spoke to her on the phone, but when I looked in her eyes as I took Jamaya, our goldendoodle, to the car, I knew how much she cares about the dogs she breeds. As someone who became a first time pet person very late in life, Syndi was very patient in answering my questions. She is now 5 months old and an incredible dog -- beautiful, funny, and very smart. She was totally house trained at 4 months with absolutely no accidents since. Sadie learned the boundaries of her electric fence the day it was installed. The trainer called her a genius and asked could she have her if I died yes, I do pay her. I don't know how I lived without Sadie and thank Syndi so much for letting me have her. We got our cockapoo puppy, Colby, there three years ago and he is a joy: healthy, loving, and smart. We went back last summer to get one of Syndi's goldendoodles so Colby would have some company. Again, we are blessed with a healthy, intelligent, loving, playful companion. Syndi is always willing to open her kennel to visitors and makes suggestions based on what the family's needs and wants are. When we decide to add to our family again, we will definitely go to Syndi and Forest Creek Kennel. Posted by Heidi Gibson on August 3, at pm As a first-time puppy buyer, I must say I have been very pleased with my new puppy, Lilly! Lilly is not even 9 weeks old yet, and is already going up and down stairs! I specifically mentioned to Syndi that I was looking for a larger-headed female golden doodle that resembles more a golden as opposed to poodle… that is exactly what I got! If you are looking for a healthy puppy, which loves to be loved and learns quickly, then you have come to the right place. Posted by Sandy Rowicki on August 2, at pm We got a goldendoodle from Syndi just a few week ago. We are so happy with our puppy and the Vet said he was a very healthy pup. I found Syndi's website and called right away. I was impressed with how she took the time to talk with me about my puppy search, concerns, questions, etc. She allowed us to visit as often as we wanted, and we did! You could tell all her dogs were well taken care of and happy. We got to know quite a few of them my name and missed visiting after we took our pup home. I did a lot of research about choosing breeders and Syndi definitely was the best. When people comment on our dog, I tell them to take a look at her website, especially if they are looking for a good dog of their own. Syndi has even followed up and kept in touch since buying our puppy. She doesn't just 'sell dogs', she considers them her 'family', and is interested in how they are doing. We got our first male dog and I am having trouble calling it Her whenever I am talking about Rowdy. .Yes, we called our new dog "Rowdy" and he is living up to his name at eight weeks. The visit to the vet went real well with Rowdy getting a good complete check-up and one of his required shops. Brown said he was in very good over all health. We are presently potty training Rowdy and that's going fair at this point. Sometimes I think he is training us more than we are training him. .Syndi was very helpful and we could tell she loved all the dog's she has at her Kennel. Rowdy's is going to make a great "Buddy" for Judy and me. .They are the most gentle, loving, playful girls, and a wonderful addition to our family. It is obvious Syndi takes good care of her animals, and breeds for temperment. We couldn't be happier with our choice of breeder or furbabies. His name is Dudley. He is very smart and loving. He loves strangers, others dogs, children and swimming. He needs lots of attention and exercise. He is like a little kid and gets into trouble sometimes, but we love him so much it doesn't matter. He starts kindergarten this year at PetSmart. Forrest Creek Kennel was a pleasure to deal with from the beginning to the end. Syndi is a fine Christian country gal who loves what she does. Her kennel is clean and she loves each and every animal. All veterinarian papers were complete and in order. All our questions and emails were answered and Syndi continued to check on Dudley even after we brought him home. Syndi's pups are healthy and she stands behind them with her warranty. Her pups are affordable for everyone. We highly recommend Forrest Creek Kennels and we are sure your experience with them will be a great one, too. I found Forest Creek Kennels via google searching. During the time I was making the decision to purchase a puppy and become a dog owner, the Forest Creek Kennels website was a big help. The site has all the information on the responsibilities of being a dog owner and the personalities of a cockapoo and other puppies. I made the decision and called Syndi. Syndi was always available via phone and e-mail to answer my questions and walk me through the process. Right after a litter of cockapoos was born, Syndi e-mailed me pictures of the four in the litter and I was able to choose the puppy I wanted. During the 7 weeks until I was able to come get my puppy, she sent me pictures. This really meant a lot to me because I wanted to see her as she grew. When I finally came to pick up my puppy, Syndi was there waiting with a puppy pack that included toys, a blanket, food, and her shot records. I was very thrilled with the entire process. When I visited my vet two days after I picked up my puppy, my vet was impressed with how she had gotten her first shots and de-worming and told me to come back in a week to continue the shots. Overall, Forest Creek Kennels is a place I would recommend to anyone considering a puppy. All of the dogs at the kennel were very friendly when we visited and I have no doubt that Layla, my puppy, will grow up to be a happy, healthy, and friendly dog. I researched breeders for awhile when i came upon Syndi's site. I emailed her with a few questions and she got back to me very quickly and answered all my questions. I live about a 7 hour drive from Forest Creek so i was not able to go to the kennel and see the puppies, but i was so confident with Syndu, she was so helpful making sure she sent me updates on the puppies, and weekly pictures. Syndi arranged for delivery of Harry. We met them about an hour drives from our house. Harry has turned out to be a terrific puppy! She is the perfect fit for our family. Our visit to Forest Creek Kennel was a trip that was worth taking. Syndi was very friendly and showed us around we felt like apart of the family. If anyone is looking for a family pet this is the Perfect place to be. Thank you for a little ball of joy. Posted by Andrew Koss on June 20, at pm Syndi, We couldn't be happier with "Tripp" as he is enriching our lives every single day. We are amazed at his ability to learn and be superb around people.Thank you so much for making our experience of our first puppy a wonderful one, and thank you again for all your advice! I am sure that our next puppy will be coming from you and we look forward to that in the near future. We got our beautiful Standard Poodle from Syndi almost 2 years ago. She has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Syndi interacts with all of her dogs in a way that just naturally makes the dogs and the future owners of the puppies happy. She explains things so completely and is always anxious to hear how her puppies are doing in their new homes. I was so pleased that we chose Forest Creek Kennel for the addition to our family. She is a responsible and loving breeder. A visit from a friendly pet can alleviate loneliness and isolation, reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can produce a soothing effect which helps to ease pain, reduce stress and improve one's overall outlook and emotional state. Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County recently launched its Pet Therapy program and volunteer, Harvey Kravetz, and his Certified Therapy Dog, Scooter, now bring cheer to patients in their homes, at nursing facilities and in the hospital. He is very affectionate and a tremendous source of comfort. It's amazing to see how calming the presence of a dog can be for patients. Family members and friends say that they too feel better after having participated in a visit from a therapy dog. In addition to his specialized training in pet therapy, Scooter loves human contact and lots of petting. He is gentle, friendly and affectionate. They made the front page of the South Florida Hospital News. We're so proud of both of you! Rebecca visiting the elderly. Rebecca is an angel and we at Moss Creek are so thankful to know her! Sailor - spreading the love on Halloween is a lot of work! He had to take a nap! Amber the service dog! We are so proud of her!! We have donated and bred many dogs for this program over the years. English Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles depending on their need. At risk middle-school students are selected to participate in the Kids and Canines program located on the Dorothy Thomas campus. The puppies are trained for autistic children, assistant dogs, service dogs, etc. If you are in the Tampa area, check them out. They are always looking for volunteers! Honey is able to detect when Jenny is going to have a seizure. We are so proud of Honey and the many others doing this work! Honey Bear is from Lexie and Abraham. Jenny is now able to go to college because Honey Bear can alert her in time to tell someone. Jenny has more friends and some of her independence back. We donated every puppy in Lexie's last litter for Service work and some of the puppies are already showing signs that they too will be amazing Service Dogs. We are so proud to be a part of this! Rackley I would need a whole page just for Rackley to tell you everything she has accomplished. Cathy has done an amazing job with her! Rackley is well known at all the Gainesville hospitals. This is why Moss Creek breeds Goldendoodles. The therapy dog program at Shands at UF gives patients the chance to enjoy a fuzzy comfort that is typically off-limits in the hospital. Rackley can also be found spreading the love at a local assisted living facility. I trained Delilah - she was so easy to train, the sweetest most intuitive Goldendoodle and I knew she was destined to do great things. When I spoke to Kathleen, it was clear exactly what that was. Letting Delilah go was really hard, but I knew she was going to change Kathleen's life - and that she did! Kathleen wrote the following article for the Goldendoodle. Read the entire article here. For the last 5 years, lupus has been a daily battle. The doctors have not found the right combination to get my immune system to settle down. While I have had good days, the tests always show the disease is active and I am at risk for damage to my organs and systems. Since having the furry stress reliever in my house, I noticed I am feeling better. It is hard not to with those doodle eyes and smiles. We walk most days at least a little. When I went back to the doctor this week, he said my blood work showed I am in a medical remission. That is doctor-speak for "I have to take the medicine, but the illness is not destroying anything or giving me much trouble. Thank God! Anyway, this doctor is not the king of tact. He said it did not make sense because all the medicine is the same. He wanted to know what I was doing differently. He asked a bunch of questions. None of it was what he was looking for. I randomly said that I got Delilah about the time the numbers started to improve. He asked a few more questions and said "Well, that is it. The dog put you into remission. After a few minutes, I opened the door to see if he was coming back. The nurse said she thought he was done. She opened the chart and started to laugh. I asked what was up and she turned it around for me to see. He had written "Dog works better than drugs. Keep dog and come back in 6 months. Kelli, I want to thank you and your family for Delilah. She is by far one of the greatest blessings in my life. We have posted many times about how diabetic-alert dogs not only make life easier for those suffering from type 1 diabetes, but these animals can be life-savers. Clover joined the McKenzie family to watch over six-year-old, and just 8 days after she arrived, she made a fateful decision: She left her spot next to River's bed about 20 minutes after he was tucked in, padded into Matt and Bethany's bedroom, and with a mighty SMACK of her paw on the ground, got their attention. They got up and went in to check on River. A quick check of his blood sugar levels, and they had dropped, significantly. This is far below safe levels for a Type-1 diabetic. He was shaky, and we couldn't get him to come to. He eyes were rolling back in his head and he was very sweaty. So we gave him some juice, but he was unable to get his lips around the straw. Incredible stuff! Clover Mandy This is a post from Linda - owner of Mandy - on the forum. Linda and Mandy make an amazing team! Mandy is a sweet and mellow dog. She is always aware of what's going on around her and wants to be in the center of the action even if it's just to check out the scene. Mandy has become the neighborhood dog as everyone loves her and thinks she is so sweet. We have 2 people who have been afraid of dogs since childhood but love our Mandy and will always stop by to pet her. She is a certified Pet Therapy dog and made over 50 visits to a local children's hospital before it became too stressful for her. In the 3 years of visiting sick children she had some pretty awesome experiences that I was fortunate enough to share with her. One child about 6 years old hadn't walked in months and the hospital staff was trying to get her out of her bed just to stand. Her father spotted Mandy and I in the hallway and asked if we could come over to his daughter's room and wait outside the door. The little girl managed to not only get out of bed but with the help of her walker made it to the door so she could pet Mandy. The little girl cried all the way and kept asking for Mandy to come inside but with the help of her Nurse she made it. By the time the girl met us at the door we were all in tears. On a separate occasion we entered a room where a Speech Therapist had arrived and was working with a child to try and get her to talk. As soon as Mandy walked into the room the little girl said "dog" and started to climb out of bed. The Therapist asked if we could join her on a little walk and while we were walking the child continued to talk to Mandy. Before I knew it we had two Doctors and several Nurses following us and listening to the child. True Miracles! When we got Mandy I had never heard about Pet Therapy but after watching her with our Granddaughters and other children I knew Mandy was extra special. She is 9! Mombo is owned by 2 very special people. Daniel wrote about Mambo for our forum and it pretty much tells her story. We've shown excerpts here. If you search the forum for "Mambo" there are some amazing stories there Daniel has posted over the years. Mambo was actually purchased for my Wife, Terry. The idea with Mambo was Terry would take her to all her training classes, as that would have Mambo respond to Her commands. From the very beginning we had intended to have Terry be a Therapy Dog handler with Mambo. We let Kelli know this and it factored into her choosing Mambo for us. Mambo started training at only 12 weeks old, starting with basic puppy class. As you will read with all the doodles who start young, they stand out, head and shoulders above other breeds at puppy class, and at more advanced classes as well. Mambo had to take time off from about 8 months old to about a year and a half old because my Mom had moved in with us and was in dire need, not only for help, but to be watched over. Way before Mambo went to formal Therapy Dog classes, she was caring for my Mom. There was one very touching moment, where it all seemed to 'click' for Mambo.My Mom was trying to get out of a chair. I would have of course helped her, but for as long as possible, she wanted to be in charge of her own mobility. I watched her try and get up about 5 times, once after another. Mambo less than a year old, sat in front of her and watched. After about the fifth try, my Mom was frustrated. She just held out both hands perpendicular to the floor, and shook them in front of Mambo, saying nothing. Within a moment Mambo put her head between the hands. My Mom latched on to her head and Mambo slowly backed up. My Mom was UP! That one behavior was the start of it All. Mambo figured out at that Moment, her place in life. Soon she was helping my Mom get up every time, and not long thereafter Mom almost tumbled down during a walk, but reached for Mambo a little hard and I think hurt Mambo a little, but Mambo did not go down, and neither did my Mom. I guess out of a sense of self preservation, Mambo quit prancing and started paying attention. My Mom I suppose fortunately, if she is to fall, most frequently falls backward, and these days Mambo watches for that and uses her shoulder or side, to stop the fall before a fall to the ground is inevitable. Mambo with Terry Mambo returned to Class at about a year and a half. She was taught the 'normal' Therapy Dog things, such as be gentle, allow yourself to be stroked, don't bark unless requested to do so, and so on. All her classes were at Petco. Once she had mastered the basic stuff, the Therapy Dog trainer asked if since Mambo was a very large dog, as far as Therapy dogs go the average weight is about 5 pounds could Mambo be trained in special things like assisting those in wheelchairs and walkers. It was a challenge and one Terry was up for. So Mambo started training to walk along the side of folks in walkers, which are noisy without bumping them. She did the same for canes, and finally for wheelchairs. There was one person in a wheelchair for life, who was very tiny and had trouble with a manual wheel chair. The two of them became fast friends, and on their own, with time worked out a method there she would loop Mambo's leash around the front of the arm of the wheel chair, and would pull the woman around the store. From early in her house training, if Mambo picked up something she should not have, we said 'thank you Mambo' and held out our hand, she would give us what she had in her mouth and we would replace it with either a toy or a treat. Mambo transferred this training to the wheel chair lady, and if in the store she would drop something to the floor, Mambo would retrieve it and put it in her lap for a treat. Mambo is not a big treat eater, so a perfectly acceptable treat is a Thank You Mambo, a smile and a pat on the head. Most members of the organization have tiny or extremely passive dogs. Most of the handlers wanted to go to schools, or day care centers, or assisted living places. There was a HUGE need for dogs to go to depressing 'end of life' centers, or places where people go after amputations. There was a huge need for dogs to go to places where they could help with people sitting up, or stretching or moving in general, using the strength of the dog to help. This has become Mambo's specialty. Visiting such places is emotionally very hard on both the dog and the handler. A few Months ago Terry was seriously considering switching to Hospital duty, mostly involving cancer patients, many of whom are kids. She missed a couple of weeks of visiting the 'end of life' center, which not only is end of life but also a Medicaid and Veterans facility. She got cards and calls from anguished folks 'Where is Mambo, most of which also inquired 'Is she OK, has she been hurt? She was told what a huge difference she made, and even though she is not allowed to take any pictured in the facility, she was shown to a post board, which contained a clandestine acquired set of photos, of Mambo with her patients. Terry noted that even if they were in pain while stretching, or struggling to get up, if they were touching Mambo, they usually had some form of smile on their faces. Terry decided, no matter how hard the experience is on her and on Mambo, the good that comes from it, to truly desperate people, many of whom have no one else in the world, over weighs the difficulty of going there. She will miss a date, if she has to take her own Mom to a doctor's appointment, or if something else is wrong, but for the most part Wednesday's are dedicated to these most needy of needy folks, and Terry gets her warm feeling of helping, where her help is needed the most.